Atmospheric pollen in Santiago,Chile

In the city of Santiago (33°27'S70°38'W), Chile, an atmospheric pollen was monitored for three years using a volumetric Hirst-type pollen trap. The aims of the study were: to assess the pollen types present in the atmosphere, their actual concentrations and dynamics (means and maxima); to establish the pollen calendar for Santiago; and to analyze the aerobiologic characteristics distinguishing introduced and native taxa. Results show that atmospheric pollen mainly originates from the following taxa: Platanus , Poaceae, Acer , Cupressus , Chenopodiaceae, Urticaceae, Morus , Plantago and Oleaceae. For the most frequent pollen types graphs of their atmospheric presence constructed and a table with relevant yearly data for the three studied (July-June) is presented. It is concluded, that the airborne pollen is originating mainly from introduced taxa, many of which are considered allergenic. Native taxa showed no high concentrations. The highest aiborne pollen concentrations where observed in September, however, atmospheric pollen thought to be capable of causing pollinosis, where present during the whole year. The highest pollen concentrations are mostly from trees.     

Impacto del apoyo familiar en la presencia de quejas depresivas en personas mayores de Santiago de Chile

Introduction

Epidemiological changes can have an effect on social and, and in particular, family ties, which are important elements in the mental health of older people. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of family support on depressive disorders in older people of the community.

Material and methods

Face to face interviews were conducted on a representative sample of adults 60 years and older, living in urban area of Santiago de Chile. The information on depressive disorders was related to family composition, emotional and instrumental support, presence of conflict, health self-perception, functionality and self-efficiency. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models.

Results

From a total of 394 participants, 62% females, mean age 74 years (SD=8.1), 16% felt depressed almost every day. Depressive disorders were significantly associated in regression models with impaired self-perception of health and efficacy, lower instrumental support, and with the presence of conflict. The variable that most contributed to the model was self-rated poor health, increasing the odds of depressive disorders by 3.2.

Conclusions

Poor perception of health was the main determining factor for depressive complaints in older people, followed by lower family support, specifically instrumental support, and the presence of conflict. This information can help future programs in order to improve the quality of life in older people.     

“生态位”元胞自动机在土地可持续规划模型中的应用

快速城市化带来了一系列的环境生态问题。有必要把生态学的概念引进城市规划中,以减少城市发展带来的弊端。提出了基于“生态位”的元胞自动机（CA）的新模型,并将其应用在土地利用规划中。探讨了如何通过“生态位”元胞自动机和GIS的结合进行城市土地可持续利用的规划。该模型可方便地探索不同土地利用政策下城市土地利用发展情景,能够为城市规划提供有用的决策支持。旨在探索通过模拟的手段对城市土地利用进行合理的规划。将该模型应用于快速发展的广州市,并取得了较有意义的结果。     

Assessing urban environmental segregation (UES). The case of Santiago de Chile

Urban environmental segregation (UES) would differentiate between the environment of poor people and the environment of rich people. We apply selected indicators for the urban environment, especially indicators of urban patterns and of urban environmental quality. These indicators will illuminate the social distribution of environmental quality and the socio-spatial exposure toward urban flooding. The comprehensive approach for the UES assessment is first, to analyze if land-use dynamics expands into areas with high environmental impact, second, to explore where and how social segregation is expressed in the study area, and third, to analyze different indicators for the urban environment. Therefore the key parameters for urban dynamics and UES are the built-up area, degrees of imperviousness, green spaces (indicators of urban patterns), environmental exposure and mitigations measures (indicators of environmental quality). They are linked to the indices of social segregation, i.e. isolation and concentration. The presented approach offers a new dimension in research of social segregation by adding the above mentioned aspects of the urban environment and so gaining a new assessment of UES.In the case of Santiago de Chile, the complex urban landscape is leading to fragmented socio-spatial configurations. The urban problems of Santiago de Chile cannot be framed in a purely social or environmental context. On a large scale it is investigated, if socio-spatial distribution is balanced and whether residents of different social groups have different spatial furnishing of green spaces, different built-up densities, and different exposure to natural hazards.We conclude that land-use dynamics in Santiago produce a higher urban complexity and fragmentation. In the in-depth study area we prove intra-municipal UES in close proximity. Furthermore, social segregation is accompanied by unequal distribution of environmental features. One spatial indicator is the uneven distribution of urban green. As a consequence, environmental differences between different social strata are extremely contrasting.     

