Modelling of the uptake rate of the nitrogen dioxide Palmes diffusive sampler based on the effect of environmental factors

The influence of environmental parameters on the uptake rate of the nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) Palmes diffusive sampler was investigated. The main factors affecting the uptake rate were found to be wind speed, the preponderant factor, followed by relative humidity and temperature. The NO(2) concentration and exposure time, as well as the interactions among the factors were not found to have a significant influence on the uptake rate of the Palmes sampler. As a result, a model able to predict the uptake rate of the Palmes sampler was established. In addition, by using the model-predicted uptake rate, the agreement between chemiluminescence and the Palmes sampler during the field tests was improved. The NO(2) Palmes diffusive sampler was shown to comply with the requirement on accuracy defined by the European Directive for the indicative methods of measurements.     

水解酸化-生物接触氧化工艺在抗生素废水处理中的应用

介绍了抗生素废水的难降解、硫酸盐和总氮含量高的特点及其治理的必要性.针对这些特点,水解酸化-生物接触氧化工艺在处理中具有优势.从机理上阐述了该工艺解决上述问题的可行性及实际应用,并进一步指出了需要完善之处.     

Using Collaborative Technology in Environmental Strategy Development

This viewpoint explores, through a case study in Malawi, the application of collaborative technology tools to support National Environmental Strategy Development initiatives with the public and private sectors in Africa. A particular type of groupware, Group Support Systems, is introduced as a technology and approach that enables large groups of stakeholders to be involved in efficient and effective decision making. It helped the different ministries, community leaders, the private sector, NGOs, and different donors to find new and challenging opportunities for collaboration. The results of the case study show how an environmental strategy, including a prioritised plan of action, was developed and presented to the Ministry within three days. The most important lessons are identified. Participants to the presentation of the paper will be given hands-on experience using these tools.     

Calling,texting, and searching for information while riding a motorcycle: A study of university students in Vietnam

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of calling, texting, and searching for information while riding a motorcycle among university students and the influences of sociodemographic characteristics, social norms, and risk perceptions on these behaviors.

Methods: Students at 2 university campuses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the 2 largest cities in Vietnam, were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. Data collection was conducted during March and May 2016.

Results: There were 741 respondents, of whom nearly 90% of students (665) were motorcycle riders. Overall prevalence of mobile phone use while riding is 80.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77.9–83.9%) with calling having a higher level of prevalence than texting or searching for information while riding: 74% (95% CI, 70.7–77.3%) vs. 51.7% (95% CI, 47.9–55.5%) and 49.9% (95% CI, 46.1–53.7%), respectively. Random parameter ordered probit modeling results indicate that mobile phone use while riding is associated with gender, motorcycle license duration, perceived crash risk, perceived risk of mobile phone snatching, and perceptions of friends' mobile phone use while riding.

Conclusions: Mobile phone use while riding a motorcycle is highly prevalent among university students. Educational programs should focus on the crash and economic risk of all types of mobile phone use while riding, including calling, texting, and searching for information. In addition, they should consider targeting the influence of social norms and peers on mobile phone use while riding.     

火力发电厂的排灰场对土壤及浅层地下水的影响研究

火力发电厂排灰场的粉煤灰对排灰场周围的土壤和浅层地下水的影响主要取决于当地土壤的类型及污染物的种类和性质。模拟试验表明，土壤对砷、六价铬、氟的吸附能力小于汞和铅。     

实验室模拟海洋环境下印制电路板腐蚀损伤行为

目的 研究实验室模拟海洋环境下,机载设备舱内印制电路板的腐蚀损伤行为和规律.方法 基于实测的某型机机载设备舱海洋环境数据,编制加速腐蚀试验环境谱,针对化学镀镍金印制电路板开展加速腐蚀试验;以宏微观腐蚀形貌、导通电阻以及绝缘电阻等为腐蚀表征行为参数,分析实验室模拟海洋环境下印制电路板腐蚀损伤演变的一般规律.结果 实验室模拟海洋环境下,印制电路板腐蚀首先从元器件引脚、通孔等区域诱发,腐蚀现象严重,严重影响导通电阻和绝缘电阻等电气性能的稳定性.加速腐蚀历程中,印制电路板的导通电阻不断增大,绝缘电阻的阻值不断降低.第6周期,绝缘电阻降低了一个数量级.第14周期,导通电阻的阻值增加了4.32～6.72 m?;绝缘电阻降至0.55～0.78 G?,降低了两个数量级,基本丧失绝缘性能.结论 实验室模拟海洋环境下,印制电路板腐蚀损伤历程可以分为表面镀层腐蚀、基底金属腐蚀发生与扩展、元器件芯腔内腐蚀失效3个阶段.     

Normal fetal growth in women with antiphospholipid syndrome treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

Antiphospholid antibodies are associated with fetal distress and fetal death. Although different therapeutic regimens have been used, the incidence of fetal growth retardation varies between 30 and 60 per cent of reported cases. We report the evolution of fetal growth in patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). Fourteen patients with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion and immunological diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome were followed longitudinally. Intravenous immunoglobulin at a dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight for two consecutive days was started from the fifth week of pregnancy and repeated every 4 weeks until the 33rd week of gestation. Fetal biometry was evaluated longitudinally from the appearance of the gestational sac at 4 weekly intervals. In the period between 26 and 34 weeks, the frequency of evaluation was increased to every 14 days. Data obtained were compared with a control group of 70 fetuses with uneventful pregnancies matched for gestational age. Neonatal weight is shown in relation to the centiles for the normal population. One patient out of 14 (7.1 per cent) developed gestational hypertension and abruptio placentae. No other pregnancy complications were seen. No proteinuria was found. The mean maternal age was 31.2±3.8 years. Median birth weight was 3433 g±287. The median centile of the birth weight was 65.3±18.6. Mean gestational age at delivery was 1.3 weeks. No fetal or neonatal growth retardation was seen. No significant differences were found in the biometrical parameters investigated in the various gestational ages vs. the control group (Student's t-test not significant); a significant increase in head circumference (P< 0.001) and abdominal circumference (P< 0.05) was found at 36–37 weeks gestational age in the IVIG-treated fetuses. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is considered detrimental for pregnancy outcome because of their negative effects on placental vascular perfusion and fetal transfer of metabolites. The use of IVIG seems to avoid or inhibit the reduced availability of nutrients for the fetal anabolic functions, as the expected reduction in fetal growth was not seen in our series.