Dissecting the drivers of population cycles: Interactions between parasites and mountain hare demography

There is a growing awareness that cyclic population dynamics in vertebrate species are driven by a complex set of interactions rather than a single causal factor. While theory suggests that direct host-parasite interactions may destabilise population dynamics, the interaction between host and parasite may also influence population dynamics through indirect effects that result in delayed responses to either density or to life-history traits. Using empirical data on mountain hares (Lepus timidus) infected with a nematode parasite (Trichostrongylus retortaeformis), we developed an individual-based model (IBM) that incorporated direct effects and delayed life-history effects (DLHEs) of a macroparasite, alternative transmission mechanisms and seasonality in host population dynamics. The full model describes mean characteristics of observed mountain hare time series and parasite abundance, but by systematically removing model structure we dissect out dynamic influences of DLHEs. The DLHEs were weakly destabilising, increasing the propensity for cyclic dynamics and suggesting DLHEs could be important processes in host-parasite systems. Further, by modifying model structure we identify a strong influence of parasite transmission mechanism on host population stability, and discuss the implications for parasite aggregation mechanisms, host movement and natural geographical variation in host population dynamics. The effect of T. retortaeformis on mountain hares likely forms part of a complex set of interactions that lead to population cycles.     

洞庭湖区空斗墙建筑抗震性能实测及数值模拟

通过现场实测及数值模拟对洞庭湖区典型空斗墙建筑的抗震性能进行了研究。研究结果表明:数值模型能很好地反映实际结构的动力特性。时程分析结果表明,在保证材料强度的情况下,洞庭湖区典型空斗墙建筑可满足我国抗震规范7度(0.10g)多遇地震的设防要求,其中柔性楼屋盖空斗墙建筑更是可基本达到7度(0.15g)多遇地震设防要求;柔性楼屋盖空斗墙建筑的抗震抗剪承载力比半刚性楼屋盖空斗墙建筑的要高23.1%;眠砌构造柱可提高半刚性楼屋盖空斗墙建筑抗震抗剪承载力5%。     

利用欧洲数值预报产品制作哈尔滨市七日天气预报

阐述了利用已有数值预报产品和NCEP历史资料通过相似方法制作哈尔滨市24～168h的七日天气预报(包括降水、最高气温、最低气温)。根据高空形势场、地面形势场和物理量场相同条件下,其天气现象一般相同的天气学原理,将高空预报形势场与历史形势场作形、值相似比较,筛选出关系较好的相似个例,导出相似个例的要素,以其作为预报日的要素预报参考,并结合T639降水量预报和日本降水数值预报作出降水的综合预报。     

冷排水中余氯对鱼类毒理效应和资源损失量估算方法的研究

在实验室条件下模拟某液化天然气(liquefied natural gas,简称LNG)工程冷排水中余氯排放,并通过毒理实验研究海洋中余氯对大黄鱼(Larimichthys crocea)仔鱼和幼鱼的毒理效应.结果表明:在余氯浓度为0.14和0.20 mg·L-1时,仔鱼出现死亡现象,其他3个低浓度条件下仔鱼无死亡率;...     

High‐performer turnover and firm performance: The moderating role of human capital investment and firm reputation

Research has shown a complex relationship between turnover and firm performance. Not only does it matter who leaves (e.g., high‐performing versus low‐performing employees), but the context also stands to influence this effect in complex ways. We apply human capital theory, social capital theory, and the cost–benefit perspective to propose two boundary conditions to the high‐performer turnover and firm performance relationship. Specifically, we predict that the negative impact of high‐performer turnover on firm performance will be the strongest for reputable firms and for firms who invest less in human capital (e.g., selection, training, and incentive‐based pay). We present data from 155 South Korean firms that support the hypothesized model. We discuss findings in terms of current and future theory, practical implications, and subsequent research needs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Study of high-tech process furnace using inherently safer design strategies (I) temperature distribution model and process effect

