Electric Waterborne Public Transportation in Venice: a Case Study

The paper reports the results of a study for moving the present diesel-based watercraft propulsion technology used for public transportation in Venice city and lagoon to a more efficient and smart electric propulsion technology, in view of its adopted in a near future. Energy generation and storage systems, electrical machines and drives, as well as economic, environmental and social issues are presented and discussed. Some alternative solutions based on hybrid diesel engine and electric and full electric powertrains are compared in terms of weights, costs and payback times. Previews researches on ship propulsion and electric energy storage developed by the University of Padua and preliminary experiences on electric boats carried out in Venice lagoon by the municipal transportation company ACTV and other stakeholders are the starting point for this study. Results can be transferred to other waterborne mobility systems

NEW THRIPS RECORDS (INSECTA: THYSANOPTERA) FROM PUERTO RICO

NEW THRIPS RECORDS (INSECTA: THYSANOPTERA) FROM PUERTO RIC

Enemigos naturales de los pentatómidos de los arrozales de Puerto Rico

Parasitoids were recovered from adults and egg masses of Mormidea angustata Stal and Oebalus ypsilon-griseus (De Geer). Three parasitoid species were recovered; the species were identified as Beskia aelops Walker (Diptera:Tachinidae), Gymnoclytia sp. (Diptera:Tachinidae), Ooencyrtus submetallicus Howard (Hymenoptera :Encyrtidae).Se recobraron parasitoides de los adultos y masas de huevos de Mormidea angustata Stal y Oebalus ypsilon-griseus (De Geer). Tres especies de parasitoides se recuperaron: se identificaron como Beskia aelops Walker (Diptera: Tachinidae), Gymnoclytia sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae), Ooencyrtus submetallicus Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

XYLOSANDRUS COMPACTUS (EICHOFF), COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE, THE BLACK TWIG BORER ATTACKING COFFEE IN PUERTO RICO

XYLOSANDRUS COMPACTUS (EICHOFF), COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE, THE BLACK TWIG BORER ATTACKING COFFEE IN PUERTO RIC

Virtual reality interventions designed to support parents during and throughout the first year after birth:A scoping review

ObjectiveVirtual reality (VR) has become increasingly popular in clinical and health settings where it has been used for a wide range of purposes. A recent scoping review explored VR applications to assist pregnant women and found that VR was a useful method to be used for a range of different purposes in both pregnancy and labour. However, no such review exists for the period after birth.MethodWe aimed to search for studies that used VR to support parents during birth and in the first year postpartum (Population) in different settings (Context), and finally provided data on the characteristics, reported effectiveness and experience of VR interventions (Concept). Two hundred and fifty-one studies were identified, of which ten were eligible. Two authors independently extracted data including study design, participants and results.ResultsFindings indicate that VR has been used effectively in this context to alleviate depression anxiety, and multiple domains of pain and to improve childbirth satisfaction. The majority of the studies explored the use of VR technology on outcomes such as pain and anxiety during labour and birth. The studies included used a broad range of VR hardware and software. All of the studies reported positive experiences of using VR.ConclusionsAcross these studies, VR was found to be effective in terms of both physiological and psychological outcomes. There are many unexplored maternal and infant focused applications of VR which warrant further investigation as emerging evidence indicates this is becoming an increasingly accessible method to improve maternal and infant health outcomes from pregnancy through to parenthood

Perspectives on Conceptualizing Developmentally Appropriate Sexuality Education

Despite recognition of the importance of a developmentally appropriate approach to sexuality education, there is little direct guidance on how to do this. This study employed in-depth interviews with experienced sexuality educators and developers of sexuality education materials to identify how this concept is understood and applied in the field. Developmentally appropriate sexuality education was conceptualized consistently across interviews to include (a) addressing developmentally relevant topics, (b) adapting content to cognitive development, (c) accommodating developmental diversity, and (d) facilitating the internalization of sexual health messages. However, these views fell short of incorporating the breadth of knowledge offered by adolescent development research