River water quality management model using genetic algorithm

Conventional mathematical programming methods, such as linear programming, non linear programming, dynamic programming and integer programming have been used to solve the cost optimization problem for regional wastewater treatment systems. In this study, a river water quality management model was developed through the integration of a genetic algorithm (GA). This model was applied to a river system contaminated by three determined discharge sources to achieve the water quality goals and wastewater treatment cost optimization in the river basin. The genetic algorithm solution, described the treatment plant efficiency, such that the cost of wastewater treatment for the entire river basin is minimized while the water quality constraints in each reach are satisfied. This study showed that genetic algorithm can be applied for river water quality modeling studies as an alternative to the present methods.     

Mate compatibility,parental allocation and fitness consequences of mate choice in the sand goby <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pomatoschistus minutus</Emphasis>

Recent theory and empirical work suggests that there may be variation among females in mate preferences that is adaptive. One of the possible mechanisms maintaining variability in preferences and preferred traits is that the benefits of mate choice may depend on compatibility with potential mating partners. We examined fitness consequences of mate choice in a species of fish, the sand goby, Pomatoschistus minutus with a special focus on mate compatibility. Females were given the opportunity to establish their mate preferences in a dichotomous mate choice experiment. This information was then applied by mating the focal or control female with either the preferred or the non-preferred male. The parental performance of the males of these four mating combinations was then measured. In a separate experiment, we assessed the female differential allocation by determining the residual gonad weight of spawned females as a measure of the proportion of eggs spawned. We also estimated the amount of filial cannibalism separately for both sexes. Our results show that preferred males provided benefits in the form of an increased number of hatching eggs. This benefit was the same when the male was mated with a focal or a control female. Hence, we found no support for benefits that depend on mate compatibility. Neither did we find support for the hypothesis that females would lay a different number of eggs depending on the male status. The results also indicate that male filial cannibalism has a strong role in determining hatching success in this species.     

Extra-pair paternity in alpine marmots, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Marmota marmota</Emphasis>: genetic quality and genetic diversity effects

Assuming that a male’s genetic characteristics affect those of his offspring, extra-pair copulation has been hypothesized to increase heterozygosity of the progeny—the “genetic compatibility” hypothesis—and the genetic diversity within litters—the “genetic diversity” hypothesis. We tested these two hypotheses in the alpine marmot (Marmota marmota), a socially monogamous mammal showing a high rate of extra-pair paternity (EPP). In a first step, we tested the assumption that a male’s genetic characteristics (heterozygosity and genetic similarity to the female) affect those of his offspring. Genetic similarity between parents influenced offspring heterozygosity, offspring genetic similarity to their mother, and litter genetic diversity. The father’s heterozygosity also influenced litter genetic diversity but did not affect offspring heterozygosity. Hence, heterozygosity seems not to be heritable in the alpine marmot. In a second step, we compared genetic characteristics of extra-pair young (EPY) and within-pair young (WPY). EPY were less genetically similar to their mother but not more heterozygous than WPY. EPY siblings were also less genetically similar than their WPY half siblings. Finally, the presence of EPY promoted genetic diversity within the litter. Thus, our data support both the “genetic compatibility” and the “genetic diversity” hypotheses. We discuss further investigations needed to determine the primary causes of EPP in this species.     

A genetic component to size in queens of the ant,<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Formica truncorum</Emphasis>

The genetic basis of morphological traits in social insects remains largely unexplored. This is even true for individual body size, a key life-history trait. In the social insects, the size of reproductive individuals affects dispersal decisions, so that small size in queens is often associated with reduced dispersal, and large size with long-range dispersal and independent colony founding. Worker size is connected to division of labour when workers specialize in certain tasks according to their size. In many species, variation in worker size has been shown to increase colony performance. In this study, we present the first evidence of an additive genetic component to queen size in ants, using maternal half sib analysis. We also compared intra-colony size variation in colonies with high (queen doubly mated) versus low (queen singly mated) genetic variability. We found a high and significant heritability (h²=0.51) for queen size in one of the two study years, but not in the other. Size variation among queens was greater in colonies headed by a doubly mated queen in one of the study years, but not in the other. This indicates that genetic factors can influence queen size, but that environmental factors may override these under some circumstances. The heritability for worker size was low (h²=0.09) and non-significant. Increased genetic diversity did not increase worker size variation in the colonies. Worker size appeared largely environmentally determined, potentially allowing colonies to adjust worker size ratios to current conditions.Communicated by J. Heinze     

