Disaster risk reduction and the evolution of physical development regulation

In 1984 the Mitigation Implementation Conference recognized the need for effective management of urban development in terms of building standards and land-use zonation. In the intervening 25 years, significant progress has been made in the development of building codes and hazard mapping for disaster risk reduction; however, the failure to promulgate, implement and enforce regulation of development has resulted in the dramatic expansion of exposure and risk. It is now necessary to re-assess regulatory policy and practice. New approaches to regulatory compliance must be explored, including participatory regulation and reliance on cultural and religious bases for individual commitment to community safety.     

Managing natural resources with eco-friendly technologies for sustainable rural development: a case of Garhwal Himalaya

Traditional Central Himalaya societies face a range of socio-economic and environmental problems. The potential of science and technology has not yet been adequately and appropriately harnessed to overcome the development constraints posed by the fragile Himalayan environment. Thus there is a need for large-scale establishment of technology resource centers. The Garhwal Unit of GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development established rural technology demonstration and training centers in three different agroecological zones between 550 and 2200 m asl and in 13–15 locations, with suitable technologies based on appropriate use and management of locally available bio-resources that ensure people participation. About 35 on-site training courses were organised for about 2329 participants. The participants were given on-site demonstrations, training and technical know-how on various technologies, to enable farmers to better understand problems faced during implementation of new technologies for sustainable management of natural resources. An action research framework and training manuals were also developed in consideration of local socio-economic condition. The documentation and analysis of research (quantitative and qualitative) and data related to cost–benefit analysis of the technologies adopted by farmers generated through this study has created wider sharing of farmer training outputs, at farm level, amongst the scientific communities and with policy planners.     

Environmental protection by utilization of the slag from magnesium production in building materials

This paper presents the results of research on the utilization of slag produced as the waste material of metallic magnesium production. This material is a fine powder with a high magnesium content. The characterization of slag was performed by XRD, DTA and TG analysis. Chemical composition and mechanical properties of slag were also determined. By using a mixture this slag and limestone aggregate, it is possible to obtain dry mortar which, mixed with water, gives a material fully satisfying for plastering mortar. By adding inorganic pigments (Fe₂O₃, Ca₂O3, etc.) decorative mortars are obtained, and when they are spread over the foundation made of brick or concrete, they retain their colour on the entire coating and surface of the mortar.     

Advancing the debate on a world environment organization

With the beginning of the new millennium, the longstanding need for reform of the United Nations system has gained new momentum. Efficiency gains and better coordination are desirable, though not sufficient to bring about improvement in international relations. There is need, therefore, to look for institutional innovations that would upgrade the pressing tasks of environmental and development policy in the eyes of national governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, improve the institutional setting for the negotiation and implementation of new agreements and action programs, and strengthen the action capacity of the developing countries on these matters. The present article points to and elaborates on the need for a World Environment and Development Organization within the United Nations system, and outlines the shape it might be given.     

农村景观的自然-人为性与多样性特征研究

农村景观是人与自然共同作用的特殊场所。研究了农村景观的双重属性，即自然—人为性，以及多样性、异质性特征。根据这些本质属性，提出了我国新农村建设的新思路、科技着力方向和因地制宜政策。     

大空间建筑火灾中烟气温度计算模型的比较

基于区域模型和场模型的计算方法，分别计算了大空间建筑火灾的热烟气温度与时间的关系曲线（T-t曲线）。通过比较计算结果可得出：区域模型计算方法对大空间建筑火灾热烟气的填充规律及填充过程中的温度预测具有足够的精度；但随着热烟气层的下降，当下层冷空气逐渐减少至80％被热烟气所取代时，该计算方法对烟气温度预测的准确性不太高。建议对大空间建筑火灾中结构反应全过程分析的T-t曲线，采用基于场模型的计算方法，或者，对基于区域模型的T-t曲线进行修正。     

低矮建筑物的抗风研究现状

对国外低矮建筑抗风问题的研究和应用现状进行了综述。全文共分3部分，第一部分论述了低矮建筑的体型对表面风压的影响；第二部分是关于屋檐构造和屋面材料对低矮建筑的抗风影响；第三部分介绍了低矮建筑空气动力学数据库。最后，通过这些介绍和评述，提出了一些需要进一步研究的问题。     

自然通风下横向走道防排烟方式和排烟口位置对烟气状态的影响模拟

通过建立高层建筑内烟气流动的数学模型,采用k-ε双方程三维紊流模型对高层建筑火灾时横向走道内不同防排烟方式和不同位置的排烟口对烟气状态的影响进行数值模拟;通过分析比较,得出对于火灾初期挡烟垂壁对延缓烟气扩散的效果明显,可以通过设置合理的挡烟垂壁高度和数量来延长疏散时间;笔者认为,重要场所应用机械排烟时,排烟口应避免设在前室附近,应将排烟口设置在以挡烟垂壁为防烟分区的中间部位;在保持总排烟量不变和不过分增加经济投入时应增设排烟口的数量以达到最佳排烟效果。     

大空间建筑防排烟系统性能化设计

为了获得合理有效的大空间建筑排烟系统设计方案,从排烟方式的选择、排烟量(排烟面积)的确定以及烟控系统排烟的效果评估和验证三个方面对大空间建筑防排烟系统的性能化设计进行了探讨,并指出:建筑防排烟系统的选择及其排烟量(排烟面积)的确定应结合建筑功能特点、可燃物分布、安全性能目标、补气条件、环境条件等进行综合考虑并进行核算;在条件允许情况下,应尽量采用数值模拟计算、模型试验以及开展实地场所的热烟测试进行防排烟系统的效果验证。本研究结果可为大空间建筑防排烟系统的合理性设计提供参考。     

加强完善我国环境统计管理机构及基础能力建设的建议

在当前国家欲扩大内需、大幅增加环保投入的背景下,我国环境保护部门应抓住机遇,提高和加强环境管理机构建设及基础能力建设。本文分析了我国环境统计报表制度现状及环境统计工作中存在的主要问题,并提出了自己的建议。