Lagrangian simulation of oil trajectories in the Florida Straits.

A Lagrangian floating oil trajectory model is developed to simulate a continuous surface spill in the Florida Straits. The trajectories are initiated at locations representative of exploratory drilling sites around Cuba's Exclusive Economic Zone and integrated for ten days. The simulation is initialized for different seasons, using leeway-corrected observed winds, ocean currents, different climatologies, and a first-order Markov Lagrangian Stochastic Model. A Monte-Carlo scheme is used to parameterize oil weathering processes collectively. Overall, the simulations exhibit a strong seasonal dependence, where the Florida coast is most affected during the summer and the Cuban coast in the winter. Drilling sites at the center of the Straits show the largest impact on Florida. Cuba is most affected by shoreline locations. A significant amount of oil reaches the Florida coastline within two to ten days, and Cuba is potentially affected within hours. Many simulations project impacts for the Florida Keys, South Florida, and the north shore of Cuba.

[Male homosexuals faced with the AIDS epidemic]. / Les homosexuels face à l'épidémie du SIDA.

This survey among 1 000 french male homosexuals and bisexuals (July-August 1985) shows the reactions to AIDS in the still largest risk group. The survey reveals the diversity of social and sexual lifestyles. Gays perceive AIDS as a health threat, but also as a social threat eventually leading to discrimination. Ambivalence also prevails in their relationships with medical authorities. This survey allows to draw some conclusions concerning preventive strategies in the gay community.