Fatalities and injuries in the Kuwaiti construction industry

This paper presents an analysis of construction accidents in Kuwait along with accident causation and injuries that can be considered serious or fatal, so that corrective measures can be taken to decrease casualties, resulting in a safer construction industry. The paper evaluates the existing injury and cost reporting-investigation system of construction accidents in government agencies and private firms. This research confirms that construction is the most hazardous industry in Kuwait, with accidents accounting for 48%, 38% and 34% of all disabling injuries and 62%, 38% and 42% of all fatalities in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. These rates are considered high and can be compared to construction accident statistics in the U.S.A. which accounted for 14% of all work-related deaths and 9% of disabling injuries in 1993. Based on the study, falling from a height appears to be the major cause of construction injuries and fatalities in Kuwait. Poor accident records and reporting systems hide the extent of the construction safety problem in Kuwait. In addition, many people at management level are unaware of accident-related costs and the effectiveness of a safety program in reducing project costs.     

对企业通过加强工序质量控制与管理来提高产品质量的探讨

产品质量问题产生的原因主要是由于过程控制不当造成的。从工序质量管理控制与管理的内容入手 ,分析了企业在过程质量控制和管理的现状及其存在问题 ,并提出了相应的对策 ,同时指出 ,提高产品质量必须通过工序质量控制与管理来解决     

Factors affecting the biodegradation of toluene in soil

The biodegradation of toluene in soil microcosms was examined in order to identify the physical, chemical, and biological factors which determine the fate and lifetime of organic chemicals in soils. Toluene degradation rates were proportional to the initial substrate concentration and these rates reached a maximum at a concentration of 200 micrograms/g. No degradation occurred above this concentration presumably due to the toxicity of the hydrocarbon to the soil microorganisms. Small differences were observed in the degradation rates in soils at different moisture content. However, the availability of water in soil appeared to limit toluene degradation only at a very low water content. The lifetime of toluene in soil was also related to the initial level and activity of the soil microorganisms. Toluene was metabolized rapidly in those soils which initially contained high levels of degrading microorganisms. Furthermore, exposure of the soil to toluene resulted in an increase in the number of degrading organisms. The lack of inorganic nutrients such as nitrogen prevented complete degradation of toluene in a clay soil which contained high levels of degrading microorganisms. The biodegradation of organic chemicals in soil is not an intrinsic property of the molecule and cannot be predicted without first delineating the environment in which it is found. The biodegradation of a compound is defined by the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of the soil environment. The lifetime of a chemical in soil results from a combination of all three of these parameters.     

Rating formats and rater training redux: A context-specific approach for enhancing the effectiveness of performance management.

In this paper, we critically examine previous research on rating formats and rater training in the context of performance appraisal. Historically, the goal of this body of research has been to search for ways of maximizing the psychometric quality of performance evaluation data. Our central thesis is that there are a number of avenues for broadening this research. Accordingly, we propose a conceptual model that hopefully serves as a conceptual framework for future work in these 2 traditional performance appraisal research streams. For example, both rating formats and rater training research may be useful for facilitating and improving the feedback and employee development process, as well as reducing the potential existence of rater biases. In addition, format and training research may focus upon ways of enhancing both rater and ratee reactions to the appraisal system. A key feature of our model is the integration of national culture as a moderator of the relations between specific formats, training programs, and various outcomes. We consider both the national culture of raters and ratees, and focus specifically on comparisons between Western and East Asian cultures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The role of hyperthermia in the water economy of desert birds

A number of authors have suggested that hyperthermia, the elevation of body temperature (Tb) 2 degrees-4 degrees C above normal, contributes to a reduction in total evaporative water loss (TEWL) in birds. Information about the role of hyperthermia in the water economy of birds is scattered throughout the literature. We purposed to collate the available information on this subject, to reevaluate the benefits and costs of this process, and to assess its net effect on the water economy of birds, especially species living in deserts. In this review, we first consider the current model of heat balance in birds at high ambient temperatures (Ta), and show that, in most studies performed at a high Ta, birds were increasing their Tb, a violation of the assumption of steady state conditions. Next, we incorporate the rate of heat gain into calculations of the dry heat transfer coefficient (h), below and above temperature equality (Ta=Tb). We develop a method to calculate h at Ta=Tb, using l'H?pital's rule. The combined result of our approach suggests that birds increase their dry heat transfer even when Ta is above Ta=Tb, contrary to our prediction. Finally, we explore aspects of hyperthermia that reduce water loss, such as an improved thermal gradient and heat storage, and aspects that may augment water loss, the latter a result of increased respiratory water loss when Tb is elevated. Our analysis of the combination of these three factors suggests that, during acute exposure to high Ta (1 h), birds over a size range of 10-1,000 g save about 50% of their TEWL by becoming hyperthermic. For chronic episodes of high Ta (5 h), small birds save water by hyperthermia but large birds do not.     

