Application of microcosm and species sensitivity distribution approaches in the ecological hazard assessment of 4-tert-butylphenol

In order to evaluate the ecological hazard of 4-tert-butylphenol (4-TBP), species abundances and physicochemical properties were monitored for 63 days in a microcosm system containing planktonic algae, rotifers, shrimps and Daphnia. The 63 days-NOEC (no observed effect concentration) of 4-TBP for this system was calculated. At the same time, species sensitivity distribution curves were constructed based on the toxicity data of EC₁₀, EC₅₀ and NOEC derived from laboratory single-species toxicity tests, which further gives no obvious hazard concentrations for 95% species in the ecosystem (HC₅). In both the microcosm and the single-species tests, the shrimp (Neocaridina sp.) was the most sensitive species to 4-TBP exposure, while most algae species were relatively insensitive compared to the zooplankton. For the microcosm exposed to 4-TBP, significant changes occurred to the community structure instead of the community function, resulting in a NOEC_microcosm of 265.38?μg?L^–1 which approached the EC₁₀-based HC₅ (0.376?mg?L^–1). Nevertheless, EC₅₀-based HC₅ was higher than the NOEC_microcosm, and the NOEC-based HC₅ was lower. The data showed that the EC₁₀-based HC₅ was protective at the similar level with the result of microcosm for 4-TBP, providing supportive data for chemical risk assessment.     

A novel driver hazard perception sensitivity model based on drivers’ characteristics: A simulator study

Objective: Considering the high annual number of fatal driving accidents in Iran, any approach for reducing the number or severity of driving accidents is a positive step toward decreasing accident-related losses. Accidents can often be avoided by a timely reaction of the driver. One of the steps before reacting to a hazard is perception. Some driver characteristics may affect road hazard perception. In this research, it was assumed that various driver characteristics, including demographic characteristics and cognitive characteristics, have an impact on driver perception.

Methods: The driving simulator used in this research provides various scenarios; for example, passing a pedestrian or animal across the road or placing fixed objects in a 2-lane separated rural road for 2 groups of experienced and inexperienced drivers under day and night lighting conditions. The go/no-go test was carried out in order to assess drivers’ attention to driving tasks and inhibitory control. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to estimate the relation between driver characteristics and sensitivity to road hazard perception. A new hazard perception index was proposed based on the time intervals in the hazard vulnerability.

Results: The results show that the most effective variables in the analysis of sensitivity to hazard perception are driving experience (in kilometers) during the last 3 years and road lighting conditions. Moreover, hazard perception sensitivity was improved by better inhibitory control, selective attention, and decision making, more carefulness, the average amount of daily sleep, and marital status.

Conclusion: The results of this research may be useful in educating and advertising programs. It also could enhance sensitivity to perception of hazards such as pedestrians, animals, and fixed obstacles among young and novice drivers.     

An Exploratory Study of Meanings of Risk Control for Long Term and Acute Effect Occupational Health and Safety Risks in Small Business Construction Firms

A qualitative study of employers' and employees' meanings of occupational health and safety (OHS) risk control was conducted among a sample of small businesses engaged in the Australian construction industry. Two OHS risks relevant to the construction industry were selected for study. One risk (falls from height) represented an immediate consequence, whereas the other (occupational skin disease) represented a long-term health effect. Meanings of the sources and control for these risks were explored during in-depth interviews. Participants perceived the immediate effect, falls from height OHS risk, as being more important in their workplaces than the delayed effect, skin disease OHS risk. The risk of falls from height was perceived to be controllable but requiring a great deal of effort to prevent, whereas there was a fatalistic resignation to the risk of occupational skin disease. Meanings of risk control for both occupational skin disease and falls from height focused on individual rather than technological risk controls. Organizational barriers to the adoption of technological OHS risk controls in the construction industry were identified.     

Community cohesion after a natural disaster: insights from a Carlisle flood

This project analysed changes in community cohesion following a natural disaster. Data were collected from a flood‐affected community using a questionnaire survey. Analyses revealed that community cohesion was not predicted by the length of residence, or any other demographic characteristic of residents, but rather by a sense of community, community cognition and the degree of community participation. Cohesion alteration was not uniform, but varied along levels of hazard severity (degree of flood invasion). Cohesion increased in line with hazard severity at the initial flood stage, as residents recognised the importance of community unity and came together to cope with their losses. When the severity increased, residents transferred their focus to individual interests, which resulted in decreased cohesion. This project distinguishes itself in examining community cohesion in the wake of a natural disaster in the real world. Implications regarding community reconstruction and suggestions for hazard researchers are discussed accordingly.     

