Implementation Of Protection Measures Research Articles

A Study on Oil Pipeline Risk Assessment Technique Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

Risk assessment of oil pipeline is the core content in the pipeline integrity management. Through risk assess- ment of oil pipelines, we could know the comprehensive operating condition of the pipelines, identify the dangerous fac- tors of the pipeline and find out the risk section of the pipeline, so as to work out the risk mitigation measures and provide a theoretical basis for integrity assessment of the pipeline. However, the commonly used Kent risk assessment method does not have a very reasonable distribution of the failure indicator values. Therefore, this paper establishes a failure indi- cator value adjustment model for oil pipeline risk assessment based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Risk assess- ment of Qingha Oil Pipeline has been carried out based on the foundation data and real condition of the pipeline, and the established model was used for weighed adjustment of the various failure risk factors of the pipeline. Thus, a risk assess- ment model which is more suitable for Qingha Oil Pipeline was obtained. This laid a very solid foundation for proposal of suggestions on mitigation of risk of damage by the third party and the implementation of protective measures of the pipeline.

Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

Newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) utilizing the T-cell receptor excision circle assay is a sensitive and specific method to detect T-cell lymphopenia in early infancy. Starting in 2008, several programs have implemented SCID NBS with successful detection of SCID-affected infants; currently over two thirds of U.S. infants receive SCID NBS. Population-based, unbiased screening has established an incidence of SCID to be 1 in 58,000 births, and has revealed a distribution of SCID genotypes different from prior reports from specific SCID treatment centers. Detecting SCID-affected infants in the newborn period allows for timely implementation of protective measures and optimal definitive treatment prior to the onset of life-threatening infections. Infants with non-SCID T-cell lymphopenia also detected by NBS may have one of several recognized syndromes in which lymphocyte development may be impaired, as well as other conditions associated with secondary T-cell lymphopenia.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of ocean conditions and forage taxa reveal regional structuring of seabird–prey relationships.

Studies of predator–prey demographic responses and the physical drivers of such relationships are rare, yet essential for predicting future changes in the structure and dynamics of marine ecosystems. Here, we hypothesize that predator–prey relationships vary spatially in association with underlying physical ocean conditions, leading to observable changes in demographic rates, such as reproduction. To test this hypothesis, we quantified spatio-temporal variability in hydrographic conditions, krill, and forage fish to model predator (seabird) demographic responses over 18 years (1990–2007). We used principal component analysis and spatial correlation maps to assess coherence among ocean conditions, krill, and forage fish, and generalized additive models to quantify interannual variability in seabird breeding success relative to prey abundance. The first principal component of four hydrographic measurements yielded an index that partitioned “warm/weak upwelling” and “cool/strong upwelling” years. Partitioning of krill and forage fish time series among shelf and oceanic regions yielded spatially explicit indicators of prey availability. Krill abundance within the oceanic region was remarkably consistent between years, whereas krill over the shelf showed marked interannual fluctuations in relation to ocean conditions. Anchovy abundance varied on the shelf, and was greater in years of strong stratification, weak upwelling and warmer temperatures. Spatio-temporal variability of juvenile forage fish co-varied strongly with each other and with krill, but was weakly correlated with hydrographic conditions. Demographic responses between seabirds and prey availability revealed spatially variable associations indicative of the dynamic nature of “predator–habitat” relationships. Quantification of spatially explicit demographic responses, and their variability through time, demonstrate the possibility of delineating specific critical areas where the implementation of protective measures could maintain functions and productivity of central place foraging predators.

Western Palaearctic breeding geese can alter carbon cycling in their winter habitat

Changes in land use, implementation of protective measures and a warming climate have improved the survival rate of geese, resulting in considerable increases in the majority of Western Palaearctic goose populations during recent decades. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study aiming to understand the impact of goose grazing on carbon cycling in their winter habitat. To this end, the impact of goose grazing pressure on biomass, litter decomposition and CO2 fluxes (net CO2 exchange partitioned into photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration) was studied in the coastal polders of Belgium, a wintering habitat for geese of international importance. Experimentally manipulated grazing by Anser anser (Greylag Geese) in grassland mimicked four different grazing pressures, including a control treatment from which geese were excluded. We found that grazing pressure by geese has a significant, but variable effect on carbon fluxes during the entire year. In winter, at the end of the grazing season, both plants' carbon assimilation and total ecosystem respiration were decreased with increasing grazing pressure, resulting in less carbon taken up during day time. Total ecosystem respiration was also reduced due to goose grazing in spring and autumn (i.e., outside the grazing season), while no significant difference in ecosystem CO2 fluxes was detected in summer. These grazing effects on CO2 fluxes can partly be explained by the effect of goose grazing on standing biomass. Decomposition rates were significantly reduced by higher grazing pressure during the winter season when geese were present, but on the long term grazing accelerated decomposition rates. Our data suggest that the rising numbers of Western Palaearctic breeding geese can alter the carbon balance of their winter habitat. The differences between short‐ and long‐term effects observed in our study demonstrate the complexity of goose grazing effects on carbon cycling and indicate directions for future studies.

Monitoring Coastal Changes along Damietta Promontory and the Barrier Beach toward Port Said East of the Nile Delta, Egypt

El-Asmar, H.M.; El-Kafrawy, S.B., and Taha, M.M.N., 2014. Monitoring coastal changes along Damietta promontory and the barrier beach toward Port Said east of the Nile Delta, Egypt.Monitoring the coastal changes along Nile Delta coast is a very interesting task. It provides an opportunity to implement strategic coastal planning and resource potentiality. Studying sequential periods of thematic mapper (TM) satellite, SPOT, and Egysat-1 images covering the periods from 1973, 1984, 1987, 1991, 2003, 2007, to 2011 for the coastal strip between Damietta and Port Said helps us understand the behavior of this coast in terms of physical and human processes. Human processes are apparently reflected in several faces of erosion/accretion with consequent shoreline changes. The resulting rates and forms of coastal change are unbelievable and unexpected. Average rates of shoreline change from −35 m/y to 40 m/y were measured from the satellites and verified from the ground depending on the implemented protection measures and shoreline orientation in relation to marine processes. We divided the studied coastal strip accordingly into four major sectors. The long sector (sector 4) between Damietta and Port Said (45 km length) is studied through four stations carefully selected in early studies taking into consideration the same processes and the position of newly constructed oil and gas facilities. After the construction of a seawall east of the Damietta branch outlet, Damietta spit shows considerable changes. New areas of erosion and accretion have developed with average rates of −61.45 m/y and 94.82 m/y, respectively, and SE migration of 78.3 m/y. Managing coastal development and reviewing the strategy of constructing oil and gas facilities along the Damietta–Port Said barrier beach are very important tasks. This coast is very narrow, threatened by wave storms, and, most significantly, it is eroding (−18.7 m/y at Station 1 and −9.5 m/y at Station 3). The presence of such facilities may also accelerate the subsidence of this narrow coast. At the same time several promising and ambitious projects suitable for this coastal environment are waiting for investors; one of these projects concerns the triangle of Damietta spit.

Inter- and intra-year variation in foraging areas of breeding kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla).

While seabird conservation efforts have largely focused on protection from threats at the colony (e.g. reducing disturbance and predation), attention is increasingly being given to implementing protection measures for foraging areas at sea. For this to be effective, important foraging areas must be identified. Although numerous studies have examined seabird foraging behaviour, information is still lacking on the variability in area utilisation within and among breeding seasons. GPS devices were attached to adult black-legged kittiwakes breeding at an expanding North Sea colony (55°20′N, 1°32′W) during both incubation and chick-rearing in 2012 and during chick-rearing in 2011, to determine whether foraging areas remained consistent and to identify the oceanographic characteristics of areas used for foraging. The type and size of prey items consumed at different stages of the breeding cycle was also examined. During incubation (April–May 2012), kittiwakes foraged substantially further from the colony and fed on larger sandeels than when feeding chicks, and there was significant inter-annual variation in foraging areas used during the chick-rearing period (June–July 2011 and 2012). Foraging areas were characterised by cooler sea surface temperatures and areas of high chlorophyll a concentration, although association with specific oceanographic features changed within the breeding season and between years. These results emphasise the importance of considering how foraging areas and reliance on specific oceanographic conditions change over time when seeking to identify important marine areas for seabirds.

