Application to the Port of Sines of a new tool for risk assessment in port navigation

This paper describes a first approach on the risk assessment in port navigation using GUIOMAR, an integrated system for port and coastal engineering modelling developed at the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC), Portugal, using a GIS software environment. A set of automatic procedures was designed to include a new methodology based on the amplitude of the wave-induced vertical movement of a ship along its trajectory. In this methodology, the risk in port navigation is assessed on the basis of a combination of the probability of exceedance of a pre-set threshold for the ship??s vertical movements and its consequences. To test the new procedures, a set of sea wave records obtained at the Sines wave-buoy from 1988 to 2002 was transferred into Sines Port using two numerical models of sea wave propagation and deformation (SWAN and DREAMS), included in the GUIOMAR system. The numerical model WAMIT was used for estimating the wave-induced ship??s vertical movements inside the port. By applying the new procedures, automatic generation of risk maps was carried out for navigation in the vicinity of the West breakwater of the Port of Sines. The recent developments contribute towards a more versatile and efficient GUIOMAR system, which results in a more adequate tool to support decision-making processes in port and coastal management.     

Aggressive male mating behavior depends on female maturity in Octopus bimaculoides

This laboratory study examined the combined effects of male and female behaviors on the outcome of mating encounters in Octopus bimaculoides. We found that male–male competition for mating opportunities depends on female maturity; the presence of immature females elicited significantly higher levels of aggression between competing males. We conclude that males are able to assess the reproductive status of females. The study also found that immature and mature females resisted male mating attempts to a similar extent but that males that showed more aggression toward male competitors were able to spend more time in contact with females. We suggest that the lack of prominent visual displays in these mating trials indicates the importance of chemical cues in Octopus mating systems, as has been demonstrated for other cephalopods. This study contributes to the growing research on cephalopod mating systems and in particular shows that Octopus mating dynamics may be more behaviorally complex than initially assumed.     

Statistical Assumptions Matter in Data Analysis for Texas Ozone Nonattainment Sites

Strategies for control of ozone aim at regulation of its chemical precursors, non-methane organic compounds (NMOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It is therefore important to analyze how these precursors vary temporally and geographically. This study finds significant and important differences among four Texas ozone nonattainment sites, Dallas, Ft. Worth, El Paso, and Houston, for 1984, 1985, and 1986 for NMOC, NOx, and their ratio NNR. These differences were detected through nonparametric analysis of variance and Student-New-man-Keuls’s test for multiple comparisons on rank-transformed data. A noteworthy feature of the data analysis is its attention to the assumptions underlying the statistical methods. Classical models based on normal or lognormal theory had to be abandoned for lack of realism. It is demonstrated how alternative models may be applied to yield appropriate, rather than inappropriate, conclusions.     

Inputs of heavy metals due to agrochemical use in tobacco fields in Brazil’s Southern Region

Only a few studies have assessed the joint incorporation of heavy metals into agricultural systems based on the range of agrochemicals used on a specific agricultural crop. This study was conducted to assess the heavy metals input through application of the main agrochemicals used in Brazilian tobacco fields. A total of 56 samples of different batches of 5 fertilizers, 3 substrates, 8 insecticides, 3 fungicides, 2 herbicides, and 1 growth regulator commonly used in the cultivation of tobacco in Brazil’s Southern Region were collected from 3 warehouses located in the States of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. The total As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn content of the samples was then determined and compared with the regulations of different countries and information found in the available literature. The fertilizers were identified as the primary source of heavy metals among the agrochemicals used. Application of pesticides directly to the shoots of tobacco plants contributed very little to the supply of heavy metals. The agrochemicals used in Brazilian tobacco fields provide lower inputs of the main heavy metals that are nonessential for plants than those registered in the international literature for the majority of crop fields in different regions of the world.     

Lead isotope ratios in lichen samples evaluated by ICP-ToF-MS to assess possible atmospheric pollution sources in Havana,Cuba

Epiphytic lichens, collected from 119 sampling sites grown over “Roistonea Royal Palm” trees, were used to assess the spatial distribution pattern of lead (Pb) and identify possible pollution sources in Havana (Cuba). Lead concentrations in lichens and topsoils were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometry, respectively, while Pb in crude oils and gasoline samples were measured by ICP-time of flight mass spectrometry (ICP-ToF-MS). Lead isotopic ratios measurements for lichens, soils, and crude oils were obtained by ICP-ToF-MS. We found that enrichment factors (EF) reflected a moderate contamination for 71% of the samples (EF > 10). The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratio values for lichens ranged from 1.17 to 1.20 and were a mixture of natural radiogenic and industrial activities (e.g., crude oils and fire plants). The low concentration of Pb found in gasoline (<7.0 μg L^?1) confirms the official statement that leaded gasoline is no longer used in Cuba.     

