Conceptual and Scaling Evaluation of Vehicle Traffic Thermal Effects on Snow/Ice-Covered Roads*

The potential thermal effects of traffic on road surface thermal energy balance under frost/snow cover conditions have been largely ignored in meteorological evaluations of road ice deposit conditions. Preliminary exploration of these effects, particularly for heavy traffic scenarios with calm wind conditions and an ambient temperature of 0°C, is provided in this study using a conceptual model. Observational data were used to constrain the model, and parameterizations were employed to estimate the various heat transfer processes involved. The results indicate that, for heavy traffic situations, as well as for stopped traffic at intersections, the traffic thermal flux contribution at the surface is noticeable in a wide range of possible frost/snow-covered road conditions. The sensitivity to variation in traffic density, speed, and the emissivity of vehicle radiative surfaces, among others, is evaluated. Simple quantification of these traffic thermal effects, which might be considered in operational meteorological model forecasting of icy road conditions, is offered

Let’s Take A Walk: Exploring the Impact of an Inclusive Walking Program on the Physical and Mental Health of Adults with Intellectual Disability

Background: People with intellectual disabilities experience health disparities and poorer health outcomes than people without disabilities. Increased physical activity has been found to reduce the impact of chronic health conditions among people with intellectual disabilities. Method: The current study explored the impact of an inclusive walking program on the physical and mental health of adults with intellectual disabilities. Let’s Take A Walk paired adults with intellectual disabilities, hereafter referred to as Community Walkers (n = 27), with college students to walk around a college campus twice a week for 45 minutes across 10 weeks. Data on mental health outcomes, specifically depression and anxiety, were collected from 24 Community Walkers across four-time points (pre-, mid-, post-, and 3-months following intervention), and data on physical health outcomes were collected across two-time points (pre- and post-intervention). Results: Community Walkers reported significant decreases in both depression and anxiety from pre to post-implementation. Particularly promising was clinically significant decreases in anxiety symptoms over the 10-week program. No differences were noted on Community Walkers’ measures of physical health. Conclusion: Inclusive walking programs are a valuable and promising mechanism for building social connections and inclusion and improving mental health for adults with intellectual disabilities

State oversight of polypharmacy and psychotropic medication use among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a three state case study

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are prescribed more medications than the general population, placing them at significantly higher risk for issues due to taking multiple medications (polypharmacy). There are currently no clear national standards for the administration of medications given this risk. The following policy analysis explores state policies related to prescription medication oversight. This analysis pays particular attention to the use of medications that alter one’s mental state (psychotropics) among people with IDD who receive home and community-based services (HCBS) in the United States. The article outlines current efforts implemented to reduce medication-related risks for people with IDD in three states and explores the similarities and differences across strategies. This policy analysis aims to initiate conversation and encourage further consideration and deliberation necessary to move toward clear and concrete guidelines for the oversight of medication regimens

Experimental analysis of the strength of rubber-rope cable shell

Наведено аналіз результатів експериментальних досліджень плоских гумотросових канатів на продавлювання тросів на барабані підйомної машини та на передачу дотичного навантаження гумовою оболонкою каната.An analysis of experimental results of the flat rubber-rope cables press on a drum of the hoist machine and transmission of the shearing load by rubber-rope shell is presented

COVID-19 lockdown: The relationship between trait impulsivity and addictive behaviors in a large representative sample of Italian adults

open9noBackground: The importance of trait impulsivity in development, continuation and escalation of addictive behaviors has long been recognized. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown on 6003 Italian adults aged 18–74 years, representative of the Italian general population, to investigate the relationship between impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale – BIS) and selected addictive behaviors (gambling habits, smoking status, cannabis use, average alcohol daily use). Results: A statistically significant relationship was found between motor impulsivity and starting/increasing drinking and increasing gambling (high vs. low motor impulsivity: multivariate odds ratio, OR=3.12; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.45–6.74; p for trend=0.004 for start and OR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.26–1.86; p for trend<0.001 for increase drinking, respectively; OR=2.09; 95% CI: 1.41–3.12; p for trend<0.001 for increasing gambling). Limitations: Potential information and recall bias. The necessity to limit the length of the questionnaire not to reduce the quality of the answers of study participants. Conclusions: The multifaceted nature of impulsivity, potentially either cause or effect, hampers the understanding of its proper role in addictive behaviors. If confirmed by future longitudinal studies, our findings might support the planning, implementation and monitoring of evidence-based preventive interventions, to reduce addictive behaviors during public health emergencies.openAmerio A.; Stival C.; Lugo A.; Fanucchi T.; Gorini G.; Pacifici R.; Odone A.; Serafini G.; Gallus S.Amerio, A.; Stival, C.; Lugo, A.; Fanucchi, T.; Gorini, G.; Pacifici, R.; Odone, A.; Serafini, G.; Gallus, S