Consumption pattern and consumer preference for value-added fish and fish products in north zone of India

Present paper attempts to analyze consumption pattern and consumer preferences towards value-added fish and fish products in north zone of India. Results reveal that socio economic variables affect consumption of value-added fish and fish products. A total of 49 percent respondents were of middle age group (35 to 50 years). All were literates except 7% from the rural area. All were purchasing fish at least once in 15 days. A total of 90% respondents in rural, 11% in semi urban and 50% in urban area were unaware of value-added fish and fish products. About 10% of respondents had consumed it, out of which most were from urban area. Demand analysis by Cobb Douglas (CD) Demand function revealed that when price of fish, price of the substitutes, income of family and family size were used as independent variables, variation in demand of fish explained by CD Demand function was about 39% in urban area, 24% in semi urban area and 22% in rural area. From Garette ranking technique major problems in fish consumption found were irregular supply, lack of fresh fish, high price and presence of bones in fish. While lack of awareness, unavailability, no preference and unacceptable taste were major problems for consumption of value-added fish and fish products.

The influence of topography and land use on water quality of Xiangxi River in Three Gorges Reservoir region

A self-organizing map (SOM) was used to cluster the water quality data of Xiangxi River in the Three Gorges Reservoir region. The results showed that 81 sampling sites could be divided into several groups representing different land use types. The forest dominated region had low concentrations of most nutrient variables except COD, whereas the agricultural region had high concentrations of NO3N, TN, Alkalinity, and Hardness. The sites downstream of an urban area were high in NH3N, NO2N, PO4P and TP. Redundancy analysis was used to identify the individual effects of topography and land use on river water quality. The results revealed that the watershed factors accounted for 61.7% variations of water quality in the Xiangxi River. Specifically, topographical characteristics explained 26.0% variations of water quality, land use explained 10.2%, and topography and land use together explained 25.5%. More than 50% of the variation in most water quality variables was explained by watershed characteristics. However, water quality variables which are strongly influenced by urban and industrial point source pollution (NH3N, NO2N, PO4P and TP) were not as well correlated with watershed characteristics.

Extracellular phosphatases produced by phytoplankton and other sources in shallow eutrophic lakes (Wuhan, China): taxon-specific versus bulk activity

Extracellular phosphatases are an important part of the phosphorus cycle in aquatic environments. Phosphatase activity (PA) in plankton was studied in seven subtropical shallow lakes of different exploitation management and trophic status in the urban area of Wuhan City. Bulk PA was rather high (range 1.1-11 mu mol l(-1) h(-1)), although concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were also high (range 27 mu g P l(-1) to similar to 1.5 mg P l(-1)) in all lakes. Cell-associated extracellular PA in phytoplankton was detected using the fluorescence-labelled enzyme activity technique. Phytoplankton species partly contributed to the bulk PA. We found explicit differences in the presence of cell-associated phosphatase within the main phytoplankton groups; species belonging to Chlorophyta and Dinophyta were regularly phosphatase-positive, while Cyanophyta and Bacillariophyceae were phosphatase-negative in all but one case. Furthermore, there is a certain potential of extracellular phosphatases produced by heterotrophic nanoflagellates in most of the lakes. This new finding compromises the 'traditional' interpretation of bulk phosphatase data as being due to overall phytoplankton or bacterial P regeneration.

