Suchergebnisse

ABSTRACTAn important hypothesis about the disease burden of air pollution is that high levels of exposure in childhood can result in a lifetime of health problems, leading to increased mortality rates at older ages. I evaluate this hypothesis using a proprietary data set—Medicare records matched to Social Security records that identify birthplace. I analyze old-age mortality among 390,000 individuals born in small cities and towns in Pennsylvania during the years 1916 through 1927. Some of these individuals were born in places with steel production, and thus likely had exposure to high levels of air pollution in childhood. These individuals have significantly higher rates of mortality post–age 65 than those born in comparable towns that did not have steel production facilities. There are three notable features of the excess mortality among those born in steel towns: (1) the relationship holds for comparisons within counties, (2) the excess mortality is higher in towns that had relatively higher levels of steel production, and (3) old-age mortality is especially high for individuals born in locations with relatively high levels of steel production and relatively low elevation—a finding consistent with the possibility that low-elevation locations were subject to atmospheric inversions that trapped air pollution. By matching the SSA/Medicare data with death certificate data, I am able to establish that the excess mortality associated with childhood exposure to air pollution is due primarily to elevated levels of cancer.

This article focuses on five aspects of data collection that were effective for successfully engaging and retaining 11 vulnerable youth in a short-term longitudinal qualitative study of school and work transitions. Each youth in this study attended five meetings with the researcher over the course of three to four months, and there was no attrition. The five strategies discussed are: (1) use of self and researcher role; (2) screening procedures; (3) initial interview; (4) structure and process of participant stipends; and (5) frequency of contact. The article also reviews selected literature on retention of participants in longitudinal studies and highlights areas in which further research on engagement and retention is needed.

AbstractManagement Consultancies Association (MCA) Quarter 4 2003 figures released in February show growth in annual consultancy spending has doubled . . .

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Introduction -- 1. Restorying the Earth -- 2. Fifty Shades of Green -- 3. "I Can't! It's a Prius" -- 4. Green Is the New Black -- 5. Vegetarian Vampires -- 6. Composting a Life -- 7. Expanding the Scope of Justice -- Conclusion -- Acknowledgments -- Notes -- Index -- About the Author

"An ethnographic study of the two Ek' Balams-the notable archaeological site and the adjacent village-of the Yucatan Peninsula. When the archaeological site became a tourist destination, the village became a community-based tourism development project funded by the Mexican government. Maya heritage became important and profitable." - Provided by publisher