Health Concerns Versus Mobile Data Needs: Conjoint Measurement of Preferences for Mobile Communication Network Scenarios

As demands for mobile broadband services and ubiquitous network coverage in our societies are increasing, the mobile communication network infrastructure has to be expanded. Concurrently, the technical infrastructure of mobile communication technologies (base stations) raises the public's concerns about health risks due to electromagnetic fields (EMF). By applying conjoint analyses, the study empirically investigates the relationship between mobile data demands, different base station locations, the prevalence of perceived health complaints, and the impact of compensation payments. Findings show that health concerns are the most critical factor for mobile network communication scenario preferences, followed by data rate availability. In the decision scenarios, base station location and compensation payments played a minor role. Two user groups, cellphone and smart phone users who differ in their sensitivity regarding health concerns and data demands, were identified by segmentation analysis. By means of a sensitivity analysis, different mobile communication network scenarios were analyzed. Outcomes show the importance of integrating users’ preferences into the design of mobile communication networks. This especially refers to an increased sensitivity regarding health concerns in cellphone users and minimum requirements for data rates at least sufficient for the usage of mobile Internet services for smart phone users.     

Survey of RF exposure levels from mobile telephone base stations in Australia

This paper reports the results of an exposure level survey of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy originating from mobile telephone base station antennas. Measurements of CDMA800, GSM900, GSM1800, and 3G(UMTS) signals were performed at distances ranging over 50 to 500 m from 60 base stations in five Australian cities. The exposure levels from these mobile telecommunications base stations were found to be well below the general public exposure limits of the ICNIRP guidelines and the Australian radiofrequency standard (ARPANSA RPS3). The highest recorded level from a single base station was 7.8 x 10(-3) W/m(2), which translates to 0.2% of the general public exposure limit.     

Dynamics of the public concern and risk communication program implementation

Abstract

The public concern about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure varies due to different reasons. A part of them are connected with the better and higher quality of information that people receive from science, media, Internet, social networks, industry, but others are based on good communication programs performed by the responsible institutions, administration and persons. Especially, in Bulgaria, public concern follows interesting changes, some of them in correlation with the European processes of concern, but others following the economic and political processes in the country. Here, we analyze the dynamics of the public concern over the last 10 years. Our explanation of the decrease of the people’s complaints against EMF exposure from base stations for mobile communication is as a result of our risk communication program that is in implementation for >10 years.     

“Please let me visit”: Management options for marine ecosystems in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area

Designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a means to support conservation of marine ecosystems is expected to depend on local communities and stakeholder’ participation and support. This paper presents the preferences of residents of Malta for measures intended to protect Posidonia oceanica seagrasses and coralligenous formations from threats from the anchoring and mooring of vessels in an offshore MPA area. The results indicate that only the most modest of restrictions increase the economic welfare of residents as participants are, overall, against further restrictions to enter the MPA. Survey participants wish to see an increase in provisioning ecosystem services such as fish caught and increases in carbon sequestration and are willing to pay to secure such benefits. Respondents also appear to have individualistic and use-driven values as a result of interacting with the MPA while past experiences play an important role in preferences, with frequent visitors strongly objecting to further restrictions to entry. The good current condition of the seagrass beds might explain the rejection of stringent restrictions but fails to account for threats from climate change and projected increase in tourism vessels’ visits. Such findings make co-operation and appropriate communication of threats and policies for management of marine resources through MPAs to the public more imperative.     

Mobile Communication in the Public Mind: Insights from Free Associations Related to Mobile Phone Base Stations

The number of people using mobile phones has dramatically increased. At the same time, many people are unsettled about the potential health effects from the electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phone base stations. Research indicates that the risks associated with base stations are perceived differently by experts, laypeople, and base station opponents. Using a free association method, we analyzed these differences in more detail. In our first study, we found no difference between experts and laypeople but a marked distinction in the associations of opponents as opposed to the first two groups. The prevalence of free associations in a large random sample from the general population was explored via correspondence analysis in the second study. People who assign high risks to mobile communication had different, more negative associations in mind (e.g., “senselessness,” “hazard”) compared to people with low risk-perception (e.g., “mast,” “acceptance”). Our research is in line with the assumption that the affect heuristic guides risk and benefit assessments, and highlights the role of affect in risk perception and communication.     

