Non-linear pathways of corporate environmental management: a survey of ISO 14001-certified companies in Brazil

A study was conducted to verify whether the theory on the evolution of corporate environmental management (CEM) is applicable to organizations located in Brazil. Some of the most important proposals pertaining to the evolution of CEM were evaluated in a systematic fashion and integrated into a typical theoretical framework containing three evolutionary stages: reactive, preventive and proactive. The validity of this framework was tested by surveying 94 companies located in Brazil with ISO 14001 certification. Results indicated that the evolution of CEM tends to occur in a manner that is counter to what has generally been described in the literature. Two evolutionary stages were identified: 1) synergy for eco-efficiency and 2) environmental legislation view, which combine variables that were initially categorized into different theoretical CEM stages. These data, obtained from a direct study of Brazilian companies, suggest that the evolution of environmental management in organizations tends to occur in a non-linear fashion, requiring a re-analysis of traditional perceptions of CEM development, as suggested by Kolk and Mauser (2002). (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Forward-looking versus recursive-dynamic modeling in climate policy analysis: A comparison

This paper develops a multi-regional general equilibrium model for climate policy analysis based on the latest version of the MIT Emissions Prediction and Policy Analysis (EPPA) model. We develop two versions so that we can solve the model either as a fully inter-temporal optimization problem (forward-looking, perfect foresight) or recursively. The standard EPPA model on which these models are based is solved recursively, and it is necessary to simplify some aspects of it to make inter-temporal solution possible. The forward-looking capability allows one to better address economic and policy issues such as borrowing and banking of GHG allowances, efficiency implications of environmental tax recycling, endogenous depletion of fossil resources, international capital flows, and optimal emissions abatement paths among others. To evaluate the solution approaches, we benchmark each version to the same macroeconomic path, and then compare the behavior of the two versions under a climate policy that restricts greenhouse gas emissions. We find that the energy sector and CO(2) price behavior are similar in both versions (in the recursive version of the model we force the inter-temporal theoretical efficiency result that abatement through time should be allocated such that the CO(2) price rises at the interest rate.) The main difference that arises is that the macroeconomic costs are substantially lower in the forward-looking version of the model, since it allows consumption shifting as an additional avenue of adjustment to the policy. On the other hand, the simplifications required for solving the model as an optimization problem, such as dropping the full vintaging of the capital stock and fewer explicit technological options, likely have effects on the results. Moreover, inter-temporal optimization with perfect foresight poorly represents the real economy where agents face high levels of uncertainty that likely lead to higher costs than if they knew the future with certainty. We conclude that while the forward-looking model has value for some problems, the recursive model produces similar behavior in the energy sector and provides greater flexibility in the details of the system that can be represented. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Maternal investment in egg production: environmental and population-specific effects on offspring performance in the snapping shrimp Alpheus nuttingi (Schmitt, 1924) (Decapoda, Alpheidae)

Among marine invertebrates, the overall biomass invested in egg production varies widely within populations, which can result from the interaction of endogenous and exogenous factors. Species that have constant reproduction throughout the year can be good models to study the influence of environmental factors on reproductive processes. We conducted a seasonal comparison of egg production in the intertidal snapping shrimp Alpheus nuttingi, which shows a continuous reproductive pattern, to examine the hypothesis that differences in egg production are driven by environmental conditions and population features. This population showed an uncommon strategy, characterized by females that produce eggs of varying sizes within their clutches, with reduced egg volume when the number of eggs is higher (Spring-Summer). In these seasons, higher temperatures and greater food availability may allow the production of more eggs compared to the Autumn-Winter seasons. Compared to other alpheid shrimps, this population produces small eggs, but in larger numbers. Despite the higher fecundity, the reproductive output is relatively low, this production being supported by the large size of females from the southern Atlantic region. Our findings showed that the egg production of A. nuttingi was greatly influenced by environmental factors. Therefore, this shrimp, and probably other decapods that possess continuous reproduction, adopt different reproductive strategies during the year. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010.

