Island Towns Research Articles

Assessing efficiency of urban waste services and the role of tariff in a circular economy perspective: An empirical application for Italian municipalities

Since the previous decade, there has been an increasing awareness regarding the crucial role of waste management efficiency in ensuring health and environmental protection and the transition toward circular economy objectives. This empirical study investigates the efficiencies of urban waste systems in 78 major Italian towns between 2014 and 2018, taking into account the waste reduction and recycling targets indicated by European circular economy strategy. To this end, we employed the nonparametric approach to measure efficiency, namely the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. Two DEA models to account for both constant and variable returns to scale were performed. An undesirable output (the total amount of waste collected) was included in the analysis as an input to account for waste reduction targets. Moreover, efficiency scores obtained through the DEA analysis were investigated in relation to relevant variables, along with the already studied variables, such as geographic localization, population density, and the aging index. We also included the tariff paid for waste services and the collection method. The estimated efficiency scores showed significant differences across all the evaluated municipalities, with a promising average growth. We find that the Northern and Central major towns have higher efficiency than the Southern and Island towns. Moreover, efficiency is higher for more densely populated towns and towns with a higher elderly rate. Further, efficiency is higher when the average tariff applied is lower and when door-to-door collection is in force. Finally, the collection method emerges as a crucial issue in ensuring the transition toward circular economy in the urban waste sector.

Place branding as the development of thematic city digital era

Thematic emphasize developing the identity of a city. It is inseparable from the city’s resources, including the historical and cultural side, and the development of science describes civilization in a city. Based on the perspective of planners, consideration of sustainable development should be an essential part of the development of a thematic city, as well as the transformation of the community by solving various urban problems with innovative approaches. The intended changes are not to encourage people to have an urban style, rather than a sustainable development style with a variety of innovations in collaboration with the development of science, technological advancements, and stakeholders in the city. A city branding developed to increase the attractiveness of a city, then. Then the considerations of thematic city development basic that lead to the sustainability of a regional development theme and anticipate negative impacts should be an integral part of developing a network of cities and the discussion of city-level branding. These works discuss a more extensive literature review using the term place branding through which this term can be used in the context of island towns or coastal cities or small islands.

PROBLEMS OF DESIGN EDUCATION IN UZBEKISTAN

Numerous nations of the world have made various strides towards the advancement of sustainable power source and usage of Vitality Productivity measures. In Nepal 75.99% force plant depends on Gas.This is exceptionally disturbing for our nation. Nepal is by and by confronting lack of intensity and there are consistently load concealing in certain pieces of the nation. Wind and sun oriented vitality are the elective vitality source that can be utilized to enhance the ordinary vitality sources especially in Nepal . We have 17 locale in the beach front zone. Little wind generator will be effective around there. Nepal government has taken pilot venture dependent on wind, sun powered and half and half arrangements. In this work our point was to structure of A Little Wind Generator Which Give Changed and Cost Proficient Power in Country Territory. This framework has been intended for remote territory of Nepal where power has not yet reached. This little wind turbine can be worked in the beach front and inland stream island towns of Nepal . Wind asset in Nepal isn't exactly enough. Just lighting and water system reason this vitality can utilized.

Community-based social determinants of three measures of mortality in Rhode Island cities and towns

BackgroundEfforts to understand and address the causes of place-based health disparities have focused primarily on understanding the social determinants of health on a large geographic level, such as the region, state, or county. However, there is a growing need to assess and understand how place-based characteristics at smaller geographic areas relate to of local place-based neighborhood characteristics on population health. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of the associations between social determinants of health and life expectancy (LE) and related measures on the community level.MethodsLE at birth (LE0), remaining LE at age 65 (LE65), and age-specific mortality rates (ASMR) were calculated from mortality data (2009–2011) collected by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDoH) using abridged life table methods for each RI city/town. The city/town-specific LE and ASMR were linked to data collected by the US Census, RIDoH, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other databases that include information about multiple social, environmental, and demographic determinants of health. Bivariate correlations between city/town-level LE0, LE65, and ASMR and social determinants: demographics, household composition, income and poverty, education, environment, food insecurity, crime, transportation, and rural-urban status were examined.ResultsLE0 (range: 75.9–83.3 years) was strongly associated with the percent of the population with a graduate/professional degree (r = 0.687, p < 0.001), violent crime rate (r = − 0.598, p < 0.001), and per capita income (r = 0.553, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed for ASMR: ASMR was associated with the percent of the population with a graduate/professional degree (r = − 0.596, p < 0.001), violent crime rate (r = 0.450, p = 0.005), and per capita income (r = − 0.533, p < 0.001). The associations between LE65 and social determinants were more attenuated. Of note, none of the measures (LE0, LE65, or ASMR) were associated with any of the race/ethnicity variables.ConclusionsThere are several important place-based characteristics associated with mortality (LE and ASMR) among RI cities/towns. Additionally, some communities had unexpectedly high LE and low ASMR, despite poor social indicators.

