Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Recreation
Terms modified by Recreation Selected AbstractsManaging Environmental Impacts of Recreation and Tourism in Rainforests of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage AreaGEOGRAPHICAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2005Stephen M. Turton Abstract This paper describes environmental impacts of tourism and recreation activities in the world heritage listed rainforests of northeast Australia and presents management strategies for sustainable visitor use of the protected area. Tropical rainforests are characterised by their low resistance and moderate to high resilience to impacts associated with human visitation. Visitor use in the World Heritage Area is mostly associated with walking tracks, camping areas, day use areas and off-road vehicle use of old forestry roads and tracks. Adverse environmental impacts range from vegetation trampling, soil compaction, water contamination and soil erosion at the local scale through to spread of weeds, feral animals and soil pathogens along extensive networks of old forestry roads and tracks at the regional scale. Concentration of visitor use is the most desirable management strategy for controlling adverse impacts at most World Heritage Area visitor nodes and sites, and includes methods such as site hardening and shielding to contain impacts. For dispersed visitor activities, such as off-road vehicle driving and long-distance walking, application of best practice methods by the tourist industry and recreational users such as removal of mud and soils from vehicle tyres and hiking boots before entering pathogen-free catchments, together with seasonal closure of roads and tracks, are the preferred management strategies. Retention of canopy cover at camping areas and day use areas, as well as along walking tracks and forestry roads is a simple, yet effective, management strategy for reduction of a range of adverse impacts, including dispersal of weeds and feral animals, edge effects, soil erosion and nutrient loss, road kill and linear barrier effects on rainforest fauna. [source] British Garden Literature: Historiography and Idiomatic ChangeLITERATURE COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 5 2008Rachel Crawford British garden literature, limited in this essay to horticulture, has been published since the advent of printing. The writing of garden history, however, is usually identified with Stephen Switzer's first, historical chapter in his Nobleman, Gentleman, and Gardener's Recreation (1715); yet garden histories are a convention of the earliest printed literature on gardens. Because early modern garden literature incorporates different historiographic conventions than modern, this aspect of it has been neglected by critics. In an additional complication, two great idiomatic changes punctuate the timeline of garden histories: the first begins in the decades before the Interregnum, a transformation from a Catholic idiom to one that is Protestant; the second in the latter half of the eighteenth century, from an idiom that was religious, mythical, and legendary to one that is aesthetic. Only in recent decades, with the pressure to reinsert history into literatures generally, have the embedded histories in early modern garden literature once again become legible. [source] Violence and Recreation: Vacationing in the Realm of Dark TourismANTHROPOLOGY & HUMANISM, Issue 1 2009Erika M. Robb SUMMARY Tourist destinations are typically conceptualized as sites of leisure. However, in recent years places associated with human misery and death have become the focus of sizable touristic interest. This practice, called dark tourism (Lennon and Foley 2000), involves visiting destinations at which violence is the main attraction. Dark tourism includes both places with violent legacies and those at which violence is an ongoing reality. It encompasses a wide variety of visitor motivations,educational, memorial, or recreational. In this article, I take a cross-regional approach to a diverse group of dark tourism sites, from Rwanda and Argentina to the United States and Brazil, considering their aesthetics and the experiences of visitors to contribute to the theoretical exploration of the relationship between tourism and violence. [source] 4245: Non-surgical strategies for PCO preventionACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010IM WORMSTONE Purpose Surgical approaches and IOL design have gone some way to reduce the rate of PCO progression. Despite these efforts PCO remains a common and important problem which diminishes the visual quality of patients and is a major financial burden on healthcare providers. If we are to effectively respond to the problem of PCO then a biological solution has to be adopted to reduce/prevent formation of light scattering changes. Methods Methods have been employed to investigate PCO development, which include in vitro cell culture and capsular bag models; in vivo animal models and post-mortem analysis. These have greatly aided our understanding of PCO. Results A number of basic approaches have been identified to prevent PCO. 1) To kill the entire lens epithelial population. This will require a pharmacological agent, therefore delivery of this drug needs to be localised to the target cells, but have limited access to non-target cells; closed capsular bag systems such as perfect capsule provides opportunity to achieve this aim. 2) Maintenance of a cell monolayer on the posterior capsule. In particular the role of TGF, has been investigated, which is known to cause matrix deformation. Disruption of TGF, signalling pathways can suppress matrix deformation and thus reduce light scatter. 3) Recreation of a lens is the ultimate solution. While it has been shown that lens fibre differentiation can be promoted in animal systems, perfect formation of the lens is not achieved and the protein density is typically low relative to the native lens. Conclusion Strategies to prevent PCO are being actively developed, which will are greatly aided by improved drug delivery systems. The development of biological/pharmacological approaches in concert with improved surgical methods and IOL designs should yield benefit to patients. Commercial interest [source] Suitability of Golf Course Ponds for Amphibian Metamorphosis When Bullfrogs Are RemovedCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008MICHELLE D. BOONE charcas en campos de golf; competencia; depredación; metamorfosis de anfibios; Rana catesbeiana Abstract:,Managing areas designed for human recreation so that they are compatible with natural amphibian populations can reduce the negative impacts of habitat destruction. We examined the potential for amphibians to complete larval development in golf course ponds in the presence or absence of overwintered bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana), which