Reproductive strategy of the snapping shrimp Alpheus armillatus H. Milne-Edwards, 1837 in the South Atlantic: fecundity, egg features, and reproductive output

The family Alpheidae, composed by shrimps of relatively small size, popularly known as snapping shrimps, is the one of the most diverse decapod groups. These shrimps are found worldwide and Occur in tropical and subtropical waters, from the intertidal zone to great depths. We investigated reproductive aspects of Alpheus armillatus, in order to gather information on egg production, aiming to enhance knowledge of its reproductive strategies in a population in an intertidal area of the South Atlantic. Ovigerous females were collected under rocks, in May and July 2006 (dry season) and in November 2006 and March 2007 (rainy season). Egg production and reproductive output were analyzed and compared seasonally and during the period of embryonic development. Females measured on average 11.28 mm CL with a mean of 763 eggs and 0.11 mm(3) egg volume. The egg volume of this population was smaller than previous estimates for other species of snapping shrimps, but the mean egg number was higher. The volume of eggs doubled during the incubation period, but despite this increase, no significant loss of eggs was observed. Alpheus armillatus invests oil average about 12% of body weight in reproduction. The proportional investment in egg production IS Significantly higher in the rainy season when compared with the dry season (17.9% vs 4.8%), correlated with higher temperatures and increased food availability at this time. Our results corroborated the hypothesis of a pattern of egg production influenced by environmental conditions and intraspecific variability among the family Alpheidae, as a function of the biogeographic region.

Closely related Symbiodinium spp. differ in relative dominance in coral reef host communities across environmental, latitudinal and biogeographic gradients

The diversity and community structures of symbiotic dinoflagellates are described from reef invertebrates in southern and central provinces of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, and Zamami Island, Okinawa, Japan. The symbiont assemblages from region to region were dominated by Clade C Symbiodinium spp. and consisted of numerous host-specific and/or rare types (specialists), and several types common to many hosts (generalists). Prevalence in the host community among certain host-generalist symbionts differed between inshore and offshore environments, across latitudinal (central versus southern GBR) gradients, and over wide geographic ranges (GBR versus Okinawa). One particular symbiont (C3h) from the GBR had a dramatic shift in dominance. Its prevalence ranged from being extremely rare, or absent on high-latitude reefs to dominating the scleractinian diversity on a mid-latitude inshore reef. These changes occurred among coral fauna whose larvae must acquire symbionts from environmental sources (horizontal symbiont acquisition). Such differences did not occur among 'vertical transmitters' such as Porites spp., Montipora spp. and pocilloporids (corals that directly transmit symbionts to their offspring) or among those hosts displaying 'horizontal acquisition', but that associate with specific symbionts. Most host-specialized types were found to be characteristic of a particular geographic region (i.e. Okinawa versus Central GBR versus Southern GBR). The mode of symbiont acquisition may play an important role in how symbiont composition may shift in west Pacific host communities in response to climate change. There is no indication that recent episodes of mass bleaching have provoked changes in host-symbiont combinations from the central GBR.

First detection of lead in black paper from intraoral film An environmental concern

Lead (Pb) contamination in the black paper that recovers intraoral films (BKP) has been investigated. BKP samples were collected from the Radiology Clinics of the Dental School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. For sake of comparison, four different methods were used. The results revealed the presence of high lead levels, well above the maximum limit allowed by the legislation. Pb contamination levels achieved after the following treatments: paper digestion in nitric acid, microwave treatment, DIN38414-54 method and TCLP method were 997 mu g g(-1), 189 mu g g(-1), 20.8 mu g g(-1), and 54.0 mu g g(-1), respectively. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were employed for lead determination according to the protocols of the applied methods. Lead contamination in used BKP was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS). All the SEM imaging was carried out in the secondary electron mode (SE) and backscattered-electron mode (QBSD) following punctual X-ray fluorescence spectra. Soil contamination derived from this product revealed the urgent need of addressing this problem. These elevated Pb levels, show that a preliminary treatment of BKP is mandatory before it is disposed into the common trash. The high lead content of this material makes its direct dumping into the environment unwise. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of early malnutrition and environmental stimulation in the performance of rats in the elevated plus maze

Malnourished rats since birth (mothers fed on 6% of protein) or controlled ones (16% of protein), half of each group received environmental stimulation (ES) from the age of 0-35th day, were studied. The performance in the elevated plus maze (EPM) was assessed on the last day. ES increased time spent and also the entries into open arms of EPM, but malnourished non-stimulated rats visited more segments near the central area than the distant ones. Data suggests an anxiolytic effect of ES which is less evident in malnourished rats. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Agonistic behavior and environmental enrichment of cats communally housed in a shelter

