Far from 'the magic of the mall': Retail (Change) in 'other places'

Abstract: A pre-occupation with the ‘new' and a focus on corporate retailers and spaces has led to a lack of consideration of change and issues in secondary or ‘other places' of retail. Using a longitudinal survey methodology, data on retail stock, churn, vacancy and use are considered for one such ‘other place' - Shettleston in Glasgow. The data show complex dimensions and aspects of vulnerability and resilience, compounded by reactions to exogenous retail and other economic and social changes. Far from being ‘seedy, pre-historical backwaters', Shettleston and similar ‘other' places can be vital, local centres playing a variety of useful roles. They require support and attention every bit as much as more high profile town centres and high streets

Ancillary human health benefits of improved air quality resulting from climate change mitigation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policies can provide ancillary benefits in terms of short-term improvements in air quality and associated health benefits. Several studies have analyzed the ancillary impacts of GHG policies for a variety of locations, pollutants, and policies. In this paper we review the existing evidence on ancillary health benefits relating to air pollution from various GHG strategies and provide a framework for such analysis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We evaluate techniques used in different stages of such research for estimation of: (1) changes in air pollutant concentrations; (2) avoided adverse health endpoints; and (3) economic valuation of health consequences. The limitations and merits of various methods are examined. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for ancillary benefits analysis and related research gaps in the relevant disciplines.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that to date most assessments have focused their analysis more heavily on one aspect of the framework (e.g., economic analysis). While a wide range of methods was applied to various policies and regions, results from multiple studies provide strong evidence that the short-term public health and economic benefits of ancillary benefits related to GHG mitigation strategies are substantial. Further, results of these analyses are likely to be underestimates because there are a number of important unquantified health and economic endpoints.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Remaining challenges include integrating the understanding of the relative toxicity of particulate matter by components or sources, developing better estimates of public health and environmental impacts on selected sub-populations, and devising new methods for evaluating heretofore unquantified and non-monetized benefits.</p

Strawberry fields forever? Urban agriculture in developed countries: a review

International audienceFood production in cities has long been a tradition in many countries around the world and a mainstream activity for many developed countries. While urban agriculture plays an important role in increasing food security and social well-being, it comes with significant costs and constraints. Here, we review the growth of urban agriculture throughout the developed world in order to clarify the different benefits, risks, and hindrances associated with the practice. Through this analysis, we identify the need for better understanding of the following five aspects if urban agriculture is to make a meaningful contribution to food security and social well-being in the future: (1) the impacts of continued urban sprawl and loss of peri-urban agricultural land; (2) appropriate government and institutional support at local, regional, and country levels; (3) the role of urban agriculture in self-sufficiency of cities; (4) the risks posed by pollutants from agriculture to urban ecosystems and from urban ecosystems to agriculture; and (5) the carbon footprint of urban agriculture and use of “food miles.” If urban agriculture is to have a legitimate place in resolving the global food crisis as advocates claim, then it is time to take urban agriculture seriously and assess more rigorously both the positive and negative impacts, especially carbon emissions. Only then can the world’s limited resources be properly allocated to the development of urban agriculture

Community safety and wellbeing research study - consolidated report

"The Community Safety and Wellbeing Research Study (CSWRS) was conducted in seventeen remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory between December 2010 and June 2011. The survey gathered important data by systematically asking residents of remote Indigenous communities about their lived experience in the three years since the Northern Territory Emergency Response"--Executive summary.Executive summary -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Methodology -- 3. Demographic information -- 4. Feedback on changes brought about by the NTER -- 5. Challenges -- 6. Services -- 7. Safety -- 8. Leadership, power and authority -- 9. Children -- 10. Young people -- 11. Substance misuse -- 12. Attitudes to violence -- 13. Key findings -- 14. Conclusion. Appendix 1-2"The research was commissioned by FaHCSIA and conducted by four social research companies: Colmar, Brunton Social Research, Bowchung Consulting, Dr Bev Sithole with Aboriginal Research Practitioners, Network (ARPNet), and N-Carta Group"--Executive summary

Numerical models of faulting at oblique spreading centers

Obliquely spreading mid-ocean ridges, such as the Reykjanes Ridge, display two distinct fault sets distinguishable by orientation and position: on-axis faults are oriented oblique to both the trend of the axis and the normal to the relative plate separation vector, while faults on the flanks strike approximately parallel to the ridge axis. Numerical modeling techniques are used here to simulate the development of faulting on the Reykjanes Ridge. Stresses acting in a cross section through the lithosphere at a slow spreading ridge are investigated using the fast Lagrangian analysis of continua (FLAC) explicit difference modeling software. The predicted stresses from the cross-sectional models are imposed as a condition in boundary element models of fracture propagation and linkage. On-axis fault simulations run under conditions similar to the Reykjanes Ridge successfully reproduce the mapped distribution of faults and predict the observed orientation of the axial volcanic ridges. Simulations of fractures away from the axis show the development of axis-parallel faults by the interaction and linkage of fractures which have been rafted off-axis, also in accord with observations. Stresses modeled in cross section favor downdip displacement on faults dipping toward the ridge axis

Texas SUCCESS Comprehensive Evaluation Report for the Texas Education Agency

Report analyzing the Texas Students Using Curriculum Content to Ensure Sustained Success [SUCCESS] program. It defines the program and examines the effectiveness of two online learning programs, Istation and TTM

The Worker Safety Advisors Pilot

Includes bibliographical referencesSIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:7761. 864(144) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo