Sustainable Water Resources Management in a Conflict Resolution Framework1

Abstract: A decision support system for sustainable water resources management in a water conflict resolution framework is developed to identify and evaluate a range of acceptable alternatives for the Geum River Basin in Korea and to facilitate strategies that will result in sustainable water resource management. Working with stakeholders in a “shared vision modeling” framework, sustainable management strategies are created to illustrate system tradeoffs as well as long‐term system planning. A multi‐criterion decision‐making (MCDM) approach using subjective scales is utilized to evaluate the complex water resource allocation and management tradeoffs between stakeholders and system objectives. The procedures used in this study include the development of a “shared vision model,” a simulated decision‐making support system (as a tool for sustainable water management strategies associated with water conflicts, management options, and planning criteria), and the application of MCDM techniques for evaluating alternatives provided by the model. The research results demonstrate the utility of the sustainable water resource management model in aid of MCDM techniques in facilitating flexibility during initial stages of alternative identification and evaluation in a basin suffering from severe water conflicts.     

Aerosol chemistry and the effect of aerosol water content on visibility impairment and radiative forcing in Guangzhou during the 2006 Pearl River Delta campaign

Optical and chemical aerosol measurements were obtained from 2 to 31 July 2006 at an urban site in the metropolitan area of Guangzhou (China) as part of the Program of Regional Integrated Experiment of Air Quality over Pearl River Delta (PRIDE-PRD2006) to investigate aerosol chemistry and the effect of aerosol water content on visibility impairment and radiative forcing. During the PRIDE-PRD2006 campaign, the average contributions of ammonium sulfate, organic mass by carbon (OMC), elemental carbon (EC), and sea salt (SS) to total PM_2.5 mass were measured to be 36.5%, 5.7%, 27.1%, 7.8%, and 3.7%, respectively. Compared with the clean marine period, (NH₄)₂SO₄, NH₄NO₃, and OMC were all greatly enhanced (by up to 430%) during local haze periods via the accumulation of a secondary aerosol component. The OMC dominance increased when high levels of biomass burning influenced the measurement site while (NH₄)₂SO₄ and OMC did when both biomass burning and industrial emissions influenced it. The effect of aerosol water content on the total light-extinction coefficient was estimated to be 34.2%, of which 25.8% was due to aerosol water in (NH₄)₂SO₄, 5.1% that in NH₄NO₃, and 3.3% that in SS. The average mass-scattering efficiency (MSE) of PM₁₀ particles was determined to be 2.2 ± 0.6 and 4.6 ± 1.7 m² g⁻¹ under dry (RH < 40%) and ambient conditions, respectively. The average single-scattering albedo (SSA) was 0.80 ± 0.08 and 0.90 ± 0.04 under dry and ambient conditions, respectively. Not only are the extinction and scattering coefficients greatly enhanced by aerosol water content, but MSE and SSA are also highly sensitive. It can be concluded that sulfate and carbonaceous aerosol, as well as aerosol water content, play important roles in the processes that determine visibility impairment and radiative forcing in the ambient atmosphere of the Guangzhou urban area.     

Historical seagrass mapping in Port Phillip Bay,Australia

Seagrass beds are highly productive ecosystems and a decline in this habitat has become a global concern in recent decades. This study mapped seagrass at three sites in Port Phillip Bay between 1939 and 2011 and reviewed possible influences on seagrass cover changes. Historical aerial photographs from multiple sources were digitally scanned and orthorectified. Automated image processing techniques incorporating an unsupervised classification combined with minor editing in a GIS were applied to map seagrass cover and analyse variations in the size and distribution of seagrass beds. Large declines in seagrass cover were observed at all three sites after 1998. In contrast to other world-wide observations, these recent declines were preceded by a period of sustained seagrass expansion between the 1960s and 1990s and lower levels of seagrass cover were observed in the 1930s/40s. The recent and earlier low levels of seagrass cover coincided with extended droughts characterised by large reductions in nutrient inputs to the Bay. However, recent declines were not consistent across the Bay with three other sites remaining relatively stable during this period. The sites with large declines are all subject to longshore drift and changes in nearshore sediment transport driven by variations in weather patterns coinciding with extended periods of drought may be important influences on seagrass cover at these locations.     