Objective-To evaluate the presence of a dominance rank in a group of cats and the relation between agonistic behavior and the use of resources, including environmental enrichment, in these cats. Design-Observational analytic study. Animals-27 neutered cats in a shelter in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Procedures-The cats were video recorded for 4 consecutive days to obtain baseline data. Subsequently, a puzzle feeder was added as an enrichment device every other day over 8 days, for a total of 4 days with enrichment. Cats were also video recorded on these days. All pretreatment and posttreatment agonistic behaviors and interactions with the puzzle feeder were recorded by reviewing the videotapes. Results-143 agonistic encounters were recorded, of which 44 were related to resources and 99 were not. There were insufficient agonistic interactions to determine a dominance rank. Presence or absence of the puzzle feeder did not affect the rate of aggression. There was no significant effect of weight, sex, or coat color on the rate of aggression, and aggressive behavior did not correlate with time spent with the puzzle feeder. Twenty-three of the 27 cats interacted with the puzzle feeder. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-In a stable group of communally housed cats, environmental enrichment did not cause increased aggression as a result of competition for the source of enrichment. Because environmental enrichment increases the opportunity to perform exploratory behaviors, it may improve the welfare of groups of cats maintained long-term in shelters, sanctuaries, or multicat households. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2011239:796-802)

Genetic covariance between indices of body condition and immunocompetence in a passerine bird

Background: Condition-dependence is a ubiquitous feature of animal life histories and has important implications for both natural and sexual selection. Mate choice, for instance, is typically based on condition-dependent signals. Theory predicts that one reason why condition-dependent signals may be special is that they allow females to scan for genes that confer high parasite resistance. Such explanations require a genetic link between immunocompetence and body condition, but existing evidence is limited to phenotypic associations. It remains unknown, therefore, whether females selecting males with good body condition simply obtain a healthy mate, or if they acquire genes for their offspring that confer high immunocompetence. Results: Here we use a cross-foster experimental design to partition the phenotypic covariance in indices of body condition and immunocompetence into genetic, maternal and environmental effects in a passerine bird, the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata. We show that there is significant positive additive genetic covariance between an index of body condition and an index of cell-mediated immune response. In this case, genetic variance in the index of immune response explained 56% of the additive genetic variance in the index of body condition. Conclusion: Our results suggest that, in the context of sexual selection, females that assess males on the basis of condition-dependent signals may gain genes that confer high immunocompetence for their offspring. More generally, a genetic correlation between indices of body condition and imuunocompetence supports the hypothesis that parasite resistance may be an important target of natural selection. Additional work is now required to test whether genetic covariance exists among other aspects of both condition and immunocompetence.

Psychosocial pathways to inconsistent condom use among male sex workers: personality, drug misuse and criminality

Background: This research compared street male sex workers in Santo Andre, Brazil, that reported consistent condom use with those that revealed inconsistent condom use with their clients, concerning personality aspects, impulsiveness, alcohol and drug consumption, depressive symptoms, sociodemographic data and criminal involvement. Methods: Eighty-six male sex workers were evaluated in face-to-face interviews at their place of work. A `snowball` sampling procedure was used to access this hard-to-reach population. Findings: Male sex workers with inconsistent condom use showed greater involvement with criminal activities, higher reward dependence level and more frequent self-report of being HIV-positive. Conclusions: Conceptualisation of male sex workers` psychological characteristics may be required where HIV risk is not only attributed to sex work per se, but to other aspects such as personality-related factors and negative identity.

Mucosal Leishmaniasis and Abnormalities on Computed Tomographic Scans of Paranasal Sinuses

Studies evaluating radiologic aspects, local complications, and structural alterations of the paranasal sinus in patients with mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) are lacking The aim of this study was to analyze alterations of the paranasal sinuses in patients with ML by using computed tomography (CT) scans This prospective study evaluated 26 patients in Brazil with ML Nom December 2008 through June 2009 All patients underwent CT scans of the paranasal sinuses Paranasal thickening was observed in 25 patients (96%) Nasal perforation was observed in 17 patients (65%) Those patients who received re-treatment showed more abnormalities on CT scan than cured patients (P < 0 05) Complications of ML are not limited to the nasal mucosa but extend to the paranasal sinuses. Mucosa! thickening. pacified air cells. bony remodeling, and bony thickening caused by inflammatory steals of the sinus cavity walls are CT findings suggestive of chronic sinusitis

