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The main objective of this research is to design a concrete barrier that is reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) materials. The design is based on the MoDOT Type D concrete barriers with steel bar reinforcements. The constructability of the GFRP reinforcement was also considered during the design process. This design adjusts the sizes and dimensions to match the properties of GFRP reinforcements. This exchange of the reinforcement materials is meant to take advantage of the preservative properties of GFRP materials to enhance the resistance to corrosion introduced degradation and damage. The strength as well as the behavior of GFRP reinforced concrete barrier under different types of loadings is then explored and modeled using commercial software ABAQUS and LS-Dyna. The static loading is firstly applied to the GFRP and steel bar reinforced concrete barriers for comparison. Different concrete barrier models are also considered to study the influence of different cast approaches. Afterwards, the behaviors of GFRP reinforced concrete barriers under car and truck impact scenarios are also modeled. Simplified models as well as full size models are both studied using ABAQUS and LS-Dyna separately. Truck collisions with different angles are considered to explore the behavior of GFRP reinforced concrete barrier under different possible collision scenarios. The modeling results show that the reaction forces from the dynamic impact modeling are much lower than the design strength.

The deep-sea mining industry is currently at a point where large-sale, commercial polymetallic nodule exploitation is becoming a more realistic scenario. At the same time, certain aspects such as the spatiotemporal scale of impacts, sediment plume dispersion and the disturbance-related biological responses remain highly uncertain. In this paper, findings from a small-scale seabed disturbance experiment in the German contract area (Clarion-Clipperton Zone, CCZ) are described, with a focus on the soft-sediment ecosystem component. Despite the limited spatial scale of the induced disturbance on the seafloor, this experiment allowed us to evaluate how short-term (< 1 month) soft-sediment changes can be assessed based on sediment characteristics (grain size, nutrients and pigments) and metazoan meiofaunal communities (morphological and metabarcoding analyses). Furthermore, we show how benthic measurements can be combined with numerical modelling of sediment transport to enhance our understanding of meiofaunal responses to increased sedimentation levels. The lessons learned within this study highlight the major issues of current deep-sea mining-related ecological research such as deficient baseline knowledge, unrepresentative impact intensity of mining simulations and challenges associated with sampling trade-offs (e.g., replication).

Worldwide, ecosystems are suffering important taxonomic and functional modifications in response to anthropogenic disturbances, operating at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Awareness on biodiversity losses has led to the adoption of conservation policies and the development of programs devoted to the conservation and the restoration of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. The assessment of the ecological health of ecosystems requires measuring and characterizing restoration or degradation dynamics and their consequences on the ecological quality with respect to reference conditions defined pragmatically as conservation targets. Methodological innovations, in terms of data collection, analysis, and visualization, have an important influence on the ability of ecologists to understand biodiversity changes. The assessment of the quality of ecosystems with respect to reference conditions requires to address, notably, three main challenges: the definition of reference conditions, the assessment of the degree of achievement of conservation objectives, and the qualitative and quantitative characterization of recovering and departing patterns. We propose here the ecological quality assessment (EQA) framework as a data‐driven approach to track ecological quality focusing on the distance of the tested stations with respect to a chosen reference envelope using fuzzy logic and trajectory analysis. We take advantage of those analytical tools to propose a general and flexible multivariate framework by quantifying the achievement of reference conditions, measuring restoration and degradation dynamics when temporal series are available, and representing and synthesizing this information. To take into account the natural spatiotemporal variability of sites considered as reference, we gave two variants to our framework: a state‐based variant when no temporal replications are available and a trajectory‐based variant specially devoted to compare whole trajectories to a

Ocean monitoring and forecasting systems combine information from ocean observations and numerical models through advanced data assimilation techniques. They are essential to monitor and report on past, present and future oceanic conditions. However, given the continuous development of oceanic models and data assimilation techniques in addition to the increased diversity of assimilated platforms, it becomes more and more difficult to establish how information from observations is used, and to determine the utility and relevance of a change of the global ocean observing system on ocean analyses. Here, a series of observing system simulation experiments (OSSE), which consist in simulating synthetic observations from a realistic simulation to be subsequently assimilated in an experimental analysis system, was performed. An original multiscale approach is then used to investigate (i) the impact of various observing system components by distinguishing between satellites and in situ (Argo floats and tropical moorings), and (ii) the impact of recommended changes in observing systems, in particular the impact of Argo floats doubling and enhancements of tropical moorings, on the fidelity of ocean analyses. This multiscale approach is key to better understand how observing system components, with their distinct sampling characteristics, help to constrain physical processes. The study demonstrates the ability of the analysis system to represent 40-80% of the temperature variance at mesoscale (20-30% for salinity), and more than 80% for larger scales. Satellite information, mostly through altimetric data, strongly constrains mesoscale variability, while the impact of in situ temperature and salinity profiles are essential to constrain large scale variability. It is also shown that future enhancements of Argo and tropical mooring arrays observations will likely be beneficial to ocean analyses at both intermediate and large scales, with a higher impact for salinity-related quanti