Extensive regional atmospheric hydrocarbon pollution in the southwestern United States

Light alkane hydrocarbons are present in major quantities in the near-surface atmosphere of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas during both autumn and spring seasons. In spring 2002, maximum mixing ratios of ethane [34 parts per 109 by volume (ppbv)], propane (20 ppbv), and n-butane (13 ppbv) were observed in north-central Texas. The elevated alkane mixing ratios are attributed to emissions from the oil and natural gas industry. Measured alkyl nitrate mixing ratios were comparable to urban smog values, indicating active photochemistry in the presence of nitrogen oxides, and therefore with abundant formation of tropospheric ozone. We estimate that 4-6 teragrams of methane are released annually within the region and represents a significant fraction of the estimated total U.S. emissions. This result suggests that total U.S. natural gas emissions may have been underestimated. Annual ethane emissions from the study region are estimated to be 0.3-0.5 teragrams.     

Heat, ethnic differences, and creativity in the Negev desert.

48 9th- and 10th-grade boys of Bedouin, Moroccan, and Eastern European ancestry participated in a study to assess the effects which heat may have on creative and intelligence-related tasks. Special care was taken to reduce biases in the testing situation. Ss were exposed to 2 hrs of heat at either 45.C (113.F)-experimental condition-or 26.C (78.F)-control condition-while their heart rates were monitored. Heat did not significantly influence verbal or written task performances, but heart rates were affected. Ethnic membership seemed fundamentally related to the patterning of abilities insofar as Bedouins scored low on traditional IQ measures but tended to score high on creative measures. It is suggested that ethnic groups closer to European cultures do better on IQ tests, while those further from these cultures may excel on measures which are creativity related. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

From the desert: transcultural aspects of cancer nursing care in Israel

BACKGROUND: Medical students may be at high risk for occupational exposures to blood. OBJECTIVE: To measure the frequency of medical students' exposure to infectious body substances, to identify factors that affect the probability of such exposure, and to suggest targets for the prevention of such exposure. DESIGN: Review of all exposures reported by medical students at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine. SETTING: Teaching hospitals affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco. PARTICIPANTS: Third- and fourth-year medical students from the classes of 1990 through 1996 at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine. INTERVENTIONS: A needlestick hotline service was instituted at teaching hospitals affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco, and a required course was created to train students in universal precautions and clinical skills before the beginning of the third-year clerkship. MEASUREMENTS: Reports of exposures made to the needlestick hotline service, including type of exposure, training site, clerkship, and time of year. RESULTS: 119 of 1022 medical students sustained 129 exposures. Of these exposures, 82% occurred on four services: obstetrics-gynecology, surgery, medicine, and emergency medicine. The probability of exposure was not related to graduation year, clerkship location, previous clerkship experience, or training site. Surveys of two graduating classes at the beginning and end of the study showed that the percentage of exposures reported increased from 45% to 65% over the 7-year study period. Thus, the reported injury rates represent minimum estimates of actual occurrences. Human immunodeficiency virus infection and hepatitis were not reported, although follow-up was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Instruction in universal precautions and clinical procedures is not sufficient to prevent exposures to blood during medical training. Medical schools must assume greater responsibility for ensuring that students are proficient in the safe conduct of clinical procedures and must develop systems that protect students so that they can report and learn from their mistakes.     

提高烧结系统处理二次物料能力的生产实践

讨论了冶炼厂提高二次物料处理能力的途径.通过加强烧结工艺的控制和提高ISP工艺,使二次物料的配入量提高至总精矿比例的30.97%左右,从而改善环境,降低成本.     

氰化尾液除铜提高金氰化浸出率实践

松树南沟金矿氰化厂尾液含铜高,耗氰量大,金浸出率达不到设计指标。为解决这个问题,进行了长时间的试验研究。根据试验结果,采用两步沉淀法除铜、尾液全循环工艺,并进行了工业试验。试验结果表明,采用该工艺可以从氰化尾液中回收铜,提高金氰化浸出率,实现氰化尾液全循环。     

Spatial memory in the desert kangaroo rat (Dipodomys deserti).

Desert kangaroo rats forage for seed distributed in patches in the desert environment and may remember patch locations. In Exp 1, 7 desert kangaroo rats that had discovered the location of a plastic token in 1 box accurately dug for a token hidden in the same location in a 2nd identical box. Results of Exp 2 indicated that the rats primarily remembered the spatial location of the token within the box in relation to extramaze objects and the walls of the experimental box. Female rats also remembered the chip's location in relation to objects inside the box, but males did not. Exp 3 demonstrated that the rats' ability to locate the buried token did not depend on detection of the odor of the token. The author proposes that spatial memory in kangaroo rats may have evolved as a result of an overall change in the ontogeny of the species rather than as a specialized adaptation for foraging efficiency. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

