ANNOYANCE AND COMMUNITY NOISE: PSYCHOPHYSICAL MODEL OF DOSE – RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS

There is a paucity of theory pertaining to social surveys of annoyance and community noise. A new psychophysical model addresses data concerning resident annoyance in sites exposed to various maximum noise levels and different numbers of noise events. The best fits of this model point to the relevance of response variance for understanding the results obtained with category response scales. The argument identifies a number of psychological and physical variables that may influence annoyance reactions to community noise. Most importantly, the model suggests that the truncation inherent in category scales biases the responses, and that response variability may be critical in determining the detailed shape of the dose–response function. Regulatory decisions concerning annoyance and community noise should be more valid when based on a deeper understanding of the theoretical basis of the empirical data.     

The use of light and electron microscopy to assess the impact of ozone on Norway spruce needles

Light (LM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy were used to study previously specified ozone symptoms in the foliage of Norway spruce. The three youngest green needle generations from twenty mature trees in two stands on sites of different soil fertility at Asa, southern Sweden, were sampled in 1999. The critical dose of ozone, expressed as AOT40, was 6,362 ppb.h. LM showed ozone-specific symptoms: decreased chloroplast size with electron dense stroma advancing gradually from the outer to the inner cell layers, being most severe in the needle side facing the sky. The symptoms were expressed as ozone syndrome indices at the needle generation, tree and stand levels. The index had higher values at the low fertility site. TEM was used to confirm the LM results. The study shows that LM can be used for diagnosis of the impact of ozone on conifers in the field.     

Extractable organic halogens (EOX) in sediments from selected Polish rivers and lakes--a measure of the quality of the inland water environment

EOX in sediments from the two main Polish rivers (the Vistula and the Oder/Odra) as well as five lakes was assayed coulometrically and its values examined with respect to the location of the sample collection points. EOX values were found to increase near industrial areas and large urban agglomerations, although mean values--comparable for rivers and lakes--were similar to those recorded elsewhere. EOX tends to rise as TOC does so. On the other hand, the EOX:TOC ratio decreases sharply in the case of lakes, since TOC values there are roughly one order of magnitude higher than in rivers. Furthermore, the contents of selected polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides are directly related to EOX values. These relationships constitute a basis for the application of EOX as a parameter reflecting the level of organochlorine compounds in environmental quality evaluation.     

The use of glyphosate as the sole source of phosphorus or carbon for the selection of soil-borne fungal strains capable to degrade this herbicide

The herbicide glyphosate was used as a selection agent for isolation of fungal strains capable to degrade phosphorus-to-carbon bond from standard sandy-clay soil. The studies have shown that the herbicide used in Martin medium as a sole source of phosphorus br carbon caused the decrease of the fungal population and substantially changed strain composition, thus selecting those which are able to degrade glyphosate.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome in occupational medicine practice.

Work-related overload syndromes are chiefly associated with the upper limbs, where carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) plays a leading role. This article analyses methods of diagnosing CTS, with special emphasis on those that can be used by physicians in early diagnosis of CTS in workers doing monotonous work. It also discusses occupational (e.g., assembly work, typing, playing instruments, packaging and work associated with the use of a hammer or pruning scissors) and extra-occupational factors (e.g., post-traumatic deformation of bone elements of the carpal tunnel, degenerative and inflammatory changes in tendon sheaths, connective tissue hypertrophy or formation of crystal deposits) leading to CTS; diagnostic methods (subjective symptoms, physical examination and manual provocative tests, vibration perception threshold, electrophysiological examination and imaging methods); and therapeutic and preventive management tools accessible in occupational medicine practice.     

Coalbed methane reservoir data and simulator parameter uncertainty modelling for CO2 storage performance assessment

Laboratory studies and a number of field pilots have demonstrated that CO₂ injection into coal seams has the potential to enhance coalbed methane (CBM) recovery with the added advantage that most of the injected CO₂ can be stored permanently in coal. The concept of storing CO₂ in geologic formations as a safe and effective greenhouse gas mitigation option requires public and regulatory acceptance. In this context it is important to develop a good understanding of the reservoir performance, uncertainties and the risks that are associated with geological storage. The paper presented refers to the sources of uncertainty involved in CO₂ storage performance assessment in coalbed methane reservoirs and demonstrates their significance using extensive digital well log data representing the Manville coals in Alberta, Canada. The spatial variability of the reservoir properties was captured through geostatistical analysis, and sequential Gaussian simulations of these provided multiple realisations for the reservoir simulator inputs. A number of CO₂ injection scenarios with variable matrix swelling coefficients were evaluated using a 2D reservoir model and spatially distributed realisations of total net thickness and permeability.     

Conducting and delivering integrated research to influence land-use policy: salinity policy in Australia

Researchers can find the process of engaging with policy to be both rewarding and frustrating. In the context of land-use policy, we discuss various aspects of the research-policy nexus, including the various influences of research and policy on land use, the adoption of research results by policy makers, differences between policy and research, and the roles that researchers can play in policy. We present a case study from Australia in which a range of research into land use was integrated to develop an investment framework for policy makers and natural resource managers. We conclude that, to enhance their influence on land-use policy, researchers should strive to: understand the policy maker's perspective, practice excellent communication, be solution oriented, find a champion, avoid appearances of vested interest, and be simple, patient, persistent, resilient, responsive and timely.