are frequently found in permanent, human-made ponds. We reared larval American toads (Bufo americanus), southern leopard frogs (R. sphenocephala), and spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) with 0 or 5 overwintered bullfrog tadpoles in field enclosures located in ponds on golf courses or in experimental wetlands at a reference site. Survival to metamorphosis of American toads, southern leopard frogs, and spotted salamanders was greater in ponds on golf courses than at reference sites. We attributed this increased survival to low abundance of insect predators in golf course ponds. The presence of overwintered bullfrogs, however, reduced the survival of American toads, southern leopard frogs, and spotted salamanders reared in golf course ponds, indicating that the suitability of the aquatic habitats for these species partly depended on the biotic community present. Our results suggest that ponds in human recreational areas should be managed by maintaining intermediate hydroperiods, which will reduce the presence of bullfrog tadpoles and predators, such as fish, and which may allow native amphibian assemblages to flourish. Resumen:,El manejo de áreas diseñadas para la recreación humana de manera que sean compatibles con las poblaciones naturales de anfibios puede reducir los impactos negativos de la destrucción del hábitat. Examinamos el potencial de anfibios para completar el desarrollo larvario en lagos en campos de golf en presencia o ausencia de renacuajos de Rana catesbeiana, que frecuentemente son encontrados en charcas artificiales permanentes. Criamos sapos (Bufo americanus), ranas (R. sphenocephala) y salamandras manchadas (Ambystoma maculatum) con cero o cinco renacuajos de R. catesbeiana en encierros localizados en charcas en campos de golf o en humedales experimentales en un sitio de referencia. La supervivencia hasta la metamorfosis de B. americanus, R. sphenocephala y A. maculatum fue mayor en los campos de golf que en los sitios de referencia. Atribuimos este incremento en la supervivencia a la baja abundancia de insectos depredadores en las charcas de los campos de golf. Sin embargo, la presencia de renacuajos de R. catesbeiana redujo la supervivencia de B. americanus, R. sphenocephala y A. maculatum en los campos de golf, indicando que el beneficio de los hábitats acuáticos para estas especies dependía parcialmente de la comunidad biótica presente. Nuestros resultados sugieren que las charcas en áreas recreativas deberían ser manejadas manteniendo hidroperíodos intermedios, que reducirían la presencia de renacuajos de R. catesbeiana y de depredadores, como peces, y que permitirían que florezcan ensambles de anfibios nativos. [source] Recreational Portage Trails as Corridors Facilitating Non-Native Plant Invasions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (U.S.A.)CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2005SARA JO M. DICKENS corredores; invasiones; perturbación humana; recreación; senderos Abstract:,Wilderness areas are protected and valued in part for recreation; recreational use, however, can negatively impact these areas. In particular, recreational use can facilitate transport of non-native propagules and create open sites for establishment of non-native species. We examined the role of recreational portage trails in the introduction and establishment of non-native plants into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of northern Minnesota (U.S.A.). On 20 portages, we sampled non-native plant richness and cover at four distances (0, 10, 25, and 50 m) from trails. Non-native richness and cover were not related to distance from wilderness entry point. Non-native richness and cover were, however, negatively related to distance from trails. All six non-native species we observed were either directly on or within 1 m of trails. These results suggest that recreational trails act as corridors facilitating invasions of non-native plants into wilderness areas. It remains unclear, however, whether these effects are caused by dispersal of propagules, creation of bare ground, or changes in the native plant community. Resumen:,En parte, las áreas silvestres son protegidas y valoradas para recreación; sin embargo, el uso recreativo puede impactar a estas áreas negativamente. En particular, el uso recreativo puede facilitar el transporte de propágulos no nativos y crear áreas abiertas para el establecimiento de especies no nativas. Examinamos el papel de senderos recreativos en la introducción y establecimiento de plantas no nativas en el Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness en el norte de Minnesota (E.U.A.). En 20 senderos, muestreamos la riqueza y cobertura de plantas no nativas a cuatro distancias (0, 10, 25 y 50 m) de los senderos. La riqueza y cobertura de no nativas no se relacionaron con la distancia al punto de entrada al área silvestre. Sin embargo, la riqueza y cobertura de no nativas se relacionaron negativamente con la distancia a los senderos. Las seis especies no nativas fueron observadas directamente sobre o a 1 m de los senderos. Estos resultados sugieren que los senderos recreativos fungen como corredores que facilitan la invasión de plantas no nativas a las áreas silvestres. Sin embargo, aún no es claro si estos efectos son causados por la dispersión de propágulos, la creación de suelo desnudo o por cambios en la comunidad de plantas nativas. [source] THE CORRELATION OF YOUTH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH STATE POLICIESCONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC POLICY, Issue 4 2007JOHN CAWLEY Childhood overweight has risen dramatically in the United States during the past three decades. The search for policy solutions is limited by a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of state policies for increasing physical activity among youths. This paper estimates the correlation of student physical activity with a variety of state policies. We study nationwide data on high school students from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System for 1999, 2001, and 2003 merged with data on state policies from several sources. We control for a variety of characteristics of states and students to mitigate bias due to the endogenous selection of policies, but we conservatively interpret our results as correlations, not causal impacts. Two policies are positively correlated with participation in physical education (PE) class for both boys and girls: a binding PE unit requirement and a state PE curriculum. We also find that state spending on parks and recreation is positively correlated with two measures of girls' overall physical activity. (JEL I18, I28) [source] Evaluating reserves for species richness and representation in northern CaliforniaDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 4 2006Jeffrey R. Dunk ABSTRACT The Klamath-Siskiyou