DIVERSITY OF SHRUBS AND TREES IN THE ISLAND TOWNS OF NORTHERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

This study aimed to identify the shrubs and trees in the five island towns of Northern Samar, Philippines; determine their abundance, community structure; and economic uses to the locals. Four barangays in every island town represented the north, south, east, and west sides. Line Intercept Transect (LIT) at intervals of 100m and plot method with an area of 10m x 10m were used in gathering the data. Transect walks, field plots, and transects were also used in gathering data. There were 207 species of shrubs and trees belonging to 152 genera and 64 families. Shrubs constituted 55.33% and trees 44.67% of the total number of species. Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) ranked first in relative density (25.50%), relative frequency (25.30%), and importance value (59.15%). Plots in the island of Laoang were observed to have the highest Shannon Diversity Index (3.25%) and Simpson’s Dominance Index (1.86%). The most abundant shrub and tree species in the island towns were Citrus microcarpa (Cucurbitaceae) and Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) respectively. The least abundant shrub and tree species were Gardenia jasminoides (Rubiaceae) and Cananga odorata (Annonaceae) respectively. There were more species of shrubs and trees in the island town of Laoang than in the other four island towns.

Modeled exposure to tetrachloroethylene-contaminated drinking water and the occurrence of birth defects: a case-control study from Massachusetts and Rhode Island

BackgroundResidents of Massachusetts and Rhode Island were exposed to tetrachloroethylene-contaminated drinking water from 1968 through the early 1990s when it leached from the vinyl lining of asbestos cement water distribution pipes. While occupational exposure to solvents during pregnancy has consistently been linked to an increased risk of certain birth defects, mixed results have been observed for environmental sources of exposure, including contaminated drinking water. The present case-control study was undertaken to examine further the association between prenatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene-contaminated drinking water and the risk of central nervous system defects, oral clefts and hypospadias.MethodsCases were comprised of live- and stillborn infants delivered between 1968 and 1995 to mothers who resided in 28 Massachusetts and Rhode Island cities and towns with some PCE-contaminated water supplies. Infants with central nervous system defects (N = 268), oral clefts (N = 112) and hypospadias (N = 94) were included. Controls were randomly selected live-born, non-malformed infants who were delivered during the same period and geographic area as cases (N = 771). Vital records and self-administered questionnaires were used to gather identifying information, birth defect diagnoses, and other relevant data. PCE exposure during the first trimester was estimated using water distribution system modeling software that incorporated a leaching and transport model. Prenatal PCE exposure was dichotomized as “high” or “low” exposure at the level corresponding to an estimated average concentration of 40 μg/L, the criterion for remediation when PCE contamination was discovered in 1980.ResultsMothers with “high” levels of exposure to PCE-contaminated drinking water during the first trimester (> 40 μg/L) had increased odds of having a child with spina bifida (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 0.8–5.4), cleft lip with or without cleft palate (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.2–12.3) and hypospadias (OR: 2.1, 95% CI:0.5–8.3). No increases in the odds of other defects were observed in relation to “high” exposure levels.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that mothers with “high” PCE exposure levels during the first trimester have increased odds of having a child with spina bifida, cleft lip with or without cleft palate, and hypospadias. These findings support several prior studies that observed an increased risk of selected birth defects following prenatal exposure to solvents in occupational and environmental settings. Even though PCE contamination from vinyl lined pipes was remediated many years ago, it remains a widespread contaminant across the U.S and so environmental regulations must be guided by a precautionary perspective that safeguards pregnant women and their offspring.