The city of Corrientes has experienced a continuous and permanent growth of its urban plant in which those spaces that are currently recognized as a historical center or center were delimited. Currently, there are some legislation that establish and delimit the type of protection that should be exercised over the recognized historical center;the province has enacted laws that aim to control actions that may harm the conservation of heritage (among other measures that will be mentioned in the work);while the national law of archaeological heritage protection regulates how the intervention of impact studies should be done when the protection of archaeological heritage is necessary., La ciudad de Corrientes ha experimentado un crecimiento continuo y permanente de su planta urbana, en la que se fueron delimitando aquellos espacios que actualmente se reconocen como casco o centro histórico. Actualmente existen ordenanzas que establecen y delimitan el tipo de protección que debe ejercerse sobre el casco histórico reconocido y la provincia ha sancionado leyes que pretenden encauzar las acciones que puedan perjudicar la conservación del patrimonio (entre otras medidas que serán mencionadas en el trabajo); por su parte, la ley nacional de protección del patrimonio arqueológico reglamenta de qué manera debe hacerse la intervención de estudios de impacto cuando es necesaria la protección del patrimonio arqueológico.A partir de lo mencionado, este trabajo se propone considerar los casos que generaron antecedentes en Corrientes sobre estudios de impacto arqueológico; analizar los casos más recientes que han demandado estudios de impacto y/o rescate arqueológico y establecer cuál ha sido el procedimiento seguido en la aplicación de la legislación vigente (en los diferentes niveles: municipal, provincial y nacional) en relación con la protección del patrimonio arqueológico de la ciudad.

Modifications in the heritage management of the Impact Studies in the Province of Buenos Aires are presented as a result of the implementation of the “Protocol for the realization of archaeological and paleontological impact studies”. The effective implementation of the Protocol introduced new needs in administrative practices, including establishing links with other state agencies in charge of natural heritage protection such as the Organismo Provincial para el Desarrollo Sostenible (OPDS), current agency for environmental protection. The project of the “Integrated Protocol for Archaeological and Paleontological Impact Studies of the Province of Buenos Aires” is based on the joint work between professionals at the Centro de Registro del Patrimonio Arqueológico y Paleontológico, with advice of personnel at Natural Protected Areas of the OPDS., En este trabajo se presentan las modificaciones en la gestión patrimonial de los Estudios de Impacto en la Provincia de Buenos Aires a raíz de la puesta en práctica del “Protocolo para la realización de estudios de impacto arqueológicos y paleontológicos”. La aplicación efectiva del Protocolo introdujo nuevas necesidades en las prácticas administrativas, entre ellas, la de establecer vínculos con otras dependencias estatales a cargo de la protección del patrimonio natural como el Organismo Provincial para el Desarrollo Sostenible (OPDS) actual Organismo de Aplicación de las leyes de protección ambiental. El proyecto del “Protocolo Integral para Estudios de Impacto Arqueológicos y Paleontológicos de la provincia de Buenos Aires” se basa en el trabajo conjunto entre profesionales del Centro de Registro del Patrimonio Arqueológico y Paleontológico, con el asesoramiento de profesionales de Áreas Naturales Protegidas del OPDS autoridad ambiental de la provincia.