forests of northern California and southern Oregon are recognized as an area of globally outstanding biological distinctiveness. When evaluated at a national or global level, this region is often, necessarily, considered to be uniformly diverse. Due to large variation in biotic and abiotic variables throughout this region, however, it is unlikely that biological diversity is uniformly distributed. Furthermore, land management decisions nearly always occur at spatial scales smaller than this entire region. Therefore, we used field data from a random sampling design to map the distribution of local and regional richness of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders within northern California's portion of the Klamath-Siskiyou region. We also evaluated the protection afforded by reserves established for varying reasons (e.g. for inspiration and recreation for people vs. species conservation) to hotspots of species richness and species representation of these taxa. No existing reserves were created with these taxa in mind, yet it was assumed that reserves established largely around considerations for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) would afford adequate protection for many lesser-known species. Species of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders share two general features: (1) they have extremely low vagility, and (2) they are often associated with moist, cool microclimates. Existing reserves disproportionately included areas of hotspots of species richness for both taxa, when hotspots included the richest c. 25% of the area, whereas non-reserved lands contained greater than expected areas with lower species richness. However, when a more strict definition of hotspot was used (i.e. the richest c.10% of areas), local hotspots for both taxa were not disproportionately found in reserves. Reserves set aside largely for human aesthetics and recreation and those set aside for biodiversity both contributed to the protection of areas with high (greatest 25%) species richness. Existing biodiversity reserves represented 68% of mollusc species and 73% of salamander species, corresponding to the 99th and 93rd percentiles, respectively, of species representation achieved by simulating a random distribution of the same total area of reservation. Cumulatively, however, reserves set aside for inspiration and biodiversity represented 83% of mollusc species and 91% of salamander species. The existing reserves provide conservation value for terrestrial molluscs and salamanders. This reserve network, however, should not be considered optimal for either taxa. [source] Effects of an occlusal splint compared with cognitive-behavioral treatment on sleep bruxism activityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2007Michelle A. Ommerborn The impact of an occlusal splint (OS) compared with cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) on the management of sleep bruxism (SB) has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an OS with CBT in SB patients. Following a randomized assignment, the OS group consisted of 29, and the CBT group of 28, SB patients. The CBT comprised problem-solving, progressive muscle relaxation, nocturnal biofeedback, and training of recreation and enjoyment. The treatment took place over a period of 12 wk, and the OS group received an OS over the same time period. Both groups were examined pretreatment, post-treatment, and at 6 months of follow-up for SB activity, self-assessment of SB activity and associated symptoms, psychological impairment, and individual stress-coping strategies. The analyses demonstrated a significant reduction in SB activity, self-assessment of SB activity, and psychological impairment, as well as an increase of positive stress-coping strategies in both groups. However, the effects were small and no group-specific differences were seen in any dependent variable. This is an initial attempt to compare CBT and OS in SB patients, and the data collected substantiate the need for further controlled evaluations, using a three-group randomized design with repeated measures to verify treatment effects. [source] Timing of predation by rainbow trout controls Daphnia demography and the trophic status of a Minnesota lakeFRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2005LEIF K. HEMBRE Summary 1. Stocking of lakes with rainbow trout is a common practice that presents a potential conflict for lake managers who must balance the interests of anglers with those concerned that zooplanktivory by trout may trigger a trophic cascade and result in decreased water clarity. 2. This study examined how the timing of trout stocking (autumn versus spring) in a Minnesota (U.S.A.) lake affected (i) the population dynamics of their zooplankton food supply (Daphnia pulicaria), (ii) phytoplankton biomass and water clarity and (iii) trout survival. Sizes of both Daphnia and trout populations were estimated acoustically with high-frequency (192 kHz) sonar. 3. Daphnia were nearly eliminated from the lake during winters after trout were stocked in autumn. In both of these years (1996 and 1997), the Daphnia population was small in the spring, and grew during the summer and into the autumn as the trout population diminished. 4. The lake was then stocked in spring for 2 years (1998 and 1999). This fisheries manipulation alleviated predation over the winter, but increased predation on D. pulicaria during the spring, summer and autumn. However, the high mortality caused by the spring-stocked trout was offset by even higher rates of reproduction by the relatively large populations of fecund Daphnia that survived the winter in 1998 and 1999. 5. Grazing by these dense populations of Daphnia produced clear-water phases during May and June that were inhibited in autumn stocking years. In addition, the large Daphnia populations present during the spring and early summer of 1998 and 1999 provided abundant forage for trout. 