First trimester chorionic villus sampling versus mid-trimester genetic amniocentesis-preliminary results of a controlled prospective trial

This controlled prospective study assesses the relative risks of first trimester chorionic villus sampling (CVS) versus mid-trimester gentic amniocentesis (GA). CVS subjects and amnio-centesis controls were comparable with regard to several confounding variables which might influence the risk of pregnancy loss including maternal age, smoking, alcohol consumption, gestational age at study entry, and history of vaginal bleeding or poor prior reproductive outcome. The most common indication for prenatal diagnosis was advanced maternal age (n = 511). In this subgroup, spontaneous abortion (<24 weeks) occurred in 2·9 per cent of CVS subjects versus 4−3 per cent of amniocentesis controls. The sum of spontaneous and therapeutic abortions (<24 weeks) was identical (5·3 per cent) in both groups. Therefore, intervention in the CVS group (i.e., therapeutic abortion for cytogenetic abnormalities) did not influence the observed risk of pregnancy loss. Overall perinatal mortality rates were also similar in both groups. No significant differences were identified for a number of pregnancy outcome parameters including 5 min Apgar score, birth weight, body length, head circumference, gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery, fetal growth retardation, congenital malformations, and neonatal complications. Preliminary results of this controlled prospective study suggest that chorionic villus sampling carries a low and acceptable risk.     

系统仿真方法在环境规划预测中的应用

讨论了环境规划中区域社会-经济-环境模型建立的原则，提出了适合非定态城市发展过程中规划因子的预测方法，并给出了江苏靖江“十一五”期间环境规划中的具体应用。     

清洁生产审核在企业ISO14000环境管理体系实施中的应用

对清洁生产、ISO14000环境管理体系的内涵作了简介，着重从理论到实践经验上探讨清洁生产审核在ISO14000环境管理体系推进过程中，环境因素和重大环境因素识别；目标、指标、环境管理方案建立；具体实施过程中的应用。     

Development and application of a two-dimensional water quality model for the Daqinghe River Mouth of the Dianchi Lake

Water quality models are important tools to support the optimization of aquatic ecosystem rehabilitation programs and assess their efficiency. Basing on the flow conditions of the Daqinghe River Mouth of the Dianchi Lake, China, two-dimensional water quality model was developed in the research. The hydrodynamics module was numerically solved by the alternating direction iteration (ADI) method. The parameters of the water quality module were obtained through the in situ experiments and the lab analyses that were conducted from 2006 to 2007. The model was calibrated and verified by the observation data in 2007. Among the four modelled key variables that were water level, CODcr, NH3-N and PO4-P, the minimum value of the coefficient of determination (CoD) was 0.69, which mean the model performed reasonably well. The developed model was then applied to simulate the water quality changes at the downstream cross-section assuming that the designed restoration programs were implemented. According to the simulated results, the restoration programs could cut down the loads of CODcr and PO4-P about 15%, however, they would have very little effect on the NH3-N removal. Besides, the water quality at the outlet cross-section would be still in class V (3838-02), indicating more measures should be taken to further reduce the loads. The study demonstrated the capability of water quality models to support aquatic ecosystem restorations.     

高校食堂清洁生产行动方案的研究

高校食堂是高校建设的重要环节之一,清洁生产能更加有效的管理高校食堂.文章以南京某高校食堂为例,通过问卷调查和实地考察的形式,分析高校食堂各个过程能耗比例和污染物产生的原因,并且对高校食堂电消耗、一次性消耗品和固体废物提出具体措施.结果显示:清洁生产每年平均节约电费1.25万元;减少一次性用品并且每年平均增加收益2 058元;平均减少剩饭剩菜14.83％.     

浅谈石化企业体系审核策划的增值

从审核方案策划和审核实施策划两个方面就审核策划的增值方案制订、实施方式和途径进行了探讨。