Design of Experimental Streams for Simulating Headwater Stream Restoration1

Huang, Jung-Chen, William J. Mitsch, and Andrew D. Ward, 2010. Design of Experimental Streams for Simulating Headwater Stream Restoration. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1-15. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00467.x Abstract: Headwater streams flowing through agricultural fields in the midwestern United States have been extensively modified to accommodate subsurface drainage systems, resulting in deepened, straightened, and widened streams. To restore these headwater streams, partial or total reconstruction of channels is frequently attempted. There are different approaches to reconstructing the channel, yet there is little evidence that indicates which promises more success and there has been no experimental work to evaluate these approaches. This study designs three experimental channels – two-stage, self-design, and straightened channels – on a human-created swale at the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, Columbus, Ohio, for long-term evaluation of headwater stream evolution after restoration. The swale receives a continuous flow of pumped river water from upstream wetlands. Using streamflow and stage data for the past 12 years, a channel-forming discharge of 0.18 m³/s was estimated from bankfull discharge, effective discharge, and recurrence interval. These stream channels, after construction, will be monitored to evaluate physical, chemical, and biological responses to different channels over a decade-long experiment. We hypothesize that the three stream restoration designs will eventually evolve to a similar channel form but with different time periods for convergence. Monitoring the frequency and magnitude of changes over at least 10 years is needed to document the most stable restored channel form.     

A behavior based safety approach at a Kuwait research institution

INTRODUCTION: Behavior based safety (BBS) initiatives are the current trend toward improving safety performance. METHOD: This study outlines the framework of the BBS process and summarizes several behavioral safety approaches to accident prevention. RESULTS: Although most of the published research has focused on the improvement of safe behavior in industry, this study is the first to apply the current approach of behavior based safety in a research/educational setting. An experiment conducted at a research institution demonstrated the effectiveness of a well-designed behavior based safety process. A follow-up study indicated that the BBS produced a lasting effect for the experimental group. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Results from this study can be the driving force to implement behavior-based safety processes into educational, research, and training organizations.     

A cost analysis technique for research management and design

A classic research approach is to optimize experimental design and available resources. However, that approach does not guarantee that results will be useful. This article takes the view that research should not be undertaken unless there is assurance that final results will be significant to a level specified before any work is begun. Given that assurance, the relationship between cost and statistical significance is explored, a new approach to optimization s developed, and the use of models in research design is considered.     

Application of ecological theory to determining recovery potential of disturbed lotic ecosystems: Research needs and priorities

This article summarizes the views of aquatic scientists who gathered to assess the ability of stream ecosystem theory to predict recovery from disturbance. Two views of disturbance were evident: a discrete removal of organisms vs an unusual deviation from normal. These were perceived as applying to different scales and/or objectives. Long-term information is required from both points of view to define recovery. Recovery also may be defined in different ways, but it is clear that recovery has both spatial and temporal components, and includes both physical and biological processes. Consensus was very strong that a major role (and challenge) for theory lies in the understanding of spatial aspects, temporal scales, coupling of physics and biology, and the interaction of these features in recovery processes. Some progress is evident in the articles of this volume, but among the topics identified as critical for further theoretical contributions were: homogeneous vs heterogeneous distribution of disturbance, local extent of disturbance relative to a regional context, critical vs noncritical patches (size and location) of disturbance at different spatial scales and temporal frequencies, delineation of reversible and nonreversible processes, and physical and biological constraints on the time frame for recovery. Such concepts need attention across different types of lotic ecosystems. Thus, there was strong consensus that a national monitoring system of representative lotic ecosystems within ecological regions be established. The purpose of this monitoring system would be to acquire long-term data on natural variability, to establish viable indicators of spatial and temporal aspects of recovery, and to develop and test emerging theoretical developments.     

环境与经济协调发展理论研究进展

简述了协调发展的内涵及其定量化研究概况，综述了协调发展相关理论－可持续发展，环境承载力，生态经济规划等的研究进展，并指出了协调发展理论的研究趋势。     

Prospects and Constraints of Desert Agriculture: Lessons from West Omdurman

Sudan is the largest country in Africa with an area of about 2.5 million km²; the country hosts a population of about 31 million people. About two-thirds of the country area is located within arid and semi-arid regions. Recently, especially during the last half of the previous century, these regions were subject to various forms of land degradation. This paper discusses the general prospects and constraints of desert agriculture. It also presents a detailed case study of West Omdurman, which is located in a semi-desert climatic zone. The ambitious plans to utilise the area for agricultural production were initiated because of the relatively fertile soil, availability of water and the proximity of the area to marketing and export centres. The paper discusses the different land use systems experienced in the area, reasons for failure are identified and possible remedies discussed. In addition, constraints facing the proposed West Omdurman Canal Project are also discussed. Finally, the paper reviews the major research findings of Rawakeeb Dryland Research Center with regard to promoting agricultural productivity.     

After 35 years,have we made progress: A government perspective

The use of irradiation to improve the safety, protect the nutritional benefits, and preserve the quality of fresh and processed foods is a well established and proven technology. Over the past 35 years, the United States Government has invested in the science to confirm safety and in the technology to show application. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration have approved sources of ionizing radiation for the treatment of foods, and their application to most meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices. Despite the value of this technology to the food industry and to the health and welfare of the public, only minimal application of this technology occurs. This underscores the importance of increasing the public's understanding of radiation risks relative to other hazards. Accordingly, in 1995, the Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination of the Executive Office of the President made recommendations for the creation of a centralized National Radiation Information Center that would work closely with Federal departments and agencies in responding to public queries about radiation issues and Federal programs. This article updates a commentary published in 1996 (Young 1996). In the past six years, some progress has been made, including the establishment of a government operated Food Irradiation Information Center, and the completion of final rule making by USDA, thus permitting the safe treatment of meats and poultry. Despite these actions, little progress has been made on the public acceptance of this technology. The need for an informed public and for a better understanding of risks, i.e., risk communication, is noted.     

基础研究与林火实践

通过介绍森林火灾的双重性分析森林火灾的几个典型现象,探讨了如何对森林火灾进行基础研究和模拟实验。并从着火过程,林火行为,阻炎林带的阻火机理三个方面论述了基础与林火初中之间的关系。     

粉煤灰电石渣用作金属废渣和酸性铬污泥的稳定/固化剂的试验研究

粉煤灰、电石渣与水泥存在着某些相似的理化性质 ,研究它们对金属废物和酸性铬污泥的稳定 /固化作用 ,实现以废治废将具有重要意义。本文通过试验研究证实了粉煤灰和电石渣对金属废渣有良好的稳定 /固化作用 ;对酸性铬污泥 ,电石渣有很好的稳定 /固化作用 ,二者完全可以替代水泥用作金属废渣和酸性铬污泥的固化剂。     

循环经济激励机制建立研究初探

循环经济是世界社会经济发展的必然要求,在我国更是具有特殊的地位和内涵,开展循环经济的研究,特别是有关循环经济激励机制的研究尤为迫切。循环经济激励机制建立对我国当前循环经济发展十分必要,建议从宏观规划、经济、产业、技术、思想、宣传、法律法规和政绩考核等8个方面实施一系列激励政策措施来促进循环经济的快速发展。