Broward County Research Articles

Assessing storage requirements, water and energy savings, and costs associated with a residential rainwater harvesting system deployed across two counties in Southeast Florida

This article analyzes the feasibility of a widely-deployed residential rainwater harvesting (RWH) system for reducing demands and supplementing existing, centralized water supply systems in a heavily populated region in Southeast Florida. The analysis employs a unique integration of models and approaches, which are portable and applicable in diverse contexts and include: a nonparametric bootstrapping model for synthetically generating multiple realizations of regional rainfall, water supply and demand, and storage size and reliability outcomes; and an approach for determining expected water and energy savings and costs associated with the RWH system. Findings suggest that a RWH system designed to meet the outdoor irrigation demands of detached homes in Florida's Broward and Palm Beach Counties could meet 54% of the total additional water demand created by the growing population in this region. This is significantly greater than the percentages of demand that could be met by several proposed centralized approaches to water supply using groundwater recharge by reclaimed water, comparable to the percentage of demand that could be met by desalinating brackish water from the Floridian Aquifer, but less than the percentage of demand that could be met by a proposed new reservoir and canal system for groundwater recharge. The findings also suggest that the expected cost of water provided by the decentralized RWH system, which includes substantial savings in energy requirements and costs, would be significantly less than the expected costs of water provided by all centralized water supply system alternatives considered, with the exception of the reservoir and canal system.

Genetic Analysis of Invasive Conehead Termites (Blattodea: Termitidae) Reveals a Single Origin for Two Populations in Florida.

In 2001, Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky), common name conehead termite, were discovered near a marina in Dania Beach, FL, where the invasive species was probably transported from its native range in Central and South America or the Caribbean. In January 2016, an infestation was found in Pompano Beach, Florida, approximately 21 km north of the Dania Beach population. This study compares variants in seven microsatellite loci across specimens from 11 nests in Dania Beach and 8 nests in Pompano Beach. Results are consistent with all N. corniger in both locations being descendants of a single introduced colony, spreading within Broward County, FL through human transport of infested materials. No more than four alleles were found at any of the seven microsatellite loci analyzed, inferring that a single Queen and King, or multiple sibling reproductives descended from a monogamous pair, headed the colony that arrived in Florida. The potential economic and environmental impacts of this invasive termite are enormous due to its broad diet, including agricultural crops and orchards, native and ornamental plants, natural landscapes, and structures. Conspicuous tunnels and aboveground nests are the key aspects of N. corniger biology that render colonies vulnerable to discovery and control. The now proven ability of N. corniger to establish breeding populations in the United States, to cause extensive property and landscape destruction, and to spread by human transport underscores the need for continued aggressive efforts toward eradication of known infestations as well as quick operational actions the next time invasive N. corniger are discovered.

Predictive Power at What Cost? Economic and Racial Justice of Data-Driven Algorithms

This paper studies how algorithms use variables to maximize predictive power at the cost of group equity. Group inequity arises if variables enlarge disparities in risk scores across groups. I develop a framework to examine a recidivism risk assessment tool using risk score and novel pretrial defendant case data from 2013-2016 in Broward County, Florida. I find that defendants' neighborhood data only negligibly improve predictive power, but substantially widen disparities in defendant risk scores and false positive rates across race and economic status. Higher risk scores may lead to longer pretrial incarceration and downstream consequences, by impacting labor market outcomes. These findings underscore that machine learning objectives tuned to maximize predictive power can be in conflict with racial and economic justice.

Collaborative governance and role of the Grantee in HIV/AIDS health services: the Broward County of South Florida experience

ABSTRACTThis research examines the collaborative engagement of target populations, service providers, and non-elected community leaders following a legislative mandate to provide care and treatment to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-infected and HIV/AIDS-affected populations with the Grantee as the critical variable. The study relies mainly on in-depth interviews of key stakeholders in 2016 and is complemented by observations in 2013–2014 to generate relevant data for analysis and interpretation. Findings point to the Grantee’s essential role in allocation priorities, stakeholders’ capacity building, conflict resolution, strategic engagement and planning, contracts with a network of providers, and attendant execution and performance measures. The study highlights the Grantee’s pivotal role in the convergence of community and county administration in collaborative governance toward purposeful ends with collective impact on some vulnerable segments of the population. The study also exemplifies a rare case of public policy addressing a public problem consistently over the years despite some resource challenges.

