Short-term effects of atmospheric particulate matter on myocardial infarction: a cumulative meta-analysis

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is hypothesized to increase the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). However, the epidemiological evidence is inconsistent. We identified 33 studies with more than 4 million MI patients and applied meta-analysis and meta-regression to assess the available evidence. Twenty-five studies presented the effects of the PM level on hospitalization for MI patients, while eight studies showed the effects on mortality. An increase in PM₁₀ was associated with hospitalization and mortality in myocardial infarction patients (RR per 10 μg/m³?=?1.011, 95 % CI 1.006–1.016; RR per 10 μg/m³?=?1.008, 95 % CI 1.004–1.012, respectively); PM_2.5 also increased the risk of hospitalization and mortality in MI patients (RR per 10 μg/m³?=?1.024, 95 % CI 1.007–1.041 for hospitalization and RR per 10 μg/m³?=?1.012, 95 % CI 1.010–1.015 for mortality). The results of the cumulative meta-analysis indicated that PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were associated with myocardial infarctionwith the addition of new studies each year. In conclusion, short-term exposure to high PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 levels revealed to increase risk of hospitalization and mortality for myocardial infarction. Policy support of pollution control and individual protection was strongly recommended.     

Estimation of energy demand of fermentation-based hydrogen production

The paper is concerned with estimation of heat and power consumption in a conceptual plant to produce hydrogen from sucrose-containing or starchy biomass by fermentation. A hydrogen plant connected with a sugar factory is regarded as the basic option; the sugar factory serves as a source of sucrose-containing thick juice for the hydrogen plant, where this feedstock is processed to hydrogen. As another option, a stand-alone hydrogen plant in which starch must initially be converted to fermentable glucose solution is considered. The values of key process parameters are assumed on the basis of preliminary experimental data. For both options of the hydrogen plant, heat consumption is estimated taking heat recovery in a heat exchanger network into account. Power consumption is estimated by calculating power needed for pumping of liquid and gaseous process media.     

Backward linkage development in the South African PGM industry: A case study

Backward linkages refer to the various inter-firm relationships connecting an industry with its supply chain. Demand–supply interactions between producer firms and suppliers of original equipment, strategic inputs, components and specialised services have played an important role in the evolution of the South African mining sector, contributing indirectly to employment creation, new business growth and expansion, improved efficiency of mining operations, and new knowledge generation. This paper presents a case study of backward linkage development in the South African platinum group metals (PGM) industry and draws on the findings from a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the sector undertaken in 2007. A profile of the supply chain is provided and an assessment made of the strength and sustainability of existing linkages.     

Smallholder Agroforestry Systems For Carbon Storage

Most smallholder agroforestry systems in Southeast Asia are tree- and species-rich systems producing non-wood and wood products for both home use and market sale. Due to their high biomass, these systems contain large carbon (C) stocks. While the systems of individual farmers are of limited size, on a per area basis smallholder systems accumulate significant amounts of C, equaling the amount of C stored in some secondary forests of similar age. Their ability to simultaneously address smallholders’ livelihood needs and store large amounts of C makes smallholder systems viable project types under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol, with its dual objective of emissions reduction and sustainable development. Smallholder systems have not developed in areas where enabling conditions do not exist. A CDM project that facilitates a minimum threshold of enabling conditions that make smallholder agroforestation possible should qualify for C credits. To secure smallholder confidence, the agroforestry systems promoted through a CDM project must be socially and economically viable independent of C payments. To assure system productivity and profitability, projects should provide farmers with technical and marketing assistance. Additionally, project sites should meet the following preconditions: areas of underutilized low-biomass landuse systems available for rehabilitation; smallholders interested in tree farming; accessible markets for tree products; supportive local governments; sufficient infrastructure; and transparent and equitable relationships between project partners. Questions of leakage and additionality should not be problematic and can be addressed through the project design, establishment of quantifiable baseline data and facilitating enabling conditions. However, smallholder-focused CDM projects would have high transaction costs. The subsequent challenge is thus to develop mechanisms that reduce the costs of: (a) making information (e.g., technology, markets) more accessible to multiple clients; (b) facilitating and enforcing smallholder agreements and (c) designing feasible monitoring systems.     