6. This fisheries manipulation achieved seemingly mutually exclusive management objectives: a robust planktivorous sport fishery, and clear water for other forms of recreation. [source] SHADOWS OF PLANNING: ON LANDSCAPE/PLANNING HISTORY AND INHERITED LANDSCAPE AMBIGUITIES AT THE URBAN FRINGEGEOGRAFISKA ANNALER SERIES B: HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2010Mattias Qviström ABSTRACT. The history of vernacular landscapes at the urban fringe is poorly studied, limiting our understanding of the contemporary character of the fringe and our knowledge of the urbanization process. This article argues the necessity of a combined analysis of the legacies of planning and the footprints of former landscape ideals in order to understand the conditions for spatial planning at the urban fringe. After first introducing the methodological use of landscape/planning history, the article focuses on the Swedish discourse on landscape change and landscape planning concerning the urban fringe in the 1930s. Particular focus is placed on the discourse on agricultural landscapes at the urban fringe. The third section of the article presents an examination of the footprints of the ,landscape convention' (i.e. an agreement on the meaning of landscape in relation to law and justice) resulting from the landscape discourse of the 1930s. The article argues that the legacy of the 1930s explains some of the difficulties arising when planners of today aim to utilize the farm landscape as a resource for recreation at the urban fringe. The shadow of the landscape discourse of the 1930s also creates difficulties in dealing with peri-urban landscapes in Swedish planning and Swedish law. With the ongoing discourse on how to implement the European Landscape Convention, such knowledge is particularly useful. [source] Longitudinal health-related quality of life after mandibular resection for oral cancer: a comparison between rim and segment,HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 1 2004Simon N. Rogers FDS Abstract Background. Mandibular resection for oral cancer is often necessary to achieve an adequate margin of tumor clearance. Segmental mandibulectomy has been associated with a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL), particularly before composite free tissue transfer to reconstruct the defect. Little is published in the literature contrasting the subjective deficit of segmental compared with rim resection. The aim of this study was to use a validated head and neck HRQOL questionnaire to compare rim and segmental mandibular resection in patients having primary surgery for oral cancer. Method. There were 224 consecutive patients between 1995 and 1999 who were treated by primary surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma. One hundred twenty-tree had no mandibular resection, 44 had a rim resection, and 57 had a segmental resection. The University of Washington Quality of life questionnaire (UW-QOL) was adminstered before treatment, at 6 months, 12 months and after 18 months. Results. Preoperatively, patients undergoing segmental resection reported significantly more pain, chewing problems, and a lower composite UW-QOL score. Postperatively, the segment group tended to score worse at all time points, particularly in appearance, swallowing, recreation, and chewing; however, the difference between rim and segment was only seen in smaller resections without adjuvant radiotherapy. Little difference was seen between rim or segment for tumors <4 cm with radiotherapy and between rim and segments for tumors >4cm. Conclusion: After segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction using composite free tissue transfer, the UW-QOL scores were relatively good. The only 2 difference between rim and segments was noted in the small resections without radiotherapy, and some of this was reflected in differences at baseline. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck26: 54,62, 2004. [source] Patient-friendly hospital environments: exploring the patients' perspectiveHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 1 2004Calbert H. Douglas BSc MSc PhD Abstract Objective, To investigate the perceptions and attitudes of patients to the built environments of NHS Trust hospitals, in order to inform design excellence so as to make future hospitals places and spaces responsive to patient needs. Design, An exploratory study of patients perceptions based on qualitative semi-structured personal interviews. Setting and participants, Fifty one-to-one interviews held with hospital in-patients across the four directorates of surgery, medicine, care of the elderly and maternity at Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford, UK. Results, The research found that there was much similarity in the priorities, issues and concerns raised by patients in each of the four directorates. Patients perceived the built environment of the hospital as a supportive environment. Their accounts in each area pointed to the significance of the factors that immediately impacted on them and their families. Patients identified having a need for personal space, a homely welcoming atmosphere, a supportive environment, good physical design, access to external areas and provision of facilities for recreation and leisure. Responses suggest that patient attitudes and perceptions to the built environment of hospital facilities relates to whether the hospital provides a welcoming homely space for themselves and their visitors that promotes health and wellbeing. Conclusions, The findings have important implications for capital development teams, clinical staff, managers and NHS Estates personnel. Although the study has immediate relevance for Salford Royal Hospitals Trust, findings and recommendations reported provide NHS Estates and other relevant stakeholders with evidence-based knowledge and understanding of patients' perceptions and expectations of and preferences for particular facilities and estates provision in NHS hospitals. [source] ,For refreshment and preservinge health': the definition and function of recreation in early modern EnglandHISTORICAL RESEARCH, Issue 211 2008Elaine McKay Society accepts that people need time for recreation, and that we are naturally inclined towards play and seeking pleasure. Recreation time helps us to recharge our batteries and relieve stress, and makes us more able to function within our respective social and economic roles. By using evidence taken from diaries written between 1500 and 1700 this article seeks to examine the role and function of recreation in English society within the context of the early modern period. This contemporary writing shows how language was employed to describe the functions of recreation and in particular its association with the concept of refreshment and regeneration in terms of mind, body and soul. [source] Archery, Romance and Elite Culture in England and Wales, c.1780,1840HISTORY, Issue 294 2004Martin Johnes During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the longbow was rendered redundant as a weapon of war by technological developments such as the musket. Yet at the end of the eighteenth century, archery was revived as a fashionable pastime amongst the English aristocracy thanks to a nostalgic taste for the gothic and medieval. Archery societies were set up across the country, each with its own strict entry criteria, outlandish costumes and extravagant dinners. In a period that saw the making of the modern British upper class, as landowners became more powerful, more unified and more status-conscious, archery societies were havens of exclusivity and a way of reinforcing and reassuring one's own position in society. Furthermore, women could not only compete in the contests but retain and display their ,feminine forms' whilst doing