Modeled exposure to tetrachloroethylene-contaminated drinking water and the risk of placenta-related stillbirths: a case-control study from Massachusetts and Rhode Island

BackgroundResidents of Massachusetts and Rhode Island were exposed to tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-contaminated drinking water from 1968 through the early 1990s when the solvent was used to apply a vinyl liner to drinking water mains to address taste and odor problems. Few studies have examined the risk of fetal death among women exposed to solvent-contaminated drinking water. Two previous investigations found moderate increases in the risk of stillbirth among highly exposed women; however, these results were based on a small number of cases. The present case-control study was undertaken to examine further this association with a large number of stillbirths.MethodsCases were comprised of stillborn infants delivered between 1968 and 1995 to mothers who resided in 28 Massachusetts and Rhode Island cities and towns with some affected water mains (N = 296). Cases were included if the cause of death was placental abruption and/or placental insufficiency. Controls were randomly selected live-born infants who were delivered in the same time period and geographic area (N = 783). Data on confounding variables were gathered from vital records and questionnaires. PCE exposure was estimated using a leaching and transport model integrated into water system software.ResultsMothers with any PCE exposure had a 1.7-fold increase in the adjusted odds of placenta-related stillbirth (95% CI: 1.2–2.4). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) increased as a woman’s exposure level increased: in comparison to unexposed mothers, ORs were 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0–2.3) for low exposure (> 0-median), 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.5) for moderate exposure (>median-90th percentile) and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1–3.2) for high exposure (>90th percentile) (p value for trend = 0.02). A similar pattern was observed when PCE exposure was dichotomized at 40 μg/L, the suggested action guideline for remediation (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.2 and OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.4–4.8, respectively, for PCE exposure <=40 μg/L and > 40 μg/L) (p value for trend = .003).ConclusionsWe observed a linear dose-dependent increase in the odds of stillbirth due to placental abruption and placental insufficiency with prenatal exposure to PCE contaminated drinking water. Because PCE remains a common drinking water contaminant, these findings highlight the importance of considering pregnant women when monitoring, regulating and remediating drinking water supplies.

Agricultural Wetland Use and Management in the Dutch-Settled Northeast, 1620 to 1800

Agricultural Wetland Use and Management in the Dutch-Settled Northeast, 1620 to 1800 Chelsea Teale (bio) Research on historic North American agriculture tends to emphasize terrestrial systems within a framework of economic transitions, primarily from indigenous hunting, gathering, and subsistence farming to colonial mixed-husbandry, and later, market-driven specialization.1 Natural resource use and management often changed during these transitions because of new demands and public perceptions of resource value. Among the resources that have been inconsistently valued, used, and managed in eastern North America are wetlands, though agricultural historians rarely consider them as often or as specifically as they do upland resources—even wetland types that are known to have been globally important sources of hay and pasture.2 In contrast, European historians and geographers have incorporated wetlands into a long tradition of cultural landscape analysis.3 Despite sharing similar wetland types and historical farming practices with Europe, and having that continent as a model for incorporating agricultural history with contemporary conservation, North Americans have not reflected on their wetlands to nearly the same degree. Rather, focus on this side of the Atlantic has been on the nineteenth-century devaluation of [End Page 177] wetlands as disease-ridden wastelands or the mid-twentieth-century shift toward positive perceptions as ecosystem services were recognized.4 Identifying the early agricultural use and management of wetlands in North America is integral to understanding their role in regional landscapes and livelihoods, as well as developing new ways to promote their conservation in the modern day. This is especially relevant in the United States, where over half of the original wetland acreage has been lost to so-called "improvement" practices since the onset of European settlement.5 Public awareness and stewardship of wetlands may be increased, for example, by communicating the pre-nineteenth-century importance of wetlands to the Northeast's mixed-husbandry agricultural system because livestock required over-winter provisioning but grasslands were limited to areas with high water tables, poor soils, or where native peoples had cleared land. Wetlands supporting grassy vegetation—in French traditionally called prairies, in English meadows, and in Dutch vlys—filled the Northeast's forage deficit until exotic upland grasses and legumes were introduced beginning in the late eighteenth century.6 There is every reason to believe that wetlands, from coastal salt marshes to inland beaver meadows, influenced the settlement patterns of agriculturally minded colonists from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to the Delaware River. The French and English, for example, managed Northeastern wetlands in order to provide mowing and pasture grounds, most notably in the form of diked salt marshes along the Bay of Fundy and Saint Lawrence River, but also in the maintenance of freshwater wetlands along streams like Thoreau's Sudbury River. 7 Colonists brought wetland management [End Page 178] techniques to North America from Europe, where Dutch engineers and financiers enabled large-scale reclamation beginning in the late sixteenth century; the extensive diking projects found in some northeastern tidal marshes are direct descendants of this tradition. However, despite Dutch contributions to trans-Atlantic wetland reclamation, wetland use and management in the Dutch-settled Northeast is unknown.8 This oversight is no doubt related to a broader lack of research on Dutch colonial agriculture, which has been treated substantially only once.9 New Netherland was initially comprised of West India Company (WIC) fur trade entrepôts on the Hudson (Noort, or North) River, the Connecticut (Versche, or Fresh) River, and the Delaware (Suyt, or South) River. Like most scholarly assessments of New Netherland, however, the focus here is on Dutch settlements within the Hudson River corridor and around the New York-New Jersey Harbor, where efforts were made to settle farming families beginning in the 1620s (Figure 1). Although approximately half of the settlers were not Dutch (e.g., German, Scandinavian, French, English, and some slaves brought directly from Africa), farmers in the colony tended to emigrate from the eastern Dutch Republic.10 English settlers were the majority in several Long Island towns by the time New Netherland became the Province of New York in 1664, but elsewhere in the colony the Dutch maintained their religion, education system, architectural styles, and farming after the...