Analysis of the effect of mobile phone base station antenna loading on localized SAR and its consequences for measurements

In this work, the effect of antenna element loading on the localized specific absorption rate (SAR) has been analyzed for base station antennas. The analysis was conducted in order to determine whether localized SAR measurements of large multi-element base station antennas can be conducted using standardized procedures and commercially available equipment. More specifically, it was investigated if the antenna shifting measurement procedure, specified in the European base station exposure assessment standard EN 50383, will produce accurate localized SAR results for base station antennas larger than the specified measurement phantom. The obtained results show that SAR accuracy is affected by the presence of lossy material within distances of one wavelength from the tested antennas as a consequence of coupling and redistribution of transmitted power among the antenna elements. It was also found that the existing standardized phantom is not optimal for SAR measurements of large base station antennas. A new methodology is instead proposed based on a larger, box-shaped, whole-body phantom.     

Food selection and predation risk in the Andean white-eared opossum (Didelphis pernigra Allen, 1900) in a suburban area of Bogotá, Colombia

Urbanization is spreading throughout the Andes, and despite it there is still wildlife which survives in these novel environments throughout Colombia and elsewhere. The Andean white-eared opossum (Didelphis pernigra Allen, 1900) can tolerate moderate levels of urbanization in the Andes highlands, and we evaluated its food selection based on optimal patch use theory using foraging stations to measure giving-up densities in a suburban area in Bogotá (∼2600 m a.s.l.). We offered the opossums equicaloric mixtures of protein-rich and sucrose-rich foods, and they preferred the sucrose mixture. However, the magnitude of this preference was influenced by temporal and spatial effects. We suggest that in environments such as the high Andes, where air temperature regularly drops below 10 °C, the opossums prefer foods that provide energy easily. We also assessed the opossums’ perceived risk of predation when domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are present by sprinkling dog urine in cotton swabs next to foraging stations; we expected opossums to forage more when the predator’s signal was not present. Dog urine indicated a risk for opossum’s at only one of six foraging stations, suggesting a weak predator’s signal effect that depends on location. Both food preferences and perception of risk by the opossum were affected by the spatial heterogeneity of the urban environment. Thus, microhabitat management at the study site, which is part of a recently created reserve to preserve Bogotá’s natural capital, appears to be key to conserve the opossums and their ecological functions in highly disturbed areas of the Andes.     

The Impact of Cost and Network Topology on Urban Mobility: A Study of Public Bicycle Usage in 2 U.S. Cities

Understanding the drivers of urban mobility is vital for epidemiology, urban planning, and communication networks. Human movements have so far been studied by observing people''s positions in a given space and time, though most recent models only implicitly account for expected costs and returns for movements. This paper explores the explicit impact of cost and network topology on mobility dynamics, using data from 2 city-wide public bicycle share systems in the USA. User mobility is characterized through the distribution of trip durations, while network topology is characterized through the pairwise distances between stations and the popularity of stations and routes. Despite significant differences in station density and physical layout between the 2 cities, trip durations follow remarkably similar distributions that exhibit cost sensitive trends around pricing point boundaries, particularly with long-term users of the system. Based on the results, recommendations for dynamic pricing and incentive schemes are provided to positively influence mobility patterns and guide improved planning and management of public bicycle systems to increase uptake.     

