First report of Monoeca in Argentina, with description of two new species (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Two new species of the oil-collecting bee genus Monoeca Lepeletier & Audinet-Serville (Apidae: Tapinotaspidini) are described and figured from females and males captured in north - eastern Argentina. The two new species here described, Monoeca armata Torretta & Roig-Alsina, new species, and M. puchella Torretta & Roig-Alsina, new species, are easily distinguished from each other by the color of the integument, the wings, and the pilosity. Their relationships to al - ready described species of the genus are discussed. Monoeca were the only genus of Tapinostaspi - dini not known to occur in Argentina. The flower records and the study of the pollen scopal loads corroborate the association of these oil-collecting bees with p lants of the family Malpighiaceae.Fil: Torretta, Juan Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente. Cátedra de Botánica Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Roig Alsina, Arturo Hernan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ; Argentin

Environmental and economic aspects of water kiosks: case study of a medium-sized italian town

The consumption of bottled water in Italy began in the 1970s. Since then, this usage has grown considerably, also as a result of changes in habits. The environmental impact as a result of the water production chain is very significant; it would be considered, for example, the use of plastic bottles, the consumption of oil in the production of the bottles, the emission of air from the vehicles that transport the bottles, non-recycled plastic packaging, etc.In this study, considering the comparison between two situations, use of bottled water and use of water kiosk (WK), an environmental and economic impact evaluation has been done. The study considered the production of a WK in a town with 9000 inhabitants, which supplies controlled, still and sparkling water, with an organoleptic quality higher than tap water coming from the aqueduct. In particular, taking into consideration the environmental aspects, specific attention was paid both to CO2 emissions and PET bottle waste reduction. The economic impact evaluation was carried out from the consumer's point of view. In order to provide a supply service that was economically sustainable, a calculation was done with the aim of determining a specific fee for the supplied water. Moreover, a comparison has been made between quality parameters achieved with the analysis of water from aqueducts with the limits established in the Italian legislation and the parameters of several Italian water brands.The study has the aim at considering the opportunity to follow a different people's habits, closer to the concept of sustainability, reducing the environmental charge related to the realization, transport and consumption of plastic water bottles without significant reduction of the quality of the service and with convenient and interesting economic implications. In fact the results of the study show that the alternative of WKs is more efficient in economic and environmental terms respect to the use of bottled water

PAHs in wastewater: removal efficiency in a conventional wastewater treatment plant and comparison with model predictions

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) result very hazardous compounds and due to their lipophilicitiy, they can easily cross biological membranes and accumulate inside organisms, causing damages to the genetic material. The scientific interest to this class of chemicals is related to their demonstrated or supposed genotoxicity (first suspects on cancer causing characteristics of B[\u3b1]Py and dB[\u3b1,h]An date back to the thirties). This study try to pick out PAHs presence in wastewater and to estimate their removal efficiency in a conventional wastewater treatment plant (Varese Olona). The PAHs presence in municipal wastewater sewage system and in the WWTP effluent has been determined by specific analytical campaign and afterwards a comparison between observed removal efficiency and FATE model (US-EPA) predictions has been carried out

Council of Presidents: A Multifaceted Idea for 4-H

Communication between 4-H professionals and the youth they work with is an important part of a successful 4-H program. By creating a Council of Presidents comprised of officers of all the clubs in your county, you can increase communication while assuring your program addresses all four essential elements. The Council is also as a vehicle for teaching leadership, Parliamentary Procedures, and problem-solving skills using experiential adventure activities. I have found when youth are given tools and information through interactive and engaging activities, the tools and information are recalled and implemented in their club setting

4-H Teen Russian/American International Leadership (T.R.A.I.L.): The Use of Youth/Adult Partnerships in Global Education and Leadership Development

A youth/adult partnership model in the Teen Russian/American International Leadership program has had profound effects on American youths\u27 global perspectives and leadership skills. Because of the healthy youth/adult partnership component of this program, American youth participants reported an increase in learning teamwork, problem solving, planning, communication, organization, and critical thinking skills. American youth felt their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions were taken seriously. Youth returned with a better understanding of problems and issues that affect people throughout the world, are more confident, are more willing to try new things, and see their own problems in a broader, more realistic context

Using a Family Memory Book to Strengthen Families

The Family Memory Book is a useful tool designed to facilitate communication among family members. It is an ideal supplemental activity for family-strengthening programs. Many parents and grandparents today want their families to bond or simply get along better. One of the ways families can give themselves a gift of bonding is to make a family memory book. Because the book is a collection of pictures and feelings, it is a powerful, lingering statement of the strengths of the family. Putting these thoughts and feelings in an attractive book gives the family a precious keepsake

Family Camp: Strengthening At-Risk Families Through Adventure-Based Initiatives

Family Camp weekend creates an innovative, supportive, educational, and fun environment for at-risk families, using experiential learning activities to forge positive changes in communication within the family structure. The program allows cognitive restructuring and opportunities for rehearsal by combining supportive recreation activities with structured experiential education activities. Working with the family as a whole, positive changes are systemic, and there is a greater likelihood of sustainability. Though a once-a-year experience may not resolve ubiquitous family problems, it does shed light on strengths that exist within that family that can combat the problematic situation and help prevent negative outcomes

Extension Professionals\u27 Ever-Changing Roles when Working with At-Risk Clientele

Extension\u27s role is to educate participants of its programs and measure impact upon clientele. While Extension professionals are educators, the at-risk clientele have many issues that supersede education. Therefore, a framework from which the Extension professional can operate in order to clarify roles and visualize outcomes for clientele is necessary. Extension professionals can use the Cooperative Extension At-Risk Service Model as this framework. This will assist them in moving clients to adopt improved practices while maintaining boundaries in the professional relationship

Maintaining Healthy Boundaries When Working with At-Risk Audiences

At-risk clients\u27 needs may burn out the most diligent of people. To be most effective in making positive, healthy changes with at-risk audiences, Extension professionals must remember to maintain and reinforce healthy boundaries. This article reviews three types of boundaries, physical, mental, and emotional; describes healthy and unhealthy boundaries; and explains what to do if Extension professionals recognize unhealthy client boundaries