提高某金矿石银回收率的工艺研究

为了提高银的回收率,将全泥氰化提金工艺改为原矿浮选工艺,在确保金的回收率前提下,银的回收率达到92.26%,提高了企业经济效益。     

A 5-year in vitro and in vivo study of the biodegradation of polylactide plates

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term tissue response and duration of degradation of self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) multilayer plates in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mandibular osteotomies in sheep were fixed with SR-PLLA multilayer plates. The animals were followed for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, after which histologic studies were performed. RESULTS: The foreign-body reaction was mainly mild, and the osteotomies were well united. After 5 years in vivo, the material was almost completely resorbed, but small particles of polymer could still be detected at the implantation site. SR-PLLA plates were also incubated in vitro for 5 years. The material degraded considerably faster in vivo than in vitro. Molecular weight, melting temperature, and crystallinity of the plates remained at a constant level after 2 years in vitro, indicating very slow degradation of the oligomeric (molecular weight [Mw], 3500 daltons), highly crystalline (heat of fusion, 70 J/g), PLLA residue solely as a result of hydrolysis. Although the plates became increasingly fragile as they degraded, they retained their macroscopic form until the end of the 5-year follow-up. Loss of mass of the plates was 52%+/-8% after 5 years of incubation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Although the long degradation period may seem to be a minor drawback to the use of such plates, it does not appear to affect the healing process.     

加大承担国际标准化技术委员会工作力度提高我国国际标准化地位

总结了冶金工业信息标准研究院自1978年以来组织冶金企业、科研院所代表中国参与国际标准化活动的历程、成绩和经验.陈述了参与国际标准化活动所采取的重要举措从采用国际标准入手,推动企业实质性参与国际标准化活动,在国际标准中反应中国的利益;积极承担国际标准化技术委员会秘书处,掌握制定国际标准的主动权,将我国优势标准转化为国际标准;加大承担国际秘书处力度,保证秘书处工作水准和可持续发展,为我国国际标准化地位的提高作出更大的贡献.     

关于提高"思想道德修养"课教学质量的思考

高校《思想道德修养》课的开设 (以下简称“修养课”)为做好学生的思想政治教育工作 ,提高学生的思想道德素质 ,为国家培养合格人才 ,发挥了十分重要的作用。为了更好地发挥这门课程在素质教育中的作用 ,提高教学质量 ,仅就课堂教学中的几个问题谈几点看法。一、提高对修养课性     

Quantifying the biodegradation of phenanthrene by Pseudomonas stutzeri P16 in the presence of a nonionic surfactant

The low water solubility of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is believed to limit their availability to microorganisms, which is a potential problem for bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. Surfactants have been suggested to enhance the bioavailability of hydrophobic compounds, but both negative and positive effects of surfactants on biodegradation have been reported in the literature. Earlier, we presented mechanistic models of the effects of surfactants on phenanthrene dissolution and on the biodegradation kinetics of phenanthrene solubilized in surfactant micelles. In this study, we combined the biodegradation and dissolution models to quantify the influence of the surfactant Tergitol NP-10 on biodegradation of solid-phase phenanthrene by Pseudomonas stutzeri P16. Although micellized phenanthrene does not appear to be available directly to the bacterium, the ability of the surfactant to increase the phenanthrene dissolution rate resulted in an overall increase in bacterial growth rate in the presence of the surfactant. Experimental observations could be predicted well by the derived model with measured biokinetic and dissolution parameters. The proposed model therefore can serve as a base case for understanding the physical-chemical effects of surfactants on nonaqueous hydrocarbon bioavailability.     

Human nickel exposure in an area polluted by nickel refining: the S?r-Varanger study

BACKGROUND: Because myocardial wall thickness is smaller than the spatial resolution of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, changes in myocardial wall thickness are related to changes in maximum pixel counts via the partial volume effect, allowing for quantification of regional systolic wall thickening. We have developed a new gated SPECT method for computing the global left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) based entirely on changes in maximum regional myocardial counts during systolic contraction. This new method is independent of endocardial edge detection or other geometric measurements. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 23 patients the gated SPECT method was validated by comparison with radionuclide angiography. The correlation between computed LVEFs was excellent (slope = 0.97, r = 0.91). The measurement of LVEF by gated SPECT was highly reproducible, with minimal intraoperator (slope = 0.97, r = 0.97) or interoperator (slope = 1.00, r = 0.97) variability. Measurements of regional thickening indexes were also reproducible, with a mean intraoperator correlation coefficient of 0.89 +/- 0.05 (range 0.79 to 0.95) for the 14 myocardial regions. Finally, the measurement of LVEF was not significantly influenced by changes in reconstruction filter parameters over a range of cutoff frequencies from 0.16 to 0.28. CONCLUSIONS: This new counts-based gated SPECT method for measuring global left ventricular systolic function correlates well with radionuclide angiography, is highly reproducible, and has theoretic advantages over geometric methods.     

提高新疆某金矿金回收率试验研究

根据矿石性质,进行了提高金回收率的试验研究。试验结果表明,在试验确定的最佳条件下,可获得金精矿金品位58.94g/t,金回收率为90.08%。与原工艺流程相比,金回收率提高了4.93%,每年可净增收入300多万元。