Genetic Diversity of Plankton Community as Depicted by PCR-DGGE Fingerprinting and its Relation to Morphological Composition and Environmental Factors in Lake Donghu

To collect information about the genetic diversity of the plankton community and to study how plankton respond to environmental conditions, plankton samples were collected from five stations representing different trophic levels in a shallow, eutrophic lake (Lake Donghu), and investigated by PCR-DGGE fingerprinting. A total of 100 bands (61 of 16S rDNA bands and 39 of 18S rDNA bands) were detected. The DGGE bands unique to any single station accounted for 38% of the total bands, whereas common bands detected at all five stations accounted for only 11%. Using UPGMA clustering and MDS ordination of DGGE fingerprints, stations I and II were found to initially group together into one cluster, which was later joined by station V. Stations III and IV were isolated into two separate groups of one station each. Some differences in grouping relationships were found when analysis was completed on the basis of chemical characteristics and morphological composition, with zooplankton composition showing the greatest variability. However, the most similar stations (I and II) were always initially grouped into one cluster. Moreover, stations that exhibited the same or similar trophic level (stations III and IV), but different concentrations of heavy metals, were further differentiated by the DGGE method. Results of the present study indicated that PCR-DGGE fingerprinting was more sensitive than the traditional methods, as other studies suggested. Additionally, PCR-DGGE appears to be more appropriate for diversity characterization of the plankton community, as it is more canonical, systematic, and effective. Most importantly, fingerprinting results are more convenient for the comparative analyses between different studies. Therefore, the use of the described fingerprinting analysis may provide an operable and sensitive biomonitoring approach to identify critical, and potentially negative, stress within an aquatic ecosystem.     

Mobile location estimation using density-based clustering technique for NLoS environments

Mobile location technologies have drawn much attention to cope with the mass demands of wireless communication services. Although clustering spatial data is viewed as an effective way to access the objects located in a physical space, little has been done in estimating mobile location. In wireless communication, one of the main problems with accurate location is nonline of sight (NLoS) propagation. To solve the problem, we present a new location algorithm with clustering technique by utilizing the geometrical feature of cell layout, time of arrival range measurements, and three base stations. The mobile location is estimated by solving the optimal solution of the objective function based on the high density cluster. Furthermore, our proposed algorithm only needs three range measurements and does not distinguish between NLoS and LoS environments. Simulations study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the algorithm for different NLoS error distributions and various upper bound of NLoS error. The results of our experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is significantly more effective in location accuracy than range scaling algorithm, linear lines of position algorithm, and Taylor series algorithm, and also satisfies the location accuracy demand of E-911.

Expressing citizen preferences on endangered wildlife for building socially appealing species recovery policies: A stated preference experiment in Quebec,Canada

Over the past fifty years, the world's wildlife populations have drastically declined. This stems from multiple causes, including the loss of natural habitat, which plays a vital role. Effective strategies to help endangered wildlife species recovery requires broad public support to be politically viable. In this study, we conducted a randomized survey to elicit and describe the Quebec population’s preferences and concerns regarding endangered wildlife and estimate its willingness-to-pay (WTP) for their recovery. We used stated preference approaches, namely a discrete choice experiment (DCE) and best-worst scaling (BWS), to estimate WTP and rank respondent preferences towards categories of wildlife species and recovery program attributes. In the selection of animals listed, results also reveal strong public preferences for large mammals, more specifically the beluga whale and woodland caribou. Simulation exercises from our DCE results show that a quarter of respondents would be willing to pay $160 per year for a megafauna recovery program compared to $12 for birds, or insects, or fish and molluscs recovery programs. Despite respondents’ strong preferences for the protection of megafauna, BWS and DCE simulation results indicate that a broader multispecies approach would be favoured by a larger segment of the population than a single specie approach. The survey results also revealed that the public likes to spend time in nature and is both concerned about endangered wildlife and aware of the interdependence between humans and nature. Therefore, our findings suggest that policymakers have a social acceptance to use both flagship species and multispecies approaches to implement endangered species recovery strategies. Moreover, our findings and the related literature on the value of ecosystem services indicate that communication on wildlife conservation could be buttressed by emphasizing conservation’s contributions to ecosystem services.     

