The Indigenous Fisherman Divers of Thailand: Diving-Related Mortality and Morbidity

The Urak Lawoi are indigenous fishermen on Thailand’s west coast. The population includes an estimated 400 divers who dive using surface-supplied compressed air. In a cross-sectional survey conducted among the 6 major communities of Urak Lawoi, questionnaire-based interviews were administered to active divers, ex-divers, and families or colleagues of divers who had died in the previous 5 years. Six deaths resulting from diving-related accidents were identified, indicating a diving-related mortality rate of approximately 300 per 100,000 person-years, while in the same 5-year period 11 divers had been disabled owing to diving-related events, indicating a diving-related disabling event rate of approximately 550 per 100,000 person-years. Among 342 active divers interviewed, one third reported having suffered from decompression illness, although based on reported current symptoms over 50% were classified as suffering from recurring non-disabling decompression illness. Physical examination conducted on a subset of 98 active divers revealed the presence of spinal injury (clonus, raised muscle tone, and heightened reflexes) and of joint damage (pain in one or more joint, crepitus, or restricted movement) in 24 and 30% respectively. Improved primary prevention and medical treatment are needed to reduce mortality and morbidity among this population.     

Interfacial solar steam generation by wood-based devices to produce drinking water: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Freshwater supply is declining in the context of climate change, pollution, and soil salinization, calling for sustainable methods to produce drinking water. For...     

The Indigenous Fisherman Divers of Thailand: Diving Practices

Diving practices of a group of indigenous people living on Thailand’s west coast were investigated. Village chiefs were first interviewed using a questionnaire. Three hundred and forty-two active divers were then interviewed by health care workers using a second questionnaire. Field observation was used to further develop information and confirm diving practices. Divers in 6 villages, whose basic means of making a living is from diving for marine products such as fish and shellfish, have diving patterns that put them at substantial risk of decompression illness. Breathing air from a primitive compressor through approximately 100 m of air hose, these divers have long bottom times coupled with short surface intervals. Forty-six point two percent of the divers indicated that they would not make a stop during ascent from a long deep dive (40 m for 30 min). When comparing their previous day of diving to the U.S. Navy Standard Air Decompression Table (U.S. Navy, 1993), 72.1% exceeded the no-decompression limits set by the tables. Diving patterns point to a need for more in-depth research into the diving patterns of this indigenous group. Future research should include the use of dive logging devices to record depths and times. There is also a need to provide divers with information and training to reinforce positive practices and strengthen knowledge of the risks associated with their current diving practices.     

Effect of EDTA and NTA on cadmium distribution and translocation in Pennisetum purpureum Schum cv. Mott

The primary objective of this research was to investigate the cadmium (Cd) distribution in Pennisetum purpurem (Napier grass) in the presence of 30 mg/L of Cd and different types and concentrations of chelating agents (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium dihydrate (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and EDTA-NTA mixtures). Plant samples were collected every 15 d during a 105-d experimental period. Accumulation of Cd in each part of the plant was determined using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), and the distribution of Cd was determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) and synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence (SR-micro-XRF). The highest concentrations of Cd accumulation of 889?±?53 mg kg^?1 in the underground part (roots) and 265?±?26 mg kg^?1 in the aboveground part (stems and leaves) in the presence of 1:1 M ratio of Cd:EDTA after 30 d of exposure were observed. Plants grown in the presence of either NTA or EDTA-NTA mixtures showed significant lower Cd accumulation levels. The LA-ICP-MS analysis showed that Cd was primarily accumulated in the aboveground part (stems and leaves), especially in the xylem and intercalary meristem. In addition, translocation factor was very low. Thus, P. purpurem could be considered as a candidate plant for cadmium phytostabilization.

     

The feasibility of converting solid waste into refuse-derived fuel 5 via mechanical biological treatment process

The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility of utilizing solid waste after mechanical biological treatment (MBT) processing at a landfill site in Phitsanulok, Thailand, as refuse-derived fuel 5 (RDF-5). The waste composition, and physical and chemical characteristics of each waste fraction were determined to evaluate the suitability of the waste for recycling and reuse as RDF-5. Results showed that after MBT processing, the solid waste >40 mm in size was observed to have 33.8 MJ/kg of calorific value. The average concentrations of heavy metals were also found to be within the acceptable limit for plastic waste combustion, thus proving that MBT-processed solid waste >40 mm in size has high potential for use as RDF-5. The optimal weight ratio of MBT-processed solid waste and crude oil sludge for transformation into RDF-5 was found to be 80:20. With this optimum ratio, the average calorific values of the RDF-5 were determined to be 47 MJ/kg, with sulfur and chlorine contents of 0.16 and 0.74 %, respectively. The characteristics of the produced RDF-5 could meet the specified ASTM standards in terms of calorific value (>15 MJ/kg), and sulfur and chlorine contents. In addition, the compressive strength of the produced RDF-5 was also found to be suitable for compact storage and transportation without any damage. Finally, the energy production cost from this RDF-5 process was estimated as USD $0.05/kWh.     

Intrauterine rescue transfusion in monochorionic multiple pregnancies with recent single intrauterine death

To assess the role of fetal blood sampling and intrauterine transfusion in monochorionic (MC) multiple pregnancy complicated by single intrauterine death (IUD), we reviewed ten cases over a 4-year period in a tertiary referral centre which underwent fetal blood sampling within 24 h of death of its MC co-twin. Intrauterine rescue transfusion was performed in all seven anaemic fetuses (hematocrit; Hct<30%) to raise the fetal Hct to ≥40%. The rationale was to prevent death and/or brain injury. Two fetuses, which were severely acidaemic at blood sampling, died in utero within 24 h of the procedure. In two cases, the surviving twins manifested abnormal sonographic findings of the fetal brain 2–5 weeks later and underwent late termination. In two cases, the pregnancies continued uneventfully until delivery at 35 and 40 weeks' gestation with good neonatal outcome. In one case the co-twin delivered 1 week later at 29 weeks but died within 12 h. Fetuses without anaemia were not transfused and had normal clinical outcomes. We suggest that intrauterine rescue transfusion before the development of severe acidaemia in anaemic surviving MC co-twins may prevent fetal death, but does not necessarily prevent brain injury. Until its role becomes clearer, we recommend that its use be restricted to situations in which the parents and the local jurisdiction allow late termination as an option if brain injury subsequently manifests on ultrasound. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.