Revisiting the Tsunami: Health Consequences of Flooding

Morgan and colleagues critically review the evidence on the health consequences of flooding disasters, and consider what interventions are appropriate

Issues associated with planning, implementing, managing and operating public transport projects in Ireland

Whilst considering the context to which public transport is planned in Ireland and internationally, the research has been concerned with studying the methodology and the roles of key stakeholders for the planning, implementation, management and operation of public transport projects in order to gauge the efficiency and suitability of the Irish planning process in relation to our international counterparts The paper will present principal findings from structured interviews undertaken with key stakeholders involved in the Irish process and will provide a basis for debating the issues raised as a consequence of these interviews.. Key issues raised include: 1) the possible complexity of the planning process in Ireland, 2) the role of political agendas in the decision making process; and, 3) the governance and institutional arrangements for planning public transport projects in Ireland in contrast to other international countries

A study exploring learners' informal learning space behaviors, attitudes, and preferences

What makes a successful informal learning space is a topic in need of further research. The body of discourse on informal space design is drawn from learning theory, placemaking and architecture, with a need for understanding of the synergy between the three. Findings from a longitudinal, quantitative and qualitative study at Sheffield Hallam University, explore learners' behaviours, attitudes and preferences towards informal learning spaces in higher education, within and outside of the context of the academic library. The learning spaces study contributes to the discourse on informal learning spaces design by producing a typology of nine learning space preference attributes which address aspects of learning theory, placemaking and architecture. The typology can be used to evaluate existing spaces and inform redevelopment of informal learning spaces in higher education institutions. Implementing the typology will be subject to localised conditions, but at Sheffield Hallam University the key conclusions have included developing a portfolio of discrete, interrelated learning environments, offering spaces with a clear identity and encouraging students to translate their learning preferences into space selection

Global change and health - the good, the bad, and the evidence

Debates over the merits and demerits of globalisation for health are increasingly polarised. Conclusions range from globalisation being essentially positive for health, albeit with a need to smooth out some rough edges, to one of utter condemnation, with adverse effects on the majority of the world\u27s population. Anyone wading into this debate is immediately confronted by seemingly irreconcilable differences in ideology, opinion and interests. Both camps agree that global changes are occurring, and with them many of the determinants of population health status. While some skepticism persists about whether &ldquo;globalisation&rdquo; has value beyond being a fashionable buzzword, most agree that we need better understanding of these changes. Two difficult questions arise: (i) What are the health impacts of these changes; and (ii) how can we respond more effectively to them? To move beyond the stand-offs that have already formed within the health community, this paper reviews the main empirical evidence that currently exists, summarises key points of debate that remain, and suggests some ways forward for the research and policy communities. In particular, there is need for an informed and inclusive debate about the positive and negative health consequences of globalisation.<br /

Conditions inside the Water Closet of the Index Case Residence during a Typhoid Outbreak in Cite Roche Bois, Mauritius

<div><p>Salmonella typhi–contaminated sewage was aspirated into the main water distribution system after Hurricane Claudette's flooding, evidenced by high water marks on the walls. Note the leaking water pipe on the rear wall, and general unsanitary conditions.</p> <p>(Photo: CDC)</p></div