Health Care Access Barriers Bring Children to Emergency Rooms More Frequently: A Representative Survey.

Children may visit the emergency department (ED) regularly in part because they and their caregivers may be experiencing barriers to appropriate and timely pediatric care. However, assessing the wide range of potential barriers to access to care that children and their caregivers may experience is often a challenge. The objective of this study was to assess the barriers to pediatric health care reported by caregivers and to examine the association between those reported barriers to care with the frequency of children's ED visits in the past 12 months. Assessment of ED utilization and access to care barriers was made through a telephone interview survey conducted as part of a broader Community Health Needs Assessment in 2015. A weighted community sample of adult caregivers (N = 1057) of children between the ages of 0–17 residing in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, Florida were contacted. This study found that multiple ED visits (≥2 vs. 0) in the past 12 months by a child were most strongly associated with access to care barriers attributed to language and culture (relative risk [RR] = 2.51), trouble finding a doctor (RR = 1.86), scheduling an appointment (RR = 1.68), and transportation access (RR = 1.73). These findings suggest that access to care barriers experienced by households may exacerbate the risk of a child experiencing repeated visits to the ED in a year. Findings are discussed further in the context of actionable population health management strategies to reduce risk of frequent ED utilization by children.

Local Transmission of Zika Virus in Miami-Dade County: The Florida Department of Health Rises to the Challenge.

As early as 2015, Florida and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health officials recognized the potential danger of Zika for US residents and visitors. The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. A physician in Miami-Dade notified the Florida Department of Health (DOH) of the first non-travel-related Zika case in the United States. A 23-year old pregnant woman had presented on July 7, 2016, at 23 weeks of gestation, with a 3-day history of fever, widespread pruritic rash, and sore throat. Three more cases, involving men, were reported in Dade and Broward counties. These notifications set into motion additional activities from the DOH's Zika Playbook: increased mosquito surveillance; collaboration with the CDC on recommendations for mosquito abatement techniques; and increased awareness of the risks of Zika. In August, the department reported that active transmission of Zika virus was occurring in one small area in Miami-Dade County known as Wynwood. Mosquito trapping in the area with local transmission identified large numbers of the Zika vector, Aedes aegypti females and a large number of mosquito larval sites. Control efforts included larviciding, eliminating standing water, and backpack and truck spraying of insecticides. A communication strategy was developed that addressed risk mitigation, public concerns over application of noxious pesticides, loss of tourist revenue, and reproductive issues. It was reported on December 28, 2016, that there had been 256 locally acquired cases of infection of Zika, 1011 travel-related cases, and 208 pregnant women with laboratory evidence of Zika. At the end of 2018, 2 years after active Zika virus transmission was controlled in Florida, there have been 101 reported cases of Zika during 2018 but none have been linked to local transmission.

