Projected Changes in Discharge in an Agricultural Watershed in Iowa

Our improved capability to adapt to the future changes in discharge is linked to our capability to predict the magnitude or at least the direction of these changes. For the agricultural United States Midwest, too much or too little water has severe socioeconomic impacts. Here, we focus on the Raccoon River at Van Meter, Iowa, and use a statistical approach to examine projected changes in discharge. We build on statistical models using rainfall and harvested corn and soybean acreage to explain the observed discharge variability. We then use projections of these two predictors to examine the projected discharge response. Results are based on seven global climate models part of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and two representative concentration pathways (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5). There is not a strong signal of change in the discharge projections under the RCP 4.5. However, the results for the RCP 8.5 point to a stronger changing signal related to larger projected increases in rainfall, resulting in increased trends, in particular, in the upper part of the discharge distribution (i.e., 60th percentile and above). Examination of two hypothetical agricultural scenarios indicates that these increasing trends could be alleviated by decreasing the extent of the agricultural production. We also discuss how the methodology presented in this study represents a viable approach to move forward with the concept of return period for engineering design and management in a nonstationary world.     

Variation of antioxidant biomarkers in the edible oyster Saccostrea cucullata collected from three different water bodies of Sundarbans

Variations of antioxidant biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were studied in edible part of mangrove oyster Saccostrea cucullata, collected from three different water bodies, such as Namkhana (S-I), Frazergaunge (S-II) and Sajnekhali (S-III) of Indian Sundarbans which are exposed to different degrees of anthropogenic activity. The study was conducted for consecutive two years (2010 and 2011) in the respective water bodies. Characteristics of biomarkers in oyster from the two polluted water bodies, i.e. S-I and S-II, are similar in nature in comparison to less polluted site (S-III). The catalase, superoxide dismutase activity and lipid peroxidation in oyster flesh exhibit significant (p<0.01) spatial and temporal variation among the three stations. Oysters from S-I were significantly higher (p<0.05) in antioxidant enzyme activities than oysters from S-III, which differ in their amount of pollution sources. Maximum antioxidant enzymes activity of all collected samples were recorded in pre-monsoon time and decreased in monsoon season. But maximum lipid peroxidation was noted during monsoon followed by post-monsoon and pre-monsoon.     

Assessment of Ergonomic and Occupational Health-Related Problems Among Female Prawn Seed Collectors of Sunderbans,West Bengal,India

Abstract

Sixty female prawn seed collectors and 60 female control subjects from Sajenakhali and Sandeshkhali blocks of Sunderbans, West Bengal, India, were randomly selected to evaluate and compare musculoskeletal disorders and physiological stress. The control group was engaged in domestic work involving minimum hand-intensive activities. The modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and rapid entire body assessment were used. Most subjects suffered from discomfort in different body parts, especially in the lower back (98%), knees (88%), shoulders (75%), ankles (70%) and feet (67%). This study reveals that female prawn seed collectors suffer from significant physiological load and extreme physiological stress due to prolonged working hours in a standing posture and excessive work pressure. Consequently, all these factors affect female prawn seed collectors ‘ health and work performance.     

Effects of tourism on carbon dioxide emissions,a panel causality analysis with new data sets

Environment, Development and Sustainability - The study investigates the effect of international tourist advents on carbon dioxide discharges in a panel set of hundred countries ranked in order of...     

Effect of noise exposure (85 dB ) on testicular adrenocortical steroidogenic key enzymes, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities of sex organs in mature albino rats

Changes in the activities of △5-3β-hydroysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) in testis and adrenal gland, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in testis, acid and alkaline phosphatase in testis, prostate and seminal vesicle were observed in noise exposed mature rats at the intensity of 85 dB for 8 h/day for 45 days. The results indicated that noise exposed group showed a significant diminution in the activities of androgenic key enzymes △5-3β and 17β-HSD, acid phosphatase in testis, prostate and seminal vesicle. There was a significant elevation in the activities of adrenal △5-3β-HSD, alkaline phosphatase in testis and other accessory sex organ in noise exposed group. Gonadosomatic, prostatosomatic and seminal vesiculo-somatic indexes were decreased significantly in noise exposed group. Therefore, it is evident that noise exposure at 85dB exerts a deleterious effect on testicular and adrenocortical activities.