High-tech industries, such as those producing semiconductor and TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display), have recently become the most important economic activities in Taiwan. Each of these industries has a complete chain of supply from raw material production, production pre-processing, product manufacturing, to waste handling. Any company in the chain is a critical component, since any accidents of fire, explosion, gas leakage, or power outage would cut off the supply chain, causing inability of continuous operation. In industries of semiconductor and TFT-LCD, great amounts of special gases and chemicals with many machinery equipments are used in the production processes. In cases of accidents or improper installation, this chain of supply, from raw material production, preproduction, product manufacturing, to waste handling materials and equipments may cause severe damages or incidents.This study used the existing model of the horizontal furnace to develop a simulation program. The simulation results were consistent with the existing model, and produced even slightly better results on temperature distribution and temperature sensitivity. The simulation model applied on a vertical furnace could provide data on furnace temperature control for industrial use. Meanwhile, this study also deduced actual temperature control and an ISD strategy, which are consistent with design strategy principles.The validation results on the proposed temperature distribution model suggested that the model can be applied in temperature distribution and sensitivity analysis to obtain adjustment and control models for various heating zones. In the case of a single tool, when processing reduction is 60 pieces, switching off the two heating zones can reduce 44% of power output, for a capacity utilization rate of 93.7% for the entire plant. The application of the proposed temperature control model can reduce power consumption by 121.4 kWh. In addition, with the same number of tools, facilities layouts in two cases have an area difference of 41.4775 m², thus shortening the evacuation time for operators. The experimental results proved that the proposed model has realized the ISD principles of intensification, attenuation, and limitation of effects.     

An evaluation approach using a HARA and FMEDA for the hardware SIL

Safety instrumented systems (SIS) are becoming increasingly complex, and form a growing proportion of programmable electronic parts. The IEC 61508 global standard was established to ensure the functional safety of SIS; however, it was expressed in highly macroscopic terms. The safety integrity level (SIL) is a criterion describing whether a component meets the safety requirements of a SIS. The safety requirements give a target SIL for the expected risks using hazard analysis and risk assessment (HARA). The SIL must correspond to the safety requirements. This study introduces an evaluation process for determining the hardware SIL through failure modes, effects, and diagnostic analysis (FMEDA). First, the components of the SIS subsystem are defined in terms of failure modes and effects, and then the failure rate and failure mechanism distribution are assigned to each component. The safety mode and detectability of each failure mode are determined for each component and, finally, the hardware SIL is evaluated. We perform a case study to evaluate the hardware SIL of the flame scanner system using HARA and FMEDA, where the safety requirement of the flame scanner was determined using the risk graph method. We verified that the hardware SIL of the flame scanner corresponded to the safety requirement.     

Ignition of dust-air atmospheres by ultrasonic waves

This paper shows the results of our investigations on the ignition source ultrasound in dust-air atmospheres. Ultrasound is, on the one hand, considered to be an ignition source according to international safety standards (EN 1127–1 (2011)). On the other hand, though, ultrasound is used for various applications in gases and air, such as level and flow measurement, or in the process industry, but no explosion accidents have yet been reported. Our research now shows that it is indeed possible to ignite dust-air mixtures in ultrasound fields under certain conditions. We conducted our experiments in an ultrasound standing wave field and used maize starch, calcium stearate and sulfur dust. For ignitions, an absorbing target was needed to convert the acoustic energy into heat. From theoretical estimations and experiments critical conditions that provoke ultrasonically triggered explosions are identified.     

Box Handling in the Loading and Unloading of Vans

The handling of 2,306 boxes being loaded or unloaded from vans onto or from 4-wheeled trolleys by 31 handlers in a warehouse were characterized. Handling was videotaped and characterized through an analysis grid completed by three trained observers. The following execution parameters were observed: nature of the exertion applied by the upper limbs, plane and direction of the exertion, resulting displacement of the box, grip, use of the lower limbs and the back. Results show that execution parameters used by handlers vary considerably from those usually recommended or studied. For example, symmetric grips were rarely used (4%). The grip was modified during the handling of half the boxes. Significant knee flexion was rarely observed (3% of exertions). Each box was moved by applying an average of . 3.5 different exertions. Exertions were mostly applied in a plane parallel to the shoulders; they were rarely executed in a strict sagittal plane (11%). The implication of these observations are discussed.     

Modeling the impact of revegetation on regional water quality: A collective approach to manage the cumulative impacts of mining in the Bowen Basin,Australia

In this paper we quantify the additional water quality benefits that can be achieved through coordinated cumulative impact management. To do this we simulate coordinated and un-coordinated revegetation investments and compare their impact on achieving regional water quality goals. Our results show that coordination between multiple mining companies achieves additional benefits since prioritization is enabled across a broader range of investment opportunities. Additionally, when coordinated investment is permitted beyond the boundaries of coal mining leases, results show that additional benefits are greatly enhanced since these regions provide more rewarding investment opportunities. Results illustrate (a) how regional coordination may influence reputational benefits of investments, and (b) that coordination is beneficial when investment opportunities are unevenly distributed across the landscape. When additional benefits are achievable, we suggest that mining companies should develop collective investment projects with an understanding of how coordination influences project costs. Similarly, investment projects should be developed with an understanding of investment tradeoffs and how these may adversely impact on regional stakeholders and hence industry reputation. The mining industry has significant potential to contribute to regional wellbeing; however, land management policies must be flexible and promote incentives to enable companies to invest beyond compliance.