Bible Translation Overtaken by Change

The article documents two Bible translation projects in the Philippines that took longer than usual to finish. The Pampango Bible took twenty-four years, and the Bolinao New Testament took thirty-five years. Accelerated change in the society generated changes in language preference with Tagalog competing with Pampango. From thirty barangays (the smallest political unit) in the 1970s that spoke Bolinao, this has been reduced to only six. Reasons cited are: easy access by land on the part of the Ilocanos; transport routes that once were by sea are now primarily by land, with good roads from the town of Bolinao to Manila; and a new bridge bringing an end to the isolation of the island towns of Anda and Santiago. One obvious sign of language endangerment is that young children are now unable to speak Bolinao, and only those in their fifties or sixties use Bolinao with ease.

Eighteenth‐Century Jamaica's Ambivalent Cosmopolitanism

AbstractEighteenth‐century Jamaica's brutal society appears inimical to the values that the Enlightenment promoted, yet Enlightenment‐era scientific inquiry, printing and some self‐critical debates took place in the island's towns. Sugar‐profits could fund books and instruments. Jamaica's eighteenth‐century towns sustained a social life that allowed wider aspects of Enlightenment‐era cosmopolitanism to take root. In these transient societies ‘ordinaries’ and coffee‐houses stocked the latest newspapers, while the new Freemasons’ lodges integrated the colony's white males. The urban networks of assembly rooms, journal subscriptions and scientific memberships in Kingston and Spanish Town were inclusive – for those whites who could afford them – while some basic research did draw on enslaved plant collectors’ expertise. Data from West Indian botanists and historians informed European scholars’ theorizing, but for slave‐holding Jamaicans the humanitarian ideas developed in mid‐eighteenth‐century Europe proved a tendentious import. In the 1780s the first Methodist missionaries, the next metropolitan intellectual wave to reach the island, piggy‐backed onto existing urban intellectual networks before reaching out to a wider Jamaica. By the century's end a fearful colonial elite found the Enlightenment's free exchange of ideas suspicious rather than supportive.

Mathematical modeling for selecting center locations for medical and health supplies reserve in Hainan Province

ObjectiveTo explore how to choose the center locations to build the medical and health supplies reserve among many island towns. MethodsThe center locations were selected from 18 towns Hainan Province, it's maximum service range (distance) was required to reach the minimum, or to minimize. ResultsThree scenarios were considered, the center locations included only one town, two towns, three towns. By the use of graph theory and MATLAB programming, a mathematical model was established to obtain the shortest distance and the shortest path between arbitrary two towns. ConclusionsWe find out the center sites under certain conditions, and determine the specific service ranges of the center sites.

