Allowing for MSD prevention during facilities planning for a public service: an a posteriori analysis of 10 library design projects.

Research was conducted to identify an ergonomics-based intervention model designed to factor in musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention when library projects are being designed. The first stage of the research involved an a posteriori analysis of 10 recent redesign projects. The purpose of the analysis was to document perceptions about the attention given to MSD prevention measures over the course of a project on the part of 2 categories of employees: librarians responsible for such projects and personnel working in the libraries before and after changes. Subjects were interviewed in focus groups. Outcomes of the analysis can guide our ergonomic assessment of current situations and contribute to a better understanding of the way inclusion or improvement of prevention measures can support the workplace design process.     

Current controversies in prenatal diagnosis: Expanded NIPT that includes conditions other than trisomies 13, 18, and 21 should be offered

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) based on analysis of cell free DNA circulating in the maternal plasma has been available clinically to screen for chromosomal abnormalities since 2011. There is significant evidence to suggest that NIPT has revolutionised prenatal screening for the common trisomies 13, 18, and 21. However, the evidence in favour of its extended use to screen for conditions other than these trisomies remains a topic of debate with no national or international organisation supporting clinical implementation for these indications. In the debate presented here – "Expanded NIPT that includes conditions other than trisomies 13, 18, and 21 should be offered" – we will see the pros and cons of screening for a wider range of chromosomal problems. The discussion presented swung the vote from 65% in favour and 35% against before the arguments were voiced to 41% in favour and 59% against. This significant swing in the vote indicates that the majority of our community feel more evidence is required before clinical implementation of extended NIPT.     

Aquatic ecotoxicity assessment of a new natural formicide

Background, aim and scope

Agrochemicals could reach aquatic ecosystems and damage ecosystem functionality. Natural formicide could be an alternative to use in comparison with the more toxic formicides available on the market. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the ecotoxicity of the new natural formicide Macex? with a battery of classical aquatic ecotoxicity tests.

Material and methods

Bacteria (Aliivibrio fischeri), algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata), hydra (Hydra attenuata), daphnids (Daphnia magna), and fish (Danio rerio) tests were performed in accordance with international standardized methodologies.

Results

In the range of formicide concentrations tested (0.03 to 2.0?g?L^?1) EC₅₀ values varied from 0.49 to >2.0?g?L^?1, with P. subcapitata being the most sensitive species and H. attenuata and D. rerio the most tolerant species to this product in aqueous solutions.

Conclusions

This new formicide preparation can be classed as a product of low toxicity compared to the aquatic ecotoxicity of the most common commercialized formicides.     

Jack pine growth and elemental composition are affected by saline tailings water

In the processing of oil sands from Alberta's Athabasca formation, large quantities of alkaline, saline tailings and associated process-affected waters are produced. These waters may have a negative effect on plants used in reclamation of mined areas in this region of the northern boreal forest. In the present study, we examined the effects of process-affected water on the growth and elemental composition of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings. Seedlings were grown in sand culture, and treated with tailings water to which mineral nutrients had been added. One-month-old seedlings were treated for 14 d, and all measured growth parameters were reduced. Growth and shoot elemental composition were also measured in seven-month-old seedlings that were treated for 10 wk with process-affected water. Shoots had significantly elevated levels of Na, Cl, S, P, B, and Sr, and significantly reduced levels of Fe, Mo, Ba, and K. The relationships between elemental composition and seedling growth and injury were examined using multiple regression. Growth rates, dry weights, and carotenoid content were reduced, but were not related to shoot elemental composition. Needle necrosis was positively related to tissue Na and Cl. Results indicate that reclamation planning must consider substrate Na and Cl levels when planting jack pine on tailings-affected sites.