Search

Photography and video footage, captured by researchers and tourists on board two vessels, provided insights into the predation techniques employed by an adult male killer whale Orcinus orca in Mossel Bay, South Africa. The incapacitation of its prey, a juvenile white shark Carcharodon carcharias (∼2.5 m TL), followed by consumption of the liver, occurred within less than 2 minutes, highlighting the predator proficiency of the killer whale. Notably, another adult male killer whale, and constant traveling companion with the first, was observed approximately 100 m away and was not involved during the predation. The following day a second carcass of a different eviscerated white shark (3.55 m TL) washed ashore in the vicinity, indicating that at least two white sharks may have been killed during the interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Washington County, Oregon, United States, maintains multiple perpendicular pedestrian crossings at signalized intersections served by two pushbuttons located on a single pushbutton pole. County engineers have observed that pedestrians frequently push both pushbuttons, regardless of the crosswalk they intend to use. This behavior incurs unnecessary delay for all intersection users--particularly at locations operating split phases and where the pedestrian phase controls the time allocated to the concurrent vehicular phase. To address this challenge, the exploratory study presented herein investigates how pedestrians search for information at a signalized intersection via a field experiment in which participants crossed an intersection wearing a mobile eye tracker. Usable eye tracking data for seven participants was collected. The data suggests that participants understood how to associate pushbuttons with corresponding crosswalks and used pedestrian infrastructure at the study location to do so. However, additional information could help participants identify which crosswalks are next to be served and make more efficient crossing decisions. Eye tracking data suggests that participants began observing vehicle traffic earlier and more consistently than other infrastructure elements on their approach to the pushbutton pole. Pushbuttons and pushbutton signage were the last infrastructure elements observed, with most observations occurring less than three seconds to button push. Of traffic signals and traffic, pushbuttons and pushbutton signage, and pedestrian signals, participants fixated on traffic signals and traffic approximately 45% of the time and on pushbuttons and pushbutton signage approximately 51% of the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, the U.S. recorded the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1990. Turning vehicles pose a collision risk for non-motorized road users. To improve traffic safety and efficiency at signalized intersections, driver behavior associated with right-of-way transitions at signalized intersections must be understood more comprehensively. This study explored the safety concern of driver's potential to incorrectly interpret the solid circular green (SCG) during right-turns using a high-fidelity driving simulator. A counter-balanced, factorial design was chosen to explore two independent variables: signal indication type and presence of a pedestrian. The pre-turn speed, visual attention and driver decision making were used as performance measures. Data were obtained from 46 participants (21 women) turning right 184 times in 4 experimental scenarios. Two linear mixed effects models and a frequency analysis were used to examine within-subject variables on observed performance. Results from both the frequency analysis and the statistical model suggest that for the same turning maneuver, drivers presented a SCG were less likely to exhibit correct behavior. While drivers had similar speed for both the SCG and solid green arrow (SGA) signals, drivers fixated on the SGA head longer. The similar speed indicates that drivers are interpreting the SCG as a protected indication. When presented with the SCG indication in the presence of pedestrians, 33% of drivers exhibited improper behavior while turning right, resulting in a situation with high crash potential. For the same turning maneuver, drivers presented with SGA indication were more likely to exhibit correct behavior. This indicates that SGA can promote a safer interaction between right turning vehicles and pedestrians in the conflicting crosswalk. These findings provide quantitative data that could be used by transportation agencies to improve driver comprehension and pedestrian safety at signalized intersections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) placement at farmers' markets can reduce access disparities for low-income consumers. However, resources needed to operate EBT programs may challenge markets' business models. A conceptual model of factors impacting EBT program success was developed from literature, and an exploratory study conducted to assess the impact of model variables on market EBT sales.Design: Annual EBT sales data were obtained for all Hawai'i farmers' markets with EBT programs (n 22). Key informant interviews (n 19), along with records review, were performed to gather data on model variables. Exploratory analysis was conducted to estimate the impact of individual model variables on EBT sales.Setting: Farmers' markets accepting EBT in the state of Hawai'i.Participants: Market managers and EBT program partners (n 19).Results: Markets engaging in community partnerships $\left( {{\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} \Delta \overline x = \$ 852} \right)$, consumer education $\left( {{\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} \Delta \overline x = \$ {\rm{598}}} \right)$, social media promotion $\left( {{\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} \Delta \overline x = \$ {\rm{732}}} \right)$ or EBT incentives $\left( {{\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} \Delta \overline x = \$ {\rm{5}}0{\rm{9}}} \right)$ averaged higher sales than markets not reporting these practices. Sales increased by $3 for every ten additional SNAP-participating households and decreased by $35 for each competing EBT-accepting supermarket, grocery or farmers' market within the market's access area. Sales increased by $137/vendor for each additional hour/week the market was open.Conclusion: Factors suggested by the model, particularly community engagement and partnership, marketing methods, consumer base and competition for EBT sales in the market area substantively affected EBT sales. Assessing these factors may identify markets with the greatest chance of EBT success and suggest ways to strengthen struggling EBT programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum cryoglobulins were found in nineteen out of twenty patients with infectious endocarditis. The cryoglobulins were of the `mixed type' consisting of IgG. IgM and IgA. C3 and fibrinogen were present in some specimens. The concentration of the cryoglobulins tended to will with therapy and clinical improvement of the patients. Serum antibodies to the offending bacterial organism were not preferentially concentrated in the cryoglobulins. In contrast, IgM rheumatoid factor was present in the cryoglobulins, though undetectable in the corresponding serum. These findings are consistent with the view that cryoglobulins represent circulating immune complexes which may be important in the pathogenesis of immunological sequelae sometimes found in patients with infectious endocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution of viral antibodies was examined by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique in specimens from rheumatoid arthritis and from systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Titres in sera from rheumatoid arthritis patients were usually equal to, or greater than, those in joint fluids. Viral antibodies were found in whole cryoprecipitates from joint fluids and in the IgG fractions of the cryoprecipitates. Anti-herpes simplex antibodies were most frequently found in cryoprecipitates and were at highest titre in sera and joint fluids. Anti-respiratory syncytial virus anti- bodies were next in frequency and in titre. No evidence was presented to support the concept of localized viral antibody synthesis in joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Serum antibody titres in systemic lupus erythematosus patients were similar to those in rheumatoid arthritis patients; however, viral antibodies were not found in the serum cryoprecipitates of systemic lupus erytheniatosus patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]