Tiroteo en Stoneman Douglas

El tiroteo ocurrido en la secundaria Stoneman Douglas el 14 de febrero de 2018, en el estado de la Florida, derivó en un intenso debate público en torno a la tenencia, comercialización y uso de armas en los Estados Unidos. Con proyección global más allá del territorio norteamericano, esta tragedia en particular se convirtió en el punto de partida para encontrar una solución a este problema. Por tanto, el presente artículo de análisis, a través de la aplicación de los postulados del análisis crítico del discurso de Teun A. van Dijk, combinado con las categorías del orden del discurso propuestas por Michel Foucault, refleja la convergencia de la materialidad política de los principales discursos emitidos tras el tiroteo. El análisis propuesto contrasta cuatro discursos que conforman un dispositivo que junta lo gubernamental (presidente de los Estados Unidos Donald Trump), la seguridad local (Sheriff del Condado de Broward Scott Israel) y la posición ciudadana (Activista Cameron Kasky), frente a lo institucional (Segunda Enmienda de la Constitución de los estados Unidos). El principal resultado muestra que, aún cuando los cuatro discursos son enunciados por diversos sujetos discursivos, se articulan convergentemente en torno a un proceso ideológico con fines políticos claramente definidos. En el caso de los sujetos analizados, se evidencia una interdiscursividad no intencionada, su relación, especialmente con las materialidades del poder y la ideología muestran tres diferentes posturas con un mismo fin, el imponer sus propósitos y objetivos a través del discurso hacia receptores que puedan subordinarse a los mecanismos de poder y saber. Ningún discurso está aislado y en este caso en particular la incidencia significativa del proceso discursivo está equiparada con el principio del comentario. Los tres sujetos convergen discursivamente en una imposición ideológica que no contempla sus orígenes tampoco la investidura social que representan. La realidad constitucional de una Enmienda, la cual defiende la naturaleza de un derecho no forma parte de la estructura discursiva de los sujetos analizados.

Seasonal Carbonate Chemistry Dynamics on Southeast Florida Coral Reefs: Localized Acidification Hotspots From Navigational Inlets

Seawater carbonate chemistry varies across temporal and spatial scales. Shallow-water environments can exhibit especially dynamic fluctuations as biological and physical processes operate on a smaller water volume, relative to open ocean environments. Water was collected on a bi-monthly basis from seven sites off of southeast Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward counties), including four reef, and three closely-associated inlets. Significant seasonal fluctuations in carbonate chemistry were observed on reef sites, with elevated pCO2 in the warmer wet season. Inlets demonstrated a more dynamic range, with periodic pulses of acidified water contributing to, on average, more advanced acidification conditions than those found at nearby reefs. Within inlet environments, there was a significant negative correlation between seawater salinity and both total alkalinity (TA) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), which was in contrast to the patterns observed on reefs. Elevated TA and DIC in low salinity waters likely reflect carbonate dissolution as a result of organic matter decomposition. Together, these data highlight the important role that inlets play on shallow-water carbonate chemistry dynamics within southeast Florida waters and underscore the degree to which engineered freshwater systems can contribute to coastal acidification on localized scales.

Dozens of MSD students walk out, demand better MH treatment

Several dozen Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students in Parkland, Florida, walked out of school on the morning of April 3 to demand better mental health treatment, CBS Miami reported. Several students said they feel the school is not taking their mental and emotional needs seriously enough and they are upset about two recent suicides — one of a current student and one of a recent graduate. Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie said he's listened to students and provided nearly two dozen extra mental health professionals on campus, and he believes students will need time to adjust to new administrators at the school. Runcie said the district has established wellness centers on campus with more than a dozen mental health counselors and helped set up a resiliency center in Parkland. Dr. David Schonfeld from the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement added that efforts are underway to encourage students and staff to come forward if they're having trouble, through in‐class presentations, community outreach and social media outreach.

Exact and heuristic solution algorithms for efficient emergency evacuation in areas with vulnerable populations

Proper emergency evacuation planning is a key to ensure safety and efficiency of transportation networks in the event of approaching natural hazards. A sound evacuation plan can save human lives and avoid congestion. In order to develop effective emergency evacuation plans, this study presents a mixed-integer programming model that assigns individuals, including vulnerable population groups, to emergency shelters through evacuation routes during the available time periods. The objective of the mathematical model is to minimize the total travel time of individuals leaving an evacuation zone. Unlike many emergency evacuation models presented in the literature, the proposed mathematical model directly accounts for the effects of socio-demographic characteristics of evacuees, evacuation route characteristics, driving conditions, and traffic characteristics on the travel time of evacuees. An exact optimization approach and a set of heuristic approaches are applied to yield solutions for the developed model. The numerical experiments are conducted for emergency evacuation of Broward County (Florida, United States). The results show that the exact optimization approach cannot tackle the large-size problem instances. On the other hand, the proposed heuristic algorithms are able to provide good-quality solutions within a reasonable computational time. Therefore, the developed mathematical model and heuristic algorithms can further assist the appropriate agencies with efficient and timely emergency evacuation planning.

