Comments on and implications of a steady-state in coastal marine ecosystems

Coastal ecosystems can be thought of as being established by a number of physico-geochemical drivers, e.g. geochemistry and bathymetry of the basins, climate, tidal and freshwater flows, natural and anthropogenic inputs of nutrients and toxins, all of which exert an influence on the resulting communities of organisms. Depending on the interactions among the major drivers, ecosystems may occur on both large and small scales and be basin-wide or within basins. For individual and separate ecosystems to exist with some permanence in time, e.g. reach a steady-state, they also have to be ‘defended’. Defences are mechanisms that counter changes to maintain the status quo. We argue, and present evidence to support the notion, that the defence mechanisms are inextricably tied to primary production and the biogeochemical cycling of organic matter and provide buffers that mitigate potentially adverse impacts by trace toxins. Colloid pumping, production of complexing ligands and sulfide formation are some of the mechanisms that control trace substances. Current methods for assessing ecosystems do not address the issue of steady-state, nor do they take account of defence activities, e.g. buffering. Therefore, they cannot assess the ‘robustness’ of ecosystems or their ability to resist change, for good or bad. Also, defence mechanisms may, for a time, mask future potentially serious impacts, suggesting that monitoring efforts with limited budgets should consider the measurement of the inputs into ecosystems as well as the immediate or short-term result of the inputs.     

内控机制在电网调度管理考核中的应用

根据国家电网调度中心提出的加强内控机制建设的工作要求,以信息技术为依托,以业务流程处理为基础,采用J2EE技术路线及面向服务体系结构(SOA),开发了内控机制管理平台,并应用于调度管理考核中。应用结果表明:内控机制的建设,实现了调度工作全面、全员、全过程、全方位的管理,为宁夏电力调度工作的考核提供了先进的技术平台。     

Changes in glucose uptake rate and in the energy status of PC-12 cells acutely exposed to hexavalent chromium,an established human carcinogen

In the 1920s, Otto Warburg reported a striking metabolic shift in solid tumors: contrary to their normal counter parts, which exhibited a nearly pure respiratory metabolism, where cancer cells relied strongly on lactic fermentation for energy production, even in the presence of ample oxygen. This metabolic shift, later named the Warburg effect, is now viewed as a nearly universal cancer phenotype. To investigate whether it is operating in hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))-induced carcinogenesis, PC-12 cells were exposed to low Cr(VI) concentrations and effects determined on the rates of glucose uptake, lactate production and oxygen consumption, critical indicators of the type of energy metabolism adopted by the cells. Further, the influence on the cells’ energy charge, an important parameter in the evaluation of the cellular physiological state was assessed. In the presence of ample oxygen, concentration-dependent, statistically significant decreases in the energy charge were detected, which were accompanied by an increased glucose uptake rate. This enhanced uptake may constitute the first step in a compensatory mechanism aimed at counteracting the decrease in energy charge. Although these changes may be too small to exert an impact in the cellular functions, they may provide insight into the initial steps of Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis.     

Occurrence of endocrine disruptor compounds in the estuary of the Iberian Douro River and nearby Porto Coast (NW Portugal)

Previous studies in the Douro River estuary, based on occasional sampling, showed the presence of several estrogenic disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In sequence, we hypothesized that such type of pollution was more likely an enduring issue than an occasional phenomenon, and that it may even affect recreational beaches in each side of the estuarine mouth. Thus to conclude about the continuous influx of EDCs, water samples were taken twice a day, once per a week, from March to May of 2009, at four sites within the estuary and at two sites in the coastline. After solid-phase extraction, the extracts were prepared for GC-MS analysis of 11 reference EDCs. These embraced natural and pharmaceutical estrogens (17β-estradiol, estrone and 17α-ethynylestradiol) and xenoestrogenic industrial pollutants (4-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol, and their mono and diethoxylates and bisphenol A). Data showed the ubiquitous presence of potentially hazardous amounts of natural estrogens (particularly of estradiol, ca 5.5?ng?L^?1) and persistent organic pollutants such as nonylphenol mono (up to 550?ng?L^?1) and diethoxylate (up to 2000?ng?L^?1). It was concluded that the targeted area is continuously polluted by the assayed EDCs, and as a consequence, conditions exist for endocrine disturbance in the biota by chronic exposure to EDCs.     

Sustainability aspects of vegetable production in the peri-urban environment of Bogotá, Colombia

Although the peri-urban region around Bogotá, Colombia contains a diversified horticulture sector, local vegetable production suffers from a critical lack of research and availability of un-biased, scientifically validated information on crop management. In this study, we identify current trends and deficiencies in fertilisation and pest management for local vegetable production. We relate pesticide type with target pests, evaluate temporal patterns in pesticide and fertiliser use for a key crop (i.e. spinach) and conduct basic nutrient budget accounting. Personal interviews with vegetable growers were combined with a detailed follow-up of management activities and soil nutrient profiles on pilot farms in two different peri-urban municipalities. Most (84%) vegetable growers relied on personal experience, and indicated a lack of unbiased information on fertiliser effectiveness and pesticide action spectra. The majority of farmers used pesticide mixtures on a calendar basis and commonly applied products below recommended doses. Soil nutrient accounts indicate insufficient fertilisation and a progressive depletion of key nutrients. Extraction rates for the principal vegetable crops exceeded by 33.6%, 20.5% and 93.0% soil nutrient availability of N, P and K, respectively. Organic products are included in local fertilisation schemes, with chicken manure as the principal source, at an average application rate of 6 t ha^?1. Our findings could help policymakers and local institutions set a research and extension agenda to promote sustainable peri-urban vegetable production and help secure peri-urban livelihoods while ensuring healthy and safe horticultural production.     