Background: Most studies evaluating the effect of Xpert MTB/RIF testing for tuberculosis (TB) concluded that it did not reduce overall mortality compared to usual care. We conducted a systematic review to assess whether key study design and execution features contributed to earlier identification of patients with TB and decreased pre-treatment loss to follow-up, thereby reducing the potential impact of Xpert MTB/RIF testing. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Scopus for literature published from 1 st January 2009 to February 2019. We included all primary intervention studies that had evaluated the effect of Xpert MTB/RIF on mortality compared to usual care in participants with presumptive pulmonary TB. We critically reviewed features of included studies across: Study setting and context, Study population, Participant recruitment and enrolment, Study procedures, and Study follow-up. Results: We included seven randomised and one non-randomised study. All included studies demonstrated relative reductions in overall mortality in the Xpert MTB/RIF arm ranging from 6% to 40%. However, mortality reduction was reported to be statistically significant in two studies. Study features that could explain the lack of observed effect on mortality included: the higher quality of care at study sites; inclusion of patients with a higher pre-test probability of TB leading to higher than expected empirical rates; performance of additional diagnostic testing not done in usual care leading to increased TB diagnosis or empiric treatment initiation; the recruitment of participants likely to return for follow-up; and involvement of study staff in ensuring adherence with care and follow-up. Conclusion: Most studies of Xpert MTB/RIF were designed and conducted in a manner that resulted in more patients being diagnosed and treated for TB, minimising the potential difference in mortality Xpert MTB/RIF testing could have achieved comp

Las movilizaciones nacidas en mayo de 2011 fueron bautizadas por los medios como Movimiento 15-M para identificar a la familia de movimientos sociales, a pesar de que se autodenominaban “movimiento de indignados” (Hessel, 2011). La construcción de la identidad pública se ha instalado en la arena de los medios de comunicación, participando como agentes del impacto mediático que generan los movimientos sociales. Este trabajo presenta la evaluación del impacto producido por el Movimiento 15-M en los medios de comunicación mediante el análisis de los discursos recogidos en la prensa local sevillana a través de muestras seleccionadas entre 2011 y 2013., Demostration was borned in May 2011 were named by the media as 15-M Movement to identify the family of social movements, although they called “movement of indignados” (Hessel, 2011) themselves. The construction of public identity has been installed in the arena of the media, participating as agents of mediatic impacts generated by the social movements. This paper presents the evaluation of the impact produced by the 15-M in the media through the discourse analysis in the sevillian local press through selected samples between 2011 and 2013.

The chapter describes the different techniques that may be used to measure the short-term economic fallouts of cultural events and, in particular, of music and opera festivals. It tries to distinguish failsafe methods—which are unfortunately not always easy to use—from more doubtful ones, in particular contingent valuation and interviews—which lead to exaggerated evaluations. Examples are provided in each case. We also suggest a new and inexpensive method to evaluate the relative numbers of visitors (by country of origin), which does not suffer from the overstatements provided by contingent valuation and interviews., info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Las Fiestas de Primavera de Sevilla (FPS) constituyen el principal evento cultural de la ciudad con importantes implicaciones sociales, turísticas y económicas. Nuestro trabajo analiza esta dimensión de la cultura de la ciudad en un doble plano. Por un lado, se lleva a cabo una caracterización de las FPS, prototipo de patrimonio cultural material e inmaterial. Por otro lado, se lleva a cabo un estudio de Impacto Económico, calculado a partir de la suma de tres efectos. En primer lugar, los efectos directos derivados del gasto necesario realizado por instituciones públicas y privadas para la celebración del evento. En segundo lugar, los efectos indirectos, producto del gasto efectuado por los participantes en los eventos. Por último, se estiman los efectos inducidos para la economía en su conjunto, mediante los multiplicadores calculados a partir de una tabla Input-Output. La principal contribución del artículo es abordar un estudio de impacto económico de un bien cultural complejo y de naturaleza compuesta, como ejemplo de valoriza-ción económica a través de la cultura. Los resultados muestran un impacto económico estimado para el año 2009 de 915,8 millones de euros, que representan un 4,66% del PIB de la ciudad de Sevilla., Spring Fiestas in Seville (SFS) constitute the main cultural event that takes place in the city, with strong social, economic and touristic implications. Our paper analyzes this cultural dimension of the city from two perspectives. First, we analyze the SFS as a model of cultural heritage, both material and immaterial. Secondly, we make an economic impact study estimated as an addition of three effects: Direct effect that derivate from private and public institution’s expenditures which are necessary in order to celebrate SFS; Indirect effect produced by expenditures of participants in the events and Induced effect estimated using multipliers derived from input-output tables. The main contribution of the paper is to analyze the economic impact of a complex cultural good of a mix nature, as an exam-ple of economic valuation through the culture. Results show an estimated economic impact for 2009 of 915.8 million of euros that means 4.66% of city of Seville GDP.