Measurement and mapping of the GSM-based electromagnetic pollution in the Black Sea region of Turkey

Electromagnetic pollution caused by mobile communication devices, a new form of environmental pollution, has been one of the most concerning problems to date. Consequences of long-term exposure to the electromagnetic radiation caused by cell phone towers are still unknown and can potentially be a new health hazard. It is important to measure, analyze and map the electromagnetic radiation levels periodically because of the potential risks. The electromagnetic pollution maps can be used for the detection of diseases caused by the radiation. With the help of the radiation maps of different regions, comparative analysis can be provided and distribution of the diseases can be investigated. In this article, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM)-based electromagnetic pollution map of the Rize Providence, which has high cancer rates because of the Chernobyl nuclear explosion, is generated. First, locations of the GSM base stations are identified and according to the antenna types of the base stations, safety distances are determined. Subsequently, 155 measurements are taken during November 2014 from the nearest living quarters of the Rize city center in Turkey. The measurements are then assessed statistically. Thenceforth, for visual judgment of the determined statistics, collected measurements are presented on the map. It is observed that national limits are not exceeded, but it is also discovered that the safety distance is waived at some of the measurement points and above the average radiation levels are noted. Even if the national limits are not exceeded, the long-term effects of the exposition to the electromagnetic radiation can cause serious health problems.     

The effect of attractant lures in camera trapping: a case study of population estimates for the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Capture–recapture analysis of camera trap data is a conventional method to estimate the abundance of free-ranging wild felids. Due to notorious low detection rates of felids, it is important to increase the detection probability during sampling. In this study, we report the effectiveness of attractants as a tool for improving the efficiency of camera trap sampling in abundance estimation of Iberian lynx. We developed a grid system of camera stations in which stations with and without attractant lures were spatially alternated across known Iberian lynx habitat. Of the ten individuals identified, five were detected at stations with no attractant (blind sets), and nine, at the lured stations. Thirty-eight percent of blind set station’s independent captures and 10?% of lured station’s independent captures resulted in photographs unsuitable for correct individual identification. The total capture probability at lured stations was higher than that obtained at blind set stations. The estimates obtained with blind set cameras underestimated the number of lynxes compared to lured cameras. In our study, it appears that the use of lures increased the efficiency of trail camera captures and, therefore, the accuracy of capture–recapture analysis. The observed failure to detect known individuals at blind set camera stations may violate capture–recapture assumptions and bias abundance estimates.     

When Your Decisions Are Not (Quite) Your Own: Action Observation Influences Free Choices

A growing number of studies have begun to assess how the actions of one individual are represented in an observer. Using a variant of an action observation paradigm, four experiments examined whether one person’s behaviour can influence the subjective decisions and judgements of another. In Experiment 1, two observers sat adjacent to each other and took turns to freely select and reach to one of two locations. Results showed that participants were less likely to make a response to the same location as their partner. In three further experiments observers were asked to decide which of two familiar products they preferred or which of two faces were most attractive. Results showed that participants were less likely to choose the product or face occupying the location of their partner’s previous reaching response. These findings suggest that action observation can influence a range of free choice preferences and decisions. Possible mechanisms through which this influence occurs are discussed.     

A new-generation apparatus for studying memory-related performance in mice

1. We developed a new kind of food search test that can measure murine nocturnal memory without handling hard work for setting up.2. This apparatus has four food stations, but only one station had accessible food at any time. The one station with accessible food was changed at 4-h intervals.3. We compared the performance of transient forebrain global Ischemic mice, which are a hippocampal lesion model, with the performance of control C57BL/6J mice.4. The correct visit ratio, i.e., the ratio of the number of visits to the correct food station to the number of visits to all stations, gradually increased in the control mice, but did not change in the Ischemic mice.5. This new system was demonstrated to be an additional and useful tool for studying memory-related performance in mice.     