STUDY ON THE SPATIAL PATTERNS OF LAND-USE CHANGE AND ANALYSES OF DRIVING FORCES IN NORTHEASTERN CHINA DURING 1990-2000

Land-use change is an important aspect of global environment change. It is, in a sense, the direct result of human activities influencing our physical environment. Supported by the dynamic serving system of national resources, including both the environment database and GIS technology, this paper analyzed the land-use change in northeastern China in the past ten years (1990 - 2000). It divides northeastern China into five land-use zones based on the dynamic degree (DD) of land-use: woodland/grassland - arable land conversion zone, dry land - paddy field conversion zone, urban expansion zone, interlocked zone of farming and pasturing, and reclamation and abandoned zone. In the past ten years, land-use change of northeastern China can be generalized as follows: increase of cropland area was obvious, paddy field and dry land increased by 74. 9 and 276. 0 thousand ha respectively; urban area expanded rapidly, area of town and rural residence increased by 76. 8 thousand ha; area of forest and grassland decreased sharply with the amount of 1399. 0 and 1521. 3 thousand ha respectively; area of water body and unused land increased by 148. 4 and 513. 9 thousand ha respectively. Besides a comprehensive analysis of the spatial patterns of land use, this paper also discusses the driving forces in each land-use dynamic zones. The study shows that some key biophysical factors affect conspicuously the conversion of different land- use types. In this paper, the relationships between land- use conversion and DEM, accnmlated temperature(>= 10 degrees C) and precipitation were analysed and represented. We conclude that the land- use changes in northeast China resulted from the change of macro social and economic factors and local physical elements. Rapid population growth and management changes, in some sense, can explain the shaping of woodland/grassland - cropland conversion zone. The conversion from dry land to paddy field in the dry land - paddy field conversion zone, apart from the physical elements change promoting the expansion of paddy field, results from two reasons: one is that the implementation of market-economy in China has given farmers the right to decide what they plant and how they plant their crops, the other factor is originated partially from the change of dietary habit with the social and economic development. The conversion from paddy field to dry land is caused primarily by the shortfall of irrigation water, which in turn is caused by poor water allocation managed by local governments. The shaping of the reclamation and abandoned zone is partially due to the lack of environment protection consciousness among pioneer settlers. The reason for the conversion from grassland to cropland is the relatively higher profits of fanning than that of pasturing in the interlocked zone of farming and pasturing. In northeastern China, the rapid expansion of built-up areas results from two factors: the first is its small number of towns; the second comes from the huge potential for expansion of existing towns and cities. It is noticeable that urban expansion in the northeastern China is characterized by gentle topographic relief and low population density. Physiognomy, transportation and economy exert great influences on the urban expansion.