Spring Fiestas in Seville (SFS) constitute the main cultural event that takes place in the city, with strong social, economic and touristic implications. Our paper analyzes this cultural dimension of the city from two perspectives. First, we analyze the SFS as a model of cultural heritage, both material and immaterial. Secondly, we make an economic impact study estimated as an addition of three effects: Direct effect that derivate from private and public institution’s expenditures which are necessary in order to celebrate SFS; Indirect effect produced by expenditures of participants in the events and Induced effect estimated using multipliers derived from input-output tables. The main contribution of the paper is to analyze the economic impact of a complex cultural good of a mix nature, as an example of economic valuation through the culture. Results show an estimated economic impact for 2009 of 915.8 million of euros that means 4.66% of city of Seville GDP., Las Fiestas de Primavera de Sevilla (FPS) constituyen el principal evento cultural de la ciudad con importantes implicaciones sociales, turísticas y económicas. Nuestro trabajo analiza esta dimensión de la cultura de la ciudad en un doble plano. Por un lado, se lleva a cabo una caracterización de las FPS, prototipo de patrimonio cultural material e inmaterial. Por otro lado, se lleva a cabo un estudio de Impacto Económico, calculado a partir de la suma de tres efectos. En primer lugar, los efectos directos derivados del gasto necesario realizado por instituciones públicas y privadas para la celebración del evento. En segundo lugar, los efectos indirectos, producto del gasto efectuado por los participantes en los eventos. Por último, se estiman los efectos inducidos para la economía en su conjunto, mediante los multiplicadores calculados a partir de una tabla Input-Output. La principal contribución del artículo es abordar un estudio de impacto económico de un bien cultural complejo y de naturaleza compuesta, como ejemplo de valorización económica a través de la cultura. Los resultados muestran un impacto económico estimado para el año 2009 de 915,8 millones de euros, que representan un 4,66% del PIB de la ciudad de Sevilla

[EN] Wind power is one of the fastest-growing technologies for renewable energy generation. Unfortunately, in the recent years some cases of degradation on certain telecommunication systems have arisen due to the presence of wind farms, and expensive and technically complex corrective measurements have been needed. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the impact of wind turbines on the telecommunication services. The paper describes the potential affections to several telecommunication services, the methodology to evaluate this impact, and mitigation measures to be taken in case of potential degradation, both preventive and corrective. The telecommunication services included in this review are those that have demonstrated to be more sensitive to nearby wind turbines: weather, air traffic control and marine radars, radio navigation systems, terrestrial television and fixed radio links. The methods described in the paper allow a thorough case-by-case analysis before the wind farm is installed, taking into account the particular features of each installation and the involved services. The prediction of the potential impact makes it possible to propose alternative solutions in order to assure the coexistence between the wind turbines and the telecommunication services.

We evaluate the effect of delivery mechanisms for training provided by facilitators of self-help groups. Indian self-help groups are unique in that they are mainly non-government organisation-formed microfinance groups but later funded by commercial banks. We correct for both membership and training endogeneity. Training impacts assets but not income. Underlying conditions that benefit training include better infrastructure (as in paved roads), linkage model type and training organiser.

