Measuring the sustainability of a national economy. The application of three measures of sustainability to Ireland

An assessment of the sustainability of the Irish economy has been carried out using three methodologies, enabling comparison and evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of each, and potential synergies among them. The three measures chosen were economy-wide Material Flow Analysis (MFA), environmentally extended input-output (EE-IO) analysis and the Ecological Footprint (EF). The research aims to assess the sustainability of the Irish economy using these methods and to draw conclusions on their effectiveness in policy making both individually and in combination. A theoretical description discusses the methods and their respective advantages and disadvantages and sets out a rationale for their combined application. The application of the methods in combination has provided insights into measuring the sustainability of a national economy and generated new knowledge on the collective application of these methods. The limitations of the research are acknowledged and opportunities to address these and build on and extend the research are identified. Building on previous research, it is concluded that a complete picture of sustainability cannot be provided by a single method and/or indicator.

Identification of enterprise carbon assets based on a business perspective

From a new perspective, this paper clarifies the internal and external factors affecting the carbon assets on the basis of induction of the connotation. It takes the enterprise business as the source of carbon assets, and makes an automotive group as an example, and establishes a network of its passenger car business activities based on the topological structure. This paper provides a method for identifying carbon assets from the relationship of business activities, and explains the formation mechanism of different assets from which it refines its network, and puts forward a reference to re-identify enterprise carbon assets from the perspective of development.

An evaluation of trace metal distribution, enrichment factors and risk in sediments of a coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

This paper describes a sediment survey undertaken to unravel patterns of distribution and dispersion of trace metals in an Iberian Peninsula northwestern coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro). Cadmium, lead, chromium, copper and zinc were analyzed in bottom sediments. Geochemical normalization is performed and two different regression models for each metal versus aluminum are tested and compared using the respective enrichment factors (EF), an estimation of the relative importance of anthropogenic contributions to the studied sediments. Mean sediment quality guideline quotients (mSQGQ) are used to evaluate sediment quality and associated potential risk to biota with effects range low as empirical sediment quality guideline (SQG) in the basis for mSQGQ calculation. Additionally, the geoaccumulation index is calculated to compare studied sediment levels to global baseline levels. The application of SQGs revealed insufficient characterization capability, especially when contrasted to EF calculated from the regression methods. These pointed a mildly enriched system with localized “hot spot” areas. Therefore, it can be considered that bottom sediments in the Ria de Aveiro system are in their majority unpolluted, zinc being the only metal of concern, presenting enrichment in all four main channels. The major rivers outlets (Caster, Antuã, and Vouga) constitute point sources, thus presenting potential risk for biota. Yet, the strong tidal influence creates a damping effect by efficiently redistributing sediment bound metals.

Rakkauden ateria: jonka Jesus Kristus on asettanut ja meille mailmaan jättänyt, koska hän tahtoi mailmasta luopua ..

Tekijä Tiililän mukaan Villadtz Nielsøn.

Utilización de la solución hipertónica (agua de mar), para el tratamiento de la mastitis bovina en la Finca “Las Cañas”, del municipio de la Trinidad, departamento de Estelí 2015

El presente estudio se realizó con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la utilización de la solución hipertónica (agua de mar) en el tratamiento de la mastitis bovina en la finca “Las Cañas” del Municipio de la Trinidad, departamento de Estelí, ubica a una latitud norte de 14° 30.71", longitud oeste de 58° 51.79" a 517 msnm, temperatura media anual de 25°C, clima tropical seco con poca precipitación pluvial . Se trabajó con 18 hembras bovina con dos y tres meses de lactación, positivas a mastitis sub - clínicas, mediante la pru eba de Mastitis California Test (MCT) . Los tratamientos evaluados fueron Tratamiento 1 A gua de mar 10 ml; T ratamiento dos 2 químico Cloxacilina - Ampicilina ( Masticen Pomada ® ) 10 ml . Durante tod o el muestreo el cuarto más afectado fue el cuarto anterior izquierdo (CAI) con (35.25%). Según el examen bacteriológico realizado a las muestras enviadas al laborator io, los microorganismos identificados de la mastitis en la finca, fueron: Streptococcus spp, Staphilococcus aureus , y Pseudomonas spp, E . coli ). Los dos tratamientos presentaron buenos resultados en el control de la mastitis bovina, donde el tratamiento TI (agua de mar 10ml) alcanzó s u mayor efecto a la quinta semana con un (34.3%) con respecto a mastitis subclínica y con un (11.4%) Con respecto a mastitis clínica - crónica y el Tratamiento TII (Masticen Pomada 10ml) alcanzó su mayor ef ecto a la quinta semana con un (33.3%) con respecto a mastitis sub clínica y con un (8.3%) con respec to a mastitis clínica - crónica

Assessment of heavy metals' bonding with various sedimentary phases in Shefa-Rud river (Guilan Province)

In the present investigation, bulk and chemical partitioning of elements in the Shefa-Rud riverbed sediments are studied. Higher concentrations of elemental concentrations have been observed in estuarine zone when compared with riverine sediments (except for Al, Fe, Pb and Mn). Manganese is mobilized under anoxic conditions prevailing in the Caspian Sea. Lithogenous materials are greatly diluted in the estuarine zone by various pollutants present in the Caspian Sea. Organic metallic bonds are not significantly present in the area of study. Geological units of the area of study have resulted in the lower concentrations of elemental concentrations of riverbed sediments when compared with published values for mean crust and world sediments ones. Though, cluster analysis has clearly shown the importance of alumina-silicates in controlling the distribution of Fe and Mn in riverbed sediments but it could not depict controlling mechanism for other studied elements. Geochemical Index (Igeo) and Enrichment Factor (EF) values are indicative of a clean environment throughout the river course. These values are in a well agreement with results of chemical partitioning data. Quantification of EF values is not logically possible and therefore Igeo values can be used more effectively.

Fungal contamination in one hotel room: does carpet coating in the floor enhance fungal contamination?

Interest in bioaerosol exposure has increased significantly because it is now recognized that exposure to fungal agents is associated with a wide range of adverse health effects with a major impact on public health. Fungi are able to grow on almost all natural and synthetic materials, especially if they are hygroscopic or wet. Aim of the study: Several materials used indoors can contribute to enhance fungal contamination indoors. This study intended to understand the carpet influence on fungal contamination when used in the floor of a hotel room.