Safe Location Research Articles

The Influence of Tide, Wind, and Habitat on the Abundance and Foraging Rate of Three Species of Imperiled Plovers in Southwest Florida, USA.

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus), and Wilson's Plover (Charadrius wilsonia) are imperiled species that overlap in both their range and habitat outside the breeding season. The purpose of this research was to document the abundance of these species at a barrier island in Southwest Florida, USA, and to examine the influence of tide and wind on both their abundance and foraging. We walked ~700 m surveys through tidal mudflat and adjacent beach semiweekly at 0730-1030 from 24 September 2021-4 March 2022. During these 38 surveys, Piping Plovers were the most abundant of the three species, and the average number counted was 34 (SD 17.3) compared with 11 (SD 6.3) Snowy Plovers and 14 (SD 14.1) Wilson's Plovers. All of the species were more likely to be found on the mudflats during low tides and the beach during high tides. Our findings suggest the high densities of Piping, Snowy, and Wilson's Plover are due to a mudflat habitat that provides high availability of prey, a beach habitat that provides a relatively safe location to roost, and the context of the barrier island, which is surrounded by other suitable habitats. While each species used the barrier island's habitats slightly differently, the high densities of all three species present an opportunity to have a large conservation impact by protecting this dynamic area.

Recovery policies for safe exploration of lunar permanently shadowed regions by a solar-powered rover

The success of a multi-kilometre drive by a solar-powered rover at the lunar south pole depends upon careful planning in space and time due to highly dynamic solar illumination conditions. An additional challenge is that the rover may be subject to random faults that can temporarily delay long-range traverses. The majority of existing global spatiotemporal planners assume a deterministic rover-environment model and do not account for random faults. In this paper, we consider a random fault profile with a known, average spatial fault rate. We introduce a methodology to compute recovery policies that maximize the probability of survival of a solar-powered rover from different start states. A recovery policy defines a set of recourse actions to reach a safe location with sufficient battery energy remaining, given the local solar illumination conditions. We solve a stochastic reach-avoid problem using dynamic programming to find an optimal recovery policy. Our focus, in part, is on the implications of state space discretization, which is required in practical implementations. We propose a modified dynamic programming algorithm that conservatively accounts for approximation errors. To demonstrate the benefits of our approach, we compare against existing methods in scenarios where a solar-powered rover seeks to safely exit from permanently shadowed regions in the Cabeus area at the lunar south pole. We also highlight the relevance of our methodology for mission formulation and trade safety analysis by comparing different rover mobility models in simulated recovery drives from the LCROSS impact region.

FTP2.4 Colorectal Resections at an Elective Hub; A service evaluation

Abstract Aim Rising acute hospital bed pressures that have persisted post-pandemic have led to increased surgical cancellations and growing waiting lists. Ashford and St Peters Hospital Trust set up a unique elective surgical hub at Ashford Hospital to ensure the continued provision of surgical services, unaffected by the capacity pressures of an acute hospital site. The introduction of a level 1.5 Enhanced Care Unit (ECU) has enabled many colorectal resections to be performed at the elective hub. We aim to evaluate elective colorectal resections at this hub since the introduction of ECU. Methods Evaluated all elective colorectal resections in the 12 month period since the introduction of ECU (1st April 2021 - 31st March 2022). Procedure, surgical approach, histology, length of stay, post-operative complications and inter-hospital transfers were recorded for each case. Statistical analysis was performed on the data collected. Results In 12 months,169 and 36 colorectal resections took place at the acute site versus the elective respectively. At the elective hub, 50% of patients were male, the median age was 62.5 yrs, 89% were ASA 2. Right hemicolectomy was the most common procedure (50%) followed by high anterior resection (36%). The open conversion rate was 8%. Three patients (8%) required transfer to St Peter’s, 2 of which had an anastomotic leak. Conclusions An elective hub provides a safe location for colorectal resections. Appropriate case selection involving consultant surgeons and anaesthetists ensures low transfer rates. Expanding this service will relieve bed pressures at St Peters and reduce waiting lists.

Correlation study on the influencing factors of semitendinosus insertion location

To investigate the relationship between the vertical distance from semitendinosus insertion to tibial plateau (S-T) and the physical characteristics of patients, in order to provide reference for incision design to expose the semitendinosus insertion. The patients with ligament injury who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between January 2022 and December 2022 were selected as the research subjects. The patients' baseline data were collected, including age, gender, height, and body mass. During reconstruction operation, the S-T was measured. Considering the S-T as the dependent variable and baseline data as the independent variable, multiple linear regression analysis was used to establish a regression equation to determine the possible influencing factors of semitendinosus insertion location. According to the selection standard, a total of 214 patients were enrolled, including 156 males and 58 females, aged (27±9) years (14-49 years), with a height of (174.7±6.8) cm (range, 160-196 cm) and a body mass of (73.43±12.35) kg (range, 53-105 kg). The S-T was (56.36±3.61) mm (range, 47-67 mm). The multiple linear regression analysis results showed that the height was positively correlated with S-T (β=0.407, SE=0.055, t=7.543, P<0.001); the regression equation was S-T=-14.701+0.407×height, R2=0.690. There was a linear relationship between the height and semitendinosus insertion. The location of semitendinosus insertion estimated by the formula (S-T=-14.701+0.407×height) is reasonable, which provides a theoretical basis for rapid, accurate, and safe location of semitendinosus insertion and design of surgical incision in clinic.

DISTANCE LEARNING OF MEDICAL PHDS IN UKRAINE UNDER COVID19 AND WAR WITH RUSSIA: A NEW REALITIES

Introduction. Distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020-2021, and the Russian war actions whichstarted in 2022, which we refer to as "training under and after attacks," has had a significant impact on medicalundergraduate and postgraduate training in Ukraine. Despite the challenges posed by these events, the implementationof distance learning for medical PhD students proved to be beneficial for their academic performance, and regarded it asadvantageous.The aim of the research is to explore the peculiarities of distance learning for medical PhD medical students, includingits organization, main advantages, disadvantages, and challenges. The research focused on the experience of distancelearning of medical PhD students, particularly at Bogomolets National Medical University in Ukraine, and some others.Material and methods. To determine the effectiveness of distance learning for future medical PhDs, we analyzed theperformance in the course "Academic and Medical English for Medical PhD Students" of 247 medical PhD students, aged21 to 59, who were enrolled in the course at Kyiv Medical University, Bukovinian State Medical University, ZaporizhzhiaState Medical University, Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, during 2021-2022, and BogomoletsNational Medical University, during 2018-2023, as well as the subjective perception of distance learning by medicalPhDs. The scope of the multi-center research was chosen to neutralize factors that may hinder objective research. Theparticipation was voluntary, upon oral consent of the respondents. The results were treated by the Statistica 19.0., and thesignificance was determined using the Wilcoxon and Student's t-tests.The study was conducted within the doctoral research framework of L. Lymar, “Developing English academic competenceof Healthcare PhD students through distance communication”, approved by the Scientific Council of Bogomolets NationalMedical University on 25.11.2021, protocol № 4.Results. The English language communicative competence characteristics of the medical PhD students were analyzed,and it was statistically determined that after distance learning, the overall level of the competence improved by 0.3-0.5points on a 5-point scale. Additionally, medical PhD students expressed positive attitude towards distance learning.The advantages of distance learning of the medical PhD students, based on a 4-year experience, include: time savingsin commuting, absence of classroom space issues, transparency in the implementation of electronic assessment, andincreased opportunities for creativity and collaboration. Under the realities of Ukraine, distance learning limited possibilityof COVID19 infection, and since 2022, mitigated military threats, with the opportunity to study in safe locations, suchas bomb shelters, in a flexible mode. Disadvantages of distance learning for Ukrainian medical PhD students includedependence on the internet connection and electricity supply, and the psychological stress factor, which is not directlyrelated to distance learning, but rather to "learning under and after fire" in Ukraine.Conclusion. Despite the stressful component of distance learning for medical PhDs, its organization using LMS andonline classes has contributed to improved performance indicators and competences, and positive attitude of PhDs todistance learning. The advantages of distance learning include time saving, the absence of classroom space issues, andbroader possibilities offered by educational systems. The disadvantages of distance learning are its dependence on internetand power supply, as well as the psychological unpreparedness of some learners and instructors for distance learning.

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INTEGRATION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS

Internal migration is one of the most significant consequences of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The social impacts of the war include the demographic changes in Ukrainian regions. We can identify the three groups of regions: (1) regions from where the population is forced to leave, (2) transit regions, as well as (3) recipient regions (those taking on the biggest burden due to the reception of internally displaced persons). In addition to purely humanitarian tasks (resettlement of people, providing them with food, medicines, etc.), regions and communities faced the task of ensuring their own economic stability as a stabilizing factor of the national economy in the midst of a complex military and political situation. The authors of the article propose to analyze the consequences of internal migration as drivers strengthening the labor potential in the Ukrainian recipient communities and recipient regions. It is substantiated that the human capital of internally displaced persons should be perceived as one of the drivers of local and regional development.&#x0D; In the framework of the article, the argumentation is based on the assumption that the military actions are long-term (the “war of attrition” scenario), and after the end of military actions, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and relocated enterprises will not be able to return to the territory of their permanent residence for a long period of time (until the infrastructure is restored, the housing stock is reconstructed, and demining and other measures are completed).&#x0D; According to this approach, it is necessary to clarify three levels of state regional policies: (1) placing IDPs in safe locations and ensuring satisfactory living conditions for them; (2) assisting in the use of IDP’s human capital within the framework of the regional economy; (3) facilitating inclusive governance and the inclusion of IDPs in the life of host communities and regions. At the same time, the authors of the article emphasize the following: it is necessary to prevent the creation of institutional obstacles for the reintegration of IDPs into places of permanent residence, which can lead to disparities in regional and community development.

A grey ordinal priority approach for healthcare waste disposal location selection

PurposeIncreasing public consciousness and demand for sustainable environment make selection of a safe location for effective disposal of healthcare waste (HCW) a challenging issue. This problem becomes more complicated due to involvement of multiple decision makers having varying knowledge and interest, conflicting quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria, and presence of several alternative locations.Design/methodology/approachTo efficiently resolve the problem, the past researchers have already coupled different multi-criteria decision-making tools with uncertainty models and criteria weight measurement techniques, which are time-consuming and highly computationally complex. Based on involvement of a group of experts expressing their opinions with respect to relative importance of criteria and performance of alternative locations against each criterion, this paper proposes application of ordinal priority approach (OPA) integrated with grey numbers to solve an HCW disposal location selection problem.FindingsThe grey OPA can simultaneously estimate weights of the experts, criteria and locations relieving the decision makers from complicated computational steps. The potentiality of grey OPA in solving an HCW disposal location selection problem is demonstrated here using an illustrative example consisting of three experts, six criteria and four alternative locations.Originality/valueThe derived results show that it can be employed to deal with real-time HCW disposal location selection problems in uncertain environment providing acceptable and robust decisions. It relieves the experts from pair-wise comparisons of criteria, normalization of data, identification of ideal and anti-ideal solutions, aggregation of information and so on, while arriving at the most consistent decision with minimum computational effort.

Safety of mid-thigh exit site venous catheters in multidrug resistant colonized patients.

Venous catheters inserted in superficial femoral vein and with mid-thigh exit site have emerged as a feasible and safe technique for central or peripheral tip's venous access, especially in agitated, delirious patients. The spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial (MDR) strains is an emerging clinical problem and more and more patients are being colonized by these types of bacteria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) or catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in mid-thigh catheters in patients with positive rectal swabs to evaluate the safety of this procedure and the real infection risk. In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed data on patients with mid-tight catheters inserted from May 2021 to November 2022. All surveillance rectal swabs were recorded. In addition, to collect data on CLABSI and CRBSI, the results of all blood and catheter tip cultures performed during the hospital stay were acquired. Six hundred two patients were enrolled, 304 patients (50.5%) had a rectal swab; 128 (42.1%) swabs were positive for MDR. Nine CLABSI (only two in patients with a positive rectal swab) and three CRBSI were detected. No statistical difference in the absolute number of CLABSI and CRBSI and in the number of infections per 1000 catheter days emerged between the overall population and patients with positive rectal swabs (respectively p = 0.45 and p = 0.53). Similarly, no statistical difference in the number of CLABSI and CRBSI was found among patients with a negative swab and patients with a positive one (respectively p = 0.43 and p = 0.51). According to our data, cannulation of the superficial femoral vein represents a safe location in patients with positive rectal swabs.

Endoscopic-assisted en-bloc pterygomaxillectomy: Identifying an efficient and safe location for the pterygoid osteotomy.

For aggressive maxillary sinus and pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) tumors, an en-bloc pterygomaxillectomy may be indicated. Five head specimens were used to study the feasibility of an en-bloc pterygomaxillectomy. Eighty-five non-pathological CT scans were used to compare the superior edge of the inferior turbinate (IT) and the middle turbinate tail (MT) as landmarks for the pterygoid osteotomy. Through a combined sublabial-subperiosteal incision and transoral route, a mid-sagittal osteotomy through the hard palate and an axial osteotomy below the infraorbital foramen were performed. For the endoscopic pterygoid osteotomy, an infra-vidian transpterygoid approach was performed, subsequently removing the pterygomaxillectomy en-bloc. As landmarks, the osteotomies at the level of the MT tail and IT resected the pterygoid plates completely, but the IT osteotomy was further away from the vidian canal (7.5 vs. 6 mm). The endoscopic-assisted en-bloc pterygomaxillectomy is feasible. The IT landmark is safe and ensures complete resection of the pterygoid plates.

How could students be safe during flood and tsunami events?

Reduction of the impact of natural hazards and enhancement of the resilience of population involves access to straightforward information about safe and non-safe areas during the occurrence of a natural phenomenon. The present study focusses on the drainage basin of the Xerias River, at northeastern Peloponnese, Greece, an area highly prone to flooding, while tsunami inundation has also been documented. Firstly, the hazard assessment of the study area to the two phenomena was evaluated by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geographical Information System along with geological, geomorphological, and meteorological data. A sensitivity analysis was used to calculate the uncertainties of both produced geohazard maps, while validation procedure was carried out to determine their accuracy. This study focused on the settlements that host primary and secondary schools to identify safe locations, as well as safe routes from schools to these locations. To this end, the hazard maps were used as input that estimated and divided the settlements into safe and non-safe areas concerning flooding and tsunami inundation. Then, safe locations and routes were defined for the evacuation of the population in case of occurrence of these two natural hazards and incorporated all aforementioned information into an open access application. Regarding flood hazard, the most prone areas are distributed at the northern part of the study area. The analysis for the hazard to tsunami inundation indicated that the most susceptible area is a narrow coastal zone across the city of Corinth. The proposed method appears to be quite accurate, and both geohazard maps is of excellent quality, according to the uncertainty analysis and validation findings. Τhe northern part of city of Corinth along with the nearby schools is threatened by both geohazards. The recommended safe locations for flood hazard are distant from the northern part of the city, while the recognized safe areas for tsunami hazard are not close to the coast. The schools of Athikia and Chiliomodi are located in non-safe areas regarding flooding and authorities should ensure the construction of flood shelter near schools. In the settlements of Solomos and Examilia, the school buildings are located in safe areas regarding flooding. This study highlights the importance of scientific analysis in safe location and route planning, brings together science and society, and provides useful information that can save human lives.

COVID-19 Impact on Group Prenatal Education: A Comparison of Virtual and In-Person Formats.

This retrospective study compared knowledge, intention, and satisfaction outcomes between pregnant women who attended prenatal education in person (n = 202; 55%) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic or virtually (n = 166; 45%) during the pandemic. Results identified increases in knowledge and intention for a healthy pregnancy and safe infant care for both groups. Virtual participants were less likely to endorse developing a birth plan (p = 0.035), knowledge of breastfeeding resources (p = 0.006), confidence in the ability to breastfeed (p = 0.033), and plans to use only a safe infant sleep location (p = 0.045). Important education was provided by continuing Baby Talk during the pandemic. However, topics with activities/demonstrations during in-person learning that were discontinued for virtual learning had significantly lower increases for virtual participants. Virtual education should incorporate more demonstrations/activities.

Erosion and Culture

Erosion and Culture

An investigation of consumer intention to use pick-up point services for last-mile distribution in a developing country

Pick-up point services are one response to last-mile distribution challenges in the e-commerce growth scenario. However, in large cities in developing countries where the low-income and high-income groups are clearly divided, differences in consumer behavior between income groups may affect service distribution. The literature shows that most consumers may use pick-up points when available. However, the service implementation is facing huge inertia. A survey was carried out with 396 consumers in São Paulo, and a conceptual framework was proposed to expand the Diffusion of Innovation Theory to reveal these behaviors. Data were accessed using advanced structural equation modeling techniques (Multigroup and IPMA) to conduct a case study. The findings suggest that ‘Trialability’, ‘Compatibility’, and ‘Relative advantage’ constructs most affect consumer behavior. Location security and accessibility are matters of great concern. The higher preference to use the pick-up point system comes from low-income consumers (social classes D and E); almost 96% of them reported being affected by delivery issues. They also prefer personal attendance and supermarkets as safe and accessible locations. Higher social classes (A and B) still prefer home delivery. This research will help retailers to understand how to operate in a given market to provide an effective, fair, and sustainable service, promoting its diffusion.

Insights into the context of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use among young adults.

Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (simultaneous use) is common among young adults and is associated with a greater number of substance use-related consequences compared to single substance use. Understanding what drives simultaneous use among young adults is crucial. This study aimed to gather qualitative data on physical, social, and situational characteristics of simultaneous use among young adults. Participants were 36 heavy drinking young adults (Mage = 21.79) who engaged in simultaneous use at least twice during the past 30 days. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted via Zoom videoconferencing. Thematic analyses were used to analyze interview data. Findings indicated that young adults are selective of where and with whom they engage in simultaneous use with. Physical characteristics associated with simultaneous use included being in familiar and safe locations. Young adults were less likely to engage in simultaneous use in public spaces. Social characteristics associated with simultaneous use included being at parties, being around close peers, and if others are approving of and/or also using alcohol and cannabis so their effects overlap. Being around family or being alone decreased the likelihood of simultaneous use. Situational characteristics associated with simultaneous use included having access to alcohol and/or cannabis, being a weekend and/or evening, pregaming, and using cannabis at the end of a drinking occasion. Young adults based their decision to engage in simultaneous use on a range of physical, social, and situational contextual factors. Future research should examine multiple characteristics of the context in order to identify specific context with an increased risk of simultaneous use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

IDENTIFICATION OF SAFE DISTANCE AGAINST DISPOSAL SLOPE

Initial mining activities need to remove overburden so it is necessary to find a safe and efficient location to avoid areas that still contain economical excavated materials. This disposal or stockpiling must be arranged considerably to meet the geotechnical design requirements. Other factors, influenced by economics and safety are very important in planning the disposal site. The purpose of this study is to determine the safe distance to disposal for PE pits based on laboratory tests. The study showed that the optimal disposal values for PE pits were 14˚ for a slope height of 50 m, 13˚ for a slope height of 80 m, and 12˚ for a slope height of 100. The Stability of the slope will be better by reducing the slope angle of the disposal slope. The analysis shows that the safe distance to disposal for PE pits is 45 m slope height with 50 m safety distance, 50 m slope height with 69 m safety distance, and 76 m slope height with 100 m safety distance. The higher the disposal slope, the smaller the slopes formed, and the greater the safety distance if the slope height increases.

(471) The Transfacial Fixation of an Ectopic Low Submuscular Reservoir: A Novel Approach to Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Reservoir Placement

Abstract Introduction Ectopic reservoir placement has become a more routine practice among high-volume penile prosthesis implanters. In particular, the low submuscular approach has gained considerable popularity given its safe location away from structures of concern such as the iliac vein or bowel, which can frequently be in the proximity of reservoirs placed in the traditional Space of Retzius position in patients with prior pelvic procedures such as a radical prostatectomy. However, the low submuscular approach is not without its own risks, most notably, herniation of the reservoir to an unintended location. In order to maximize the benefits of submuscular reservoir placement and minimize risk for herniation, we describe a novel approach to low submuscular reservoir placement. Objective The objective of this study is to present outcomes data on inflatable penile prosthesis patients who underwent low submuscular (LSM) reservoir placement with transfascial fixation (TFF). Methods A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent an IPP placement using the LSM with TFF technique between June 2019 and March 2022 by a single, high-volume surgeon at a tertiary medical center. Preoperative patient characteristics were collected, and patients then conducted a telephone interview with a modified questionnaire to assess satisfaction with the IPP and reservoir concealment. Results A total of 34 patients underwent IPP surgery with low submuscular reservoir placement with TFF of which 29 completed the questionnaire (85.2%). The average age of patients was 68.3 years, and 61.5% of patients had undergone a radical prostatectomy. Overall satisfaction with the penile implant was 4.1 (out of 5). Eight patients (26%) were able to palpate the reservoir, and four patients (15.4%) were able to visualize the reservoir impression below the abdominal skin. However, overall satisfaction with reservoir concealment was 4.6 (out of 5) (Table 1). No surgical revisions were required and there were no surgical complications such as bowel obstruction, herniations, bladder erosion, or vascular injuries. Conclusions Low submuscular IPP reservoir placement with TFF is an alternative approach for reservoir placement with a high degree of patient satisfaction, decreased risk for reservoir herniation, and significant ease of placement compared to alternative methods in the literature. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Boston Scientific

Evacuating Premature and Critically Ill Neonates When Hospitals are Endangered by Disasters: A Case Study of the PANDA Team Evacuation of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit During Severe Wildfires in Oregon, USA

Introduction:In September 2020, severe wildfires in Oregon (USA) came dangerously close to Hospital A. The entire county was under evacuation orders. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Hospital A needed to evacuate patients to other areas for safety, however the characteristics of premature and critically ill neonates required a specialized transport team. This presentation outlines a case study of how the Pediatric and Neonatal Transport team (PANDA), based at Oregon Health and Science University (Portland, Oregon, USA), responded to evacuate neonatal and infant patients to other metro area NICUs during the wildfires.Method:Case study.Results:During a six-hour period, both PANDA transport teams on shift were activated to complete back-to-back transports of neonates and infants by ground ambulance to fire safe locations. Each patient was transported by a PANDA Registered Nurse and PANDA Respiratory Therapist, with an Emergency Medical Technician who drove the ambulance and Medical Control available by phone. The PANDA team normally operates in non-disaster settings. This was the first time PANDA was activated to evacuate patients from a hospital during a disaster. This presentation will discuss lessons learned and implications for future practice.Conclusion:Wildfire frequency and severity is predicted to increase due to climate change. Evacuation of premature and critically ill neonates requires a specialized transport team due to patient size, weight, and other considerations. Specialized transport teams should develop disaster evacuation workflows and resources, and regularly practice for these events. There is also a need for trauma-informed care in the post-evacuation setting to transport staff and parents of patients who were unable to travel with their child during transport. A full team pre-transport risk assessment is crucial in these circumstances.

A Qualitative Study of Food Choice in Urban Coastal Esmeraldas, Ecuador

BackgroundConstraints on food choice increase risk of malnutrition worldwide. Residents of secondary cities within low- and middle-income countries are a population of particular concern because they often face high rates of food insecurity and multiple nutritional burdens. Within this context, effective and equitable interventions to support healthy diets must be based on an understanding of the lived experience of individuals and their interactions with the food environment. ObjectivesThe primary objectives of this study were to describe considerations that drive household decision making around food choice in the city of Esmeraldas, Ecuador; to identify trade-offs between these considerations; and to understand how an evolving urban environment influences these trade-offs. MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 20 mothers of young children to explore drivers in food choice throughout the purchase, preparation, and consumption chain. Interviews were transcribed and coded to identify key themes. ResultsPersonal preference, economic access (costs), convenience, and perceptions of food safety were key influencers of decision making related to food. In addition, concerns about personal safety in the urban environment limited physical access to food. This, combined with the need to travel long distances to obtain desirable foods, increased men’s participation in food purchasing. Women’s increasing engagement in the workforce also increased men’s participation in food preparation. ConclusionsPolicies to promote healthy food behavior in this context should focus on increasing access to health foods, such as affordable fresh produce, in convenient and physically safe locations.

Two-dimensional (2D) flood analysis and calibration of stormwater drainage systems using geographic information systems.

In recent years, there has been severe flooding in urban areas as well as coastal and river flooding. Urban flooding is exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, growing population, and the increase of impervious surfaces in urban areas. Stormwater drainage systems that discharge stormwater to a safe location in urban areas are becoming increasingly important. The objective of this study is to analyze and calibrate the flood performance of stormwater drainage systems currently used in the central region of Malatya in a potential flood situation using geographic information systems and the InfoWorks ICM. The model was created using the land use type, buildings, and digital elevation model (DEM), and the analysis was performed by exposing stormwater drainage systems to rainfall events of 5, 10, and 15 min of duration for return periods of 2, 5, and 10 years. The model was then validated using field-observed rainfall and flood data and its performance was evaluated using R2, NSE, RMSE, and MAE metrics. The results showed that the eight stormwater drainage systems currently in operation cannot fully convey stormwater and may pose a risk of loss of life and property in residential areas. In addition, the severity of the flooding was found to increase with an increasing return period.

Assessing Workforce Perceptions of Productivity and Success After 730 Days of Distributed Operations in Response to COVID-19

During the midst of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a large Navy Working Capital Funded (NWCF) government laboratory, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific, transitioned from a traditional onsite/physical daily operational presence to a distributed, virtual, maximum telework posture. In short, unless NIWC Pacific’s leadership directed that performance of a specific, approved tasking required that it take place at a particular physical workplace location, the laboratory workforce was directed to telework from a safe location while practicing social distancing. To this extent, a majority of the workforce for NIWC Pacific’s programs and projects continued performing their duties in a virtual and secure distributed environment. In addition, the Office of Personnel Management telework policy provided new guidance to give personnel adequate direction, including telework eligibility, agreement, definition, and types of telework arrangements. This new norm certainly raised a number of questions and considerations for the organization as a whole related to the effectiveness of the workforce while under a maximum telework mandate. As a result, the authors distributed two surveys to a subset of the workforce in the early days of the pandemic to assess the perceived work effectiveness of the organization. After 730 calendar days of remote operation by the workforce, the authors initiated this study as a third inquiry, with the goal of understanding the long-term impact of distributed telework on productivity and effectiveness within a department of 900 employees.