Is road rage increasing? Results of a repeated survey

PROBLEM: We report on trends in road rage victimization and perpetration based on population survey data. METHOD: Based on repeated cross-sectional telephone surveys of Ontario adults between July 2001 and December 2003, logistic regression analyses examined differences between years in road rage victimization and perpetration in the previous year controlling for demographic characteristics. RESULTS: The prevalence of any road rage victimization in the previous year decreased significantly from 47.5% in 2001 to 40.6% in 2003, while prevalence of any road rage perpetration remained stable (31.0% to 33.6%). Logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds of experiencing any road rage victimization was 33% higher in 2001 and 30% higher in 2002, than in 2003. DISCUSSION: Survey data provide a valuable perspective on road rage trends, but efforts to track road rage incidents is also needed. SUMMARY: In Ontario, the proportion of adults experiencing any road rage victimization decreased from 2001 to 2003 while the proportion reporting any road rage perpetration remained stable. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: None.     

Age-related changes in an insect mating signal have no effect on female choice

The structure of male mating signals is often influenced by age. The causes and consequences of age-based signal variation have been much studied in visual, acoustic, and chemical signaling modalities, but are less explored in species that use vibrational signals for mate attraction. However, the complex structure of many vibrational signals makes them ideal for investigating the relationships between age, signal variation, and patterns of female choice. In the thornbug treehopper, Umbonia crassicornis, females mate more often with older males, but the mechanism underlying older male mating success is unknown. Our goals in this study were to determine whether male vibrational mate advertisement signals vary with age, and, if so, whether females prefer the signals of older males. We recorded male signals over four consecutive weeks beginning at the onset of signaling (a period spanning most of the male reproductive lifespan), and measured ten temporal, spectral, and energy-related parameters from each signal. Several features of male signals changed markedly with age. However, females responded similarly to signals representing males of different ages, indicating that they do not favor older males on the basis of long distance mate advertisement signals. Nonetheless, the results reveal that even in short-lived, determinate growth species age can have surprisingly large effects on mating signals, and we discuss some factors that may contribute to age-related signal variability in U. crassicornis.     

Photodechlorination of methoxychlor induced by hydroquinone: Rearrangement and conjugate formation

Reductive degradation of the pesticide methoxychlor by photolysis in the presence of hydroquinone in dilute solutions of acetonitrile or 1:1 aqueous t-butanol leads to processes other than simple dechlorination. Direct radical coupling with hydroquinone forms a markedly estrogenic conjugate. A pH dependant molecular rearrangement gives pro-estrogenic 4,4′-dimethoxy-α,α′-dichlorostilbenes, and condensation with hydroquinone yields the chlorine free polycyclic aromatic, 12-hydroxy-3,6-dimethoxybenzo[b]phenanthro[9,10-d]furan.     

Road rage experience and behavior: vehicle, exposure, and driver factors

Road rage has generated increasing public concern. Research has shown that victimization and perpetration of road rage is more common among males and younger drivers. We aimed to extend the understanding of determinants of road rage to driving exposure and vehicle factors, based on a 20022003 population survey of 1,631 regular drivers in Ontario, Canada. Regression analyses revealed that number of times drivers reported experiencing road rage in the previous 12 months was significantly greater for males, younger respondents, and those residing in Toronto. Also, victimization was significantly greater for drivers who did all their driving on busy roads and increased with number of kilometers driven on a typical week; however, type of vehicle driven was not significant. Number of times road rage perpetration was reported in the past 12 months was significantly greater for males, younger respondents, and those residing in Toronto, and lower for those in the Eastern and Northern region. Road rage perpetration increased significantly with number of weekly kilometers driven and was significantly greater for drivers who are always on busy roads and lower for those who never drive on busy roads, and higher for high-performance vehicle drivers. Even after controlling for driving exposure, road rage victimization and perpetration were highest for drivers in Toronto, where the pace of life may be more demanding. As expected, high-performance vehicle drivers reported more road rage perpetration. These individuals may experience more frustration when they are prevented from using the full performance capacities of their vehicles by crowded urban roadways.     

Mercury in coal from south eastern coalfield and mercury partitioning at sub-critical coal-fired power plant

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - India is considered as one of the major mercury emitters of the world. Coal combustion in power plants is the foremost source of mercury emissions....