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Robots epitomize one of the most popular human imaginations that are evolving to become reality in the most pervasive way. Especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, it is more hopeful than ever that robots one day will be the interactive companions with some degree of emotion. A variety of robots in different forms with considerable mobility are available today. Among them, legged robots are the most attractive due to their dexterity, traversal versatility, functional modularity, and locomotive stability. Legged robots like robotic dogs can survey unchartered territories in uncertain environments. In this comprehensive review article, the status quo of this emerging and exciting field and how electronics of various form factors can functionalize them in an unbiased manner are surveyed and discussed. Different accessories currently available for quadrupedal robots, wearable devices potentially integratable with these robots, data management/integration strategies for reliable interfacing, and future outlook are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the rich legacy of Henry Mayer for the study of politics, and the media, in the Australian context and his influence on several generations of Australian intellectuals whom he taught. The article concludes that Henry Mayer remains 'inscrutable'; such is the complexity of his worldview and the unique circumstances of his upbringing in Germany under the shadows of the Second World War. 本文探讨了亨利梅耶留给澳大利亚政治及媒体研究的遗产，以及对他教授过的几代澳大利亚知识分子的影响。文章的结论是梅耶高深莫测；他的世界观太复杂了，他二战期间成长于德国的环境太独特了。 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hispanics are the country's fastest growing minority group. The study reported here surveyed and assessed Extension agents from two demographically different regions in Florida on perceptions and attitudes about the need, quality, and dissemination of Spanish Extension materials. Results showed Extension programs are important sources of information for Spanish-speakers from a region with a high population of Hispanics. However, Extension agents do not feel adequately prepared to reach this audience, and resources are insufficient, especially on critical environmental topics relevant to the audience. The study demonstrates the need to develop regionally and culturally relevant Spanish Extension materials for urban Spanish-speakers. (Contains 2 figures and 5 tables.)

We explore three case studies of facilities at two US Department of Energy (DOE) former nuclear weapons research and production sites—the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Hanford site—whose risk profiles have changed during their long‐term management under the DOE's surveillance and maintenance (S&M) program. These case studies provide examples of the challenges faced in communicating to external stakeholders, such as federal and state regulators, local communities surrounding the site, as well as the general public, the circumstances surrounding unexpected events or the emergence/discovery of new risk‐important information at historically high‐risk sites. We identify common topics of importance from these case studies and suggest a taxonomy for risk communicators to use in informing the dialogues with individuals and organizations that may not be technically oriented or fully informed on the subject matter. The taxonomy is based on technical insights from the quintessential definition of risk known as the Kaplan–Garrick "risk triplet" as well as insights from regulatory guidance documents on risk communication with external stakeholders originally developed for the commercial nuclear power industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study measured the extent to which land use, design, and engineering practices could reduce contamination of major public water supplies. Methods. Key parcels of land were identified in New Jersey, and the potential uncontrolled loading of contaminants was estimated with the US Environmental Protection Agency's Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment model for a variety of land use, design, and engineering scenarios. Results. High-density per-acre development and engineering controls, along with housing and light commercial activity near main railroads, would substantially reduce runoff. Conclusions. In New Jersey, government and purveyor action is being taken as a result of, and in support of, these findings.

An analysis is presented on possible effects of further reductions in the nuclear arms industry, focusing on the Dept. of Energy facilities in Hanford, WA and the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. Also included are potential solutions to economic declines, such as the development of agricultural and retail industries and federal economic assistance.

When marketable property is not sold or redeveloped because the owner is trying to avoid environmental cleanup costs, that owner is said to be 'mothballing' the property. Is mothballing a [...]

Over $500 billion has gone toward cleanup of large contaminated sites owned and/or operated by the U.S. Federal Government over the past 30 years. Nevertheless, some stakeholders worry about the risks associated with what they perceive as a slow process of cleanup, as well as the positive and negative impacts of the cleanup activities themselves. Therefore, it is important for both the U.S. taxpayer and workers and residents living near the sites that are impacted by site conditions and activities, to clearly understand the progress that is being made toward achieving published cleanup goals, and a timeline for completion. This manuscript asks how lessons drawn from risk communication literature can inform practices for communicating metrics related to cleanup progress at U.S Department of Energy former nuclear weapon sites to different audiences. Following the review of literature, we present a case study that explores metrics being used and communicated on the websites of DOE and its largest sites, and discuss the consistency of these metrics and implications for public understanding and trust of progress being made. We finish the manuscript by applying the principles from the literature to the findings from the case study to suggest how the DOE could consider improvements in the format, content or delivery of cleanup progress metrics to its various audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A research on geographically and economically diverse group of small- and medium-size communities that experienced long periods of economic prosperity built around a major industry or company but then suffered economic declines when those industries substantially reduced their staffing and in some instances closed are examined. This research focus was in determining how local community leaders reacted to these adverse developments