The challenges of implementing Millennium Development Goal target 7D in Pacific island towns and cities

In the Pacific island region, the progress towards achieving the global Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target 7D, improving the lives of a hundred million slum dwellers, is fraught with many challenges. Out of all the MDG targets, minimal support has been provided to improving the quality of life of residents living in squatter and informal settlements in Pacific towns and cities. In this context, this paper seeks to understand and explain why MDG target 7D and the broader urban sector in the Pacific island region is marginalized. The paper examines the state of squatter and informal settlement growth in Pacific towns and cities, and explores the reasons as to why there is a lack of interest in addressing the plight of squatter and informal settlement dwellers at the Pacific country, regional and development partner levels. The paper calls for renewed action in elevating MDG 7D onto the Pacific island region and national development agendas.

Persistence of Traditional Retailing in an Island Town

Problem statement: The convergence of modern retail formats in the developing world is resisted by the persistence of traditional retail formats. The issue of lower-circuit and middle-circuit in traditional retail trade in the modernizing urban arena has raise debates about its co-existence in different cultural and geographical settings. The aim of this study is to examine the persisting organizational features of sundry and general store retail trade in Labuan town, East Malaysia. Approach: A descriptive design using qualitative approach is utilized. Data is collected from a series of recursive informal interview from a total of 14 sundry and general retailers. Data is analyzed from themes derived from narrative account. Results: The findings reveal that the persistence of traditional retailing can be characterized by family business and the stability of sole proprietorship, coupled with the prevalence of independent outlets. The reasons attributed to the persistence of traditional retailing are a combination of organizational capacity factors of the retail traders and the situational context of the island economy. Conclusion: Island towns have a unique capacity to preserve certain retail trades that are under threat in conventional geographical context. This implies that the island with porous borders, not only have a confluence of external influence, but can sustain economic cultures. Future research can explore the persistence of cultural goods in these sundry and general stores to see the extent to which diverse socio-economic market structures are served.

The use of local stone in the buildings of the Isle of Wight

The charm of the Isle of Wight, so much appreciated by visitors and the local population alike, is very much a combination of its delightful scenery and unique assemblage of vernacular buildings. These buildings range from isolated farmhouses to elaborate manor houses, castles and churches all constructed using the indigenous stone resources of the island. Today, these stone buildings, many of which date back to medieval times, are increasingly in need of conservation repair to maintain them for future generations. Essential to such conservation work is the safeguarding of the island's indigenous building stone sources as many of the stones used are unique to the island and no longer quarried. Protecting these stone sources could also provide stone for new building projects which would help to further enhance the character of the island's towns and villages.

Twenty years of Argentine ants in New Zealand: past research and future priorities for applied management

The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), is a highly invasive global pest. It has been just over twenty years since Argentine ants were fi rst discovered in New Zealand. Through the result of human-mediated dispersal, they are now relatively widespread, but patchily distributed, in many North Island towns and cities, and also in several locations in the South Island. This review provides a short history of Argentine ant invasion within New Zealand and research conducted to date. It suggests that Argentine ants are still only at the beginning of their invasion in New Zealand, and that estimated treatment costs are set to greatly increase over the next twenty years; but that an opportunity exists to slow the spread of the ants given substantial regional co-ordination. Targeted regional efforts are also needed to protect specific valued sites (e.g. off-shore islands, vulnerable conservation areas). The review identifies knowledge gaps and priority areas which need a timely response as opportunities to restrict the distribution and impact of this species will continue to diminish through the growth of existing populations and increased establishment of new populations.

Elevated heavy metal concentrations in top soils of an Aegean island town (Greece): total and available forms, origin and distribution

Elevated heavy metal concentrations in urban top soils are principal indicators of environmental pollution; however, relative data on the heavy metal status in soils of Greek island towns, that are regional administrative centers and popular tourist destinations, are missing. A survey was conducted to examine heavy metal concentrations in the urban soils of Ermoupolis, the capital of Syros island and of the prefecture of Cyclades complex in the Aegean Sea. Total (aqua-regia extracted) and available (DTPA extracted) concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Sn and Fe were determined in top soil samples collected from green areas and open spaces of the town and in surface samples from inland reference soils of the island. Mean values for the aqua-regia extracted fraction of Cu, Pb and Zn were 117, 155 and 440 mg kg(-1) respectively, up to four times higher than the respective mean values of the reference soils. Enrichment factors (EFs) for these metals indicated high accumulation in the urban top soils and the available to total concentration ratio of Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe was higher for the urban compared to the reference soils, suggesting differences in metal sequestration, resulting in higher metal availability in the urban soils. GIS analysis was used to visualize the spatial distribution of EFs of the studied heavy metals. Factor Analysis and Cluster Analysis, applied to aqua-regia and DTPA data sets, adequately elucidated the origin of metals grouped under each factor or cluster.

