Who’s where? Ecological uncertainty shapes neophobic predator avoidance in Trinidadian guppies

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology - Behavioural diversity is a basic component of biodiversity, with implications in ecological interactions at the intra- and interspecific levels. The...     

南极陆生线虫Plectus murrayi对铜的敏感性及其培养和毒性试验程序的开发

南极生态系统特定的环境质量指导值和修复目标是进行南极污染场地风险评估和修复的必需条件。南极土壤生物的生态毒理学测试是确定可靠的污染物效应阈值浓度的基础。本研究描述了针对生活在土壤颗粒间隙水中的南极特有的土壤线虫Plectus murrayi的最佳培养技术和水生毒性实验程序。毒性试验持续时间较长,用于揭示该物种的生理学和生活史特征。Plectus murrayi对水溶性铜的敏感性表现其卵孵化率的效应浓度（EC50）为139 μg/L。首次以卵的形式接触水溶性铜的孵化幼体不如在孵化的J2期初次接触铜的幼体敏感,这表明该卵具有潜在的保护作用。幼体对铜的敏感性随着暴露时间的延长而增加, 21天和28天的半数致死浓度（LC50s）分别为478 μg/L和117 μg/L。本研究描述了应用于南极土壤污染物对环境相关测试物种的风险评估新方法,并首次估算了南极陆生微型无脊椎动物对毒物的敏感性。     

Application of the analytic hierarchy process to compare alternatives for the long-term management of surplus mercury

This paper describes a systematic method for comparing options for the long-term management of surplus elemental mercury in the US, using the analytic hierarchy process as embodied in commercially available Expert Choice software. A limited scope multi-criteria decision analysis was performed. Two (2) general types of treatment technologies were evaluated (stabilization/amalgamation and selenide), combined with four (4) disposal options: (a) hazardous waste landfill; (b) hazardous waste monofill; (c) engineered below-ground structure; and (d) mined cavity. In addition, three storage options for elemental mercury were considered: (a) aboveground structure; (b) hardened structure; and (c) mined cavity. Alternatives were evaluated against criteria that included costs, environmental performance, compliance with current regulations, implementation considerations, technology maturity, potential risks to the public and workers, and public perception. Considering non-cost criteria only, the three storage options rank most favorably. If both cost and other criteria are considered, then landfill options are preferred, because they are the least expensive ones. Storage options ranked unfavorably on cost because: (a) even relatively small per annum costs will add up over time; and (b) storage is a temporary solution and, sooner or later, a treatment and disposal technology will be adopted, which adds to the cost. However, the analysis supports continued storage for a short period (up to a few decades) followed by permanent retirement when treatment technologies have matured. Suggestions for future work include: (a) involving additional stakeholders in the process, (b) evaluating alternatives for mercury-containing wastes rather than for elemental mercury only, (c) revisiting the analysis periodically to determine if changes are required, (d) conducting uncertainty analyses utilizing Monte Carlo-based techniques.     

On-road facility to measure and characterize emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles

In response to lingering concerns about the utility of dynamometer data for mobile source emissions modeling, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has constructed an on-road test facility to characterize the real-world emissions of heavy-duty trucks. The facility was designed to effectively demonstrate the full range of vehicle operation and to measure the emissions produced. Since it began operation, the facility has been continuously upgraded to incorporate state-of-the-art technology. Its potential uses include collecting modal emissions data, validating dynamometer test parameters and results, and demonstrating new emission control technologies.     

Modified approach to modelling radiological consequences from releases into the marine environment

One of the general assumptions for box modelling of the dispersion of radionuclides in marine systems relates to instantaneous mixing in each box which, in turn, results in practical calculations involving instantaneous mixing in the whole of oceanic space. A new approach to box modelling, which includes dispersion of radionuclides as a function of time, was therefore developed in order to provide a better and more realistic/physical approximation to reality relative to traditional box modelling. The novel and significant practical features of the approach are discussed. Calculations of concentrations of radionuclides in the marine environment and doses to man for some scenarios indicate differences of up to orders of magnitude between the traditional and new approaches to box modelling.     

Transformational leadership and emotional intelligence: a potential pathway for an increased understanding of interpersonal influence

Non‐cognitive emotional intelligence could potentially contribute to a more holistic understanding of interpersonal influence and leadership; however, significant issues of definition, psychometric independence, and measurement must be conclusively resolved. Possible relationships between emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, and individual/organizational outcomes are described and further investigation is encouraged. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carbon in the Vegetation and Soils of Great Britain

•The total amount of carbon held by vegetation in Great Britain is estimated to be 114 Mtonnes. •Woodlands and forests hold 80% of the G.B. total although they occupy only about 11% of the rural land area. Broadleaf species hold about 50% of the carbon in woodlands and forests. •A map of carbon in the vegetation of Great Britain at 1 km×1 km resolution based on land cover identified in the I.T.E. Land Cover Map is presented. The predominant location of vegetation carbon is the broadleaved woodlands of southern England. •The amount of carbon in the soils of Great Britain is estimated to be 9838 Mt (6948 Mt in Scotland and 2890 Mt in England and Wales). •In Scotland, most soil carbon is in blanket peats, whereas most soil carbon is in stagnogley soils in England and Wales. •The carbon content of the soils of Great Britain is mapped at 1 km×1 km resolution. Scottish peat soils have the greatest density of carbon and in total contain 4523 Mt of carbon, 46% of the G.B. total.     

Demystifying the EMIS purchasing process and decisions: Look (and plan) before you leap

The proliferation of environmental, health, and safety regulations in recent years has increased the complexity and cost of regulatory compliance for companies. In response to the growing complexities of environmental management, many firms are turning to information systems for tracking, managing, and automating their environmental activities and information. An environmental management information system (EMIS), however, is not an end in itself. A successful EMIS supports and facilitates the integration of environmental management into business functions. Effective planning is essential for placing short-term information system development in the context of a long-range comprehensive environmental management strategy. This article presents specific pitfalls to avoid when purchasing environmental management software. Numerous companies have discovered that the true costs of EMIS implementation stem from the political and organizational costs of getting employees to use systems, particularly when they require alterations in existing work processes. The up-front purchase price often represents less than 50 percent of the total system implementation cost. Failure to adequately research and plan frequently results in costly training, high modification or user fees, incompatibilities with other applications, or vendor dependence. The article then discusses the range of options in the EMIS marketplace and offers many practical suggestions to approach and plan effective implementation of an EMIS.     

ASSESSING THE DIRECT EFFECTS OF STREAMFLOW ON RECREATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW1

ABSTRACT: A variety of methods have been used to learn about the relation between streamfiow and recreation quality. Regardless of method, nearly all studies found a similar nonlinear relation of recreation to flow, with quality increasing with flow to a point, and then decreasing for further increases in flow. Points of minimum, optimum, and maximum flow differ across rivers and activities. Knowledge of the effects of streamflow on recreation, for the variety of relevant activities and skill levels, is an important ingredient in the determination of wise streamflow policies.