异质结型光催化剂CuO/SnO2的制备及产氢性能

光催化降解有机废水可以实现在降解污染物同时回收清洁能源.本研究采用简单沉淀法制备了CuO/SnO2系列复合光催化剂,并用XRD、TEM对其结构进行表征.分别考察了氧化铜含量和乙醇浓度对复合材料光催化产氢性能的影响.实验结果表明,通过氧化铜与二氧化锡适当比例复合能显著提高复合材料的光催化产氢性能.复合材料48.51%CuO/SnO2的产氢性能比纯二氧化锡提高了近5倍.乙醇的浓度也对复合材料的产氢性能有较大影响,最佳的乙醇浓度为2.00 mol.L-1左右.长时间光催化产氢结果表明,每降解废水中1 kg的COD可产生氢气3724 mL.另外,对复合材料光催化分解乙醇的产氢机理也进行了分析.     

血小板功能与动脉粥样硬化的研究进展

由于多种遗传因素和环境因素的影响,动脉粥样硬化的发病机制与血栓形成、脂质浸润及损伤炎症反应等有关.研究证实,血小板参与了动脉粥样硬化的形成过程,但其机制十分复杂,可能与血小板对内膜的损伤,释放出的细胞因子,以及相关脂蛋白的调节相关.     

Occupational accident rate in olive oil mills

Problem

This paper aims at examining the occupational accident rate in Spain in the olive oil mill industry. These mills produce olive oil by physical or mechanical, but not chemical procedures. Although Spain is the leading olive oil producer in the world with 1,200,000 tons/year and over 25% of the world olive farming area, the occupational accident rate in this sector has been little studied in the relevant scientific literature.

Method

Our study analyses all occupational accidents which occurred during 2004-2009, with or without sick leave, at 90 Andalusian olive oil mills covered by one of the biggest state insurance companies for accidents at work and occupational diseases (within the Spanish Social Security system).

Results and discussion

Slips or trips are the most frequent cause of occupational accidents in this sector, accounting for 14.86% of the cases. In second position, incorrectly coordinated bodily movements account for almost 13.51% of the accidents. Falls from height, 12.2% of the cases, are also statistically noteworthy. As for the seriousness of the injuries, entrapments are particularly important, since in 2.70% of the cases they result in the traumatic amputation of a part of the body. The analysis of accidents without sick leave reveals that a high number of incidents are caused by contact of the skin and eyes with hazardous substances (20% of the cases) and 10% of them involve superficial injuries.

Impact on the industry

This paper provides a clear and updated image of the accident rate in Spanish olive oil mills and can be a useful tool for the design and adequate adjustment of the management systems implemented in these plants to guarantee a satisfactory level of occupational health and safety by means of more efficient planning and monitoring of measures intended to reduce professional risks and improve working conditions.

Recommendations

Given not only the high incidence of falls on the same level and the potential seriousness of falls from different levels, but also the small, round fruit involved, with a high oil content and a hard round stone, it is extremely important to design and implement safe working procedures and specifically train both operatives and managers in charge of the tidiness, cleanliness and regular control of the premises and operations. The analysis of the accidents not requiring sick leave (mostly cases of contact with hazardous substances on the skin or eyes, or superficial injuries) clearly reveals that the use of suitable personal protective equipment and the relevant training are crucial issues.     

Status of facilities for fire safety in hotels

This paper presents the results of a research work which analysed the status of fire precaution systems in hotels in Spain.Our field research involved visits to a total of 146 hotels during 2004. In order to examine the fire safety of these facilities we made use of the official checklist of the Spanish administrative body competent on the matter. The checklist monitors documentary and technical requirements as stated by the current fire protection regulations for buildings. As far as fire precaution systems are concerned, most of the defects detected had to do with either documentary issues (for example, absence of a technical installation project or certificates of compulsory maintenance contracts for the equipment) or technical issues, such as the absence of smoke detection and alarm devices, defective signage or difficult access to firefighting equipment (fire extinguishers and hydrants). Beach hotels present a higher safety level than city hotels. The lowest safety standards are found in isolated hotels, i.e., neither beach nor city hotels, usually in small towns or away from centres of population. Of all the hotels visited, the safety level was also higher in those subject to the regulations inspiring the checklist.     

四元联系数对煤矿安全质量标准化的优化研究

为了进一步弥补以"单一分数形式"确定煤矿安全质量标准化考评级别的简单化与绝对化特征的不足,增强煤矿安全质量标准化考评结果的可靠性与合理性。通过延伸集对分析理论的"三划分"思想,把区间评定值转化成联系数的形式,构建了具有元素权重的煤矿安全质量标准化考评结果的四元联系数模型。应用该模型分析了某矿井六个月历史考评数据的权重联系度、集对势与悲观势、不确定性,这些指标分别反映了矿井各月份达到最优安全质量标准的优劣次序、相对于标准之间的差距、转化为最优安全标准的态势以及潜在的不确定性,得到的考评结果可信度更高。