Transgender Identity and Experiences of Violence Victimization, Substance Use, Suicide Risk, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among High School Students - 19 States and Large Urban School Districts, 2017.

Transgender youths (those whose gender identity* does not align with their sex†) experience disparities in violence victimization, substance use, suicide risk, and sexual risk compared with their cisgender peers (those whose gender identity does align with their sex) (1-3). Yet few large-scale assessments of these disparities among high school students exist. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is conducted biennially among local, state, and nationally representative samples of U.S. high school students in grades 9-12. In 2017, 10 states (Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin) and nine large urban school districts (Boston, Broward County, Cleveland, Detroit, District of Columbia, Los Angeles, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco) piloted a measure of transgender identity. Using pooled data from these 19 sites, the prevalence of transgender identity was assessed, and relationships between transgender identity and violence victimization, substance use, suicide risk, and sexual risk behaviors were evaluated using logistic regression. Compared with cisgender males and cisgender females, transgender students were more likely to report violence victimization, substance use, and suicide risk, and, although more likely to report some sexual risk behaviors, were also more likely to be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. These findings indicate a need for intervention efforts to improve health outcomes among transgender youths.

Beverage Intake and Its Effect on Body Weight Status among WIC Preschool-Age Children.

Given the prevalence and consequences of childhood obesity, efforts are being made to identify risk factors and design evidence-based interventions to reduce its impact. Food and beverage consumption habits are established early in life, making preschool-age children an important group to focus on. This cross-sectional study explored beverage intake and its association with body weight status among low-income preschool-age children enrolled in the Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Authorized representatives for children between the ages of 3 and 4.9 years were interviewed at WIC clinics in Broward County, Florida. Anthropometric data were collected from the WIC data system. The intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), particularly fruit drinks, was significantly higher in overweight/obese children when compared with their under/normal weight counterparts. Independent of body weight status, the preschool-age children were consuming on average over twice as much as the recommended intake of 100% fruit juice per day for that age group. Close to 80% of the overweight/obese children consumed low-fat or fat-free milk most often than any other type of milk. The intake of SSB was positively correlated with both the intakes of 100% fruit juice and milk, and negatively correlated with the intake of water. When body weight status, race/ethnicity, and intake of other beverages were held constant, SSB intake was positively associated with milk intake and negatively associated with water intake. Results from this study support the need to encourage water intake and discourage SSB intake in an effort to reduce the risk for overweight and obesity in WIC-participating preschool-age children. Emphasizing the need to follow the recommendation to limit 100% fruit juice intake to 4 to 6 oz. per day is important when counseling families with young children. Efforts to increase awareness of the health consequences associated with consuming high-fat milk should continue.

A nonparametric bootstrapping method for synthetically generating daily precipitation, water supply, and irrigation demand for rainwater harvesting system storage sizing

This article describes a nonparametric bootstrapping method for synthetically generating daily precipitation, water supply, and irrigation demand for rainwater harvesting (RWH) system storage sizing and reliability determination. The method is illustrated using the case example of determining storage size and associated reliability outcomes for residential RWH systems that provide for the outdoor landscape irrigation demands of single-family homes in Broward and Palm Beach Counties, located in Southeast Florida, U.S.A. The method is useful not only for individual property owners, RWH system designers, and contractors, but also for policy makers who wish to analyze potential savings in water and energy amounts and costs that could result from widespread deployment of residential RWH systems, as discussed in Wurthmann (2019). The method can be easily implemented in Excel and is unique in its combination of:•precision – determines daily levels of precipitation, water supply, and irrigation demand, incorporating the effects of seasonality,•adaptability – user specified historical rainfall data and functional relationships between precipitation and water supply and demand are fully customizable, and•portability – the nonparametric bootstrapping approach overcomes the key challenge posed by parametric stochastic methods; that statistical relationships describing rainfall processes derived in one location are likely not applicable to other locations

