Testing hypotheses about management to enhance habitat for feeding birds in a freshwater wetland

The level of water was manipulated in a freshwater wetland, with the aim of enhancing abundances of benthic animals and, ultimately, improving habitat for feeding birds (Japanese Snipe, Gallinago hardwickii). We tested whether these actions had the predicted and desired effects on benthic animals, by contrasting changes in two managed locations to one control location which was left unmanipulated. The number of taxa and abundances of chironomids decreased strongly and significantly in the manipulated locations, while the abundance of oligochaetes appeared to vary in a seasonal manner. Temporal variability of the structure and composition of assemblages was also increased in manipulated locations. Such effects have previously been suggested to indicate stress in benthic assemblages. Therefore, in contrast to what was predicted, managerial actions made benthic fauna less abundant and thus, less suitable as habitat for feeding birds. Several general lessons can be learned from these results. (1) Effects of managerial actions like these are difficult to predict a priori and can only be reliably evaluated with an experimental framework. (2) Because abundances of animals vary naturally, evaluations of managerial actions must include appropriate spatial replication. (3) Sampling at hierarchical temporal scales is important, because abundances of animals may vary in an unpredictable manner at short temporal scales and because changes in temporal variability may be a symptom of stress. (4) Combined use of uni- and multivariate techniques provides a comprehensive set of tools to assess the effects of restoration and creation of new habitats. Finally, these results emphasise the need for clear predictions about desired outcomes and specific experimental plans about how to test whether the desired results were achieved, before managerial actions are taken. Although this is often very difficult to achieve in real situations, it is necessary for practices of management to evolve on the basis of sound empirical experience.     

The Interior-to-Edge Breakpoint Distance as a Guideline for Nature Conservation Policy

A method is proposed to quantify disturbance impact on isolated habitats. For every landscape patch, the breakpoint distance, defined as the penetration distance for which equality of interior and edge habitat is observed, can be calculated. Disturbance with equal impact at all patch sides is assumed. Effects of patch compactness, size, convolution, and perforation are discussed. The potential use of the measure for nature reserve design is discussed. The breakpoint distance follows the reserve design guidelines for individual patches, based on island biogeography and is consistent with the form and function principle. A large breakpoint distance is preferred for natural habitats. Small size, small compactness, intense convolution, and the occurrence of many gaps depress the breakpoint distance.     

The Information Cycle as a Framework for Defining Information Goals for Water-Quality Monitoring

/ The necessity to tailor information becomes increasingly urgent as the information revolution continues to generate ever-increasing flows of data and so-called information. From European experiences, a new approach for monitoring system design is suggested in this paper. In this approach, careful and detailed specification of information needs is a major contributing factor to the effectiveness of information products. To develop better specifications for information products, the process of collecting and transforming data into useful information requires careful thought and guidance. A dialogue between information users on one hand and information producers on the other is essential. This dialogue can be based on the information cycle, describing the continuous process from specifying information needs for water management and a strategy to collect information through data collection and data analysis up to utilization of information by water management. By following the respective steps in the information cycle, the process of information gathering can be completed. The cyclic character provides a quantitative means of connecting monitoring system design and operations with the information expectations and/or products required by management.     

可移动充气式应急救护装置的研究

可移动充气式应急救护装置是一种重点针对地铁火灾的新型消防抢险救援装备,主要由风机、风管、救护站及其他辅助设备组成,其工作原理是采用机械通风的方式在救护站内建立正压,阻止外界烟气进入,从而在充满烟气的事故现场建立一个没有烟气的临时安全场所。可用于救助受困人员,方便消防员更换装备和休息调整,以及便于消防部队建立前沿临时指挥点等,为消防部队处置地铁火灾提供了解决问题的新思路和新方法,对提高消防部队在地铁火灾中的抢险救援能力有着重要的作用。除此之外,还可用于其它类型的地下建筑、大空间建筑(如商场)等场所的消防抢险救援。     

基于人因的汽车仪表设计及工效学评价

从仪表设计及工效学问题的典型事故案例分析入手,提出人因化设计的基本理念,给出人机工程学的汽车仪表系统的基本要求及仪表显示装置人因化设计的基本原则、结构体系框图,提出了实现人因化设计的基本思路;探讨了在汽车仪表系统造型设计中如何体现中国元素与特色的途径;构建了汽车仪表设计中工效学评价体系模型。     

A conceptual model for response to Arctic oil spills

The potential for oil spills in Arctic regions has increased significantly because of the development of petroleum resources. Response to an oil spill in the Arctic is likely to be much slower than that in the temperate region because of the remoteness of the area and its severe climate. In the face of these unique problems, accurate prediction of the extent and subsequent movement of an oil spill is vital to any cleanup effort. Presented is the framework of a program to study the movement of oil spills in the Arctic. Existing models of oil spreading and polar ice dynamics are reviewed and areas where new model development is required are defined. A system design is developed that may be used for developing a plan to act in the event of a major spill.     

ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES FOR FLOOD CONTROL CHANNELS1

ABSTRACT: The environmental effects of flood control channel modifications such as clearing and snagging, straightening, enlargement, and/or paving can be quite severe in some cases. Information review reveals that several environmental features have been incorporated into the design, construction, operation, or maintenance of recent flood control channel projects to avoid adverse environmental impacts and enhance environmental quality. Typically, these features have been proposed by conservation agencies and designed with minimal quantitative analysis. Environmental features for channel projects include selective clearing and snagging techniques, channel designs with nonuniform geometry such as single bank modification and floodways, restoration and enhancement of aquatic habitat, improved techniques for placement of excavated material, and revegetation.     

基于灰色模糊理论的尾矿库安全评价方法研究

针对专家评分法对较小分数差异对象的评价结果存在较大误差,提出了一种模糊灰色综合评价方法.该方法的实质是通过灰色隶属度算子U的作用,放大系统内各种信息的差异,并使相似信息得到压缩,同时,根据类别之间的隶属度信息确定类别权系数.应用结果表明,模糊灰色综合评价方法和专家评分方法相比更符合实际情况.     

峒室大爆破的安全问题

全面总结了峒室大爆破设计和施工方面的安全，并给出其实施方案     

Urban planning at the turn of the 21st century

Contemporary urban planning is characterised by the following: (a) a large amount of specific research gives a large quantity of facts, but like stones of the mosaic do hot make an entire picture; (b) in the basis of these researches no one finds entire creative conceptions; (c) the theories lose touch with practical design matter; (d) in contradiction to the classical architectural epoch, urban planning loses touch with the construction of buildings; (e) the practice of urban planning and the construction of buildings lose touch with historical traditions. The corollary of these academic and unnatural specialisations is a break not only from “the tie of times” but also from the ties inside the profession. This situation has an effect on the practice of urban planning and architecture; society returns to destructive criticism. It is impossible to get away from this fact. The author makes an attempt to change this situation for the better — at least in some measures. On the basis of many years study of the results of research this paper presents a concept of contemporary urban planning. This concept is not in the form of hard recommendations, but expedient methods for the solution of problems. It is proved by the author's projects.