so, and thus the clubs also acted as a forum for introductions, flirtation and romance. This article explores the meaning of archery for upper-class men and women and demonstrates how wider social needs and interests shaped play, recreation and fashion. [source] Climate variability in Malawi, part 2: sensitivity and prediction of lake levelsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 11 2002M. R. Jury Abstract Southern Africa has only a few large lakes, one of which is Lake Malawi. It forms part of the lower Zambezi catchment and the Great Rift Valley. The lake provides food, energy, transport and recreation to the local people. Inflow to the lake increases through summer (December to April) when the equatorial convection zone lies overhead. An analysis of lake levels in the period 1937,95 has been conducted and changes are related to variations in rainfall and atmospheric conditions. Interannual cycles in the time series are consistent with those found for Zambezi River streamflows, suggesting a degree of regional coherence. Years with high inflow are contrasted with mean conditions using the National Centres for Environmental Prediction reanalysis data for the period since 1958. Composite anomalies of wind fields for wet years reveal a zonal overturning circulation. Low (upper) level westerlies (easterlies) link with a sub-tropical trough in the Mozambique Channel to enhance regional convection and lake inflows. The results provide input to predictive models for Lake Malawi to plan better the management of water resources in this part of Africa. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society. [source] Pubic symphyseal face eburnation: an Egyptian sport story?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 3 2010M. A. Judd Abstract Strenuous physical activity leaves scars on bone that attest to the demands of occupation, sport, aggression and recreation. During the assessment of 74 C-Group Nubians from Hierakonpolis (Egypt) dated to the Egyptian Middle Kingdom,Second Intermediate Period (2080,1700 BC), robust muscle insertions along the ilia and ischia were observed among some adults. In addition, a disproportionate degeneration of the pubic symphyseal faces when compared to other age-related features was also noted. In the case of one male (Burial 32), the pubic symphyseal faces were completely flattened and polished so that they resembled the eburnation that is pathognomic of osteoarthritis. Differential diagnoses are discussed and osteitis pubis, an increasingly diagnosed injury among modern athletes who participate in intense activity that involves running, kicking, twisting or leaping, is proposed as the most likely etiology. The exaggerated muscle insertions and pubic symphyseal wear, epitomised by the individual interred in Burial 32, are unique features that may be linked to the unexplained presence of this Nubian group deep in Egyptian territory during a period of political instability. Artefactual, artistic and documentary evidence records how the Egyptian pharaohs and elites conscripted Nubian athletes to the royal courts for staged contests and entertainment, part of a propaganda program engineered to reinforce among the general populace the dogma of Egyptian supremacy over the enemy. This Nubian community, serviced by Cemetery HK27C, may have functioned as a source for individuals skilled in athletics or other activities that required exceptional physical dexterity. The extraordinary modification of these pubic symphyseal faces underscores the importance of recognising paleopathological conditions that may further confound current macroscopic methods used to ascertain the chronological age of an individual. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Mapping landscape values and development preferences: a method for tourism and residential development planningINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH, Issue 2 2006Gregory Brown Abstract This paper presents a method for measuring and analysing tourism and residential development options using survey research techniques that spatially locate public-perceived landscape values and development preferences. Using survey data from Kangaroo Island, South Australia, landscape values and preferences for tourism development are analysed to determine the relative strength of landscape values as predictors of place-specific development preferences. Results indicate that tourism development preferences are most closely associated with recreation, economic and scenic landscape values whereas residential development preferences are most closely associated with recreation, economic and learning values. Preferences for ,no development' are most closely associated with wilderness, therapeutic and intrinsic landscape values. A simple development index is generated from the spatial data that ranges from positive (acceptable development) to negative (no development) values. The potential benefits of the method for land-use planning processes are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley &Sons, Ltd. [source] Postoperative morbidity, functional results and quality of life of patients following orthotopic neobladder reconstructionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2003Tatsuaki Yoneda Abstract Aim: To evaluate postoperative morbidity, functional results and health-related quality of life of patients with an orthotopic neobladder. Methods: A total of 37 patients with orthotopic neobladder (modified Studer method: 35 cases; Hautmann method: one case; sigmoid neobladder: one case) were included in the present study. Postoperative morbidity and neobladder function were analyzed. To determine quality of life, the Sickness Impact Profile questionnaire was used. The quality of life of patients who underwent orthotopic neobladder was compared with that of patients who underwent ileal conduit. Results: In 37 consecutive patients with neobladder reconstruction, early complications included 10 cases of pyelonephritis (27.0%) and one of stenosis of ureterointestinal anastomosis (2.7%). Two patients died of ARDS and sepsis following peritonitis and pneumonia in the perioperative period. Late complications included pyelonephritis in three patients (8.6%). In 32 cases, except for an early postoperative case and those that died, complete daytime and night-time continence was achieved in 31 patients (96.9%) and 16 patients (50.0%), respectively. Concerning health-related quality of life, the mean sum scores per category of the Sickness Impact Profile were calculated for 32 patients with orthotopic neobladder and 30 patients with ileal conduit. There were no significant differences in overall satisfaction, however, the scores for patients with orthotopic neobladder reconstruction were significantly higher than those for patients with ileal conduit in the three categories of emotions, feelings and