贵阳市中心城区大气中不同形态汞的研究

汞，是一种人体非必需的有毒重金属元素，一种全球性污染物，其全球生物地球化学循环演化规律的研究是目前环境科学领域的热点问题。汞在大气中的行为对其全球生物地球化学循环起着极其重要的控制作用。因此，关于大气汞循环演化规律的研究已经成为目前汞全球生物地球化学研究的热点问题。大气中的汞主要分为三类，即气态单质汞（GEM）、活性气态汞（RGM）和颗粒态汞（TPM）。各种形态汞的物理化学性质不同，在大气中的行为存在显著的差异。研究大气中不同形态汞的分布特征，对于正确认识汞在大气中的循环演化规律意义重大。目前中国是全球人为活动向大气释汞最多的国家，而城市区域是人为活动的中心地带，城市大气汞污染形势严峻。因此，开展城市大气中不同形态汞的研究对于评价与预测城市环境汞污染特征以及正确认识大气汞的局地、区域、全球循环演化规律具有重要的理论与实际意义。 本论文选取贵州省省会贵阳市的中心城区作为研究区域。贵阳市（东经106º07´~107º17´，北纬26º11´~27º22´）位于中国西南地区正好处在环太平洋汞矿化带中，能源消耗以煤炭为主，大气环境污染属煤烟型污染，常年影响大气环境质量的主要污染物是二氧化硫和可吸入颗粒物。本论文的研究工作包括：⑴2004年4月～12月在中国科学院地球化学研究所建立与完善了大气中气态总汞（TGM）、GEM、RGM、TPM的采集与分析方法，并测定了大气和雨水中不同形态汞的含量，对大气汞的干、湿沉降通量进行了估算；⑵2005年4月～2006年1月在贵阳市中心城区的居民区、商业区、工业区、游览区4个功能区各设1个研究点，农村设1个对照点，按春、夏、冬3个季节研究了大气中GEM、RGM、TPM的分布特征，估算了贵阳市中心城区大气汞的干沉降通量，并利用高分辨透射电子显微镜（HR–TEM）分析技术对冬季各采样点TPM的来源作了定性识别；⑶测量了中心城区表层土壤和某些植物的总汞（THg）含量，探讨了大气汞对中心城区地表生态系统的污染效应。通过本论文的研究，得出以下主要结论： 1.在国内外研究基础上，建立了金捕汞管–冷原子荧光光谱法（CVAFS）测定大气中TGM的方法、微型捕集管–CVAFS测定大气中TPM的方法、镀KCl直形扩散管–金捕汞管串联采集RGM与GEM的方法。每种形态汞的测量技术水平都在pg•m-3量级。并在国内首次实现了对城市大气中GEM、RGM、TPM的同步测量。 2.2005 ~ 2006年间贵阳市中心城区大气中GEM、RGM、TPM的平均浓度分别是9.11 ng•m-3、132.4 pg•m-3、1.02 ng•m-3，均为对照点的1.5倍，都显著高于全球背景参考值1.5 ~ 2.0 ng·m-3、< 10 pg•m-3、1 ~ 86 pg•m-3。3种形态汞的季节、昼夜与空间分布特征如下：⑴GEM：①季节平均浓度表现为冬季＞夏季＞春季，居民采暖燃煤释放是造成冬季GEM浓度高的主要原因。②春、夏非采暖季受释放源及其排放方式、自身物理化学性质与气候条件等因素的影响一般是夜间高于白天；冬季则受居民白天采暖燃煤影响主要表现为白天高于夜间。③年平均浓度，工业区＞居民区＞商业区＞游览区＞对照点。⑵RGM：①季节平均浓度表现为春季＞夏季＞冬季，气候条件对RGM的影响较大。②受白天释放源、自身物理化学性质、大气氧化强度与气候条件等因素的影响，春、夏、冬3季一般都为白天高于夜间。③年平均浓度，商业区＞工业区、居民区＞游览区、对照点。⑶TPM：①季节平均浓度表现为冬季＞夏季＞春季，居民采暖燃煤释放是造成冬季TPM浓度高的主要原因。②受释放源及其排放方式、自身物理化学性质与气候条件等因素的影响，春、夏、冬3季一般都为夜间高于白天。③年平均浓度，工业区＞居民区＞商业区＞对照点＞游览区。④TPM受局地释放源的影响显著，而燃煤释放是其冬季的普遍来源。 3.2005 ~ 2006年间不同形态汞在贵阳市中心城区大气中的含量分布为GEM（89.8 %）> TPM（8.8 %）> RGM（1.5 %），其中（RGM + TPM）占大气总汞（TAM）的比例略高于对照点的10.0 %，但显著高于全球背景参考值1 ~ 5 %，说明贵阳市中心城区大气汞向地表生态系统的沉降通量相对背景区较大。因为尽管RGM、TPM在大气中的含量很低，但正是它们控制了大气汞向地表生态系统的沉降速率。 4.2005 ~ 2006年间贵阳市中心城区各功能区及对照点大气中不同形态汞日均浓度的相关关系大多数都表现为不显著，表明在贵阳市中心城区及对照点大气中不同形态汞的来源可能是多元化的。 5.2005 ~ 2006年间贵阳市中心城区大气中GEM、RGM、TPM的干沉降通量平均值分别为28.7 μg•m-2•yr-1、10.4 μg•m-2•yr-1、160.9 μg•m-2•yr-1，均为对照点的1.5倍，其中TPM控制了大气汞向地表生态系统的干沉降通量；TAM干沉降通量平均值为200.1 μg•m-2•yr-1，其时空差异表现为冬季＞春季＞夏季和工业区＞居民区＞商业区＞对照点＞游览区。 6.经估算，2005 ~ 2006年间在贵阳市中心城区面积范围内大气汞干、湿沉降总量为54.7 kg•yr-1，它仅占燃煤向大气排汞量（以2003年为例，贵阳市中心城区燃煤向大气排汞量为334 kg•yr-1）的16.4 %，说明贵阳市中心城区的大部分大气汞仍然停留在大气中，最终将经由大气进行长距离迁移，散布到更广的区域。 7.在中国科学院地球化学研究所，2000 ~ 2006年间的大气TGM污染程度呈逐年递增趋势；2004年大气汞的干沉降通量为16.5 ng•m-2•h-1，高于湿沉降通量12.2 ng•m-2•h-1。 8.贵阳市中心城区及对照点不同类型土壤THg含量的几何平均值分别是0.370和0.276 mg•kg -1，都高于贵阳市土壤汞背景值0.201 mg•kg -1。土壤释汞是贵阳市大气气态总汞的一个重要自然源，而土壤THg含量是土壤释汞的最主要影响因子。因此，为了提高城乡居民的生活环境质量，更为了保护城乡居民的健康，非常有必要采取防治措施来降低贵阳市中心城区及对照点的土壤汞污染。 9.贵阳市中心城区苔藓THg平均含量为0.258 mg•kg -1，为对照点的1.5倍；中心城区某些常见的木本植物叶片THg含量范围是 0.068 ~ 0.181 mg•kg -1，木本植物叶片吸收大气汞的能力表现为落叶植物＞常绿植物。苔藓、梧桐叶片中的THg含量与其生长时期的大气汞浓度密切相关，能够指示区域大气汞的污染现状与空间分布规律。