La extracción de materiales de construcción, principalmente aquellos que se utilizan para fabricar los conglomerados utilizados en ingeniería civil, construcción y obras públicas, es una práctica generalizada en la región de Kenitra, y se concentran principalmente a lo largo del cordón dunar entre Kenitra y Moulay Bousselham. Esta industria extractiva se caracteriza por explotar una materia prima poco o simplemente no renovable. Por otra parte, su preservación requiere indispensablemente un conocimiento al detalle de los diversos yacimientos en explotación así como aquellos potencialmente explotables, y sus grados de sensibilidad frente a un uso inapropiado. Se requiere un estudio a fondo de los yacimientos existentes e identificar sus límites ambientales para así definir unas directrices de uso racional y económico de los conglomerados. El desarrollo de la región norte y la ejecución de proyectos claves en el desarrollo y la gestión de infraestructuras y superestructuras, como son la circunvalación del mediterráneo, el puerto de Tánger-Med, la autovía de Tánger-Larache, la construcción de la ciudad de Al Hoceima y de zonas turísticas como la que podemos encontrar en la ciudad de Saaidia, han resultado en una mayor demanda de materiales de construcción, que sigue aumentando, a nivel de toda la región. Esta necesidad es sin duda importante, pero al mismo tiempo cada vez mayor, y puede resultar en una explotación abusiva, no conforme a la legislación vigente. Esta actividad minera, por la ausencia de instrumentos apropiados para el seguimiento y un plan de gestión que tenga en consideración los recursos disponibles y los ecosistemas y entornos naturales sensibles, puede ser la causa de perjuicios que pueden afectar tanto al medio natural como al sector socio-económico. Este estudio consiste en la realización de la Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) de las canteras en la región de Kenitra. Su propósito es asegurar que las canteras activas, abandonadas o las que se i, Extraction of building material, especially those that are used to make the clusters used in civil engineering, construction and public works, is widespread in the region of Kenitra, and are mainly concentrated along the dunes between Kenitra and Moulay Bousselham. The extractive industry is characterized by exploiting a little simply not renewable. Moreover, its preservation requires detailed knowledge of the various existing mines as well as those potentially exploitable, as well as their degree of vulnerability to inappropriate use. It requires a thorough study of existing quarries and minig, to identify environmental limits and drawing guidelines in order to define rational and economical use of clusters. The development of the northern region and the implementation of key projects in the management of infrastructure and superstructure, such as circumnavigating the Mediterranean port of Tanger-Med, the Tanger-Larache highway, the construction of the city of Al Hoceima and tourist areas such as we can find in the city of Saaidia, have resulted in an increased demand for building materials, which continues increasing at the level of the entire region. This need is certainly important but at the same time increasing, and may result in an abuse, not according to laws. This mining activity, due to the lack of appropriate tools for monitoring and management nor a plan that takes into account the available resources and ecosystems and sensitive natural environments, may be causing damage that can affect both the environment and socioeconomy. This paper faces the performance of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the quarries in the region of Kenitra. Its purpose is to ensure that active quarries, either abandoned or to be opened in the future, will not cause any significant or irreversible damage to the local/regional environment. Considering the large number of existing quarries, the impacts that may result and generally grouped situation, this study is desig

Este artículo ofrece una revisión de la literatura nacional e internacional que aborda las principales ventajas, sobre todo divulgativas, junto a los inconvenientes de los estudios de impacto económico aplicados al sector portuario. Con este punto de partida, se define un ámbito óptimo de aplicación de los mismos, alejado de excesos pasados, ya que no se pueden utilizar como principal herramienta para la planificación portuaria. Además, se analizan las principales aplicaciones prácticas que de los mismos se han realizado en el sistema portuario español, las cuales se presentan tras homogeneizar sus resultados en el tiempo y el espacio., This article provides a review of the national and international literature that deals with the main advantages —especially for information purposes— and the disadvantages of economic impact studies applied to the port sector. This is the starting-point from which the optimal area of application of EISs is defined, far removed from past excesses, as they cannot be used as the main tool for port planning. The main practical applications that have been made of EISs in the Spanish port system are also analysed and their results are presented homogenised in time and space.

West Africa and its people are very vulnerable to climate variability and changes. Increasing the knowledge of plausible trends of rainfall dry spell lengths (DSL) in the rainy season, and of runoff, enables the assessment of vulnerability and adaptive capacity of the system. These predictions are crucial from a water management and policy perspective. The analyses based on regional climate models (RCMs) and observed datasets exhibit non-stationary behavior and an increase of DSL. Our results highlight the difficulty of selected RCMs to reproduce present climate and their divergence in predicting future climate. Impacts on water resources depend not only on climate forcing but also on land surface conditions.

We evaluate the effect of delivery mechanisms for training provided by facilitators of self help groups (SHGs). Indian SHGs are unique in that they are mainly NGO ‐formed microfinance group but later funded by commercial banks. We correct for both membership and training endogeneity. Training impacts assets but not income. Underlying conditions that benefit training include better infrastructure (as in paved roads), linkage model type, and training organizer.

We evaluate the impact of training provided by facilitators of Self Help Groups (SHGs). This evaluation provides one of the first studies of the impact of ‘microfinance plus,’ or the disbursement of services beyond credit. Indian SHGs are mainly NGO-formed microfinance groups but funded by commercial banks. We correct for membership selection bias with data on current as well as future SHG members. We then account for potential training endogeneity with propensity score matching. Regression and unadjusted matching results indicate that training does not aid in asset accumulation but can reverse the negative impact of credit on income. However, regression adjusted matching which controls for both participation and training selection bias reveals that training impacts assets but not income. These results are robust to sensitivity analyses performed on these estimates.

The provision of business training with microfinance leads to a positive impact on assets for the participating households. We correct for membership selection bias and account for potential training endogeneity with propensity score matching, using data from the Self Help Group microfinance program in India.