PORT EVERGLADES SAND BYPASSING: AN IMPORTANT FUTURE SAND SOURCE FOR SOUTH FLORIDA

This paper will describe the history, planning, design, and construction of a new sand bypass project at Port Everglades Inlet in Broward County, Florida, USA. The sand bypass project will address one of the most significant remaining inlet sand management needs in Florida. The discussion will focus on the importance of the sand bypass project to the future sustainability of beaches in South Florida where beach nourishment sand from traditional sources has been depleted. The paper will also highlight the highly complex physical, environmental, and socio-political conditions that have guided the planning and implementation of the project.

COASTAL STORM SURGE INFLUENCE ON NUISANCE FLOODING IN BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

The Hollywood Lakes area in Hollywood, Florida, and Las Olas Boulevard area of Fort Lauderdale, Florida experience nuisance flooding, or “sunny day” flooding, during extreme high tides. This flooding causes damage to residential and commercial properties and to critical municipal infrastructure. The influences of rising sea levels, extreme rainfall events, and coastal storm surge compound these flooding events, Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale form part of eastern Broward County, a densely populated area in South Florida bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Everglades. Numerous drainage canals connect the Everglades wetlands and the coastal urban area, with typical elevations of 5-10 ft-NAVD. Porous limestone groundwater substrate further contributes to complex local hydrology.

Oviposition Preference of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on Five Host Plant Species

Rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is an invasive species that underwent a period of outbreak in southern Florida (Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, and Monroe counties) between 2010 and 2013. It infested numerous plant species in the landscape and nurseries of southern Florida and became a nuisance and economically damaging species in many urban areas. In order to study its oviposition preference, an experiment was conducted in a shadehouse using 5 known host plant species, namely coconut, Cocos nucifera L. (Aurecaceae); gumbo limbo, Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. (Burceraceae); avocado, Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae); black olive, Bucida buceras L. (Combretaceae) var. ‘Shady Lady;' and giant white bird of paradise, Strelitzia nicolai Regel & Korn (Strelitziaceae). Gumbo limbo was the most preferred and giant white bird of paradise was the least preferred of the host plant species. This is consistent with survey data on frequency of plants serving on hosts provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Division of Plant Industry. There was a significant difference between the number of eggs per spiral among host species with gumbo limbo having the highest number of eggs per spiral. No significant correlation was found between the leaf size and the number of eggs on each host species. A strong and significant correlation was found between the number of spirals and the number of eggs per plant species. Adult females deposited the first eggs on source plants, and later oviposited on test host plants, but always returned back to their eclosion site on the source plant. No statistically significant difference was found among the survival of rugose spiraling whitefly on different host plant species tested.

The Introduction and Establishment ofCampsomeris dorsata(Hymenoptera: Scoliidae) in Florida

Campsomeris dorsata is a hymenopteran scoliid that is endemic to South America, Central America, and parts of the West Indies. It has been used as a biological control agent in the past in Puerto Rico, Mauritius, and Florida to aid in reducing coleopteran pests in sugar cane agricultural systems. The status of C. dorsata’s establishment in Florida has been unknown since intentional introductions to sugarcane fields occurring during the 1930s. We surveyed primarily coastal sites throughout the state of Florida and captured 91 females ranging from Osceola County to Miami-Dade County (north vs south) and from Broward County to Collier County (east vs west). The results from this study show that C. dorsata is well established in these areas of Florida, and might still be an important biological control agent of white grubs in sugar cane as well as turf production and maintenance. SumarioCampsomeris dorsata es un scoliid himenoptero endemico de America del Sur, America Central y partes de las Indias Occidentales. Se ha utilizado en el pasado como un agente de control biologico en Puerto Rico, Mauricio y la Florida para ayudar a reducir las plagas de coleopteros en los sistemas agricolas de cana de azucar. Se desconoce el estado del establecimiento de C. dorsata en la Florida desde que se realizaron introducciones intencionales a los campos de cana de azucar durante la decada del 1930. Examinamos principalmente sitios costeros en todo el estado de Florida y capturamos 91 hembras, desde el condado de Osceola hasta el condado de Miami-Dade (norte versus sur) y desde el condado de Broward hasta el condado de Collier (este y oeste). Los resultados de este estudio muestran que C. dorsata esta bien establecida en estas areas de Florida, y aun podria ser un importante agente de control biologico de gusano blancos (Scarabaeidae) en la cana de azucar, asi como en la produccion y mantenimiento del cesped.View this article in BioOne