0329 The shift work and the Burnout syndrome

ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the presence of burnout in nursing workers of a intensive care skilled in children with heart disease.MethodThis is an exploratory, transversal and quantitative study with...

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding blood-borne occupational exposure among reproductive health staff in Tianjin

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding blood-borne occupational exposure among reproductive health staff in Tianjin, China. By random, stratified, and clustered sampling, 507 reproductive health-related medical workers in Tianjin were selected. A Self-Administered KAP Questionnaire on blood-borne occupational exposure was employed to gauge the general characteristics, awareness of knowledge, attitudes to occupational exposure, implementation of pre-exposure protection, incidence of occupational exposure, and demands for continuing education. Among all respondents, 63.15% (305/483) were aware of the reporting procedures and related departments after the incidence of occupational exposure. The awareness rate of classification of HIV occupational exposure was 48.45% (234/483). About preventive medication time after HIV and hepatitis B virus exposure, the awareness rates were 37.89% (183/483) and 31.47% (152/483), respectively. The average score of occupational exposure knowledge among respondents was 74.45±14.00. The multivariate analysis indicated that medical staff of obstetrics and gynecology, females, doctors and high-level medical institutions showed significantly higher awareness than urology professionals, males, nurses, and medical staff of primary health care institutions, respectively (t = 12.140, t = 5.428, t = 2.582, F = 4.218, P<0.05). Of the respondents, 93.17% (450/483) and 94.41% (456/483) thought that washing hands properly and wearing protective glasses were effective methods for the prevention of occupational exposure, but only 15.94% (89/483) and 3.93% (19/483) adhered to proper hand washing and wearing protective glasses within nearly one year in practical work. Of the respondents, 60.46% (292/483) had experienced the occupational exposure during their vocation, and 95.65% (462/483) needed respective trainings. The awareness of occupational exposure among reproductive health-related medical staff is lacking, especially in preventative medication and reporting procedures after the incidence of occupational exposure. The implementation of protective measures is inadequate and incidence of occupational exposure is higher. Therefore, continuing education is necessary to improve the knowledge and attitudes towards occupational exposure in medical staff. At the same time, strict and effective supervision and management system should be established.

Potential Occupational Risks Associated with Pulmonary Toxicity of Carbon Nanotubes.

Given their remarkable properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have made their way through various industrial and medicinal applications and the overall production of CNTs is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years, thus requiring an additional recruitment of workers. However, their unique applications and desirable properties are fraught with concerns regarding occupational exposure. The concern about worker exposure to CNTs arises from the results of recent animal studies. Short-term and sub-chronic exposure studies in rodents have shown consistent adverse health effects such as pulmonary inflammation, granulomas, fibrosis, genotoxicity and mesothelioma after inhalation or instillation of several types of CNTs. Furthermore, physicochemical properties of CNTs such as dispersion, functionalization and particle size can significantly affect their pulmonary toxicity. Risk estimates from animal studies necessitate implementation of protective measures to limit worker exposure to CNTs. Information on workplace exposure is very limited, however, studies have reported that CNTs can be aerosolized and attain respirable airborne levels during synthesis and processing activities in the workplace. Quantitative risk assessments from sub-chronic animal studies recommend the health-based need to reduce exposures below the recommended exposure limit of 1 µg/m3. Practice of prevention measures including the use of engineering controls, personal protective equipment, health surveillance program, safe handling and use, as well as worker training can significantly minimize worker exposure and improve worker health and safety.

Potential health effects associated with dermal exposure to occupational chemicals.