Nouvelles approches de la ville dans la littérature française contemporaine : Thomas Clerc et Philippe Vasset

On the basis of two indecidable texts (Thomas Clerc, “Paris, musée du XXIe siècle. Le dixième arrondissement”, Gallimard 2007 and Philippe Vasset, “Un livre blanc”, Fayard 2007), we will reflect on new approaches to the city in contemporary French litterature. Clerc and Vasset, in their respective texts, suggest considering litterature as a series of practices connected with the exploration of the city (Clerc) and of the urban area (Vasset) according to the idea of an arbitrary itinerary. The image of the city whose space, subject to a permanent process of museifi cation, is constantly considered to be a work of art (Clerc) contrasts with a project of viewing the deserted areas of the city and of its surroundings as an infinite collection of “artistic installations” created in daily life (Vasset). Clerc’s and Vasset’s artistic mentality leads them to the fascination with “works of involuntary art”, both concrete signs and tangible proof of the transitional period which they try to describe systematically, following, at the same time, the principles of an axonometric city map.

Evolução da estrutura urbana de Viana do Castelo

Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Arquitectura e Urbanismo.

As barreiras urbanas no tecido da cidade

Dissertação apresentada à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Arquitetura e Urbanismo

Biomonitoring of air pollutants by using lichens (Evernia prunastri) in areas between Kenitra and Mohammedia cities in Morocco.

In this study, Evernia prunastri, a lichen growing in its natural habitat in Morocco was analysed for the concentration of five heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cr) from eleven sites between Kenitra and Mohammedia cities. The control site was Dar Essalam, an isolated area with low traffic density and dense vegetation. In the investigated areas, the concentration of heavy metals was correlated with vehicular traffic, industrial activity and urbanization. The total metal concentration was highest in Sidi Yahya, followed by Mohammedia and Bouznika. The coefficient of variation was higher for Pb and lower for Cu, Zn and Fe. The concentrations of most heavy metals in the thalli differed significantly between sites (p<0.01). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a significant correlation between heavy metal accumulation and atmospheric purity index. This study demonstrated also that the factors most strongly affecting the lichen flora were traffic density, the petroleum industry and paper factories in these areas. Overall, these results suggest that the index of atmospheric purity and assessment of heavy metals in lichen thalli are good indicators of the air quality at the studied sites.

