Quantification of impact of line markers on risk on transmission pipelines with natural gas

The paper presents a model for the assessment of the influence of line markers on risk on transmission pipelines with natural gas. The impact of line markers on risk is determined as a function of the line marker recognisability, which in turn depends on the ability to discern a line marker from a distance. The model is based on physical properties of line markers, especially on their colour, measures and the colour of the environment. These properties served to quantitatively assess the discernability of two most frequently encountered types of line markers. Calculated distances at which a particular line marker is discernible were compared to the average distances between two line markers. Risk reduction factors were derived from the comparison between the calculated results and the data from the appropriate hazardous event database. Results of the model indicated significant dependence of the risk reduction factor due to line markers on the distance between two line markers and the weather conditions. The model shows its flexibility through its distinct dependence on local conditions along the pipeline route. It can serve as a supplement to the existing models for quantitative risk assessment on pipelines used in natural gas transportation.     

A proactive approach to human error detection and identification in aviation and air traffic control

In recent years, there has been a realization that total elimination of human error may be difficult to achieve. A further reduction of accidents will require a better understanding of how practitioners manage their errors in ways that consequences are contained or mitigated. With this goal in mind, the present study has set out to propose a framework of cognitive strategies in error detection that would make human performance resilient to changes in work demands. The literature regarded error detection as a spontaneous process that occurs either while an action is executed (action-based detection) or after action feedback (outcome-based detection). To help practitioners maintain a state of mindfulness and introspection, this study proposes several cognitive strategies such as, rehearsing tasks for future execution, bringing into conscious attention routine tasks, seeing how trajectories change over time, and cross-checking data for reliability. Two further detection mechanisms are proposed at the situation assessment and planning stages of performance. Awareness-based detection may include revising a model of the situation, finding hidden assumptions, and testing the plausibility of assumptions. Planning-based detection addresses issues such as, identifying uncertainties in a plan, thinking out possible errors, and deciding when and how often to review task progress. Finally, several attitudinal factors and team factors are presented that affect the processes of error detection and identification. The cognitive strategies in error detection together with the attitudinal and team factors constitute a framework for designing the content of error management training.     

Interagency Resource Teams: a Model for Collaborative Approaches to Environmental Education

Abstract: The Undergraduate Interagency Resource Teams at the White Mountain Research Station of the University of California were created in 1994 to support resource-agency mandates and academic research objectives by providing qualified students who can learn, apply, and improve research and agency monitoring protocols. Drawing from documented elements of other successful internship programs, we identified four basic components that we believe may enhance the potential success of the interns: (1) self-directed learning methodologies, (2) multidisciplinary approaches to science, (3) reflection on and documentation of intern learning, and (4) principles of a positive work environment, including teamwork, conflict resolution, and effective communication. During a 10-week summer session, the Interagency Resource Teams expose approximately 17 students to the professional worlds of natural resource agencies and research scientists. In this environment, we have also observed that the internship program not only exposes students to resource management careers but may also help bridge the gap between resource agency specialists and academic researchers.     

Substrate-dependent bacterivory by intertidal benthic copepods

The trophic importance of bacteria to harpacticoid copepods in intertidal areas remains poorly understood, and so do the mechanisms of bacterial feeding. It is, for instance, unclear whether harpacticoids directly target bacterial cells or merely co-ingest them with substrates to which bacterial cells may be attached. Here, we investigate bacterial uptake and substrate requirement for four mud intertidal species (Microarthridion littorale, Platychelipus littoralis, Delavalia palustris and Nannopus palustris) by means of ¹³C-labeled bacteria and biomarker fatty acids (FA). Bacterial uptake strongly depended on grazing on a primary food source but bacterial ingestion rates were low, and no clear indication of copepods directly targeting bacteria was found. Delavalia was the only species that accumulated bacteria-derived FA and gained in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) probably through bioconversion of bacteria-derived FA. In general, however, our results suggest that bacteria represent a relatively minor and low-quality food for intertidal harpacticoid copepods.     