Quantitative sampling of benthic communities is central to a wide range of ecological research, from understanding spatial distribution and ecology to impact studies. With the need to sample deep as well as shallow regions, limited sampling capabilities of diver-based methods and the expanding footprint of human activity, there is a need for an effective system capable of classifying benthic assemblages and able to monitor potential anthropogenic impacts. Here we describe a remote system capable of collecting benthic photo-quadratsto depths of 100 m. A procedure for the classification of these images into 64 abiotic and biotic categories is also described. During a64-daysamplingprogramthatincludedsamplingatseven locations along 1,200 km of coastline that resulted in the collection of over 9,000 images, only one day of sampling was lost due to equipment malfunction, with 99.5% of points able to be classified to the taxonomic resolution required, demonstrating the reliability and accuracy of this system. Furthermore, the incorporation of differential GPS and ultra-short baseline positioning system allowed collected images to be geo-referenced to within 0.5 m. Such precision allows the system to be used in conjunction with hydroacoustic habitat mapping techniques and potentially for repeated monitoring of areas with a small spatial extent. Development of this system provides a cost-effective means of quantifying benthic assemblages over broad scales.

We evaluate the effect of training, in both skill development and human capital, provided by facilitators of self help groups (SHGs). Indian SHGs are unique in that they are mainly NGO-formed microfinance groups but later funded by commercial banks. The results suggest that, in general, training does not impact assets but training can reverse the potentially negative effect of credit on income. Moreover, training is more effective for asset accumulation in villages with better infrastructure. In terms of training delivery, results show that the most effective linkage is when NGOs form groups and banks finance SHGs.

We evaluate the effect of Self Help Group participation on a long term impact parameter, namely asset creation. Indian Self Help Groups (SHGs) are unique in that they are mainly NGO-formed microfinance groups but later funded by commercial banks. The results reveal that longer membership in SHGs positively impacts asset creation, robust to various asset specifications. With longer participation in SHGs, members move away from pure agriculture as an income source towards other sources such as livestock income. Training by NGOs positively impacts asset creation but the type of SHG linkage per se has no effect.

Although iron and zinc deficiencies are known to occur together and also appear to be high in Ghana, a few supplementation studies addressed this concurrently in pregnancy. In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 600 pregnant women in Ghana were randomly assigned to receive either a combined supplement of 40 mg of zinc as zinc gluconate and 40 mg of iron as ferrous sulphate or 40 mg of elemental iron as ferrous sulphate. Overall, there was no detectable difference in the mean birthweight between the study groups, although the effect of iron-zinc supplementation on the mean birthweight was masked by a strong interaction between the type of supplement and the iron status of participants [F (1,179)=5.614, p=0.019]. Prenatal iron-zinc supplementation was effective in increasing the mean birthweight among anaemic and iron-deficient women but not among women with elevated iron stores in early pregnancy.

This paper examines the role of ports in the economy of Sardinia by means of the employment generated by port and port-related industries. The subject is important since Sardinia and other Mediterranean islands suff er from chronic unemployment and poor economic performance. The increase of the Europe-Asia commercial fl ows, the European Union enlargement and the renewed centrality of the Mediterranean have induced optimistic expectations on the development opportunities that may be created for the island communities by the maritime and port sectors. The employment generated by the maritime and port industry is an essential, although partial, measurement of the development impact of ports. Therefore its quantifi cation is indispensable in order to correctly estimate the impacts that a more central role of the Mediterranean might have on the local island economies. In the case of Sardinia, ports generate approximately three percent of the total island employment, and over eight percent on average of the employment of the single municipalities. This result adds to the vital role that ports have to play as transportation nodes and in creating value added.

PES has many attractive characteristics relative to other conservation approaches provided that transaction costs are low and other favorable conditions apply (see sections 2 and 3 of this Sourcebook). However, ascertaining PES's advantages requires measuring the effect of actual programs in the field. Such impact evaluation can also help in identifying opportunities for further improvements in efficiency of these programs and looking out for other environmental services that can find ready markets.

PES has many attractive characteristics relative to other conservation approaches provided that transaction costs are low and other favorable conditions apply (see sections 2 and 3 of this Sourcebook). However, ascertaining PES's advantages requires measuring the effect of actual programs in the field. Such impact evaluation can also help in identifying opportunities for further improvements in efficiency of these programs and looking out for other environmental services that can find ready markets.

