Web-based Survey Tools

The World Wide Web provides an effective means of supporting survey projects, particularly when data collectors are geographically dispersed. Wireless and wireline communications can be used to integrate the survey team by providing current and consistent supporting materials to all members of the project team. Interactive tutorials, survey instructions and updates, technical support, computer-assisted survey instrument software and updates, text-based and graphic survey management reports, data views for monitoring and editing, and summary reports are some of the tools that can be delivered via Web browsers to data collection staff, survey managers, clients, and the public. We will describe Web-based tools that have been developed to support a national survey of natural resources, and discuss possible extensions of this work

Critique of Two Methods for Assessing the Nutrient Adequacy of Diets

The adequacy of diets can be assessed using several analytical approaches. This paper reviews two methods of assessment: a cutoff method, which estimates the percentage of the population having usual intakes below a given value; and a probability method, which assesses the percentage of the population whose usual intakes are below their individual requirements. First, the concept of usual nutrient intakes and the problems associated with estimating usual intake distributions are discussed. Next, the two methods of dietary assessment and their related assumptions are described and compared. The more specific inference of the probability method is shown to rely on its assumptions and data that are currently not available. While the cutoff method is simpler, its use may result in misclassification errors and its estimates are highly influenced by the cut-off standard selected.

Theory of queer spaces and the role of planners in creating the inclusive city

Thesis (M.C.P.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, 2010.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Cataloged from student submitted PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 137-139).Planning has always interacted with issues of sexuality, but the failure of the literature to address these practices explicitly has led to the silencing of minority sexualities in planning discourse and the severe marginalization of many queer people in cities. To better understand the experiences of queer people (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) as a basis for creating new planning frameworks that address the realities and diversity of queer lives, this thesis explores how queer people experience everyday space in the city, particularly the places they feel the most and least comfortable being queer. This thesis asks: how do relationships between the design, management, and spatial characteristics of spaces communicate values about sexual orientation and gender identity? How could planners and designers create more inclusive spaces? To accomplish this, in-depth interviews were conducted with queer participants in Kansas City, MO and Cambridge, MA, the progressive cities in their respective regions. I utilize readings on design, politics, and identity to create a Lynchian framework for evaluating spaces based on fit, control, and access. Lastly, I document the performative characteristics of each space identified in interviews with respect to this framework. I draw conclusions from my research findings and discuss the implications for designers and planners and areas for future research. In particular I discuss the process that planners should go through to begin re-constructing the public realm as inclusive of queer sexualities. Finally, I speculate on the kinds of spaces that might exist in a non-heterosexist city.by Sarah Nusser.M.C.P