Airborne fungi monitoring in Santiago, Chile

Fungal airborne spores were studied from September 1996throughout August 1997 in Santiago, Chile. Total concentrationsfluctuated between 308 and 10,334 spores/m³/day withan annual mean of 2,154 per m³, the highest dispersion beingduring April and May. Forty-five percent of total fungal content wasfound in autumn. Thirteen genera and 3 other spore types wereidentified. Cladosporium, the most abundant genera in ouratmosphere, contributed with 70.9% of the total fungi counts andreached an annual mean of 1,527 spores/m³/day, itshighest frequency being in autumn. Alternaria appeared as thesecond most frequent genera, with an annual mean of 40spores/m³/day, representing a 1.9% of theannual fungal catch. Altogether, Stemphylium, Torula, Epicoccum,Ganoderma, Helminthosporium, Chaetomiun, Pleospora and othersreached relative frequencies of 0.5% or less. It is concludedthat fungi are present in Santiago's atmosphere all year round, some ofthem with a clear seasonality.     

Utilización del servicio de urgencia de un hospital universitario por los adultos mayores en Santiago de Chile

Introduction

An increase in visits to Emergency Departments by older adults has been reported, but there are no data available on this in countries in the early phases of demographic and epidemiological transition. This paper describes the characteristics of people over 60 years-old (AM) who visited the Emergency Department of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de la Pontificia Universidad Católica, Chile (SU-PUC), compared to those less than 60 years-old (AJ).

Material and methods

Demographic data and reasons for admission and re-admission were collected retrospectively from the SU-PUC monthly statistics report. Obstetrics, paediatrics and «scheduled admissions» were excluded. The frequencies were compared using Chi-squared (significance: P < .05).

Results

A total of 37,660 visits to the SU-PUC were recorded (81% AJ; 19% AM; with 8% being older than 75 years). No statistical differences were found in the visit time (70% daytime), or by season between the groups.A total of 7,414 (19.6%) of those who visited were hospitalised, with differences being detected between groups (AM: 48.9% vs 12.9% AJ; P < .001), particularly in those over 75 years (59%). The primary cause of admission was cardiopulmonary in AM (22%) and gastrointestinal in AJ (31%). Re-admissions were 10% in AM and 6% in AJ (P < .001).

Conclusion

The use of SU by AM and some characteristics of their care process (hospitalisation) are similar to those found in countries in more advanced phases of demographic transition.     

基于生态位适宜度的耕地可持续利用评价

耕地可持续利用评价是土地利用研究的重要内容.基于生态位理论,从区域耕地生态系统整体性出发,提出耕地生态元和耕地生态位的概念,并在此基础上构建了耕地可持续利用生态位适宜度评价模型( Fi模型).然后,将所构建模型应用于河南省焦作市耕地可持续利用评价之中,测度了1997～2006年期间焦作市耕地可持续利用生态位适宜度Fi值.为了便于对照分析,采用限制因子模型(NFmin-i模型)和希尔伯脱空间模型(CHi模型)进行耕地可持续利用生态位适宜度NFmin-i值和CHi值的测算.测算结果表明:(1)1997～2006年期间, Fi值总体上呈递增趋势,从1997年的0.5088增加到2006年的0.6503,表明支撑焦作市耕地可持续利用的自然、经济和社会因子总体上呈良性发展趋势,即耕地可持续利用现实生态位趋于最适生态位.(2)1997～2006年期间,Fi与CHi值各年间的变化规律一致,与NFmin-i值总体变化规律一致,表明运用Fi模型进行耕地可持续利用评价具有较强的科学性和现实性.同时,Fi值有利于从综合角度表征区域耕地总体可持续利用水平.(3)利用最适生态位解释区域耕地可持续利用评价标准,以及运用n维资源(条件)生态位与最适生态位的匹配这一基本思想进行区域耕地可持续利用评价,生态意义明确,便于依据生态位适宜度值的大小及其变化制定区域耕地利用方案和措施.     

Indicators for demonstrating sustainable forest management in British Columbia,Canada: An international review

Many organizations and individuals are developing sustainable forestry criteria and indicator (C&I) research and monitoring initiatives at various scales. In support of Canada's international commitments, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) recently (2003) revised a set of national C&I, broadly based on the Montreal Process. Meanwhile, the Province of British Columbia, Canada, has implemented new, results-based, legislation, the Forest and Range Practices Act 2003, which sets objectives for 11 public ‘Values’ that require appropriate C&I for effectiveness evaluation. At the local-level, British Columbia's forest industry requires indicators to achieve third-party certification. Each of these parties seeks to assess and report on performance. There is, therefore, a recognized desire to define a collaborative approach to C&I research and monitoring frameworks in British Columbia. This paper discusses the results of a rigorous review of indicators related to sustainable forest management (SFM) in British Columbia. Based on the 6 CCFM indicators, 47 SFM questions were developed to guide the selection of potential indicators for British Columbia. A hierarchical framework of proposed SFM indicators was then proposed to provide trend information on resource condition at both the macro (landscape) and local (management unit) levels of forest management. However, a number of key challenges remain for British Columbia as it continues towards a scientifically sound, useful, and effective indicator framework that will demonstrate progress towards SFM at the provincial level. These include stakeholder consultation, practicality, data interpretation and long-term commitment.     

土壤质量与可持续土地利用管理

可持续发展的基础是农业的可持续发展,可持续农业应当包含对于资源的成功管理来满足人类需求的变化,同时维持或提高环境质量,保护自然资源。土壤质量是可持续土地利用管理的重要指标,本文在深入剖析土壤质量与可持续土地利用管理内涵基础上,总结、分析了土壤质量和可持续土地利用管理的相互关系,提出了二者研究的发展趋势。并就土壤质量研究如何在可持续土地利用管理中发挥重要作用,以及目前存在的问题等做了探讨。     

苏南丘陵地区土地持续利用模式的建立

对苏南丘陵地区农田生物结构及功能的研究表明,在荒丘荒坡上建立林地、茶园、果园人工草地及新辟鱼塘以形成农牧渔复合农业生态系统．提出土地持续利用的单元模式;丘岗坡地─—林茶果草立体利用,冲田地─—粮、饲、经、肥、作物合理布局,养殖业—猪、禽、奶牛、鱼全面发展．资源利用─—种养加工业配套成龙．在粮食稳产基础上,农林牧副渔收入增长２．３倍,农用土地收入及人均农业收入均增长２．７倍．     

Dermatophyte infection and colonization in dogs from South Santiago, Chile

Our main aim was to determine the dermatophyte infection and colonization prevalence in canines from South Santiago, Chile. We studied 241 dogs, 121 of them presented cutaneous lesions suggestive of dermatophytosis and the other 120 were free from lesions and were considered clinically healthy. Dermatophytes were isolated from the lesions of 48.8% of animals with cutaneous diseases and from 5% of healthy dogs. Microsporum canis was the principal species isolated with a frequency of 98.3% from dermatophytosis and from all healthy carriers. The direct microscopic test showed a sensibility of 85% with a positive and negative predictive value of 74 and 79%, respectively. The highest prevalence of dermatophytosis were detected in animals up to one year old (p <= 0.05) and in dogs with high level of irritation, scaly skin, itching and alopecia (p < or = 0.05). The lesions were detected more frequently in head-neck and anterior members (p < or = 0.05). This study shows some clinical characteristics and a frequency of dermatophytes in canines that can be interesting for laboratory professionals and veterinarians.     

北京市生态用地规划与管理对策

不合理土地开发加速了对自然生态系统的干扰和侵占,导致生态系统服务功能下降,危机区域生态安全,开展生态用地规划是构建区域生态安全格局的基础。合理规划和管理不同土地利用类型的数量和空间分布对区域可持续发展具有重要意义。目前我国广泛应用的土地利用分类体系主要以土地的社会经济属性为基础,忽视其生态属性,导致以提供生态系统服务为主、保障生态安全的土地缺乏保护机制,具有重要生态功能的土地得不到有效保护。以北京市为例,建立了北京市生态用地分类与规划的思路与程序,在明确北京市生态安全与生态系统服务功能的关系基础上分析了北京市生态系统服务功能重要性及其空间格局,并进行了北京市生态用地规划。研究规划了保障北京市生态安全的7类生态用地:地表水涵养与保护用地、地下水保护用地、生物多样性保护用地、水土保持用地、河流防护用地、公路防护用地和城市绿地,总面积5137.37km2,占北京市域面积的31.31%。最后从生态用地识别和划分、将生态用地融入土地利用分类体系、生态用地管理措施和对策3个方面探讨了生态用地规划和管理的方法与措施。研究结果为北京市土地利用规划和有效管理提供依据,也为其它地区的生态用地规划提供参考。     

生态社区评价指标体系研究进展

生态社区建设融合了建筑学、生态学、社会学等多学科原理,充分体现了人与自然和谐的理念,是符合可持续发展理念的社区发展模式。生态社区评价指标体系在一定的一级指标框架下,采用定性或定量的评价指标,评判社区的可持续发展水平。对生态社区的概念和内涵、形成与发展历程、国内外生态社区相关评价指标体系进行总结和归纳,在此基础上综述了生态社区评价指标体系的研究进展,包括评价主体、一级指标框架的构建、二三级指标使用的频度分析及指标权重的确定方法。最后总结分析了生态社区指标体系研究中对外环境关联、动态发展、参与性与适应性等方面的不足,提出将复杂性理论、生命周期分析方法和生态足迹分析引入生态社区评价指标体系的研究,以提高指标体系的系统性、科学性和参与性。