There are a large number of workers in the United States, spanning a variety of occupational industries and sectors, who are potentially exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. Occupational skin exposures can result in numerous diseases that can adversely affect an individual’s health and capacity to perform at work. In general, there are three types of chemical–skin interactions of concern: direct skin effects, immune-mediated skin effects, and systemic effects. While hundreds of chemicals (metals, epoxy and acrylic resins, rubber additives, and chemical intermediates) present in virtually every industry have been identified to cause direct and immune-mediated effects such as contact dermatitis or urticaria, less is known about the number and types of chemicals contributing to systemic effects. In an attempt to raise awareness, skin notation assignments communicate the potential for dermal absorption; however, there is a need for standardization among agencies to communicate an accurate description of occupational hazards. Studies have suggested that exposure to complex mixtures, excessive hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, high frequency of wet work, and environmental or other factors may enhance penetration and stimulate other biological responses altering the outcomes of dermal chemical exposure. Understanding the hazards of dermal exposure is essential for the proper implementation of protective measures to ensure worker safety and health.

Rapid assessment of occupational health and safety measures for personnel handling healthcare waste in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Proper healthcare waste (HCW) management practices and precautions are crucial to avoid occupational and environmental health problems amongst healthcare workers. This study aims to assess the occupational health and safety of healthcare workers involved in medical waste handling in two hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. This study was cross–sectional in design, and a simple random sampling technique was used to distribute a semi–structured questionnaire among 164 healthcare workers at two hospitals, one public and one private, in the Gaza Strip. The results show that occupational health and safety amongst hospital healthcare workers is low. This may be attributable to poor implementation of protective measures and a deficiency in implementing training courses about healthcare waste management and associated hazards. The authors recommend that the Ministry of Health and healthcare institutions increase their focus on the design and implementation of policies for best practice management and disposal of healthcare waste in Palestine.

Historical versus Contemporary Climate Forcing on the Annual Nesting Variability of Loggerhead Sea Turtles in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean

A recent analysis suggested that historical climate forcing on the oceanic habitat of neonate sea turtles explained two-thirds of interannual variability in contemporary loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle nest counts in Florida, where nearly 90% of all nesting by this species in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean occurs. Here, we show that associations between annual nest counts and climate conditions decades prior to nest counts and those conditions one year prior to nest counts were not significantly different. Examination of annual nest count and climate data revealed that statistical artifacts influenced the reported 31-year lag association with nest counts. The projected importance of age 31 neophytes to annual nest counts between 2020 and 2043 was modeled using observed nest counts between 1989 and 2012. Assuming consistent survival rates among cohorts for a 5% population growth trajectory and that one third of the mature female population nests annually, the 41% decline in annual nest counts observed during 1998–2007 was not projected for 2029–2038. This finding suggests that annual nest count trends are more influenced by remigrants than neophytes. Projections under the 5% population growth scenario also suggest that the Peninsular Recovery Unit could attain the demographic recovery criteria of 106,100 annual nests by 2027 if nest counts in 2019 are at least comparable to 2012. Because the first year of life represents only 4% of the time elapsed through age 31, cumulative survival at sea across decades explains most cohort variability, and thus, remigrant population size. Pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act, staggered implementation of protection measures for all loggerhead life stages has taken place since the 1970s. We suggest that the 1998–2007 nesting decline represented a lagged perturbation response to historical anthropogenic impacts, and that subsequent nest count increases since 2008 reflect a potential recovery response.