The peri‐urban Pacific: From exclusive to inclusive cities

Abstract: As the Pacific Islands continue to urbanise, existing models of governance and planning are coming under greater pressure and scrutiny. Both the city council approach and the ‘good’ urban governance agenda of donors have weaknesses in the region, especially in dealing with peri‐urban settlements where the most rapid urban population growth is occurring. This is resulting in increased social discontent and conflict. This paper critiques the ways in which Pacific Island towns and cities are governed and calls for an approach which is more inclusive (and less hierarchical) and informed by concepts of citizenship and social justice. Indeed, policy makers will need to broaden their concepts and practices of governance if many Pacific cities are to be socially, politically, and envir‐onmentally sustainable. However, the political‐economy of urban development in the region is not proving conducive to consensus, with conflict a more likely outcome in the foreseeable future.

Identifying substance abuse treatment gaps in substate areas

Investigating concerns about uneven utilization of health services, especially affecting disadvantaged high-risk populations, the authors constructed composite indexes for identifying substance abuse treatment gaps in Rhode Island towns and multi-town planning areas. The Drug, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse Need Indexes combined multiple-year rates of substance-related deaths, hospital discharges, and arrests. These indicators were reliable and possessed convergent validity; the composite indexes were also reliable and had construct validity. Regression of treatment admissions rates on town Substance Abuse Need Index scores revealed that some areas had relative gaps in treatment services. Having an objective and validated method for identifying treatment gaps could help treatment planners ensure equal access to services throughout the state. Reducing travel to treatment facilities can increase treatment utilization and treatment retention.

Unwelcome Americans: Living on the Margin in Early New England

Selected by Choice magazine as an Outstanding Academic Title for 2001 In eighteenth-century America, no centralized system of welfare existed to assist people who found themselves without food, medical care, or shelter. Any poor relief available was provided through local taxes, and these funds were quickly exhausted. By the end of the century, state and national taxes levied to help pay for the Revolutionary War further strained municipal budgets. In order to control homelessness, vagrancy, and poverty, New England towns relied heavily on the system inherited from English law. This was a process in which community leaders determined the legitimate hometown of unwanted persons or families in order to force them to leave, ostensibly to return to where they could receive care. The warning-out system alleviated the expense and responsibility for the general welfare of the poor in any community, and placed the burden on each town to look after its own. But homelessness and poverty were problems as onerous in early America as they are today, and the system of warning out did little to address the fundamental causes of social disorder. Ultimately the warning-out system gave way to the establishment of general poorhouses and other charities. But the documents that recorded details about the lives of those who were warned out provide an extraordinary-and until now forgotten-history of people on the margin. Unwelcome Americans puts a human face on poverty in early America by recovering the stories of forty New Englanders who were forced to leave various communities in Rhode Island. Rhode Island towns kept better and more complete warning-out records than other areas in New England, and because the official records include those who had migrated to Rhode Island from other places, these documents can be relied upon to describe the experiences of poor people across the region. The stories are organized from birth to death, beginning with the lives of poor children and young adults, followed by families and single adults, and ending with the testimonies of the elderly and dying. Through meticulous research of historical records, Herndon has managed to recover voices that have not been heard for more than two hundred years, in the process painting a dramatically different picture of family and community life in early New England. These life stories tell us that those who were warned out were predominantly unmarried women with or without children, Native Americans, African Americans, and destitute families. Through this remarkable reconstruction, Herndon provides a corrective to the narratives of the privileged that have dominated the conversation in this crucial period of American history, and the lives she chronicles give greater depth and a richer dimension to our understanding of the growth of American social responsibility.

Entomologic index for human risk of Lyme disease.

An entomologic index based on density estimates of Lyme disease spirochete-infected nymphal deer ticks (lxodes scapularis) was developed to assess human risk of Lyme disease. The authors used a standardized protocol to determine tick density and infection in numerous forested sites in six Rhode Island towns. An entomologic risk index calculated for each town was compared with the number of human Lyme disease cases reported to the Rhode Island State Health Department for the same year. A strong positive relation between entomologic risk index and the Lyme disease case rate for each town suggested that the entomologic index was predictive of Lyme disease risk.