Ammonia emissions from swine houses in the southeastern United States

Ammonia (NH3) from confined animal feeding operations is emitted from several sources including lagoons, field applications, and houses. This paper presents studies that were conducted to evaluate NH3 emissions from swine finisher and sow animal houses in the southeastern USA. Management and climate variables including animal weight, feed consumption, housing gutter water temperature, total time fans operated per day, house air temperature, house ambient NH3 concentration, and animal numbers were measured to determine their individual and combined effect on NH3 emissions. Ammonia emissions varied on daily and seasonal bases with higher emissions during warmer periods. For finishers, the summertime housing emissions on a per-animal basis were 2.4 times higher than wintertime (7.0 vs. 3.3 g NH3 animal(-1) d(-1)) or 3.2 times higher when compared on an animal unit (AU) basis (1 AU = 500 kg) because of climate and animal size differences between measurement periods. For summertime, the emission factor for the finishing pigs was 7.8 times higher than for sows on an animal basis and 25.6 times higher on an AU basis. Simple models were developed for housing emissions based on (i) all measured factors that were independent of each other and (ii) on three commonly measured management factors. The two models explained 97 and 64%, respectively, of variations in emissions. Ammonia emissions were found to be somewhat less than other studies on the same type housing due to more representative housing concentration measurements and calibration of exhaust fans; thus, emission factors for these type houses will be less than previously thought.     

Do vesicle cells of the red alga Asparagopsis (Falkenbergia stage) play a role in bromocarbon production?

The Rhodophyceae (red algae) are an established source of volatile halocarbons in the marine environment. Some species in the Bonnemaisoniaceae have been reported to contain large amounts of halogens in structures referred to as vesicle cells, suggesting involvement of these specialised cells in the production of halocarbons. We have investigated the role of vesicle cells in the accumulation and metabolism of bromide in an isolate of the red macroalga Asparagopsis (Falkenbergia stage), a species known to release bromocarbons. Studies of laboratory-cultivated alga, using light microscopy, revealed a requirement of bromide for both the maintenance and formation of vesicle cells. Incubation of the alga in culture media with bromide concentrations below 64 mgl(-1) (the concentration of Br(-) in seawater) resulted in a decrease in the proportion of vesicle cells to pericentral cells. The abundance of vesicle cells was correlated with bromide concentration below this level. Induction of vesicle cell formation in cultures of Falkenbergia occurred at concentrations as low as 8 mgl(-1), with the abundance of vesicle cells increasing with bromide concentration up to around 100 mgl(-1). Further studies revealed a positive correlation between the abundance of vesicle cells and dibromomethane and bromoform production. Interestingly, however, whilst dibromomethane production was stimulated by the presence of bromide in the culture media, bromoform release remained unaffected suggesting that the two compounds are formed by different mechanisms.     

The commons dilemma

Whenever a short-term or local need in the exploitation of a scarce natural resource must be pitted against its long-term use or the needs of the larger community, the commons dilemma arises. The study of commons dilemmas originated in agricultural economies but has importance in all resource management areas. Psychologists have recently found it to be a useful paradigm in the study of decision-making behavior.This paper reviews the commons dilemma as it has been used in three areas of psychological research: games theory, animal and human territorial behavior, and behavior reinforcement. In the first area, results show how communication within groups operates in cooperation/competition situations. In the second, the effects of social and political ideologies are examined. In the third, the implications of the commons dilemma with regard to breaking out of social traps are discussed. Throughout, the relevance of this basic psychological research to rational resource management is made clear. An extensive bibliography of relevant original research is provided.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of the pyrethroid, bifenthrin, on grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) and sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus)

This study investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin on adult and larval grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, and adult sheepshead minnows, Cyprinodon variegatus. The effects were determined by conducting 96-h aqueous static renewal tests and 24-h static tests with sediment. Oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and catalase were also assessed. The 96-h aqueous LC50 value for adult shrimp was 0.020 microg/L (95% CI: 0.015-0.025 microg/L) and for larval shrimp was 0.013 microg/L (95% CI: 0.011-0.016 microg/L). The 96-h aqueous LC50 for adult sheepshead minnow was 19.806 microg/L (95% CI: 11.886-47.250 microg/L). The 24-h sediment LC50 for adult shrimp was 0.339 microg/L (95% CI: 0.291-0.381 microg/L) and for larval shrimp was 0.210 microg/L (95% CI: 0.096-0.393 microg/L). The oxidative stress assays showed some increasing trends toward physiological stress with increased bifenthrin concentrations but they were largely inconclusive. Given the sensitivity of grass shrimp to this compound in laboratory bioassays, additional work will be needed to determine if these exposure levels are environmentally relevant.     