洞庭湖流域分布式水文模型

流域出口径流观测序列是水文模型参数率定重要依据,不受水文站控制区域的模型应用是水文研究关注点之一。首先根据水文站观测资料建立洞庭湖流域四水控制站之上基于水文响应单元的分布式水文模型,在此基础上结合实验、同质移植和虚拟水库等方法,将分布式水文模型拓展到包含无径流站控制区域的丘陵区间和平原圩垸区,最终实现了洞庭湖全流域水文过程模拟。结果表明:在较完备土壤、地形、土地利用等空间数据支持下,通过合理的流域划分和水文响应单元定义,建立的流域分布式水文模型可以较好地在水文响应单元尺度反应降水发生后蒸散、地表径流、土壤和地下水的响应特征。而基于观测实验及基流分割等方法获取的关键水文过程特征对模型参数优化的认识,可以提高模型参数率定效率,在较少优化迭代运算后既可使月径流模拟的效率系数NSE和确定性系数R²值高于0.81(日过程高于0.62)。借助参数同质移植和虚拟水库解决了区间和圩垸区无控制站区域水文过程模拟。在全流域水文过程的模拟中,基流指数和蒸散比例与实际过程具有较好的一致性。说明相关参数较好地反映了其物理机制,具备在相似气候及下垫面条件区域进行同质移植的基础,圩垸区径流交换采用虚拟水库的处理方式也合理可行。     

Bio‐Based Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/Thermoplastic Starch Composites as a Host Matrix for Biochar Fillers

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Biochar is an excellent, but less-used candidate to serve as an alternative filler in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-based composites. Increasing amounts of...     

Ranking and selecting dangerous crash locations: correcting for the number of passengers and Bayesian ranking plots

INTRODUCTION: In this paper a sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate how big the impact would be on the current ranking of crash locations in Flanders (Belgium) when only taking into account the most serious injury per crash instead of all the injured occupants. RESULTS: Results show that this would lead to a different selection of 23.8% of the 800 sites that are currently considered as dangerous. CONCLUSIONS: Considering this impact quantity, the researchers want to sensitize government that giving weight to the severity of the crash can correct for the bias that occurs when the number of occupants of the vehicles are subject to coincidence. Additionally, probability plots are generated to provide policy makers with a scientific instrument with intuitive appeal to select dangerous road locations on a statistically sound basis. Impact on industry Considering the impact quantity of giving weight to the severity of the crash instead of to all the injured occupants of the vehicle on the ranking of crash sites, the authors want to sensitize government to carefully choose the criteria for ranking and selecting crash locations in order to achieve an enduring and successful traffic safety policy. Indeed, giving weight to the severity of the crash can correct for the bias that occurs when the number of occupants of the vehicles are subject to coincidence. However, it is up to the government to decide which priorities should be stressed in the traffic safety policy. Then, the appropriate weighting value combination can be chosen to rank and select the most dangerous crash locations. Additionally, the probability plots proposed in this paper can provide policy makers with a scientific instrument with intuitive appeal to select dangerous road locations on a statistically sound basis. Note that, in practice, one should not only rank the crash locations based on the benefits that can be achieved from tackling these locations. Future research is also needed to incorporate the costs of infrastructure measures and other actions that these crash sites require in order to enhance the safety on these locations. By balancing these costs and benefits against each other, the crash locations can then be ranked according to the order in which they should be prioritized.     

Distribution and movement of nutrients and metals in a Pinus radiata forest soil following applications of biosolids

Samples of biosolids, spiked with increasing amounts of Cu, Ni or Zn were applied to field plots in a Pinus radiata forest, and the nutrient and metal status of the forest litter and underlying mineral soil was monitored over a period of six years following application. The macronutrient status of the forest litter was changed markedly by the biosolids application, with substantial increases in N, P and Ca concentrations, and decreases in Mg and K. The C/N ratio of the litter was also decreased and pH was increased by the biosolids application. The metals applied with the biosolids were retained predominantly in the litter layer, and even with non-metal-spiked biosolids there were substantial increases in litter metal concentrations. There was also firm evidence of some movement of Cu, Ni and Zn into the underlying mineral soil. The potential environmental issues resulting from these changes in nutrient and metal status are discussed.