The impact of non-conventional observations and increased horizontal resolution on the numerical weather prediction (NWP) system of the National Center for Aeronautic Meteorology and Climatology of the Italian Air Force (CNMCA) has been investigated. The present study is part of ongoing research activities whose goal is the improvement of CNMCA s operational numerical weather prediction capabilities through the assimilation of non-conventional observations. Additional data derived from satellite observations, such as 10 m wind retrieved from Quikscat polar-orbit satellite, atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) from Meteosat geostationary satellites and manual and automated aircraft observations were used. The NWP system, which is in operational use, is based on an observation space version of the 3D-Var method for the objective analysis component (3D-PSAS), while the prognostic component is based on the High Resolution Regional Model (HRM) of the German Meteorological Service (DWD). The analysis and forecast fields derived from the NWP system were objectively evaluated through comparisons with radiosonde and conventional surface observations. Comparisons with parallel runs of the HRM model starting from the 3D-Var operational analysis have showed that each of those observations have a measurable positive impact on forecast skill., The original document contains color images.

The purpose of this report is to discuss the impacts of various alternatives related to the upcoming Main Avenue bridge closure. The Advanced Traffic Analysis Center (ATAC) of North Dakota State University assisted the Fargo-Moorhead Council of Governments (FM Metro COG) in conducting the analysis using several scenarios. ATAC used the calibrated travel demand model recently completed for the FM Metro COG as well as available traffic data. A draft report was submitted to FM Metro COG for review in the end of April 2003. Comments from local transportation officials were mainly related to the use of v/c ratios based on ADT to measure the impacts of the Main Avenue bridge closure. As a result, this updated report incorporates new analysis using peak hour traffic volumes as well as intersection level-of-service (LOS) for critical intersections heavily impacted by diverted traffic in the downtown area.

There is a widespread demand for evidence about the impact and benefits of process improvement based on Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) models. Much has been documented about the practice of CMM-based process improvement and its value for the development and maintenance of software and software intensive systems; however, the existing information is sometimes outdated and there are increasing calls for evidence directly based on CMMI experience. This special report presents selected results from 12 case studies drawn from 11 organizations. While still limited, the case studies provide credible evidence that CMMI-based process improvement can help organizations achieve better project performance and produce higher quality products. The report also describes plans for gathering further evidence from organizations using CMMI models. (5 tables, 7 figures, 50 refs.)

Electricité de France (EDF) has asked Institut Français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer (IFREMER) to monitor the coastal marine environment and its living resources around nuclear power plants along the French coast. Started in 1974, these investigations were undertaken in the areas of Gravelines, Le Blayais, Paluel, Flamanville, and Penly; the objective is to detect any impact of the open-circuit water cooling system, as well as any differences in the marine environment itself. To examine this question, IFREMER has set up a program called Impact des Grands Aménagements (IGA). It has evolved according to the results obtained and now integrates the specificity of each site in a global program common to all. The nature and the problems of impact are discussed, as well as the method of approach and some of the results. Above and beyond the question of environmental impact, the information obtained on natural evolution of the coastal marine environment has had repercussions in scientific circles. Relating these results to similar studies, we can expect to improve Our understanding through observation and management of this environment which gives rise to considerable conflicts in use. Furthermore, a better understanding of the natural coastal marine environrnent should enable us to determine whether the phenomena observed might not most frequently be the reflection of natural phenomena and when there is the added effect of power stations, how to manage situations critical for the ecosystem., Électricité de France (EDF) a confié à l'Institut Français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer (IFREMER) la surveillance du milieu marin et de ses ressources vivantes autour des sites d'implantation de centrales nucléaires, installées le long du littoral français. Entreprises en 1974, les études écologiques se sont poursuivies sur les sites de Gravelines, Le Blayais, Paluel, Flamanville, et Penly, avec pour objectif d'appréhender l'impact de leur système de refroidissement en circuit ouvert, ainsi que de détecter les dérives éventuelles du milieu récepteur. Pour répondre à cette attente, IFREMER a mis en place le programme Impact des Grands Aménagements (IGA). II a évolué en fonction des résultats acquis et permet sur la base d'un programme global, commun à tous les sites, d'intégrer les particularités de chacun d'entre eux. Sont abordés la nature et la problématique de l'impact, ainsi qu'une méthode d'approche et quelques résultats. Au-delà de la réponse a la question de l'existence ou non d'un impact, les connaissances acquises sur l'évolution naturelle du milieu ont eu des retombées scientifiques. Elles permettent, en lien avec d'autres études de ce type, d'envisager une amélioration de la connaissance de notre environnement côtier, par l'observation, la compréhension et la gestion de ce milieu qui est le siège de conflits d'utilisation. En retour, une meilleure connaissance du milieu naturel devrait permettre de montrer si les effets observés au cours du temps ne sont pas le plus souvent le reflet de phénomènes naturels et, quand les effets de la centrale viennent se surajouter, de mieux gérer les situations limites pour l'écosystème.