Meta‐analytic tests of relationships between organizational justice and citizenship behavior: testing agent‐system and shared‐variance models

Research on the unique effects of different types of perceived fairness on citizenship behavior that benefits individuals (organizational citizenship behavior (OCB‐I) and organizations (OCB‐O) has produced mixed results. We assert that how OCB‐O and OCB‐I are conceptualized affects the patterns of results, and we hypothesize that, when OCB is conceptualized appropriately, an agent‐system model is supported (interactional and procedural justice are the strongest unique predictors of OCB‐I and OCB‐O, respectively). We also hypothesize that shared variance among the justice types explains additional variance in OCB. Analyses of semi‐ partial correlations conducted on meta‐analytic coefficients supported our hypotheses. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Framing an independent,integrated and evidence-based evaluation of the state of Australia's biophysical and human environments

A new approach was developed for Australia's 2011 national State of the Environment (SoE) report to integrate the assessment of biophysical and human elements of the environment. A Common Assessment and Reporting Framework (CARF) guided design and implementation, responding to jurisdictional complexity, outstanding natural diversity and ecosystem values, high levels of cultural and heritage diversity, and a paucity of national-scale data. The CARF provided a transparent response to the need for an independent, robust and evidence-based national SoE report. We conclude that this framework will be effective for subsequent national SoE assessments and other integrated national-scale assessments in data-poor regions.     

Computer-aided tools for pollution prevention: solvent-based processes

This paper provides an analysis of pollution prevention, treatment and cure with respect to solvent-based processes. It is postulated that, in new processes, considering environmental constraints in the early stages of process design can prevent pollution due to inefficient recovery of solvents or inefficient separation by solvents. Pollution in existing processes can also be prevented through early treatment that includes assessment of causes and effects of future changes in process conditions and/or environmental regulations. Pollution cure is more difficult, since the process is already violating some environmental constraints and any solution also needs to satisfy social and economic constraints. A technique for pollution prevention, treatment and cure that is based on the use of computer-aided tools is presented. Application of the technique is illustrated through a case study that highlights the important steps of the solution approach and serves as a proof of concept.     

Prenatal diagnosis of complete sole trisomy 1q

The prenatal diagnosis of a complete trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 1 is reported. Major ultrasound findings included: nuchal thickening, bi-temporal narrowing, a single choroid plexus cyst, andmild ventriculomegaly. There was a mass in the chest and abdomen, pleural effusion, ascites and a hyperechoic bowel. Skin edema was present. The fetus died at 26 weeks' gestation. A literature review is presented of 17 de novo and two inherited cases with only trisomy 1q. Of note is the fact that 3/5 prenatally detected 1q trisomies have teratomas. A review of the literature reveals a dismal outcome fortrisomy 1q cases if the duplication involves bands 1q25→q32. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A review of workplace aerosol sampling procedures and their relevance to the assessment of beryllium exposures

Standardized conventions governing the fractions of airborne particles that can penetrate the human head airways, the thoracic airways and the alveolar spaces have been internationally (although not universally) adopted. Several agencies involved in setting limit values for occupational exposure concentrations have taken these conventions into account when considering the appropriate standard for specific chemicals, in order to ensure the standards are biologically relevant. A convention is selected based on the characteristic health effects, and forms the basis of measurement against the limiting concentration value. In order to assess exposure for comparison to this metric or any other purposes, it is necessary to choose a sampler whose performance matches the convention, and protocols have been developed and used to test sampler performance. Several aerosol sampling devices are available, nominally at least, for each of the conventions. Some considerations important to the sampling of airborne particles containing beryllium with regard to the sampling conventions, the test protocols and sampler performance are discussed.