A guide to representing variability and uncertainty in biodiversity indicators

Biodiversity indicators are used to inform decisions and measure progress toward global targets, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Indicators aggregate and simplify complex information, so underlying information influencing its reliability and interpretation (e.g., variability in data and uncertainty in indicator values) can be lost. Communicating uncertainty is necessary to ensure robust decisions and limit misinterpretations of trends, yet variability and uncertainty are rarely quantified in biodiversity indicators. We developed a guide to representing uncertainty and variability in biodiversity indicators. We considered the key purposes of biodiversity indicators and commonly used methods for representing uncertainty (standard error, bootstrap resampling, and jackknife resampling) and variability (quantiles, standard deviation, median absolute deviation, and mean absolute deviation) with intervals. Using 3 high-profile biodiversity indicators (Red List Index, Living Planet Index, and Ocean Health Index), we tested the use, suitability, and interpretation of each interval method based on the formulation and data types underpinning the indicators. The methods revealed vastly different information; indicator formula and data distribution affected the suitability of each interval method. Because the data underpinning each indicator were not normally distributed, methods relying on normality or symmetrical spread were unsuitable. Quantiles, bootstrapping, and jackknifing provided useful information about the underlying variability and uncertainty. We built a decision tree to inform selection of the appropriate interval method to represent uncertainty or variation in biodiversity indicators, depending on data type and objectives. Our guide supports transparent and effective communication of biodiversity indicator trends to facilitate accurate interpretation by decision makers.     

Nanotechnology in cosmetics: a boon or bane?

Recent advances in the field of nanotechnology enabled the manufacturing of elaborated nanometer-sized particles for various biomedical applications. The cosmetic industry is one of the most enthusiastic early adopters of nanotechnology which routinely uses nano-scale ingredients. However, in the absence of mandatory product labeling, it is difficult to estimate the number of cosmetics, sunscreens and personal care products containing nanoparticles that are now commercially available. The increased capacity of nanoparticles to penetrate skin and gain access to human cells is a double-edged sword as it may be useful for medical purposes, but might also result in far greater uptake of substances that exert adverse health effects. Since nanomaterials represent a large group of structurally, physically, and chemically variable substances, specific toxicological studies are required for each product prior to commercialization. This review aims to delineate the most investigated applications, risk and safety considerations, and regulation of nanotechnology in the field of cosmetics.     

OPTICAL IMPACTS AND SOURCES OF SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN ONONDAGA CREEK,U.S.A.1

ABSTRACT: The degradation of the optical aesthetics in the mouth of Onondaga Creek, New York, that occurs during high flow periods as a result of the influx of large quantities of suspended solids, is documented. Features of the degradation include very low clarity (Secchi disc minimum of approximately 0.1 m) and a brown ‘muddy’ appearance. The reduced clarity is mostly a result of increased light scattering. Loading and concentration profiles obtained for an approximately 35 km interval above the creek mouth over a wide range of flow indicates most of the suspended solids received during runoff events is resuspended stream sediment and eroded bank material. Application of microscopy-based individual particle analysis techniques indicates that the origin of most of these deposits and much of the suspended solids during runoff events is point source inputs, termed ‘mud boils,’ located approximately 32 km upstream of the creek mouth.     

Harmonisation and Standardisation in Multi-National Environmental Statistics – Mission Impossible?

Multi-national statistics are frequently based on data, whichoriginate from national surveys. The systems of nomenclatureapplied for key attributes often show national differences.Different error sources which are incorporated in multi-nationalstatistics are discussed. The paper presents approaches forharmonisation and standardisation of multi-nationalenvironmental statistics and gives examples from the forestrysector. The effect of differences of national forest areaestimates on multi-national figures is quantified. An examplefrom forest health surveys is presented that shows the impact ofdifferent interpretation and application of the attribute crown transparency that is already harmonised on theEuropean level.     

辽宁长海海域叶绿素a和初级生产力的分布

2007年1月14～20日、4月3～8日、7月20～25日和10月22～27日利用荧光法和<'14>C示踪法,对辽宁省长海海域的叶绿素a和初级生产力进行了调查.结果表明叶绿素a和初级生产力均有明显的季节变化.叶绿素a(0.36～1.94 ms/m<'3>)和初级生产力(以c计)[170.27～1326.20 mg/(m...     