Environmental control of potential yield of sunflower in the subtropics

A simple framework was used to analyse the determinants of potential yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in a subtropical environment. The aim was to investigate the stability of the determinants crop duration, canopy light interception, radiation use efficiency (RUE), and harvest index (HI) at 2 sowing times and with 3 genotypes differing in crop maturity and stature. Crop growth, phenology, light interception, yield, prevailing temperature, and radiation were recorded and measured throughout the crop cycle. Significant differences in grain yield were found between the 2 sowings, but not among genotypes within each sowing. Mean yields (0% moisture) were 6 . 02 and 2 . 17 t/ha for the first sowing, on 13 September (S1), and the second sowing, on 5 March (S2), respectively. Exceptionally high yields in S1 were due to high biomass assimilation associated with the high radiation environment, high light interception owing to a greater leaf area index, and high RUE (1 . 47-1 . 62 g/MJ) across genotypes. It is proposed that the high RUE was caused by high levels of available nitrogen maintained during crop growth by frequent applications of fertiliser and sewage effluent as irrigation. In addition to differences in the radiation environment, the assimilate partitioned to grain was reduced in S2 associated with a reduction in the duration of grain-filling. Harvest index was 0 . 40 in S1 and 0 . 25 in S2. It is hypothesised that low minimum temperatures experienced in S2 reduced assimilate production and partitioning, causing premature maturation.

The health of Filipinas in the Hunter region

An interview survey found lifestyle behaviours (including risk factors and screening), social support and psychological health (GHQ-12) among a sample of 198 Filipina-Australians to be conducive to good health, Knowledge of local health services was good, and most women expressed general satisfaction with all aspects of life in Australia, except in the area of employment prospects. Despite these indications of good health in the group, there remains a need for health service providers to be aware of the difficulties faced by a proportion of Filipina migrants to Australia.

Organ-Sparing Microsurgical Resection of Incidental Testicular Tumors Plus Microdissection for Sperm Extraction and Cryopreservation in Azoospermic Patients: Surgical Aspects and Technical Refinements

INTRODUCTION The management of nonpalpable testicular masses is a challenging task, and coexisting infertility can further complicate the treatment decisions. We present our technique for microsurgical organ-sparing resection of incidental nonpalpable testicular nodules combined with microdissection for testicular sperm extraction and tissue cryopreservation in azoospermic patients. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS Five infertile patients with azoospermia presented with nonpalpable hypoechoic testicular masses that were detected by Ultrasonography and underwent organ-sparing surgery. The testis was delivered through an inguinal incision, and the blood circulation was interrupted with a vascular clamp placed on the spermatic cord. Sludged ice was used to prevent warm ischemia, and a temperature probe was used to control the temperature at 12 degrees-15 degrees C. Real-time reflex ultrasonography was used to locate the tumor, and a stereotaxic hook-shaped needle was inserted under ultrasound guidance. The needle was placed adjacent to the tumor to guide the microsurgical resection. The tunica albuginea was incised over the tumor, which was dissected and removed, along with the adjoining parenchymal tissue. Frozen section studies were performed and, if malignancy was confirmed, biopsies of the tumor cavity margins and remaining parenchyma were obtained to ensure the absence of residual tumor. Microdissection was performed for excision of selected enlarged tubules that were processed and cryopreserved. CONCLUSIONS We present a technique for microsurgical organ-sparing resection of testicular tumor and sperm extraction that can be used in selected infertile patients with azoospermia in whom incidental masses have been diagnosed by ultrasonography. This conservative approach should be especially considered for patients with a solitary testis or bilateral tumors. UROLOGY 73: 887-892, 2009. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc.

Whale sharks in Ningaloo Marine Park: managing tourism in an Australian marine protected area

The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, A tourism industry based on interacting with whale sharks has developed recently in Ningaloo Marine Park, off the coast of Western Australia, This is the only known, accessible place in the world where whale sharks congregate in significant numbers, Results from surveys of participants in the 'whale shark experience' are reported, with the experience found to be extremely satisfying for most consumers, Yet management questions relating to diver-to-shark separation distances, the appropriate number of operators, and the use of regulation, self-regulation and economic instruments, remain, The nexus between experiential aspects of the whale shark attraction and such management concerns is examined, and the usefulness of appropriate research in resolving management questions established, It is concluded that a judicious combination of management approaches is required to ensure the sustainable development of the whale shark tourism industry. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.