Relationships between psychological climate perceptions and work outcomes: a meta‐analytic review

In this study, meta‐analytic procedures were used to examine the relationships between individual‐level (psychological) climate perceptions and work outcomes such as employee attitudes, psychological well‐being, motivation, and performance. Our review of the literature generated 121 independent samples in which climate perceptions were measured and analyzed at the individual level. These studies document considerable confusion regarding the constructs of psychological climate, organizational climate, and organizational culture and reveal a need for researchers to use terminology that is consistent with their level of measurement, theory, and analysis. Our meta‐analytic findings indicate that psychological climate, operationalized as individuals' perceptions of their work environment, does have significant relationships with individuals' work attitudes, motivation, and performance. Structural equation modeling analyses of the meta‐analytic correlation matrix indicated that the relationships of psychological climate with employee motivation and performance are fully mediated by employees' work attitudes. We also found that the James and James ( 1989 ) PC_g model could be extended to predict the impact of work environment perceptions on employee attitudes, motivation, and performance. Despite the number of published individual‐level climate studies that we found, there is a need for more research using standardized measures so as to enable analyses of the organizational and contextual factors that might moderate the effects of psychological climate perceptions. Finally, we argue for a molar theory of psychological climate that is rooted in the psychological processes by which individuals make meaning or their work experiences. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and ecotoxicity assay using human cell and environmental species for the screening of the risk from pollutant exposure

For the screening of the risk from environmental contamination, the cytotoxic/genotoxic effects of various model pollutants were determined using an in vivo system comprised of human HeLa cells; the ecotoxicity was also determined using the acute and genotoxicity tests on two aquatic sentinel species widely used in biomonitoring, namely, freshwater crustacean, Daphnia magna and larva of aquatic midge, Chironomus tentans. Nonylphenol (NP), bisphenol A (BPA), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEPH) and paraquat dichloride (PQ) were used as the model pollutants. The results showed that exposure of HeLa cells to NP, BPA and DEHP was sufficient for the expression of noticeable genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Ecotoxicity results showed that, as expected, D. magna was more sensitive than C. tentans to chemical exposure. BPA may exert a genotoxic effect on D. magna and C. tentans, given that DNA strand breaks increased in both species exposed to this compound, whereas NP-induced DNA damage occurred only in C. tentans. In vivo genotoxic data obtained in aquatic sentinel species could provide valuable information for freshwater quality monitoring. From the results of the present study, the use of cytotoxic, genotoxic and ecotoxic tests using human cell system, as well as, biomonitoring species, seems to be relevant for preliminary evaluation of the human health and ecological effects of pollutants and thus, a promising screening tool for environmental monitoring and risk assessment.     

Asbestos exposure among Seoul metropolitan subway workers during renovation of subway air-conditioning systems

Air quality in underground spaces has seldom been evaluated in Korea. Accordingly, the current study recently evaluated asbestos exposure among Seoul metropolitan subway workers during the renovation of the subway's air-conditioning system. To identify possible routes of asbestos exposure, suspected sources, including gaskets, ceiling boards, ceiling materials, and dust settled inside ducts, were all sampled. Personal air samples were also taken to evaluate any asbestos exposure during the renovation. The asbestos fibers found in the samples were analyzed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX). Twelve out of eighteen bulk samples contained asbestos, the majority of which was chrysotile fibers. Asbestos was detected in 9 out of 72 personal air samples and the level ranged from 0.003 to 0.02 fibers/cm(3). While asbestos levels were below Korean occupational limit of 2 fibers/cm(3), they were still detectable and therefore further monitoring would be appropriate.     