This report describes the commands, operators, and functions of mat-an interactive interpreter and calculator for solving systems of equations expressed as matrices. Also provided are examples that show how the system is used to solve problems in matrix algebra, input-output analysis, and regression analysis, mat features a full range of matrix and scalar operators and built-in functions for carrying out numeric and nonnumeric matrix transformations. It also provides checks for errors in conformability and other run-time problems.

Mathematical models for biological processes are presented as a set of tools for research, which ilave been created for specifie tasks impact studies, energy budget, test of hypothesis. Before using it, the mecanisms involved must be analysed, depending upon wether a whole ecosystem or one animal is studied (biological scale), physical conditions are taken into account (physical scale), with a predetermined scale for time. The no general method for analysis can be, as conditions of studies are so different, but sorne typical cases can show the approach of the modelizer and the recent developments of its tools., La modélisation mathématique de processus biologiques est présentée comme un ensemble d'outils de recherche développés en fonction d'un but précis: étude d'impact, bilan énergétique, validation d'hypothèses. Son utilisation doit être précédée d'une réflexion sur les mécanismes mis en jeu, selon que l'on s'intéresse à un écosystème ou un individu (échelle biologique), que des phénomènes physiques sont pris en compte (échelle physique), à une échelle de temps donnée. Il ne saurait alors exister de méthode générale d'analyse tant sont variées les conditions d'étude, mais quelques cas types permettent d'illustrer la démarche du modélisateur et les récents progrès de ses outils.

BDV24 TWO 977-35, Distracted drivers and pedestrians pose one of the most difficult challenges to ensuring a safe and efficient transportation system. Modern communications have delivered greater convenience. However, this has come at the cost of attention spans. Safety has been thoroughly explored in terms of distracted driving and pedestrians. However, impacts on traffic operations have received minimal research attention. Few studies provided a theoretical mechanism for affecting intersection operations but failed to quantify the real-life impacts on traffic operations. Furthermore, new Florida laws prohibit cellphone usage while driving but is allowed when the vehicle is stationary, which may result in increased cellphone use at red lights. This research aims to quantify how distracted driving and pedestrians impact vehicle headways at signalized intersections.

BDV24-977-35, How much time is lost due to traveler distraction? Florida law prohibits texting while a vehicle is moving, but how much travel delay is caused by drivers looking at their phone while stopped at a traffic light or a pedestrian responding to a text message while traversing a crosswalk?

13-C-AJFE-BU-016, This is an open access article under the terms of Diamond Open Access:https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/about-ehp/open-access. Please cite as, Matthew Bozigar,Tianyi Huang,Susan Redline,Jaime E. Hart,Stephanie T. Grady,Daniel D. Nguyen,Peter James,Bradley Nicholas,Jonathan I. Levy,Francine Laden,and Junenette L. Peters 2023 Associations between Aircraft Noise Exposure and Self-Reported Sleep Duration and Quality in the United States-Based Prospective Nurses’ Health Study Cohort Environmental Health Perspectives 131:4 CID: 047010 https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10959, Sleep disruption is linked with chronic disease, and aircraft noise can disrupt sleep. However, there are few investigations of aircraft noise and sleep in large cohorts. We examined associations between aircraft noise and self-reported sleep duration and quality in the Nurses’ Health Study, a large prospective cohort.

13-C-AJFE-BU-016, This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Please cite this article as: Grady, Stephanie T.a; Hart, Jaime E.b,c; Laden, Francinec,b,d; Roscoe, Charlottec,e; Nguyen, Daniel D.a; Nelson, Elizabeth J.f; Bozigar, Matthewa; VoPham, Trangb,d,g; Manson, JoAnn E.b,d,h; Weuve, Jenniferi; Adar, Sara D.j; Forman, John P.b; Rexrode, Kathrynh,k; Levy, Jonathan I.a; Peters, Junenette L.a. Associations between long-term aircraft noise exposure, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in US cohorts of female nurses. Environmental Epidemiology 7(4):p e259, August 2023. https://doi.org/10.1097/EE9.0000000000000259, There is limited research examining aircraft noise and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The objective of this study was to investigate associations of aircraft noise with CVD among two US cohorts, the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII).