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Water samples were collected on three dates at 24 sites influenced by effluent from Georgia-Pacific's Palatka Pulp and Paper Mill Operation, a bleached and unbleached kraft mill near Palatka, Florida, USA. The sampling sites were located within the mill retention ponds, Rice Creek, and the St. John's River. Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry for abietic, dehydroabietic, and isopimaric acids, all of which are potentially toxic by-products of pulp production. Isopimaric acid concentrations greater than 12 mg/L were measured at the mill's effluent outfall but were less than 20 µg/L at the end of Rice Creek. This result indicates that the waters of Rice Creek provide dilution or conditions conducive for degradation or sorption of these compounds. Large differences in resin acid concentrations were observed between sampling events. In two sampling events, the maximum observed concentrations were less than 2 mg/L for each analyte. In a third sampling event, all of the compounds were detected at concentrations greater than 10 mg/L. Data from the three sample dates showed that resin acid concentrations were below 20 µg/L before the confluence of Rice Creek and the St. John's River in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates androstenedione as an androgenic component of river water downstream of a pulp and paper mill effluent on the Fenholloway River in Florida. Extraction and concentration of Fenholloway water; Reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography; Mass spectromety analyses of deionized and Fenholloway River water.

The Obama administration is seeking to increase access to and improve the efficiency of the health care system in the United States. One aspect of those efforts is a push towards the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) by health care providers. Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (NSU-CDM) opened its doors in 1997 and began its evolution from paper charts to EHRs in 2006. AxiUm, a computer-run patient record and clinical management system, has become an integral part of the college's quality assurance program and its students' clinical education. Since the introduction of axiUm, the school has already noticed an increase in the quality of patient care due to improved oversight of patient management and the ability to more efficiently track treatment outcomes. Over time, the system will enable data collected by students providing care in the clinics to be quantified. Opposition to EHRs tends to stem primarily from the amount of time required for users to gain proficiency in the new technology, as well as from the initial cost to the provider. But there is no better place to begin this learning process regarding the importance and utilization of EHR systems than universities, where health professions students can acquire a comfort level with EHRs in an academic environment that they may then implement in their future practice.

Purpose Although tablet computers offer advantages in data collection over traditional paper-and-pencil methods, little research has examined whether the 2 formats yield similar responses, especially with underserved populations. We compared the 2 survey formats and tested whether participants' responses to common health questionnaires or perceptions of usability differed by survey format. We also tested whether we could replicate established paper-and-pencil findings via tablet computer. Methods We recruited a sample of low-income community members living in the rural southern United States. Participants were 170 residents (black = 49%; white = 36%; other races and missing data = 15%) drawn from 2 counties meeting Florida's state statutory definition of rural with 100 persons or fewer per square mile. We randomly assigned participants to complete scales (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Inventory and Regulatory Focus Questionnaire) along with survey format usability ratings via paper-and-pencil or tablet computer. All participants rated a series of previously validated posters using a tablet computer. Finally, participants completed comparisons of the survey formats and reported survey format preferences. Findings Participants preferred using the tablet computer and showed no significant differences between formats in mean responses, scale reliabilities, or in participants' usability ratings. Conclusions Overall, participants reported similar scales responses and usability ratings between formats. However, participants reported both preferring and enjoying responding via tablet computer more. Collectively, these findings are among the first data to show that tablet computers represent a suitable substitute among an underrepresented rural sample for paper-and-pencil methodology in survey research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on two conferences about systems research and behavioral science. Sixth International Conference on Computing Anticipatory Systems in Li&eagrave;ge, Belgium from August 11-16, 2003; 7th World Multi Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics in Orlando, Florida from July 27-30, 2003.

The article presents several abstracts which will be presented at the 2014 annual meeting of the American Geriatrics Society, including abstracts on research on long term care facility residents, an intervention to reduce multi-drug resistance and infections in nursing home residents with indwelling devices and doctors' attitudes about end of life resuscitation and advance directives.

The most effective approach to subsidizing power producers in order to bolster the penetration of renewable energy is continuously debated. To address this issue, this paper undertakes an in‐depth investigation into a solar farm investment problem, aiming at capturing the common interests and frictions among the government, the solar system developer, and the utility. In this paper, both static and dynamic game models are proposed with the consideration of the uncertainty of solar power generation. Before investing in a solar farm project, a potential solar farm investor takes into account of subsidy rate regulation for utilities enacted by the government, the panel price announced by the solar developer. In this study, we identified two thresholds of solar panel cost, which provide valuable insights for government policymakers when formulating an appropriate subsidy rate for the solar energy industry. Besides, a optimal policy for each stakeholder has been exposed. The finding from the dynamic model discloses the profound influence of various behaviors on the long‐term profitability of each stakeholder. Finally, based on the real‐world solar power data in Orlando, a case study is presented to expose a more tangible prospect for industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated whether fluctuating asymmetry can serve as a useful biomarker of environmental stress in the eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). Fluctuating asymmetry was measured in sexually mature females sampled from two Florida, USA, coastal streams: The Fenholloway River, which is dominated by effluent from a paper mill, and Spring Creek, a tributary to the Fenholloway River (Taylor County, FL, USA) that does not receive paper mill effluent. Nine morphometric (lengths of the A and B scales, fifth pectoral fin ray, supraorbital canal, and preorbital canal and the sixth gill raker on the first brachial arch; orbit diameter; distance from the dorsal-ventral midpoint of the eye socket to the base of the pectoral fin; and distance from the postorbital canal to the operculum) and five meristic traits (numbers of scales in the lateral line, radii on the A and B scales, pectoral fin rays, and gill rakers on the first brachial arch) were included. For each of the three indexes of fluctuating asymmetry that were used, the majority of the traits showed a higher level of fluctuating asymmetry in fish from the Fenholloway River than in fish from Spring Creek. For two of the indexes, the difference was significant. Comparisons of mean values for fluctuating asymmetry (over all traits) for each fish and the means of a composite index of asymmetry both indicated that fish from the Fenholloway River had significantly greater overall fluctuating asymmetry than those from Spring Creek. Results of the present study are consistent with the hypothesis that environmental stress increased the level of fluctuating asymmetry in fish from the Fenholloway River. Thus, fluctuating asymmetry appears to be a useful biomarker for stress-induced developmental instability in the eastern mosquitofish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive abnormalities in alligators exposed to contaminants in Lake Apopka, Florida, USA represent a clear example of endocrine disruption in wildlife. Several of these contaminants that are not able to bind to mammalian estrogen receptors (such as atrazine and cyanazine) have previously been reported to bind to the alligator estrogen receptor from oviductal tissue. Binding of known Lake Apopka contaminants to full length estrogen receptors alpha from human (hERα) and alligator (aERα) was assessed in a side-by-side comparison within the same assay system. Baculovirus-expressed recombinant hERα and aERα were used in a competitive binding assay. Atrazine and cyanazine were not able to bind to either receptor. p,p′-Dicofol was able to bind to aERα with a concentration inhibiting 50% of binding (IC50) of 4 µM, while only partially displacing 17β-estradiol (E2) from hERα and yielding a projected IC50 of 45 µM. Chemicals that only partially displaced E2 from either receptor, including some dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) metabolites and trans-nonachlor, appeared to have higher affinity for aERα than hERα. p,p′-Dicofol-mediated transcriptional activation through aERα and hERα was assessed to further explore the preferential binding of p,p′-dicofol to aERα over hERα. p,p′-Dicofol was able to stimulate transcriptional activation in a similar manner with both receptors. However, the in vitro results obtained with p,p′-dicofol were not reflected in an in vivo mammalian model, where Kelthane™ (mixed o,p′- and p,p′-dicofol isomers) did not elicit estrogenic effects. In conclusion, although there was no evidence of exclusively species-specific estrogen receptor binders, some xenoestrogens, especially p,p′-dicofol, had a higher affinity for aERα than for hERα. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2064–2071. © 2010 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Core lexicon (CL) analysis is a time efficient and possibly reliable measure that captures discourse production abilities. For people with aphasia, CL scores have demonstrated correlations with aphasia severity, as well as other discourse and linguistic measures. It was also found to be clinician‐friendly and clinically sensitive enough to capture longitudinal changes in aphasia. To our knowledge, CL has never been investigated in individuals with neurologically progressive disease. Aims: As a preliminary investigation, we sought to investigate (1) whether CL scores correlate with dementia severity, (2) whether CL scores correlate with measures of discourse quality, and (3) whether CL scores correlate with other measures of lexical/semantic access. Methods & Procedures: Twelve participants with a cognitive impairment associated with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) completed several measures of language and cognitive ability, as well as provide a language sample from the wordless picture book, Picnic. Results & Conclusion: Results are informative, as they provide insight into characteristics of CL and provide support for potential use of CL in individuals with neurologically progressive disease. The results indicated that CL scores do correlate with dementia severity and several measures of language ability, indicating they may provide a useful measure of language abilities in DAT, but more research is needed. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Core lexicon (CL) analysis is an assessment measure of discourse ability, most closely related to informativeness or productivity, used in aphasiology that is easier to use and less time consuming than previous measures of informativeness, such as correct information units or type‐token ratio (TTR). For people with aphasia, CL analysis correlates with aphasia severity, measures of informativeness, as well as other measures of discourse quality. It has also been shown to be faster and more reliable between scorers than other informativeness measures. What this study adds: Core lexicon analysis is a new simple and online method for assessing the informativeness of a discourse sample without the need to record or transcribe the language sample. CL is receiving a lot of attention in aphasia, correlating with everything from aphasia severity to measures of productivity and lexical access, as well as measures of informativeness. Unfortunately, no one has investigated CL analysis in dementia. The study demonstrates the first evidence that CL analysis may be a useful measure for determining dementia severity and language quality in people with dementia. What are the clinical implications of this work?: Core lexicon analysis may provide clinicians and researchers with an easy method for assessing the discourse of people with a cognitive impairment associated with dementia of the Alzheimer's type. This will improve initial assessment, as well as improve ongoing language assessment that may provide clues into their functional ability to communicate effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following paper presents case examples of one research team's use of social network analysis (SNA) with three different collaboratives in South Florida: (a) a Collective Impact initiative seeking to end youth homelessness, (b) a university collaborative of campus organizations working towards Black students' concerns, and (c) a movement network of local social justice organizations. The research team used SNA to assess the level of connectivity of three different community coalitions. While research questions were slightly different for each collaborative, each project asked about the frequency of communication between organizations to determine connectivity. Results vary between case examples. Both the Youth Homeless Collaboration and the Black Student Association used Gephi to analyze results, while The Community Partnership used R to measure network centrality. The paper concludes with a general discussion of challenges related to using SNA as an action research tool, as well as the role of power in organizational networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though tropical cyclone (TC) models have been routinely evaluated against track and intensity observations, little work has been performed to validate modeled TC wind fields over land. In this paper, we present a simple framework for evaluating simulated low‐level inland winds with in‐situ observations and existing TC structure theory. The Automated Surface Observing Systems, Florida Coastal Monitoring Program, and best track data are used to generate a theory‐predicted wind profile that reasonably represents the observed radial distribution of TC wind speeds. We quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated the modeled inland TC wind fields, and described the model performance with a set of simple indicators. The framework was used to examine the performance of a high‐resolution two‐way nested Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory model on recent U.S. landfalling TCs. Results demonstrate the capacity of using this framework to assess the modeled TC low‐level wind field in the absence of dense inland observations. Plain Language Summary: Some of the biggest human impacts of tropical cyclone (TC) winds come after the TC makes landfall. A skillful prediction of the radial distribution of winds is essential for forecasting TC‐induced inland hazards. However, the forecast skill of numerical hurricane models on inland TC wind fields has rarely been evaluated since it is challenging to collect wind observations during landfall, and the network of regular weather observations is too spread out to capture the strongest winds associated with a TC. This inhibits the improvement of forecast models and limits our understanding of the TC's inland evolution. Our work combines available inland in‐situ wind observations over the southeastern U.S. with existing TC structure theory, and presents a new "optimal" estimate of the post‐landfall winds. Our framework is found to be useful for evaluating the post‐landfall TC winds in hurricane forecast models. In addition, the new evaluation technique can intuitively demonstrate how well the model simulates TC intensity and structure. Key Points: We introduce a new framework for evaluating modeled inland tropical cyclone (TC) wind fields with observation‐based, theory‐predicted wind profilesThe theory‐predicted wind profile well represents the observed radial distribution of inland TC wind speedsWe propose simple indicators to summarize the model performance on inland wind field predictions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the several papers discussed at the 39th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC) held in Daytona Beach, Florida from January 25-30, 2015 organized by American Ceramic Society (ACerS) Engineering Ceramics Division (ECD) is presented. Topics include the environmental, functional, and structural application of advance ceramic coating, nanostructured materials, and photonics and energy processing.

Information about several papers discussed during the 39th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC) held in Daytona Beach, Florida from January 25-30, 2015 is presented. Topics discussed include the mechanical performance of ceramics, the ceramic materials processing, and the electrical, optical, and medical use of single crystalline materials.

In this paper, we examine the trajectory, orbital, and radiometric characteristics of the bolide event occurring off the coast of southern Florida and the Grand Bahama Island on April 13, 2021. An object measuring about 1.3 m in diameter entered the atmosphere at approximately 02:16:40 UTC at a velocity of 16 km s−1. It took an almost due north course between Florida and Grand Bahama Island, terminating in the Atlantic Ocean. No fragments have been recovered up to the date of submission of this paper. We used a fragmentation model to infer the internal structure of the object. We found that the best fit to the light curve and height of the peak energy deposition is with a weak stony meteor, with a density of about 2000 kg m−3, that disrupted and fragmented quickly, over a time interval of 1.5 s, or over a distance of about 11 km in altitude, between 45 and 34 km. We find that the impactor had a preatmospheric mass of 2.5 ± 0.5 t, resulting in a diameter of about 1.34 ± 0.09 m. We performed a backward integration of the trajectory to determine an orbit and found that the impacting object was a Jupiter family comet with a semimajor axis of about 3.6 AU, and an inclination of 9°, which is consistent with our analysis from the fragmentation model. We could not find a suitable candidate for a parent body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information about papers presented at the Florida and Arizona conferences on policy studies in March 1980. Some of the papers are "The Role of the Professional in the Politics of Aging," was presented by Neal Cutler and "Practical Theorizing," has been presented by Fred Frohock. The paper "Demographic Changes and Changing Demography," is presented by Kenneth Godwin.

In this paper, we ask whether female top law enforcement officials can steer justice provision on the ground. While prior research has documented that female street‐level bureaucrats advance the interests of their female clients, we know little about how female leaders influence the distribution of street‐level outcomes. This study draws on juvenile justice and inquires whether youth arrests and prosecutions vary as a function of the sheriff's and state attorney's sex. We expect counties and circuits led by female sheriffs and state attorneys to experience fewer youth arrests and prosecutions than those led by men, especially among female and minority offenders. Data from Florida's 67 counties between 2015 and 2020 reveal that women's leadership is associated with less severe outcomes for all young offenders, not just females. We also find that gender and feminine leadership theories hold more explanatory power in this context than representative bureaucracy and gendered organizational socialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of a regular pulse burst (RPB) at the end of a K‐event are analyzed utilizing a simple geometric model and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to estimate the currents and propagation speeds of successive pulses of the RPB. The results show that the current of successive pulses is strongly overlapped and, for typical speeds of continuously propagating K‐events, are unphysically large (88 kA), exceeding the currents of most strokes to ground. By default, the unphysical nature of the result, coupled with very high frequency interferometer observations of an RPB in Florida, shows that the propagation speed of the pulses is significantly faster than expected, namely ∼0.6–1.8 × 108 m/s. This reduces the inferred current from 88 kA down to 6–18 kA, typical of intracloud events. The fast propagation speed of the stepping is explained by successive pulses retracing much of the path of the preceding pulses due to the successive pulses being strongly overlapped. Plain Language Summary: Regular pulse bursts (RBP) are a spectacular phenomenon in lightning studies, in which rapidly propagating, conductive channels called K‐events transition from a smoothly and continually lengthening channel to an intermittent but regularly‐spaced stepping process, with each step producing a highly‐impulsive current and electric field change, or "sferic." Here we introduce a new approach for analyzing sferic observations that models the K‐event as a series of successive segments, with the parameters of the current and extent of each pulse being determined by searching the multi‐dimensional parameter space that best fits the corresponding pulse waveforms. This was done using a process called PSO, and indicated that the RBP pulses were caused by a succession of overlapping fast breakdown events, but having unphysically strong currents. For the distant measurements of the study, the sferic amplitudes can determine only the product of current and propagation speed of the pulses, causing their current and speed values to be ambiguous. However, for the currents to have reasonable values, we are able to conclude that the speeds needed to be faster than assumed maximum value of 1.5 × 107 m/s value in the analysis. This contention is supported by observations of similar RPBs being studied by the authors. Key Points: A new, innovative method is developed for estimating the currents and extents of fast electric field change pulsesThe method is applied to the study of a regular pulse burst, showing that it consisted of a succession of fast overlapping eventsThe speed of the pulses is inferred to be significantly higher than that of continuously‐developing K‐leader [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates contingent valuation method data quality by examining differences in results between probability‐based and opt‐in internet samples using data from a survey estimating passive use losses associated with the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Both samples pass the internal validity tests of negative price (bid) coefficient and positive sign on income but only the probability‐based sample passed the scope test and shows evidence of use values. We find that the willingness to pay estimates from the opt‐in sample may be over‐estimated compared to the probability‐based sample, though not statistically different. Results support the utility of less expensive opt‐in samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on two events about systems research and behavioral science. The 2nd International Conference on Politics and Information Systems: Technologies and Applications, in Orlando, Florida on July 21-25, 2004; The Second International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities, in Tuscany, Italy on July 20-23, 2004.

This research is motivated by a change in Florida that affected assisted living facilities (ALFs) by removing the property tax exemptions for those operated by nonprofit organizations. As such, this paper addresses two research questions: (1) Are there systematic differences between Florida's for‐profit‐ and nonprofit‐designated ALFs in terms of operations and service provision? (2) What was the impact, if any, of losing and regaining their property tax exemptions on the operations of Florida's nonprofit ALFs? We use data from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to conduct difference of means testing for‐profit versus nonprofit ALFs, as well as annual financial data of each ALF property owners' IRS Form 990 from the National Center for Charitable Statistics Core Files and parcel‐level property data from the state of Florida to conduct regression analysis using three different dependent variables measuring various components of nonprofit ALF operations. We find that nonprofit ALFs have greater legitimacy in service delivery than for‐profits, as nonprofit ALFs have higher service capacity, quality, and variety than for‐profit ALFs in Florida. In addition, property tax exemptions for nonprofit ALFs in Florida decrease total expenses and increase officer compensation. Applications For Practice: Nonprofit designated assisted living facilities (ALFs) in Florida have greater legitimacy in service delivery through their larger service capacity, quality, and variety, as well as less property ownership turnover and more nursing staff for residents.The property tax exemption nonprofit designated ALFs in Florida received lead to increasing officer compensation and decreasing total expenses. Nonprofit designated ALFs could better compensate their officers with the tax cost savings afforded them through the property tax exemption, similar to findings of for‐profit nursing homes.The loss of the property tax exemption had no impact on retained earnings of nonprofit designated ALFs within the state of Florida.Possibly, the statutory property tax exemption change forced nonprofit organizations operating ALFs within the state of Florida to function more like for‐profit nursing facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Florida Everglades, the largest subtropical wetland in North America, is in the midst of one of the most comprehensive and expensive environmental restoration efforts in history. Over the past 150 years, the Everglades has suffered substantial degradation due to massive drainage projects, polluting agricultural practices, and urban population growth. Decades of scientific investigation have shown that phosphorus (P) pollution is a primary driver of this environmental decline. This paper reviews how and why specific P‐management goals and strategies have been adopted in support of Everglades restoration, focusing on the often‐contentious process for converting science into restoration policies and standards. We synthesize current P‐management successes, failures, and tradeoffs, including the challenge of balancing multiple hydrologic and water quality restoration goals with the priorities and values of a diverse group of stakeholders. We then highlight promising future directions for Everglades P policy and propose questions to help guide the discussion of future restoration priorities and research needs in this and other complex social–ecological systems. The overall goals of this review are thus twofold: (1) to support an in‐depth understanding of the past, present, and potential future of P management approaches in this globally unique social–ecological system; and (2) to provide a broader framework for understanding how the coevolution of science and policy can support or undermine large‐scale ecosystem restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the voices of tomato industry workers, this paper offers a multi‐sited ethnographic view of largely unrecognized practices in the conventional, field‐grown, fresh‐market wholesale tomato industry in the southeastern United States. Tomato industry workers—including agricultural cooperative extension agents, farmers, labor contractors, marketers, and harvesters—present their distinctive perspectives on production‐exchange relations, shifting political economic identities, and what I call emerging redistributive practices found throughout a southeastern U.S. tomato circuit. I argue that two specific emerging redistributive practices take place while the tomatoes are technically still in the production stage in certain conventional tomato fields: (i) pinhooking and (ii) buying the field. Studying these practices helps us better understand the complexities of the southeastern U.S. tomato industry. By looking at tomato enterprises that plant, cultivate, harvest, transport, and/or market produce, this paper presents a body of evidence that counter‐constructs the racialized stereotype concerning Mexicans and Mexican Americans' contributions to agriculture in the southeastern United States. It shows how an ethnographically informed picture of a regional tomato industry circuit reveals commonly unrecognized features of social change, enterprise, production‐exchange relations, and redistributive practices. It concludes by suggesting that these enterprise arrangements and practices could support the creation of more equitable regional food production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strong sea‐surface temperature (SST) gradient associated with the Gulf Stream (GS) is widely acknowledged to play an important role in shaping mid‐latitude weather and climate. Despite this, an index for the GS SST gradient has not yet been standardized in the literature. This paper introduces a monthly index for the large‐scale SST gradient across the separated GS based on the time‐varying GS position detected from sea‐surface height. Analysis suggests that the variations in the monthly average SST gradient throughout the year result primarily from SST variability to the north of the GS, with little contribution from SST to the south. The index exhibits a weak periodicity at ∼2 years. Sea level pressure and turbulent heat flux patterns suggest that variability in the large‐scale SST gradient is related to atmospheric (rather than oceanic) forcing. Ocean‐to‐atmosphere feedback does not persist throughout the year, but there is some evidence of wintertime feedback. Plain Language Summary: The Gulf Stream is a narrow and fast‐flowing oceanic boundary current that transports warm tropical water north along the coast of Florida and out into the North Atlantic past Cape Hatteras. It is a region where sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) change dramatically over very short distances with much cooler temperatures on one side of the Gulf Stream (GS) (to the north) and warmer temperatures on the other side (to the south). This strong change in SST across the GS is important for weather systems that propagate in the Euro‐Atlantic sector. Here, an index that measures how much the SSTs change with distance from month‐to‐month across the GS once it separates past Cape Hatteras is developed for the first time. It is found that variability in the index primarily results from SST variations to the north of the separated GS, which themselves are influenced by the atmosphere. There is evidence however that the SST variability represented by the index can also exert an influence on the atmosphere in wintertime. Additionally, the value of the index at any given time seemingly provides some information about the state of the index several years into the future. Key Points: A monthly index for the large‐scale sea‐surface temperature gradient of the separated Gulf Stream is presentedVariations in the index throughout the year are related to atmospheric forcingEvidence of ocean‐atmosphere feedback in the index is only apparent in wintertime [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the consequences of climate change have rapidly necessitated local government action to mitigate and adapt to rising sea levels, increased storm frequency, and higher temperatures. Acknowledgement of underlying climate issues, however, varies widely across regions and towns. Using critical discourse analysis (CDA), this paper evaluates the climate change acknowledgment of five municipality sustainability action plans (SAP) in coastal Florida and the broader implications for sustainable development. Public pressure, environmental champions, and recent storm events causing infrastructure damage were identified as key factors underpinning coastal climate change acknowledgement. Notably, the plans that admitted the anthropogenic causes of climate change were more optimistic and action focused. By emphasizing local mitigation efforts and opportunities, they were more empowering than those that treated climate threats as inevitable external circumstances. Anthropogenic climate change acknowledgment is thus a powerful tool for local governments to catalyze action when developing their sustainability goals and plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on several events related to behavioral science in 2012 including the joint conference of the Bateson Idea Group (BIG) and the American Society for Cybernetics (ASC) in Asilomar, California on July 9-13, the 16th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (WMSCI 2012) in Orlando, Florida on July 17-20, and the 2012 International Conference of the Systems Dynamics Society in St. Gallen, Switzerland on July 22-26.

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The article offers information on the 40th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC) on January 24-29, 2016 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Tree islands, a prominent feature of wetland landscapes worldwide, are patches of forest scattered throughout a matrix of herbaceous marsh. In the Florida Everglades, their development over millennia as elevated, relatively well‐drained features above the wetland surface has made them cultural centers for indigenous people and refugia for a rich assortment of plants and animals. However, since the early years of the twentieth century, the number and area of tree islands have been roughly halved in Everglades National Park and Water Conservation Areas due to scarce or excessive water levels, leading to fires or persistent flooding, respectively. This loss has prompted a need for tree island rehabilitation or reconstruction within the ongoing state–federal partnership to bring about Everglades restoration. In this paper, we present results of a field‐scale experiment that examined the effects of flooding, planting density, and the size and proximity of neighbors on the performance of native tree species on constructed tree islands. Hypotheses derived using the stress‐gradient hypothesis as a framework were tested at the neighborhood level. Flooding reduced survival and mean tree size 7–8 years after initial planting, while planting seedlings at spacings as close as 1 m apart resulted in higher total biomass, with no significant cost in tree survival. Flood‐tolerant species increased in relative abundance during the study period along the entire hydrologic gradient, while flood‐intolerant species were able to survive only at higher elevations. Crowding effects within neighborhoods varied across the flooding gradient. Survival increased or remained stable as neighbor effects increased in high‐flooding zones, while declining sharply as crowding increased under low‐flooding conditions. Similar results were obtained for the growth of flood‐tolerant species under close spacing, with most showing an increment in growth where flooding was high. These data suggest that tree island restoration can benefit from targeted mixed‐species plantings at variable densities, as the compositional and structural heterogeneity promoted by these measures may increase adaptability and resilience to future uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this viewpoint and critique is to provide theoretical considerations as to why virtual court may exacerbate the existing disadvantages of intimate partner violence victims in child removal cases. As a backdrop, this paper uses a report of an unnamed but actual victim of intimate partner abuse and her experience in a child removal case in Florida. Key points for the family court community: There are numerous barriers for victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the Child Protective Services (CPS) systemVirtual court may be another psychological barrier for female IPV victims in CPS cases [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the first recorded association between fishes and nudibranchs in epipelagic waters. In situ observations and photographs of a juvenile spotted driftfish Ariomma regulus (Stromateiformes; Ariommatidae) swimming alongside the planktonic nudibranch Phylliroe lichtensteinii (Gastropoda; Phylliroidae) were made during blackwater scuba dives off Palm Beach, Florida, United States of America. In this paper, we describe this behavior, highlighting a previously undocumented zooplanktonic host used by fishes. This finding also demonstrates the importance of community science in advancing our understanding of the early life history of marine species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the earth's climate changes, the ability of breeders to select for traits within forage species that impart adaptability to these changes will be critical for the maintenance of grassland agricultural systems. Temperate ‐ tropical climate transition zones (between 27 and 31° N and S latitude) have proven to be ideal zones for breeding species with variable climate adaptation. Programs located in these regions have the advantage of exposure to alternating extreme warm and cold temperatures, drought and flood conditions, and a multitude of biotic pests including fungi, viruses, insects and nematodes. In this paper we will present examples of how forage breeding programs in north‐central Florida have capitalized on these distinct advantages for selection of cultivars with resiliency to changing climate variables. Breeding programs in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) will be discussed as examples for moving cool season species into warmer climates. Species attributes that contribute to climate resiliency will be identified and described. The ability to identify small changes in genetic photoperiod responses in these regions, are illustrated as an advantage when the objective is development of earlier or later maturity. Transition zones also provide suitable environments for biotic stresses, from both tropical and temperate areas, including fungal diseases, nematodes, and insects, offering desirable field environments for screening and genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, the scientific community has studied, experimented, and published a notable body of literature on the ecological enhancement of coastal and marine infrastructure (CMI). The Nature‐Inclusive Design (NID) approach refers to methods and technologies that can be integrated into the design and construction of CMI to create a suitable habitat for native species (or communities) whose natural habitat has been degraded or reduced. To examine the compliance of new environmentally sensitive technologies with structural requirements and fiscal restraints, while providing ecosystem and habitat value, this paper presents the findings of a structural–economical–biological analysis of ecologically engineered Articulated Concrete Block Mattresses (ACBMs). To evaluate the structural and biological performance of the Ecological Articulated Concrete Block Mattresses, a pilot project was deployed in April 2017 at Port Everglades, Florida, USA, and evaluated against controls of adjacent artificial structures and smooth‐surface concrete blocks and monitored over a period of two years. The elements of ecological enhancement implemented in the fabrication and design of the ecologically enhanced ACBMs were comprised of bio‐enhancing concrete additives and science‐based designs. Based on the results of this study, these design alterations have increased the richness and diversity of sessile assemblages compared to control blocks and adjacent artificial structures and supported a higher abundance of mobile species. This ecological improvement was achieved within the operational limitations of conventional manufacturing and installation technologies, while complying with strict structural requirements for standard concrete marine construction. The results supported the working hypothesis and demonstrated that modifications of concrete composition, surface texture, and macro‐design have the potential to increase the ecological value of concrete‐based CMI and promote a more sustainable and adaptive approach to coastal and marine development in an era of climate resilience‐building. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:148–162. © 2021 SETAC KEY POINTS: Ecological enhancement was achieved within the operational limitations of conventional manufacturing and installation technologies.Ecological Articulated Concrete Block Mattresses comply with the strict structural requirements for coastal and marine construction.Design alterations have increased the richness and diversity of sessile assemblages compared to control blocks and adjacent artificial structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on several conferences including the 55th Meetings of the International Society for the Systems Sciences to be held at the Hull University of Business in Hull, England on July 17-22, 2011, the 15th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics: WMSCI 2011 to be held in Orlando, Florida on July 19-22, 2011 and the International Conference of the System Dynamics Society held in Washington, D. C. on July 24-28, 2011.

The article offers world news briefs related to science and technology. The journal of William Ross Ashby, a British pioneer in the fields of Cybernetics will be available on the Internet, which consists of more than one million words on 7400 pages in 25 volumes. Workshop on Intelligent Knowledge Management will be held in Chendu and Jiuzhaigou, China on June 21-26, 2009. The 3rd International Multi-Conference on Society, Cybernatics and Informatics will be held in Florida on July 10-13, 2009.

The article presents abstracts on veterinary medicine research topics which include one on the use of a modified Vinsot technique for partial phallectomy in horses, one on the severity of iatrogenic lesions between conventional and modified approaches in 16 equine cadaver forelimbs, and one on the factors associated with anhidrosis in horses in Florida.

Fast breakdown (FB), a breakdown process composed of systems of high‐velocity streamers, has been observed to precede lightning leader formation and play a critical role in lightning initiation. Vigorous FB events are responsible for the most powerful natural radio emissions on Earth, known as narrow bipolar events (NBEs). In this paper, an improved version of the Griffiths and Phelps (1976, https://doi.org/10.1029/jc081i021p03671) model of streamer breakdown is used alongside supervised machine learning techniques to probe the required electric fields and potentials inside thunderstorms to produce FB and NBEs. Our results show that the electrostatic conditions needed to produce +FB observed in New Mexico at 9 km altitude and −FB in Florida at 14 km altitude are about the same, each requiring about 100 MV potential difference to propagate 500 m. Additionally, the model illustrates how electric field enhancement ahead of propagating FB can initiate rebounding FB of the opposite polarity. Key Points: An electrostatic model for fast breakdown in thunderstorms is proposed and used to explain features of narrow bipolar event waveformsPositive and negative polarity breakdown requires about the same 100 MV potential difference available in New Mexico and Florida stormsFast breakdown can be bidirectional with electric fields ahead of a streamer system creating rebounding opposite polarity breakdown [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers' attitudes about the direction of the economy influence their decisions about discretionary purchases, saving, and investment. This paper uses data from Florida's consumer sentiment index to study the role and accuracy of consumer confidence in forecasting consumption, as well as the mechanism behind such a relationship. Spending on durable goods tends to be more discretionary in nature and it is frequently done using credit, thus potentially more sensitive to changes in consumer attitudes. Our results indicate that the in‐sample predictive power of the index and its questions is limited to predicting spending on durable goods, particularly, on autos. Furthermore, consumer confidence does not improve the out‐of‐sample forecast beyond the forecast from a baseline model, which considers economic fundamentals. Finally, the evidence shows that the relationship between shocks in consumer confidence and economic activity arises because confidence measures contain information about the state of the economy, thus rejecting animal spirits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to create a new hybrid ensemble data mining model to predict the Salmonella presence in agricultural surface waters based on the combination of heterogeneous ensemble approach for feature selection, clustering, regression, and classification algorithms. The data set for this study was collected from six agricultural ponds in Central Florida consisting of 23 features with 540 instances (26 Salmonella positive and 514 Salmonella negative). The model consisted of three stages. Initially, a heterogeneous ensemble feature selection (HEFS) approach was applied to select top features. Then, the k‐means clustering algorithm was implemented to remove misclassified cases from the data set. Finally, classification and regression algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), Naïve Bayes (NB), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF) with soft voting approach were applied to the preprocessed data set to predict the Salmonella presence in agricultural surface waters with the amount of test set (20%). These algorithms were combined in 10 different ensemble models through the soft voting approach. The performance of these hybrid ensemble models was also evaluated. The ensemble ANN + RF model achieved the highest performance and outperformed all other single and ensemble models based on Area under the ROC Curve (AUC) (0.98) and prediction accuracy (94.9%). The findings emphasize the validity of our hybrid ensemble model which encourages researchers to predict Salmonella presence in agricultural surface waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an abstract of the study `Enamel Hypoplasias and Evidence for Stress in North Florida' by D.L. Hutchinson.

Presents an abstract of the study `Biological evidence for selective Cuban immigration to Florida,' by Curtis W. Wienker. Demographic, anthropometric and skin color data from adult Cuban-Americans living in Tampa, Florida.

Presents an abstract of the study `The Effects of Gender on Health Status and Reported Morbidity in a Rural Florida Population,' by L.T. Barbian and D.M. Grinenko. Telephone survey of female heads of households in a rural Florida town; Gender specific differences in health and morbidity.

This article introduces articles on the restoration process of Kissimmee river channels, Kissimmee, Florida, published in the September 1, 1995 issue of the journal Restoration Ecology. The papers in this issue provide conceptual models of the key features of biotic communities likely to have been significantly affected by channelization and therefore to respond positively to the restoration. By formalizing recovery expectations, these papers will allow critical evaluation of the effectiveness of the restoration. They also will allow continual analysis of possible changes in the project to stimulate more effectively the recovery of desirable plant and animal communities.

The University of Florida Mobile Outreach Clinic (MOC) is a free primary care clinic serving vulnerable communities and citizens without health insurance in Gainesville, Florida, and surrounding areas. This paper describes the approach taken by MOC to offer sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to underserved patients within a reproductive justice framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive, it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a nonnative habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat, and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal‐central Florida in the southeast United States) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g., Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly because of uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species Callithrix aurita, Callithrix flaviceps, Callithrix geoffroyi, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix kuhlii, Callithrix penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation‐related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FACT Network (originally the Florida Atlantic Coast Telemetry working group), established in 2007, is a grassroots collaboration that is dedicated to improving the conservation and management of aquatic animals by facilitating data sharing amongst researchers using acoustic telemetry technology, providing a community for scientists, and building stakeholder partnerships. Founded along the eastern Florida coastline, FACT quickly grew in both membership and geographical range to include 93 partner groups along a large portion of the southern U.S. Atlantic seaboard and western Caribbean. This rapid expansion was facilitated by adapting FACT's policies and procedures to meet the growing needs of its members, including implementing an online data sharing system capable of exchanging information with other compatible systems designed by the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN). Less than 13 months from its inception, the FACT database housed 129.5 million detections and metadata for 5,979 tags from 101 projects (85 FACT projects and 16 OTN-based projects). Twice-yearly meetings allow FACT members to interact, building relationships between individuals, which in turn promotes collaboration and data sharing. The success of FACT is attributable to a combination of biogeographical factors; partnerships with the Animal Tracking Network, OTN, and Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association; and active membership. In a survey of FACT members, data management services and belonging to a community ranked highest as reasons for joining the network. Future success of the FACT Network will depend on how effectively it can adapt to changing needs and conditions in the scientific landscape. In this paper, we describe the origins, philosophy, and management approach of the FACT Network, with the hope that this information can provide insights into the benefits (and limitations) of future acoustic tracking networks in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clay-settling areas (CSAs) are one of the most conspicuous and development-limiting landforms remaining after phosphate mining. Many questions are asked by the mining and regulatory communities with regard to the correct modelling (predictive) methods and assumptions that should be used to yield viable hydrologic post-reclamation landforms within CSAs. Questions as to the correct methodology to use in modelling/predicting long-term CSA hydrologic performance have historically been difficult to answer because the data and analysis to support popular hypotheses did not exist. The goal of this paper was to substantially improve the data, analysis and predictive methodology necessary to return CSAs to viable hydrologic units, and moreover, to develop better understanding of the hydrology of CSAs and their ability to support wetlands. The study site is located at the Fort Meade Mine in Polk County, Florida. In this paper, continuous model simulation and calibration of study site were conducted for the hydrologic model, Hydrological Simulation Program - FORTRAN, which was generally selected on the basis of its popularity in predicting the hydrologic behaviour of CSAs. The objective of this study was to simulate streamflow discharges and stage to estimate runoff response from these areas on the basis of the observed rainfall within the CSA. A set of global hydrologic parameters was selected and tested during the calibration by the parameter estimation software PEST. A comparison of the simulated and observed flow data indicates that the model calibration adequately reproduces the hydrologic response of the CSAs. The estimated parameters can be used as references for future application of the model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sterile insect technique (SIT) is emerging as a tool to supplement traditional pesticide‐based control of Aedes aegypti, a prominent mosquito vector of microbes that has increased the global burden of human morbidity and mortality over the past 50 years. SIT relies on rearing, sterilizing and releasing large numbers of male mosquitoes that will mate with fertile wild females, thus reducing production of offspring from the target population. In this study, we investigated the effects of ionizing radiation (gamma) on male and female survival, longevity, mating behavior, and sterility of Ae. aegypti in a dose–response design. This work is a first step towards developing an operational SIT field suppression program against Ae. aegypti in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. Results: Exposing late‐stage pupae to 50 Gy of radiation yielded 99% male sterility while maintaining similar survival of pupae to adult emergence, adult longevity and male mating competitiveness compared to unirradiated males. Females were completely sterilized at 30 Gy, and when females were dosed with 50 Gy, they had a lower incidence of blood‐feeding than unirradiated females. Conclusion: Our work suggests that an ionizing radiation dose of 50 Gy should be used for future development of operational SIT in our program area because at this dose males are 99% sterile while maintaining mating competitiveness against unirradiated males. Furthermore, females that might be accidentally released with sterile males as a result of errors in sex sorting also are sterile and less likely to blood‐feed than unirradiated females at our 50 Gy dose. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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