Evaluation of several priority pollutants in zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in the largest Italian subalpine lakes

Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) has been used for the biomonitoring of several POPs (PCBs, DDTs, HCB and HCHs) in the largest Italian subalpine great lakes (Lake Maggiore, Garda, Como, Iseo and Lugano). Samplings were carried out in April 2003 at 15 locations selected according to industrial and anthropic levels of lakes. Results have pointed out high DDT levels in D. polymorpha specimens from Lake Maggiore (700-1400 ng/g lipids, 5-9 times higher than those measured in mussels of other Italian lakes), due to a contamination from a chemical plant located on one of the main lake inlet that occurred in 1996. On the contrary, PCB levels (400-2509 ng/g lipids) highlighted an overall pollution, with some sporadic peaks of contamination. Data showed a moderate increase trend compared to those found in a previous monitoring campaign carried out in 1996. Future monitoring is needed in order to confirm this tendency.     

Prenatal diagnosis and management of fetal ovarian cysts

Congenital ovarian cysts are a pathological condition which can be diagnosed in utero by ultrasound. We report 14 consecutive diagnoses of fetal ovarian cysts, obtained in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Congenital ovarian cysts have almost invariably a good prognosis, and no change in the standard obstetrical management is required. However, the evolution of the disease in utero is extremely variable. The cyst may increase in size, decrease or even disappear, or undergo complications such as torsion and rupture, which may carry some risks to the fetus. When a fetal ovarian cyst is detected, serial ultrasound examinations should be performed. If one of the above complications is suspected, the option of prompt caesarean section should be considered.     

Testosterone stress does not increase asymmetry of a hormonally mediated sexual ornament in a lizard

The theory that fluctuating asymmetry is sensitive to both environmental and genetic stress is gaining acceptance among evolutionary biologists. Most empirical work has focused on ornamental traits on the assumption that they are more susceptible to stress. In tegumentary coloration is a common ornament in nature, and frequently has a hormonal basis. Earlier studies in the lizard Psammodromus algirus indicate that testosterone induces the development of head nuptial coloration in large males and, at the same time, produces an increase of the ectoparasite load and higher mortality. Hence, the manipulation of testosterone levels may be a way to increase ornament expression and simultaneously create conditions that may make symmetrical development difficult. This positive covariation between character size and symmetry is opposite to that expected in theory for sexually selected traits, so the predicted elevation of asymmetry due to the treatment cannot be confounded by any intrinsic association between symmetry and character size. We firstly consider the effect that testosterone supplementation has on two variables that reflect the symmetry of bilateral throat nuptial coloration in large P. algirus males. Also, we examine whether ornament symmetry is positively associated with reproductive success, a prediction of theory of sexually selected symmetry. Testosterone treatment did not increase the fluctuating asymmetry of throat coloration. Size asymmetry increased with character size in individuals with a fragmented colour pattern, but changed suddenly to a highly symmetric pattern in individuals with non-fragmented coloration. Mirror asymmetry decreased steadily with character size. These results suggest that the development of coloration on both sides of the throat midline follows a random pattern. Asymmetry did not correlate with variables that estimated reproductive success, suggesting that asymmetry is not affected by physiological stress and that this trait is not a sexually selected signal in P. algirus. Received: 1 July 1996 / Accepted after revision: 4 May 1997     

Environmental impacts of two kind of ponds for shrimp production at Northwest Mexico

Aquaculture offers a major opportunity for the economic development of Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico. The severely limited freshwater supply and the geographic isolation of the state place limits on other productive activities. Despite the aridity, the natural vegetation of BCS is diverse and structurally complex with a high percentage (20%) of endemic species. In this work we compare the environmental impacts produced by two kinds of aquaculture systems: coastal ponds vs. inland ponds. Construction and operation of coastal ponds does not require destruction of the natural vegetation and, as is true for inland ponds. Coastal ponds are also compatible with conservation of mangroves, sea grasses and sensitive habitats for fish and mollusks. To reduce the negative impacts of aquaculture and to protect the vegetation of Baja California Sur, we recommend the use of coastal ponds for shrimp production.     

Evaluation of beach quality as perceived by users

Recreational beaches are strategic ecosystems for tourism and should be used in a sustainable manner. We studied three beaches in the municipality of Guaymas (NW Mexico), in order to assess their beach quality and identify key management issues. The evaluation was based on the perceptions of users concerning: (1) the user profile; (2) the recreational habits of users; and (3) the biophysical characteristics, infrastructure, services, and cleanliness of each beach. The results showed that the beaches were of different quality. The key management issues identified were the need to design and apply specific management programs for each beach, specifically in regards to improving infrastructure and services, and obtaining certification as a sustainable beach. The evaluation of the beaches as perceived by users suggests that it would be useful to assess beach quality in order to support management goals and be applicable to other beaches, both nationally and internationally.