Fishers’ Behaviour in Response to the Implementation of a Marine Protected Area

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been widely proposed as a fisheries management tool in addition to their conservation purposes. Despite this, few studies have satisfactorily assessed the dynamics of fishers’ adaptations to the loss of fishing grounds. Here we used data from before, during and after the implementation of the management plan of a temperate Atlantic multiple-use MPA to examine the factors affecting the spatial and temporal distribution of different gears used by the artisanal fishing fleet. The position of vessels and gear types were obtained by visual surveys and related to spatial features of the marine park. A hotspot analysis was conducted to identify heavily utilized patches for each fishing gear and time period. The contribution of individual vessels to each significant cluster was assessed to better understand fishers’ choices. Different fisheries responded differently to the implementation of protection measures, with preferred habitats of target species driving much of the fishers’ choices. Within each fishery, individual fishers showed distinct strategies with some operating in a broader area whereas others kept preferred territories. Our findings are based on reliable methods that can easily be applied in coastal multipurpose MPAs to monitor and assess fisheries and fishers responses to different management rules and protection levels. This paper is the first in-depth empirical study where fishers’ choices from artisanal fisheries were analysed before, during and after the implementation of a MPA, thereby allowing a clearer understanding of the dynamics of local fisheries and providing significant lessons for marine conservation and management of coastal systems.

Skin Protection at Work in Croatian Hairdressers (Results of the Evahair Questionnaire Developed Within the Eu Project „Safehair“)

Hairdressers are under a high occupational risk of developing various health disorders, particularly regarding the skin. The "SafeHair" project was implemented from 2010 to 2012, with the aim to develop health and safety standards for the prevention of occupational skin diseases in hairdressing. Croatian hairdressers participated in the project. The aim of this work was to establish the actual status of skin protection in Croatian hairdressers. Data were collected by the EvaHair questionnaire developed within the "SafeHair" project. A total of 213 questionnaires were analysed. The sample comprised 133 (64%) salon owners, 46 (22%) employees, and 31 (14%) trainees. Thirty-six (17%) subjects confirmed the presence of skin disorders in their salons in the last 3 years, and almost all of the subjects (98%) considered the prevention of occupational skin diseases important. We found a high proportion (from 40% to 50%) of non-answered questions about risk assessment. Protective gloves were mostly used when exposed to chemicals (88%), but rarely for hair washing (13%). They were available to the majority of subjects (95%), but 32% of subjects had trouble wearing them. Hairdressers with over 30 years of working experience used gloves for washing and cutting hair more frequently than those with less than 30 years of experience (p<0.05). Education on skin protection was more often provided (39%) than education on the protection of the respiratory (15%) and musculosceletal (18%) systems. A high proportion of subjects needed assistance with interpreting laws, regulations, and information about products (57%), as well as in the implementation of risk assessment methods (49%). The results indicate a need for further education on the health risks and the implementation of protective measures. This should be carried out during vocational education and later in the form of permanent education.

Repercussões da Lei Maria da Penha no enfrentamento da violência de gênero

This paper presents the declarations about the Maria da Penha law made by a sample of women victims and care workers who handle situations of gender violence in the city of Porto Alegre. The data are part of a study that investigated the critical path followed by women who decide to denounce violence. The statements were selected from 45 semi-structured interviews answered by 21 women and 25 professionals from the police, legal, social and health services and nongovernmental institutions. Data were analyzed using NVivo software and one of the categories selected was the Maria da Penha law. Most respondents mentioned the positive and innovatory aspects of the law, though they also pointed out its limitations. The care workers see the legal device as an important tool for tackling violence, aligned with international conventions, bringing innovations and broadening women's access to justice. In terms of weaknesses, both women and care workers stress the inefficiency in the implementation of protective measures, the lack of material resources and manpower, the fragmentation of the health care network and the movement of conservative sectors in society to delegitimize the law.

Принцип практической целесообразности при нормировании индивидуального риска

The paper addresses problems of application of the ALARP principle for decision making and implementation of protection measures aimed at reduction of individual risk related to operation of complex technical systems.

Сучасний стан повітряного басейну України та головні тенденції його змін: стаціонарні джерела забруднення

In the article there were classified regions of Ukraine based on the volumes of harmful emissions into the atmosphere from stationary sources of pollution. Kay sources of air pollution within main branches of industry were identified. The content of harmful substances thrown into the air by industrial enterprises was analised. The amount of environmental charges and ways of implementation of protection measures for air were stated. Key words: atmospheric air, hazardous substances, stationary sources of pollution, environmental charges.