sensation, social interaction and recreation. Conclusion: Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction exhibited good functional results with acceptable complications. Patients who underwent neobladder reconstruction were satisfied with their voiding. Assessment of quality of life using the Sickness Impact Profile questionnaire demonstrated that orthotopic neobladder improved their quality of life better than ileal conduit, especially with regard to mental, physical and social functioning in daily life. [source] Water management tasks in the summer polders of the Nemunas lowland,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 2 2006Antanas Lukianas plaine d'inondation; polders d'été; gestion des eaux Abstract Surplus water during floods as well as the low level of the soil surface determine the complicated ecological, economic and demographic conditions in the Nemunas delta. Subsequently, it leads to different types and intensity of use of farmland as well as different methods of water regime regulation: summer or winter type polders. The building of 17 summer polders in the 32,500,ha floodplain area was a compromise, seeking to improve farming conditions and maintain the stability of the flood regime and ecology in the delta. Field measurements and mathematical modelling were carried out. As study results have shown, grass yield losses due to flooding depend on the distribution of water levels and flood duration in the summer polders. Relative damage to agriculture is insignificant and makes up only 10,15% of the total amount of flood damage in the Nemunas lowland. The field measurements and hydraulic and mathematical modelling of flow and sediment regime as well as study of flooding and changed farming conditions also show that it is possible to reduce the height of floods and economic and ecological damage. Rearrangement of the system of protective dikes, regulation of the main river canal and water/sedimentation regime with the help of pumping stations, decrease of pollutant migration into the Curonian Lagoon and Baltic Sea, and recreation of natural meadows are important in that case. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Des eaux excédentaires en période de crues et un faible niveau du sol déterminent les conditions écologiques, économiques et démographiques complexes du delta du fleuve Nemunas. En particulier, des types et intensités différentes dans l'utilisation des terres arables, ainsi que des méthodes différentes de régulation du régime des eaux: polders d'été ou d'hiver. La construction de 17 polders d'été sur 32 500,ha de plaine d'inondation a été une solution de compromis pour améliorer l'agriculture et maintenir la stabilité du régime des crues et de l'écologie du delta. Des mesures de terrain et des modèles mathématique ont été réalisés. D'après les résultats des études, les pertes de récolte d'herbe dûes aux crues dépendent de la distribution des niveaux d'eau et de la durée de la crue dans les polders d'été. L'impact négatif sur l'agriculture est négligeable et ne représente que 10 à 15% des dommages totaux dus aux crues dans le delta du fleuve Nemunas. Les mesures de terrain et la modélisation hydraulique et mathématique de l'écoulement et de la sédimentation, ainsi que l'analyse des crues et des modifications de production agricole, prouvent également qu'il est possible de réduire la hauteur des crues et de diminuer ainsi les dommages économiques et écologiques. Dans ce cas, il convient de réorganiser le système des digues de protection, de réguler le chenal principal du fleuve et le régime de sédimentation des eaux à l'aide de stations de pompage, de réduire les déversements polluants dans la lagune Curonian et la mer Baltique, et de régénérer des pâturages naturels. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Quantifying the grazing impacts associated with different herbivores on rangelandsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2007S. D. ALBON Summary 1Rangelands, produced by grazing herbivores, are important for a variety of agricultural, hunting, recreation and conservation objectives world-wide. Typically, there is little quantitative evidence regarding the magnitude of the grazing impact of different herbivores on rangeland habitats to inform their management. 2We quantified the grazing and trampling impact of sheep, cattle, red deer Cervus elaphus, rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, mountain hares Lepus timidus and red grouse Lagopus lagopus on open-hill habitats in 11 areas of upland Scotland. The degradation of heather in upland Scotland Calluna vulgaris -dominated habitats, of conservation significance at a European scale, has been attributed, anecdotally, to increasing sheep and red deer populations. 3Field indicators of habitat condition were used to generate a five-point scale of impact in vegetation polygons of seven habitats. The presence of each herbivore species was attributed on the basis of ,signs' of occupancy. A Bayesian regression model was used to analyse the association of herbivore species with grazing impact on plant communities, controlling for environmental attributes. 4Overall the presence of sheep was associated with the largest increase (7/11 areas) in grazing and trampling impact of all herbivores. Cattle had the second largest impact but generally this was restricted to fewer areas and habitats than sheep. In contrast, impacts associated with wild herbivores tended to be small and only significant locally. 5Although red deer presence was associated with a significantly lower impact than sheep, this impact increased with increasing deer density at both land-ownership and regional scales. For sheep there was little or no evidence of density dependence. 6Synthesis and applications. The higher impact associated with sheep presence probably reflects their greater aggregation because of their limited ranging behaviour, exacerbated by sheep being herded in places convenient for land managers. Consequently, future reductions in sheep numbers as a result of reform of European Union farming policies may limit the extent of their impact, but not necessarily the local magnitude. However, reductions in sheep stocks may lead to increases in deer densities, with greater impact, particularly in heather-dominated habitats. Where habitat conservation is a priority this may well require a reduction in deer numbers. [source] Long-term enhancement of agricultural production by restoration of biodiversityJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2007JAMES M. BULLOCK Summary 1Experimental manipulations have shown positive impacts of increased species richness on ecosystem productivity, but there remain some questions about this relationship. First, most studies last < 4 years, which raises issues about whether diversity,productivity relationships are maintained in mature communities. Secondly, the conservation relevance of many studies is debatable. We addressed both issues using long-term experimental studies of the agriculturally relevant hay yield of recreated species-rich grasslands. 