Xanthoria parietina as a biomonitor of airborne heavy metal pollution in forest sites in the North East of Morocco

Xanthoria parietina, common foliose lichen, growing in its natural habitat, was analysed for the concentration of five heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Zn, Pb and Cu) from different forest sites of North East of Morocco (Kenitra, Sidi Boughaba, Mkhinza, Ceinture Verte near Temara city, Skhirate, Bouznika and Mohammedia). The quantification was carried out by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Results were highly significant p<0,001. The concentration of metals is correlated with the vehicular activity and urbanization. The total metal concentration is highest at the Kenitra area, followed by Ceinture Verte site near Temara city, which experience heavy traffic throughout the year. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of particulate matter on lichen of Xanthoria parietina was assessed as a complementary technique to wet chemical analysis for source apportionment of airborne contaminant. Analysis revealed high level of Cu, Cr, Zn and Pb in samples near roads.  

User perspective on palliative care services: experiences of middle-aged partners bereaved through cancer known to social work services in Northern Ireland

This qualitative research study explores experiences of partners bereaved through cancer, who were resident in an urban area of Northern Ireland and who had been service users of the social work services. Data were collected in 2004 from 10 individuals who participated in semi-structured interviews. Emergent themes were identified using thematic content analysis and findings analysed under four categories: cancer journey; impact of bereavement; process of adjustment and change; and experience of support services. Opportunities to facilitate communication were not always maximised, often resulting in poor bereavement outcomes. Although hospices undertook bereavement risk assessment, participants were unaware of its use and queried its accuracy without service user involvement. The most cited informal support was family and friends, although such help was time-limited. Service user feedback regarding social workers was generally positive; however, there was a lack of knowledge about their role in palliative care. Post-bereavement adjustment was influenced by the quality of social networks, the responsibilities of lone parenthood, and challenges to life values and core beliefs. A framework for palliative care social work has been recommended based on research findings.

Des droits civils au carnaval : anthropologie de l’espace public à Belfast

This paper explores one of the defining aspects of politics and identity in Northern Ireland : the control and utilisation of public space, particularly urban public space. I will examine evidence of some changes in the way public space is being used in central Belfast that potentially reflects changing identities in the city. The paper concludes by speculating on whether a new civic identity that spans the political and ethnic divisions has started to develop in Belfast and that this might evolve even with increased residential division throughout the Belfast urban area.

Contemporary and 'messy' rural in-migration processes: Comparing counterurban and lateral rural migration.

This paper questions the ongoing dominant coverage given to counterurbanisation in the rural population literature. It is argued that this provides only a partial account of the true diversity of contemporary migration processes operating in rural areas and has the potential to fuse together different in-migration processes. Specifically, lateral rural migration has been under-researched to date. Using empirical data from a survey of 260 migrant households to 3 UK case study areas (in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), the significance of lateral rural migration is revealed and compared with counterurban migration and migrants. The last change of address shows that 59% relocated from an urban area (participating in a counterurban flow) whilst 41% moved from another rural location (lateral rural flow). The boundary between migration processes can, however, be blurred: Some moves are an example of both counterurbanisation and lateral rural flows. Incorporating lifetime migration histories data demonstrates the contemporary complexity and messiness of rural in-migration processes. For example, 26% of these migrant households only ever undertook a lateral rural move during their lifetime. For others, the direction of migration has changed numerous times and intertwined with each move are aspects of life course, return, and inter-regional migration. Comparing the survey characteristics and motivations of counterurban and lateral rural migrants, alongside interview material, highlights important similarities and differences. The paper concludes by calling on rural population geographers to more fully engage with the complexity, totality, and indeed messiness of contemporary rural in-migration processes.