Accessibility to urban services: influence on pedestrian users of public transit

Several studies in the last two decades have investigated the role of built environment on walking. Studies that investigated the role of built environment on walking to transit analyzed the role of various destinations in proximity to the stations. However, few studies have investigated the role of these destinations on walking trip generation at the origin of the trip. Moreover, none of these studies have investigated the role of availability of public services on walking to transit. This study identifies the urban services at the origin of walking trips of the tri-rail commuters in the West Palm, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties of South Florida. The number of pedestrian users of tri-rail stations and the available urban service were aggregated per Traffic Analysis Zones and analyzed using standard Poisson regression. Findings indicate that availability of urban services such as public education and public recreation have a positive effect on walking to commuter-rail. Implications of this study include the identification and development of Capital Improvement Projects such as libraries to be located in close proximity to schools and colleges. New and proposed train stations should be located in proximity to urban services such as school, colleges, and libraries to encourage pedestrian users.

Socioeconomic and ecological perceptions and barriers to urban tree distribution and reforestation programs

Tree planting and reforestation initiatives in urban and peri-urban areas often use tree distribution or “giveaway” programs as a strategy to increase tree cover and subsequent benefits. However, the effectiveness of these programs in terms of increasing overall tree cover and providing benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities has been little studied. We assess these programs by exploring community participation in, and barriers to, an urban tree distribution program in Fort Lauderdale, United States and the role socioeconomic background and tree functional types have on participation. We use a mixed-methods approach, panel data, choice experiments, and econometrics to quantitatively analyze respondent’s ranking of program options. High income, White respondents had the highest level of awareness and participation while low income, African Americans (AA) had the lowest level. Monetary rebates were perceived as positive and significant as the compensation value increased to US$8.00 - $12.00. Fruit-bearing and native tree functional types were more preferred than flowering or shade trees. Latinos, AA, and high income respondents preferred fruit trees, while White, high income preferred native trees. Overall, low income respondents perceived the greatest barriers towards participation. 20% of Broward County residents who participated in the survey were aware of the tree giveaway programs and 13% had previously participated. Findings indicate an adaptive governance mismatch between program objectives to equitably increase city tree cover via planting shade trees versus individual’s knowledge and preference for other tree types and functions. Results can be used for developing and evaluating reforestation initiatives to equitably increase tree cover and improve the governance of urban ecosystems.

Perspectives on Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change in Hazardous Environments: Insights from Broward County, Florida

AbstractParticular social factors can limit or promote adaptive capacity and resilience in hazardous environments. Understanding these factors is essential for developing planning tools for risk reduction and response. In this qualitative study, focus groups are used to learn about homeowners’ experiences with a disturbance event, as well as their perceptions and expectations regarding local climate adaptation. The analysis provides insights about how risk perceptions, insurance practices, and social networks may influence individuals’ willingness and ability to cope with a disaster. Potential social limits to adaptation among participants included inaccurate risk perceptions based on experiences and feelings of helplessness, and a lack of political trust at the state level. Existing social resources that may be more formally leveraged to enhance adaptive capacity include knowledge reserves of long-term residents, strong “bonding capital,” and trust in local, nonelected government employees. The study concludes that social dimensions of adaptation, including individuals’ values, beliefs, and social norms, can have a powerful influence on the effectiveness of local adaptation planning in the face of hazards and global environmental change.