Women’s preferences regarding options for management of atypical,borderline or low‐grade cervical cytological abnormalities: a review of the evidence

M. Z. Sadique and R. Legood Women’s preferences regarding options for management of atypical, borderline or low‐grade cervical cytological abnormalities: a review of the evidence Objectives: To review the evidence on women’s preferences for and valuation of alternative management pathways following identification of low‐grade cytological abnormalities as part of routine cervical cancer screening. The aim was to identify empirical studies evaluating women’s preferences regarding alternative management pathways and to compare the impact of alternative elicitation methods on results. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the online bibliographic information service PubMed database. Empirical studies were identified that elicited general preferences, utilities or valuations based on willingness to pay (WTP) with respect to management of low‐grade cytology results. Data were extracted on the methodology used and the empirical results. Results: Where quality of life data were elicited directly from patients that were undergoing management of low‐grade abnormalities utilizing direct elicitation techniques such as WTP, general preference questionnaires and the Euroqol, the studies tended towards a preference in favour of HPV testing (and colposcopy referral if HPV positive) rather than repeat cytology. In contrast, where studies included the general population and presented hypothetical scenarios of treatment pathways, and explicitly tried to incorporate assessment of process utility, the evidence indicated a slight tendency to favour repeat cytology. Conclusion: Consideration of patient preferences in the management of low‐grade cytology is important for designing screening protocols. The reviewed studies indicate that potentially different conclusions may be drawn depending on the elicitation methodology and selection of participants in the research.     

Protect children from EMF

Abstract

The twenty-first century is marked with aggressive development of the wireless communications (satellite, mobile phones, Internet, Wi-Fi). In addition to thousand of satellites that deliver radio and TV signals, large satellite and base station networks secure intensive instant delivery of audio and video information. It is fair to say that that the entire civilization, both biosphere and mankind are exposed to continuous exposure of multitude of radiofrequency (RF) signals. It should be taken into account that the entire world population is exposed to exponentially increasing RF radiation from base stations and satellite antennas. While several years ago the potential hazard was connected with placement of mobile phones close to human head, today “smart phones” represent small, but powerful computers continuously receiving audio and video data. The largest group of users is the children and teenagers who “need” to communicate nearly 24?h a day. This is even more important because cell phones and tablets may be seen in the hands of children as little as two years in age. There is no way to assess and predict the potential damages of children brain, vision and hearing under exposure to RF radiation. The WHO precautionary principle and IARC classification must be applied in discussing the potential hazard of the use of today’s and tomorrow’s communication devices.     

Diatom ecological preferences in a shallow temperate estuary (Ria de Aveiro,Western Portugal)

The study of the diatom ecological preferences was conducted from January 2002 to June 2003 in Canal de Mira, Ria de Aveiro, Western Portugal. Three sampling stations along a salinity gradient were sampled monthly, in new moon, at high and low tide. Salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and nutrient contents were measured for each sampling station; chlorophyll a and diatom diversity and abundance were also evaluated. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to identify the environmental variables governing the composition and structure of diatom assemblage. The variation in the species data among the different reaches was strongly determined by the salinity spatial gradient and by the temperature temporal gradient. The lower reaches were dominated by marine species (e.g. Auliscus sculptus, Chaetoceros densus, Fallacia forcipata,Licmophora flabellata, L. grandis, Surirella comis), while in the most upstream station typical freshwater species dominated (e.g. Caloneis permagna, Cymatopleura solea, Cymbella tumida, Gomphonema longiceps, Pinnularia stommatophora, Stauroneis smithii). Weighted averaging was used to estimate optima and tolerances of some diatom taxa for the most influential variables. It was possible to establish groups oftaxa with defined and distinctive salinity and temperature preferences.     

Self-organization leads to supraoptimal performance in public transportation systems

The performance of public transportation systems affects a large part of the population. Current theory assumes that passengers are served optimally when vehicles arrive at stations with regular intervals. In this paper, it is shown that self-organization can improve the performance of public transportation systems beyond the theoretical optimum by responding adaptively to local conditions. This is possible because of a "slower-is-faster" effect, where passengers wait more time at stations but total travel times are reduced. The proposed self-organizing method uses "antipheromones" to regulate headways, which are inspired by the stigmergy (communication via environment) of some ant colonies.