自然灾害风险损失等评估的初步研究

在综述国内外自然灾害风险损失评估研究成果的基础上,运用归一化原理,对灾害风险度和灾害损失度的相对等级进行了划分,提出了单一灾种和复合灾种灾害风险损失度相对等级的划分方案和划分方法,然后依据不同灾种在时间上和空间上的叠加性以及机理上的关联性,对区域自然灾害风险损失等级评估方法和评估体系进行了初步探讨。     

防洪工程信赖对公众洪灾风险认知的影响——以开封沿黄地区与岳阳洞庭湖区为例

防洪工程作为人类抵御洪灾的首选手段,为人们提供了保障,但人们对其风险认知还存在一定的偏差。本文从公众层面入手,在我国历史上洪灾最严重的两大流域—长江流域和黄河流域,分别选取岳阳沿洞庭湖区和开封沿黄河地区为研究区,调查公众对当地防洪工程的信赖状况和水灾风险认知情况,回收有效样本831份。据此分析影响防洪工程信赖的因素和工程信赖对公众风险认知的影响。研究发现,公众对防洪工程的信赖度较高,区域趋同性明显;公众对工程信赖的程度,因居住地与风险源的距离、性别、年龄和家庭劳动力结构的不同而存在差异;同时,对防洪工程的过于信赖,会降低公众对洪灾的恐惧心理和警惕性,并使得公众产生消极和积极并存的应对灾害的行为倾向。洪灾多发地区应建立大型洪灾、巨灾的风险防范和洪水保险机制,完善我国的再保险制度;政府在高风险区的分区域管理过程中,应以大局为重;构建"文化自觉"的科学防灾文化观,正确引导公众认识到工程措施能力的限度,扭转在工程信赖基础上的风险认知偏差。     

河北省自然灾害危险性分析及其在主体功能区划评价中的应用

自然灾害危险性是主体功能区划评判的基础指标之一,用于反映特定区域自然灾害发生的可能性和灾害损失的严重性,是评价区域开发支撑条件的一个重要指标。在分析自然灾害危险性指标评价方法、流程及其在主体功能区划评价中的作用的基础上,依据河北省的自然环境特点及主要自然灾害情况,选取其主要灾害要素为评价对象,利用G IS技术对河北省自然灾害危险性进行了综合分析,并在此基础上综合评价了河北省自然灾害对区域发展的影响。     

基于经济学视角的职业健康规制问题研究

用经济学分析工具对现有的职业健康规制进行探讨,研究规制机构、企业和劳动者三方行为主体的博弈,通过分析存在的问题,提出解决职业健康规制的对策。在理顺职业健康规制体制,健全机构的同时不断完善法规体系。同时,加强对劳动者职业健康的保障,完善第三方介入机制,并且加大对违规企业的处罚力度,提高对劳动者的赔偿。不断强化企业作为职业健康责任主体的意识,推进职业危害防治技术创新,培养"以人为本"的职业健康安全文化观念。     

基于PDCA理论创建矿山安全标准化系统的研究

简要介绍PDCA循环的基本定义、基本原理、特点、运行模式。结合某露天矿山实例,将PDCA循环与矿山安全标准化创建工作相结合,提出创建矿山安全标准化系统的方法及过程。结果表明,PDCA能简化创建矿山安全标准化系统的核心程序,使标准化系统更加易于掌控。希望能对准备建立或正在实施矿山安全标准化系统的企业起到一些借鉴作用。     

企业系统化安全管理的主要问题及成因分析

针对系统化安全管理实践中存在着安全管理体系建立的模板化、安全管理体系运行的形式化、安全管理体系持续改进的无效化等问题,提出要提高安全管理绩效,首先纠正企业对系统化安全管理的认知偏差,统一企业不同管理层次的认识;其次是用正确的安全管理方法论作指导,开展系统化安全管理实践;三是匹配企业安全管理实践与系统化要求,发挥和协调不同管理主体的参与,对危险源进行动态化管理,有效实施绩效监测与改进。总之,企业系统化安全管理不能作为单纯的一项工作或任务来完成,必须以解决企业的具体安全生产问题为目标;系统化安全管理是一个持续优化的动态过程,既要把握安全管理系统化的要求,也要有效开展安全管理系统化实践。