Ecosystem management to achieve ecological sustainability: The case of South Florida

The ecosystems of South Florida are unique in the world. The defining features of the natural Everglades (large spatial scale, temporal patterns of water storage and sheetflow, and low nutrient levels) historically allowed a mosaic of habitats with characteristic animals. Massive hydrological alterations have halved the Everglades, and ecological sustainability requires fundamental changes in management.The US Man and the Biosphere Human-Dominated Systems Directorate is conducting a case study of South Florida using ecosystem management as a framework for exploring options for mutually dependent sustainability of society and the environment. A new methodology was developed to specify sustainability goals, characterize human factors affecting the ecosystem, and conduct scenario/consequence analyses to examine ecological and societal implications. South Florida has sufficient water for urban, agricultural, and ecological needs, but most water drains to the sea through the system of canals; thus, the issue is not competition for resources but storage and management of water. The goal is to reestablish the natural system for water quantity, timing, and distribution over a sufficient area to restore the essence of the Everglades.The societal sustainability in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is at risk because of soil degradation, vulnerability of sugar price supports, policies affecting Cuban sugar imports, and political/economic forces aligned against sugar production. One scenario suggested using the EAA for water storage while under private sugar production, thereby linking sustainability of the ecological system with societal sustainability. Further analyses are needed, but the US MAB project suggests achieving ecological sustainability consistent with societal sustainability may be feasible.     

MODELING THE BUILDUP AND WASHOFF OF POLLUTANTS ON URBAN WATERSHEDS1

ABSTRACT: A model for urban stormwater quality was developed in this study. The basis for the model is the process by which pollutants build up on the watershed surface. For the wet climate of the study site, it was assumed that there exists an interval of time over which the pollutant buildup equals the pollutant washoff (no accumulation of pollutant). The buildup model was represented by a linear function of the antecedent dry time. The buildup function was then linked with a pollutant washoff model represented by a power function of the storm runoff volume. Various time intervals for no net accumulation were tested to calibrate the model. The model was calibrated to observed data for two small urban basins in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and model results were used to analyze the behavior of phosphorus concentrations in storm runoff from these basins over a long period of time.     

Prevention of musculoskeletal complaints in nursing: Aims, approach and content of an ergonomic-educational programme

In 1992 a comprehensive health-promotion project was initiated in seven nursing-homes in the Netherlands. This project was designed to implement an ergonomic-educational programme, with the intention of reducing physical workload and to bring about safe working in order to prevent work-related musculoskeletal complaints. After a period of external support, employees of the nursing-homes should be able to proceed with the programme independently. In this paper the content of the programme and its underlying strategies and theories are described. So far, the programme has got off to a good start in all the nursing-homes. Positive effects of the programme could be demonstrated and guidelines and protocols for safe working were introduced. However, it is as yet too early for definitive conclusions to be drawn regarding the aspect of continuity.     

城市供水管网地理信息系统的建立与应用

本文根据供水管网日常管理的实际需求，建立了供水管网地理信息系统，并详细介绍了系统建立的进程、技术解决方案、主要功能设计及其系统完善。该系统于2002年投入使用，并在使用过程中始终保持良好的现势性。     

我国废旧家电管理制度体系初探

在对我国废旧家电的属性进行分析的基础上,研究了我国废旧家电管理涉及的对象及主要任务,强调了我国建设废旧家电管理制度体系的必要性,并提出了一系列管理制度的建议.     

重庆地区吴茱萸属药用植物资源的调查研究

经调查鉴定，重庆地区吴茱萸属药用植物有9种（含种下等级），首次发现吴茱萸红花品系。重点介绍了它们的生境分布、药材商品与生产经营现状等，并编制了分种检索表，为科研、教学、生产经营及开发利用提供了科学依据。     

市场需求与安全专业人才培养

进入21世纪,安全工程教育有了快速的发展.但是,面对就业的压力,安全工程专业,尤其是新成立的安全工程专业如何得到生存和发展成为一个亟待解决的问题.从社会对安全人才的需求类型及毕业生就业心理方面探讨了有关安全工程专业人才培养模式的问题.