杞麓湖水体藻量和透明度变化分析

近几年监测表明，杞麓湖水体中藻量减少，透明度增加，说明藻量变化对透明度影响极大。藻类繁殖。水体色素增加，透明度降低；藻类死亡，色素分解，水体透明度递增。     

空气污染对城市太阳辐射影响的试验研究

对太阳辐射强度和空气污染浓度的观测分析表明:晴日太阳辐射的减弱与空气污染浓度密切相关。因此可以用太阳辐射强度的长期变化间接推断当地大气质量的长期变化。     

Supplier codes of conduct: Company authorization of subcontractors

Companies continue to build greater sustainability and transparency in their supply chains to increase their business value and to respond to greater stakeholder pressures and expectations to increase sustainability and transparency. As company supply chains have grown and expanded, which presents increased challenges for building greater transparency, it is possible that the use of subcontractors in supply chains has also increased. The amount and impact of subcontracting conducted in supply chains may be of greater concern to certain companies and/or sectors than others, and it may have an important impact on their sustainability efforts. This article assesses the extent to which supplier codes of conduct apply to the use of subcontractors and include a requirement for suppliers to obtain prior company approval or authorization before subcontractors conduct work. Based on a review of more than 50 supplier codes of conduct, the companies that are highlighted in this article for including this requirement are primarily in the apparel/footwear, food, pharmaceuticals, and/or retail sectors. The article asserts that supplier codes of conduct that include requirements for suppliers to protect and safeguard confidential business information could be strengthened to further protect the company's products, integrity, and reputation/brand and increase its competitiveness and resilience by also including a requirement of prior approval or authorization of a supplier's use of subcontractors.     

新型天然有机高分子阳离子改性絮凝剂的制备研究

为研发绿色絮凝剂,改善水资源短缺现状,以天然有机高分子玉米芯准纳米粉(QCCP,直径<0.147 mm)为母体,用三乙胺与环氧氯丙烷共聚产物为阳离子单体(M)进行改性.采用H2O2-FeSO4作引发剂,制得一种新型天然有机高分子阳离子改性絮凝剂DXSL-Ⅰ,确定了优化的反应条件.将2.0 g QCCP与含有0.7 g NaOH的8 mL水混合,40 ℃条件下碱化60 min.然后,加入8 mL醚化单体和体系总质量0.01%引发剂以及0.1% NaCl作为抑制剂,55 ℃条件下醚化3.5 h.实验表明,用该絮凝剂絮凝处理高岭土悬浊液时,不到5 min中层透光率就能达到95%以上.其絮凝性能达到传统絮凝剂聚丙烯酰胺的技术指标.此外,运用红外谱图化学结构分析和扫描电镜介观形貌分析辅助说明了改性反应的成功.     

Beyond accountability: alternative rationales for transparency in global trade politics

ABSTRACT

The conventional view of transparency is that it is a critical tool to combat corruption and ensure the democratic accountability of government. This article argues that the negotiation of mega-regional trade agreements (RTAs) and their content indicates the need distinguish different types of transparency. Trade activists that call for drafts of the text of a mega-RTA to be released while negotiations are ongoing are seeking deliberative transparency, which provides opportunities for meaningful public participation and consultation. The trade advisory systems that could provide opportunities for deliberation instead deliver technocratic transparency; the rationale is to increase the effectiveness of mega-RTAs rather than their democratic legitimacy. Frequent leaks of draft chapters of mega-RTAs provide opportunities for deliberation, but some actors involved in leaking are engaged in disruptive transparency where the aim is to complicate trade negotiations, making a final deal less likely. While these varieties of transparency emerge in the context of the negotiating process, disciplinary transparency – which often becomes a regulatory tool for multinational corporations to influence policy-making – is found in the text of mega-RTAs. Certain forms of transparency increase the likelihood that mega-RTAs will be compatible with strong environmental policy, while others may have a detrimental impact.