중국의 약물자원 및 전통의약 지식재산권 보호 동향 분석 -「나고야의정서」 채택과 관련하여-

Objectives : In recent years, the Chinese Government has been providing full support aimed at promoting the excellence of Chinese culture, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to the world after recognizing Chinese culture and medicine as elements that can generate national wealth. Methods : In investigating China's awareness of the issues surrounding the intellectual property rights of TCM, as well as its implementation of protective measures, this study analyzed the law and platform policies of the Chinese Government, as well as the designation status of China's intangible cultural heritages and the recent research trend in the TCM field. Results : First, China is taking various protective measures based on laws and institutional devices, including the Patent Act. Second, China is protecting the intellectual property rights of traditional Chinese medicines by registering them as Chinese intangible cultural heritages or UNESCO world heritages. Third, China is seeking to promote TCM throughout the wider world through various research and academic conferences, and by strengthening ties between nations. Conclusions : With the adoption of the international regimes of the WIPO and CBD, and particularly the Nagoya Protocol in 2010, China is seeking to implement measures aimed at maximizing the national interest based on the intellectual property rights of TCM. China began to implement a system of protection of medicinal resources and the related traditional knowledge after recognizing the potential crisis that could occur if Chinese medicine-related patents were taken over by foreign countries. As such, the system now takes various forms.

Risk factors for contacts between wild boar and outdoor pigs in Switzerland and investigations on potential Brucella suis spill-over.

BackgroundDue to the parallel increase of the number of free-ranging wild boar and domestic pigs reared outdoor, the risk that they interact has become higher. Contacts with wild boar can be the origin of disease outbreaks in pigs, as it has been documented for brucellosis in some European countries. This study aimed at quantifying the occurrence of contacts between wild boar and outdoor domestic pigs in Switzerland, and identifying risk factors for these contacts. Furthermore, exposed pigs were tested for pathogen spill-over, taking Brucella suis as an example because B. suis is widespread in Swiss wild boar while domestic pigs are officially free of brucellosis.ResultsThirty-one percent of the game-wardens and 25% of the pig owners participating to a country-wide questionnaire survey reported contacts, including approaches of wild boar outside the fence, intrusions, and mating. Seventeen piggeries (5%) reported the birth of cross-bred animals. Risk factors for contacts identified by a uni- and multivariable logistic regression approach were: distance between pigs enclosure and houses, proximity of a forest, electric fences, and fences ≤ 60 cm. Pigs of the Mangalitza breed were most at risk for mating with wild boar (births of cross-bred animals). Blood and tissues of 218 outdoor pigs from 13 piggeries were tested for an infection with Brucella suis, using rose bengal test, complement fixation test, and an IS711-based real-time PCR. One piggery with previous wild boar contacts was found infected with B. suis, however, epidemiological investigations failed to identify the direct source of infection.ConclusionsResults show that interactions between wild boar and outdoor pigs are not uncommon, pointing at the existing risk of pathogen spill-over. Provided data on risk factors for these interactions could help the risk-based implementation of protection measures for piggeries. The documentation of a brucellosis outbreak in pigs despite the freedom-of-disease status underlines the importance of improving pathogen surveillance strategies and increasing disease awareness of farmers and veterinary practitioners.

Evaluation of Averted Doses to Infants by Tap Water Restrictions after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident

There has been some concern in reviewing the effectiveness of making decisions on the implementation of protective measures in emergency exposure situations. After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, temporal changes in the concentration of iodine 131 in tap water were studied using published data from several authorities in Fukushima, Ibaraki, and Tokyo. Averted doses to infants (1-year-old children) due to the intake of iodine 131 through tap water restrictions were also evaluated. Consequently, it was found that the apparent half-life of iodine 131 in tap water was 2.8 days. The averted equivalent doses to the thyroids of 1-year-old children were found to have a maximum value of 8.3 mSv in a local area of Fukushima. Hence, the tap water restrictions implemented by the authorities were considered to be effective in the early phase of the emergency exposure situation.