Dynamic catch trends in the history of recreational spearfishing in Australia

The sustained decline in marine fisheries worldwide underscores the need to understand and monitor fisheries trends and fisher behavior. Recreational fisheries are unique in that they are not subject to the typical drivers that influence commercial and artisanal fisheries (e.g., markets or food security). Nevertheless, although exposed to a different set of drivers (i.e., interest or relaxation), recreational fisheries can contribute to fishery declines. Recreational fisheries are also difficult to assess due to an absence of past monitoring and traditional fisheries data. Therefore, we utilized a nontraditional data source (a chronology of spearfishing publications) to document historical trends in recreational spearfishing in Australia between 1952 and 2009. We extracted data on reported fish captures, advertising, and spearfisher commentary and used regression models and ordination analyses to assess historical change. The proportion of coastal fish captures reported declined approximately 80%, whereas the proportion of coral reef and pelagic fish reports increased 1750% and 560%, respectively. Catch composition shifted markedly from coastal temperate or subtropical fishes during the 1950s to 1970s to coral reef and pelagic species in the 1990s to 2000s. Advertising data and commentary by spearfishers indicated that pelagic fish species became desired targets. The mean weight of trophy coral reef fishes also declined significantly over the study period (from approximately 30–8 kg). Recreational fishing presents a highly dynamic social–ecological interface and a challenge for management. Our results emphasize the need for regulatory agencies to work closely with recreational fishing bodies to observe fisher behavior, detect shifts in target species or fishing intensity, and adapt regulatory measures. Tendencias Dinámicas de Captura en la Historia de la Pesca Recreativa con Arpón en Australia     

Selective feeding programmes in Ethiopia and East Sudan–1985/1986

A survey of thirty-four feeding programmes in Ethiopia and East Sudan was undertaken. Wie differences were found between the two countries and also within Ethiopia. Irrelugar general ration distribution was commonplace in Ethiopia, thus placing an extra strain on selective feeding programmes. The principal admission criteria to Selected Feeding Programmes (SFPs) were weight for height categories. The cut-off stages of the emergency. Useful compasirions between programmes were hampered by such differences, as well as by the different methods of reporting data.
The types of food usd in programmes depended on availability and included high energyu drinks, poridges, take-home pre-mixes and sometimes indigenous foods. A large number of foods e.g. cornedbedef, chicken paté, noodles, da4tes etc. Some added interesting variety and added nutritional value to the diet, while others caused more problems than they solved due to their low acceptability, inappropriate packaging, limited accompanying information and complex an costly preparation. The imlementation of food dination policies by donors and consignees regarding appropriate foodstuffs and their recommended use was considered to be the major solution to this problem.     

Distribution and community structure of midwater fishes in relation to the subtropical convergence off eastern Tasmania,Australia

Midwater fishes were sampled at night to a depth of 400 m in oceanic waters east of Tasmania, Australia, in May/June of 1992, 1993 and 1994. We examined whether there were differences in the distribution and density of these fishes in relation to the subtropical convergence (STC) separating East Australia Current (EAC) water from subantarctic water (SAW) to the south. A total of 23999 fishes from 107 taxa and 43 families were identified. Four new records were identified from the study area. Myctophids and stomiatoids were the main fish taxa captured. We found no evidence of increased density of the combined fish catch in any particular area. However, differences between areas in the density of individual species were noted, although no species was confined to any one area. Ceratoscopelus warmingi, Lobianchia dofleini and Vinciguerria spp. were most abundant in the EAC, whereas Lampichthys procerus was most abundant in the SAW. Only Diaphus danae was found in significantly higher numbers in the STC. Multivariate analysis revealed that community structure in the EAC was significantly different from that of the SAW but not from the STC. Further, when separated by depth, the shallow EAC group was significantly different in all group comparisons bar that with the shallow STC. Our data indicated that the thin EAC layer above 200 m could be distinguished by its fauna from the SAW. However, we could not detect a separate community in the STC. We conclude, therefore, that the STC is not an area of increased micronekton abundance, nor does it contain a distinct community, during the Australian autumn/winter.     

THE OPTIMIZATION OF THE OPERATION OF A MULTI-PURPOSE WATER RESOURCE SYSTEM1

The objective of any water resource system is to transform the natural waters of a river basin into a form such that optimal use of these waters will result. Thus the water may be transformed into electrical energy, transferred in space for water supply and irrigation, transferred in time for flood control and maintenance of adequate streamflows, or simply retained for use as a means for achieving water-based recreation.