A hybrid model for human factor analysis in process accidents: FBN-HFACS

Human factors are the largest contributing factors to unsafe operation of the chemical process systems. Conventional methods of human factor assessment are often static, unable to deal with data and model uncertainty, and to consider independencies among failure modes. To overcome the above limitations, this paper presents a hybrid dynamic human factor model considering Human Factor Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), intuitionistic fuzzy set theory, and Bayesian network. The model is tested on accident scenarios which have occurred in a hot tapping operation of a natural gas pipeline. The results demonstrate that poor occupational safety training, failure to implement risk management principles, and ignoring reporting unsafe conditions were the factors that contributed most failures causing accident. The potential risk-based safety measures for preventing similar accidents are discussed. The application of the model confirms its robustness in estimating impact rate (degree) of human factor induced failures, consideration of the conditional dependency, and a dynamic and flexible modelling structure.     

Community evacuation following a chlorine release, Mississippi

On 7th September 1986, four miles north of Collins, Mississippi, a train transporting chlorine derailed. Two cars ruptured and gas escaped. As a result, 100 families were evacuated. To study the evacuation process, we conducted person-to-person interviews with sixty-two families staying in the evacuation center. Only 52.5% of the families received their first directive to evacuate directly from police or other officials. Delays in evacuating tended to be shorter when people were warned by the police and were told the reason for evacuating. Lack of personal transportation and preexisting health problems resulted in delays in evacuation. Concerns about evacuation included fear of looting, lack of a place to go, lack of transportation, difficulty in moving with children and elderly persons, and the need to take care of pets. One third of the interviewees reported feeling panic. Community evacuation procedures would be improved if: (1) officials contact all households directly; (2) the warning message addresses people's concerns; and (3) transportation is provided.     

基于地形位置指数的赤水河流域植被时空变化研究

地形因子和植被覆盖是区域灾害评价的关键指标,也是山区型村镇建设生态安全评估的重要内容.为探析山区型村镇建设的生态约束条件,以赤水河流域为研究对象,基于1998—2018年SPOT_VGT NDVI数据,利用地形位置指数（Topographic Position Index,TPI）和坡度位置指数方法,研究了赤水河流域植被生长季NDVI时空变化及地形分异特征.结果表明:①赤水河流域内,1998—2018年植被生长季平均NDVI呈缓慢上升趋势,斜率为0.004 7;NDVI>0.60的集中连片区域主要分布在古蔺县北部、赤水市大部和习水县西北部,占赤水河流域总面积的8.42%;Sen's slope在0.009~0.015区间时,赤水河流域植被生长增强趋势最明显,主要集中分布在赤水河中上游、二道河以及下游的大同河干流地区.②TPI在-39.4~34.3区间的面积最多,为6 221.63 km2,占赤水河流域总面积的34.05%;将赤水河流域坡度类型划分为山脊、上坡、中坡、平坡、下坡、山谷6个坡度位置类型,其中,中坡面积（7 792.02 km2）最大,占流域总面积的42.64%,表明TPI数值较小且坡度大于5°的区域是赤水河流域地形主体.③赤水河流域植被在山脊的平均NDVI最高,为0.747,且山脊平均Sen's slope最高,为0.007 2;山谷平均NDVI最低,为0.709.研究显示,赤水河流域植被分布在118.5~486.9的TPI区间或分布在山脊处时整体生长较好,且生长增强趋势最明显.      

Cumulative impact assessment in environmental planning: A coastal wetland watershed example

Several theoretical, analytical, and institutional difficulties have impeded the development and application of the assessment of cumulative environmental impacts. Watershed development on coastal wetlands offers an ideal context for evaluating the land disturbance target approach to cumulative impact assessment. A model land use planning system involving a time series approach was developed for Elkhorn Slough in California. The approach included four major components: evaluation of erosion susceptibility, measurement of land disturbance, establishment of a land disturbance target, and a comparison of existing and target land disturbance values. Further research is needed to test the transferability of the approach in a wide range of coastal watersheds and to verify the applicability of the methods to other cumulative impact problems.     

Application of the benthic index of biotic integrity to environmental monitoring in Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay benthic index of biotic integrity (B-IBI) was developed to assess benthic community health and environmental quality in Chesapeake Bay. The B-IBI provides Chesapeake Bay monitoring programs with a uniform tool with which to characterize bay-wide benthic community condition and assess the health of the Bay. A probability-based design permits unbiased annual estimates of areal degradation within the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries with quantifiable precision. However, of greatest interest to managers is the identification of problem areas most in need of restoration. Here we apply the B-IBI to benthic data collected in the Bay since 1994 to assess benthic community degradation by Chesapeake Bay Program segment and water depth. We used a new B-IBI classification system that improves the reliability of the estimates of degradation. Estimates were produced for 67 Chesapeake Bay Program segments. Greatest degradation was found in areas that are known to experience hypoxia or show toxic contamination, such as the mesohaline portion of the Potomac River, the Patapsco River, and the Maryland mainstem. Logistic regression models revealed increased probability of degraded benthos with depth for the lower Potomac River, Patapsco River, Nanticoke River, lower York River, and the Maryland mainstem. Our assessment of degradation by segment and water depth provided greater resolution of relative condition than previously available, and helped define the extent of degradation in Chesapeake Bay.     

Can health feasibly be considered as part of the planning process in Scotland?

The planning system is significant because of its capacity to determine the quality of the built environment as well as the health, well-being and quality of life of the individuals and communities therein. Development planning is especially important because of the long-term impact of the decisions. This paper was developed in response to increasing recognition amongst HIA practitioners in Scotland of the importance of planning for health. It focuses on the relationship between the planning system in Scotland, specifically the Development Planning element of it, and population health and considers how the health impact assessment (HIA) approach can facilitate and support joint working with planners. In particular, consideration is given to the potential impact of the introduction of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on the linkages between health, HIA and planning.     

关于对"碱性高锰酸钾指数标准分析方法的错误"的讨论

《中国环境监测》于2006年8月第22卷第4期发表了一篇名为“碱性高锰酸钾指数标准分析方法的错误”的文章,该文作者通过配制不同浓度的葡萄糖标准溶液,分别用酸性法与碱性法来测定其高锰酸盐指数值,对相应的结果与计算公式进行讨论,指出碱性高锰酸钾操作方法与计算公式均存在错误,并提出了碱性高锰酸钾测定的修正方法与公式。文章对上述观点和结论有不同的看法,从碱性高锰酸钾指数标准分析方法的试验操作步骤及方法原理的理解入手,进行相关的阐述和讨论。     

用灰色关联度方法进行水污染因子分析

介绍了灰色关联度因子分析方法,以及此法在水污染因子分析中的应用.对于一般监测资料系列短而监测项目却较齐全的情况,应用本法是较适宜的.     

战略环境评价的工作程序

介绍了战略环境评价（法规、政策、计划和规划层次）工作程序的三个环节：评价方案的制定、评价实施和评价总结。并提出了战略环境评价指标体系制定的原则、战略环境评价的具体步骤及战略环境评价报告书的基本内容。