2Grasslands were recreated within replicated experiments in ex-arable fields at two sites in southern England by using either species-poor or species-rich seed mixtures. The species-poor mixture comprised seven grasses as recommended for grassland creation in English agri-environment schemes. The species-rich mixture comprised 11 grasses and 28 forbs and was designed to recreate a typical southern English hay meadow. 3After 8 years the plots sown with species-rich mixtures resembled target diverse community types. The plots sown with species-poor mixtures had been colonized by a number of forbs but had lower numbers of grasses, legumes and other forbs than the species-rich plots. Increased hay yield of the species-rich plots in the first years of the experiments have been described in an earlier paper, and these differences were maintained after 8 years. 4In the eighth year the species-rich plots had an average 43% higher hay yield than the species-poor plots. Regression analysis showed that the variation in hay yield was related to differences in the number of non-leguminous forbs and showed no relation to grass or legume numbers. This suggests increased hay yield is an effect of the greater range of life forms exhibited by forbs rather than a simple fertilizing effect of legumes. 5The nitrogen content and phosphorus content of the hay showed complex treatment effects over time. However, the nutritional value of the hay was above the minimum requirements for livestock. 6Synthesis and applications. The aims of conservationists and farmers can often be in conflict. This study has shown that the recreation of diverse grasslands of conservation value can have a positive impact on hay yield, which benefits the farm business, and this is repeated across differing sites. Because the effect is maintained over time, farm income will be increased in the long term. [source] Prevalence and virulence properties of Vibrio cholerae non-O1, Aeromonas spp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides isolated from Cambé Stream (State of Paraná, Brazil)JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000A. Gibotti The incidence of Vibrio cholerae, Aeromonas spp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides was determined in water samples from Cambé Stream. The samples were collected from seven different sites. The serogroups, virulence markers and drug resistance profiles were also evaluated. Twelve Aer. hydrophila, 12 Aer. caviae, eight Aer. sobria, seven Ple shigelloides and two V. cholerae non-O1 were isolated. They belonged to different serogroups and all produced haemolysis in different assays. Five of the Aeromonas strains and one of V. cholerae non-O1 were positive for enterotoxin activity. Haemagglutination and its inhibition, using erythrocytes of different origins, was variable for Aeromonas spp. and V. cholerae, while none of the Ple. shigelloides haemagglutinated in association with any type of erythrocyte. All isolates exhibited multiple drug resistance. These results indicate that the occurrence of V. cholerae non-O1, Aeromonas spp. and Ple. shigelloides, in water used for vegetable irrigation, human recreation and animal consumption, among others, represents a potential risk for humans. [source] Physical Activity and Healthy Eating in the After-School EnvironmentJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 12 2008Karen J. Coleman PhD ABSTRACT BACKGROUND:, No research to date has extensively described moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and healthful eating (HE) opportunities in the after-school environment. The current study described the quality of the after-school environment for its impact on children's MVPA and HE. METHODS:, An alliance of 7 elementary schools and Boys and Girls Clubs who worked with the Cooperative Extension Service in Lawrence, KS, was selected to participate in a larger intervention study. After-school settings were observed for information regarding session type, session context, leader behavior, physical activity, and snack quality using validated instruments such as the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time. Data presented are baseline measures for all sites. RESULTS:, Participating children (n = 144) were primarily non-Hispanic white (60%) and in fourth grade (69%). After-school sites offered 4 different sessions per day (active recreation, academic time, nonactive recreation, and enrichment activities). Children were provided with a daily snack. On 36% of the days observed, this snack included fruit, fruit juice, or vegetables. There was significantly more time spent in MVPA during free play sessions (69%) compared to organized adult-led sessions (51%). There was also significantly more discouragement of physical activity during organized adult-led sessions (29%) as compared to the free play sessions (6%). CONCLUSIONS:, The quality of after-school programs can be improved by providing fruits and vegetables as snacks; offering more free play activities; training the after-school staff in simple, structured games for use in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings; and training after-school staff to promote and model MVPA and HE in and out of the after-school setting. [source] Dynamic update of Java applications,balancing change flexibility vs programming transparencyJOURNAL OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND EVOLUTION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2009Allan Raundahl Gregersen Abstract The ability to dynamically change the behavior of an application is becoming an important issue in contemporary rich client software development. Not only can programmers benefit from dynamic updates during the development of concurrent applications where recreation of complex application states can be avoided during test and debugging but also at post-deployment time where applications can be updated transparently without going through the well-known halt, redeploy and restart scheme. In this paper, we explain how our dynamic update framework achieves transparent dynamic updates of running Java applications while guaranteeing both type and thread safety. A novel feature of our approach is that it supports full redefinition of classes by allowing changes to the type hierarchy. Our approach is based on a lightweight runtime system, which is injected into an application via bytecode transformations at class loading. We show how our approach can add dynamic update capabilities to rich client development by integrating it with the NetBeans rich client platform. Performance experiments on our NetBeans implementation show that the overhead of our approach is low when applied to component application programming interface classes. To the best of our knowledge no other existing approach achieves the same level of low overhead and programming transparency. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Death and International Travel,The Canadian Experience: 1996 to 2004JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2007Douglas W. MacPherson MD, FRCPC, MSc(CTM) Background Death during international travel concerns several levels of the travel industry. In addition to the immediate effects for the traveler, their family and friends, the nature of travel-related mortality has important implications for pretravel health advisors and providers of medical care services. Methods The Consular Affairs Bureau, Foreign Affairs Canada provides information and assistance to Canadian civilians abroad. Beginning in 1995, the Consular Management and Operations System tracked Canadian deaths abroad notifications. The annual data for 1996 to 2004 was extracted for sex, age, and cause of death by location for all reports received. Results There were 2,410 reported deaths in Canadians abroad; reported sex was 32% female and 68% male, average age of 61.7 and 60.4 years, respectively. Recorded causes of death: natural (1,762), accidental (450), suicide (92), and murder (106). Country of death reflected the pattern of Canadian international travel for recreation, business, and ancestral linkages. Average age of natural death (66 years) distinguished it from all other causes of death: accidental (45), suicide (41), and murder (43). Conclusion Natural causes and suicide deaths may be anticipated or planned to occur abroad. The risk of death may be mitigated through personal knowledge and medical assessment and prevention strategies. Deaths due to vaccine-preventable diseases, exotic and infectious diseases were rare in this population. Consular services may be able to provide various types of support. Local laws and customs, as well as international regulations in health and quarantine govern other responsibilities such as funeral services and repatriation of the deceased to Canada. [source] Understanding Recreation and Sport as a Rehabilitative Tool Within Juvenile Justice ProgramsJUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT JOURNAL, Issue 2 2002D J WILLIAMS M.S.W. ABSTRACT This article discusses relevant literature on the potential benefits of sport, recreation, and leisure, and how these benefits relate to rehabilitation of juveniles. Many professionals involved in juvenile rehabilitation believe sport and recreation are beneficial adjuncts to treatment programming; however, it can be difficult to structure sport and recreation in ways that directly correspond to treatment goals. The purpose of this article is to provide insights for professionals working with juveniles on how sport and recreation programming can be an effective means of helping to achieve rehabilitation goals. Attention is given to approaches, particularly the Teaching Games for Understanding model (Bunker & Thorpe, 1982), which can be used to effectively link recreation and sport to the rehabilitation process. [source] Role of catchment area in the transport of nutrients to lakes in the Wielkopolska National Park in PolandLAKES & RESERVOIRS: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2002Halina Szyper Abstract The external loading of 14 lakes in the Wielkopolska National Park was calculated, including nitrogen and phosphorus loads from point, diffuse and dispersed sources, precipitation and recreation. The basic source of nitrogen and phosphorus for most lakes in the Park is the export of diffuse pollution from the catchment area. Only four lakes are contaminated by sewage, which accounts for 0.1,61.2% of total nutrient loading. Annual unit area loads of phosphorus and nitrogen estimated for each lake were 2,51 times higher than Vollenweider's critical loading levels. Estimated mass loading and annual unit area loads of nutrients for each lake were compared with lake water quality, expressed as the trophic state index. Analysis of the physico-geographical structure of the catchment area and natural resistance of lakes to external input of nutrients allowed us to assess the role of the catchment in the deterioration of water quality and to indicate the protective measures required. [source] Enhancing Out-of-Class Opportunities for Students with DisabilitiesNEW DIRECTIONS FOR STUDENT SERVICES, Issue 91 2000Donna Johnson This chapter explores ways to improve the accessibility of campus life, experiential learning (internships and service learning), study abroad, and sports and recreation. [source] Numerical computation of a singular-state subarc in an economic optimal control modelOPTIMAL CONTROL APPLICATIONS AND METHODS, Issue 4 2006H. J. Oberle Abstract In this paper, optimal control problems (OCP) are considered which are characterized by a nonsmooth-state differential equation. More precisely, it is assumed that the right-hand side of the state equation is piecewise smooth and that the junction points between smooth subarcs are determined as roots of a state-dependent switching function. For this kind of OCP necessary conditions are developed. Special attention is paid to the situation that the switching function vanishes identically along a nontrivial subarc. Such subarcs, which are called singular-state subarcs, are investigated with respect to the necessary conditions and to the junction conditions. In this paper, we assume that the switching function is of first order with respect to the control. The theory is applied to an economic optimal control model due to Pohmer (Mikroökonomische Theorie der personellen Einkommens- und Vermögensverteilung. Studies in Contemporary Economics, vol. 16. Springer: Berlin, 1985), which describes the personal income distribution of a typical consumer, who wants to maximize the total utility of his lifetime by controlling the consumption, the rate of the total time used for working, and the rate of working time used for education and extended professional training. The state variables are the human capital and the capital itself. The utility function contains different parts which represent the influence of consumption, time of recreation, and human capital. Into this problem a parameter enters which describes the interest rate of capital. It is obvious that this parameter in general will differ for positive and negative values of the capital. Thus, the resulting OCP in a natural way becomes a nonsmooth one. For this problem, the necessary conditions are derived and numerical solutions are presented which are obtained by an indirect optimal control method. It turns out that for a certain distance of the positive and negative interest rate, the optimal solution contains a singular-state subarc. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||