Deformation of slopes as a cause of underground mining activities: three case studies from Ostrava–Karviná coal field (Czech Republic)

Underground mining activities may potentially play a role on the initiation and reactivation of the slope movements. However, an adequate attention has not yet been paid to these problems; in this study, the possible influence of present and former mining activities on the selected set of model slope deformations in the Ostrava-Karviná Coalfield (Opliji, Repiste and Orlova Lazy District) was analysed and a methodology for their observation for application to similar conditions and influence was described. Isocatabase maps, terrain deformation parameters calculated for the point lying on the slope deformation surface, length measurement by zone extensometer and dilatometer measurement in cracks was also provided for evaluation of the underground mining impact. It was found that inclinations of both boreholes were evidence of underground mining impact, and localization of inclinometer measurement on boreholes in the active part as well as in the near vicinity was very important as an important result of this study. Analysis of underground mining activity influence on model localities in relation to performed mining operations, subsidence and other influences on the ground surface was also determined. Thus, the study will contribute to a more objective knowledge of these problems of interest for the professional public and also for the state administration to solve problems associated with the utilisation and settlement of such affected areas.     

Developing country experience with eco-industrial parks: a case study of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area in China

To address the pollution that accompanies rapid industrial growth in China, a National Eco-industrial Park Demonstration Program was launched in 2000. This article provides a case study of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA). The emergence of an environmental institution in TEDA is used as a backdrop to assess how TEDA has transformed itself into one of the top three national eco-industrial parks in China. Following two years of field research, a network of 81 inter-firm symbiotic relationships formed in TEDA during the past 16 years were identified involving the utility, automobile, electronics, biotechnology, food and beverage, and resource recovery clusters. The article assesses the environmental benefits of the key symbiotic exchanges in TEDA and summarizes some unique characteristics of EIP progress in a developing country.     

Supply chain and logistics competencies in humanitarian aid

The continuing incidence of disasters and their associated challenges has increased the demand for humanitarian logisticians. However, there is a dearth of research on their essential competencies. This paper proposes, therefore, a humanitarian logistics competency framework (HlCF) to assist with the professional development of humanitarian logisticians. In creating the HlCF, nine competency domains containing 29 specific competencies across four levels (entry to senior management) were identified. This study makes two key contributions to the literature: (i) it extends the discussion of competency frameworks in humanitarian logistics; and (ii) it presents a framework designed to support the human resource plans and practices of aid agencies. The HlCF allows not only individual humanitarian logisticians to develop the competencies necessary for career success, but also humanitarian organisations to map their own competency frameworks to a common standard. This will, in turn, facilitate workforce mobility and support the overall concept of a certified humanitarian logistics professional.     

The use of potassium dichromate and ethyl alcohol as blood preservatives for analysis of organochlorine contaminants

The "gold standard" for preserving and shipping of human tissue samples for analysis of organochlorine contaminants is freezing. This method can be difficult, costly if using heavy dry ice for shipping, and often unfeasible, especially in less developed countries where electricity and dry ice are frequently rare or absent. Therefore, it is essential that more convenient and practical methods for preservation of blood samples are found. As an alternative to freezing, there have been studies employing potassium dichromate as a preservative for human or cow's milk or ethyl alcohol preservation of blood for dioxin analysis. In this study, four methods were compared to investigate the effectiveness of ethyl alcohol and potassium dichromate as blood preservatives for analysis of dioxins, dibenzofuran, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners. Samples of whole blood from a Dallas, Texas hospital were collected and pooled. Freezing, ethyl alcohol in two concentrations (20% and 40% per volume of sample), and potassium dichromate were used for blood preservation. The blood samples containing potassium dichromate or ethyl alcohol were stored and sent to ERGO laboratory for dioxin analysis and comparison with results from the frozen sample, which was kept frozen at all times until analyzed. This study suggests that potassium dichromate is a suitable alternative to freezing for preservation of whole blood for dioxin, dibenzofuran, and PCB measurements when either lipid or wet weight based results are reported. Potassium dichromate tablets were very easy and convenient to use--two 100 mg tablets (with a dichromate content of about 33 mg each) were added to each bottle containing 65 ml of blood. However, ethyl alcohol at 20% and 40% concentration under the conditions of this pilot study and the analytical method employed did not appear to provide satisfactory preservation when lipid based results are given or when the fat content has to be determined (wet or whole weight). Further research with a larger number of samples, inclusion also of other groups of persistent organic pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides or brominated flame retardants, a longer duration of storage time, and at temperatures greater than US or German room temperature is indicated in order to recommend the routine use of potassium dichromate as preservative for whole blood intended for dioxin, dibenzofuran, and PCB analysis.