Driving anger and its expressions: further evidence of validity and reliability for the Driving Anger Expression Inventory French adaptation

Introduction: The aims of this study were to provide further evidence of validity and reliability for the Driving Anger Expression Inventory (DAX) French adaptation (Villieux & Delhomme, 2008, Le Travail Humain, 71(4), 359-384) and to investigate the relationships between driving anger, how people express their anger while driving, and traffic violations among young drivers in France. Method: The French adaptations of the DAX, of the Driving Anger Scale (DAS), and of the Extended Violations Scale were administered to a sample of 314 drivers. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis of the French DAX items yielded a three factors solution with 11 items, which obtained better goodness-of-fit to the data. Cronbach α reliabilities for DAX factors ranged from .71 to .79. Aggressive forms of anger expression correlated positively with driving anger and traffic violations whereas the 'Adaptive/Constructive Expression' factor correlated negatively with these variables. Discussion: Globally, our results replicated earlier findings and showed that DAX factors are useful predictors of self reported violations and complement established measures like the DAS. Impact on Industry: Implications for driver education and interventions were examined.     

Impact of peri-urban landscape on the organic and mineral contamination of pond waters and related risk assessment

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Ponds are important for their ecological value and for the ecosystem services they provide to human societies, but they are strongly affected by human...     

Can Land Managers Control Japanese Knotweed? Lessons from Control Tests in Belgium

Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica is an extremely abundant invasive plant in Belgium and surrounding countries. To date, no eradication method is available for land managers facing the invasion of this rhizomatous plant. We tested different chemical herbicides with two application methods (spraying and stem injection), as well as mechanical treatments, on knotweed clones throughout southern Belgium. The tested control methods were selected to be potentially usable by managers, e.g., using legally accepted rates for herbicides. Stem volume, height and density reduction were assessed after one or two years, depending on the control method. Labor estimations were made for each control method. No tested control method completely eradicated the clones. Stem injection with glyphosate-based herbicide (3.6?kg?ha^?1 of acid equivalent glyphosate) caused the most damage, i.e., no sprouting shoots were observed the year following the injection. The following year, though, stunted shoots appeared. Among the mechanical control methods, repeated cuts combined with native tree transplanting most appreciably reduced knotweed development. The most efficient methods we tested could curb knotweed invasion, but are not likely to be effective in eradicating the species. As such, they should be included in a more integrated restoration strategy, together with prevention and public awareness campaigns.     

Influence of environmental factors on biodegradation of quinalphos by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus thuringiensis</Emphasis>

Background

The extensive and intensive uses of organophosphorus insecticide—quinalphos in agriculture, pose a health hazard to animals, humans, and environment because of its persistence in the soil and crops. However, there is no much information available on the biodegradation of quinalphos by the soil micro-organisms, which play a significant role in detoxifying pesticides in the environment; so research is initiated in biodegradation of quinalphos.

Results

A soil bacterium strain, capable of utilizing quinalphos as its sole source of carbon and energy, was isolated from soil via the enrichment method on minimal salts medium (MSM). On the basis of morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the bacterium was identified as to be Bacillus thuringiensis. Bacillus thuringiensis grew on quinalphos with a generation time of 28.38 min or 0.473 h in logarithmic phase. Maximum degradation of quinalphos was observed with an inoculum of 1.0 OD, an optimum pH (6.5–7.5), and an optimum temperature of 35–37 °C. Among the additional carbon and nitrogen sources, the carbon source—sodium acetate and nitrogen source—a yeast extract marginally improved the rate of degradation of quinalphos.

Conclusions

Display of degradation of quinalphos by B. thuringiensis in liquid culture in the present study indicates the potential of the culture for decontamination of quinalphos in polluted environment sites.

     

Correction to: Human behavior and Homo-mammal interactions at the first European peopling: new evidence from the Pirro Nord site (Apricena,Southern Italy)

The Science of Nature - Female-only colour polymorphism is rare in birds, but occurs in brood parasitic cuckoos (Cuculidae). Obligate brood parasites leave incubation and parental care to other...     

Correction to: Pesticide resurrection

Environmental Chemistry Letters -     

Socio-environmental implications of process-based restoration strategies in large rivers: should we remove novel ecosystems along the Rhône (France)?

River restoration efforts require interdisciplinary approaches involving fluvial geomorphology, hydraulic engineering, ecology, sedimentology, chemistry, social geography, and sociology. We investigated the functioning of artificial structures called “Casiers Girardon” (groyne fields) in the Rhône River. We assessed potential benefits and risks linked to removing the Rhône groyne fields in a restoration context, with particular focus on the potential for increased bank erosion. Hydraulic, morphological, chemical, ecological, and social issues resulting from dismantlement were studied for terrestrialized and aquatic Casiers Girardon. Only 10% of Casiers Girardon have maintained their aquatic features, whereas most of the Casiers are terrestrialized. Our results help to confirm the effectiveness of restoration actions; however, they also indicate uncertainties and additional knowledge needs, especially in regard to potential incompatibilities between Casier restoration and conservation. Then, an interdisciplinary conceptual model was developed to identify interventions to be considered in Casiers Girardon, according to their terrestrialization rate and physiochemical characteristics (connectivity, amount of gravel vs. fine sediment, contamination level). This model synthetizes scientific results and expert judgment and provides management recommendations based on ecological and sociological expectations about the restoration of Casiers Girardon. The model highlights high heterogeneity in functioning and ecological potential between terrestrialized and aquatic Casiers. Dismantling of terrestrialized Casiers has strong potential to provide multiple benefits, whereas aquatic Casiers could be maintained as valuable backwaters. The managing guidelines for the Casiers Girardon of the Rhône River should be adapted according to local conditions, as well as expected benefits and needs, and conducted in co-ordination with all actors involved in and affected by the restoration.