Introduction of Mandatory Vehicle Inspection and Its Impact on Health: Case of Georgia

Abstract

To fight atmospheric air pollution, the Georgian government has implemented a law about vehicle inspection. The aim of this survey is to determine under which conditions are owners of technically faulty vehicles ready to give up using technically faulty cars. Within the qualitative study the in-depth interviews were conducted. Taxi drivers think that this law is harmful to them though they appreciate the efficacy of vehicle inspections. Controls should be placed on the quality of fuel as part of the development of public transport while increasing awareness about the harmful effects of atmospheric air pollution.     

Ambient Air Quality and Meteorological Monitoring of Gaseous Pollutants in Urban Areas of Gwalior City India

Abstract

This article reports on a study conducted to determine the concentration of SO₂ and NO₂ in various urban residential zones in an urban area of Gwalior City. The aim of this study was to examine the spatiotemporal variations of gaseous air pollutants at four sites in the Gwalior urban area. The concentrations of NO₂ and SO₂ were systematically monitored according to national ambient air quality guidelines provided by Central Pollution Control Board, India. Among the various finding, this article documents that concentrations of gaseous pollutants were most elevated in commercial and high traffic areas.     

Do deep and comprehensive regional trade agreements help in reducing air pollution?

Environmental concerns are increasingly being incorporated into regional trade agreements (RTAs) to promote environmental quality and ultimately ensure compatibility between trade and environmental policies. This occurs in a context where air pollution and its effects on human health are of major concern. This paper investigates whether the proliferation and depth of environmental provisions (EPs) in RTAs are associated with lower concentration levels of particulate matter. We present an index of EPs in RTAs that measures the breadth and depth of the provisions and use it to estimate the effect of ratifying RTAs with different levels of EPs on changes in PM_2.5 concentration levels in a panel of OECD countries over the 1999–2011 period. Using an instrumental variables strategy, we find that countries that have ratified RTAs with EPs show lower levels of PM_2.5 concentrations when we control for scale, composition and technique effects and for national environmental regulations. Moreover, the PM_2.5 concentration levels in the pairs of countries that belong to an RTA with EPs tend to converge for the country sample. The results also hold for a longer period of time (1990–2011) and a broader sample of 173 countries as well as for other pollutants, namely CO₂ and NO₂.     

Pollution and international trade in services

Two central topics in recent rounds of international trade negotiations have been environmental concerns and services trade. While each is undoubtedly important, they are unrelated. In this paper, I show that the services-environment link is small, for two reasons. First, services account for only a small fraction of overall pollution. For none of five major air pollutants does the service sector account for even 4% of total emissions; for three of the five services account for less than 1%. Second, those service industries that do pollute are the least likely to be traded internationally. Those services for which the United States collects and publishes international trade data—presumably those services that are traded internationally—are less polluting than services for which trade data do not exist—presumably because the services are not traded. Even if we limit attention to the services that are traded across borders, the service industries most intensively traded are the ones that pollute the least. The bottom line is simple. International services trade bears little relation to the environment, because services in general contribute relatively little to overall pollution, and those industries that are traded internationally are among the least polluting.     

Exposure of Air Pollution and Its Health Effects in Traffic Police Persons of Gwalior City,India

This article examines the perceived health effects of air pollution among traffic police persons of Gwalior city, India. The first part of the results reveals the health effects of air pollution on respondents and the second part reports the awareness of respondents regarding air pollution, pollutants, particulate pollutants, gaseous pollutants, and sources of pollutants etc. This perceptional study examines twenty-two types of health effects and an option for other health effects was also included. Eye irritation and sleeplessness were found consistently while difficulty in concentration, headache, sneezing, and nose irritation were found in less extant. A part of health effects were very serious and not curable. Traffic police persons were neither aware adequately regarding air pollutants nor used any type of personal protective equipment. The study covers respondents of four age categories: 15–24, 25–34, 35–44, and 45-above.     

Toxic Atmospheres Air Pollution,Trade and the Politics of Regulation

Air is an essential ingredient for all living things and its properties influence the quality and longevity of life. When polluted, it is estimated that it causes the annual premature death of millions of people and the world-wide damage and destruction of wildlife and natural habitats. This article examines human-made air pollution within a framework of ‘eco-crime’ and Green Criminology. Using original data on air pollution infringements, it critically examines the shortcomings with existing mechanisms of air pollution control, regulation and enforcement in the UK. In doing so, it identifies how Criminology must continue to push new boundaries and engage with emerging harmful acts of both local and global concern.     

Impact of Biomedical Waste on Environment and Human Health

Abstract

This article reviews the impact of biomedical waste on water, soil, air quality, the environment, and human health. Hospitals and nursing homes generate increasing amount of biomedical waste in an unscientific manner. As such, poor waste management practices by these institutions cause exposure to health hazards and actual environmental problems. The issue of biomedical waste identification, handling, and disposal needs to have a heightened review so that better management practices and protocols can be established.     

Shift patterns and hardiness: Police use of lethal force during simulated incidents

In the present experiment, utilizing the Film Fire' shooting simulation system, the effects of shift patterns and hardiness on police officers' judgments (decisions to (i) shoot at a suspect and (ii) taking cover during the confrontation) were examined. Sixty-one Authorised Firearms Officers were briefed on two “incidents” they would be asked to attend. The experiment took place at three different times, each time one hour before completion of the shift: at 1 p.m. (early day shift), 9 p.m. (late day shift), or 5 a.m. (night shift). In one incident the officer would be justified in shooting the suspect, whereas in the other incident it would be difficult for the officer to justify having shot the suspect. Because in both incidents the suspects were threatening the police officer, taking cover during both incidents would be desirable. Results revealed that most erroneous decisions occurred during the early shift, and that officers low in hardiness made more incorrect judgments than officers high in hardiness. Implications of the findings are discussed. Authors' Note: This study has been sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), studentship award given to the first author.     

Perceived justice of ecological policy and proenvironmental commitments

A model was outlined (i) to explain readiness to proenvironmental commitments and decisions in everyday life by six categories of predictor variables, including justice appraisals of pollution control, basic rights, appraisals of pollution, of pollution causation, of the efficacy of pollution control measures, and of ecological responsibility, and (ii) to generate hypotheses on the relationships between the predictor variables. Model variables were assessed by a questionnaire study (N=518) referring to the problem of air pollution. Proenvironmental commitments and decisions could be well predicted by morally relevant appraisals, especially by justice appraisals (e.g., approving proenvirommental laws, taxes, and subsidies, rejecting the justice of the current environmental policy and of mere appeals), whereas predictors representing self-protective motivations remained insignificant. Justice appraisals are in line with the “causation principle of justice”: Those who caused the pollution are made responsible for its reduction and should pay the costs for the pollution control. Results demonstrate that justice appraisals are essential determinants of people's ecologically relevant emotions, cognitions, and engagements. Moreover, they reveal that the responsibility for pollution control is not left with state and economy but is also regarded as a matter that concerns the citizens.     

以影视产业为核心谈中国的文化安全与文化产业发展

文化竞争是全球化时代国际竞争的重要内容,国家文化安全已经成为国家安全的重要环节之一。本文以影视产业为核心,探讨了文化安全和文化帝国主义的相关理论,分析了外国影视产品输入给我国文化安全带来的影响及其面临的挑战,在此基础上对我国文化产业尤其是影视文化产业的发展提出对策和建议。     

Environmental implications of trade liberalization on North American transport services: the case of the trucking sector

The paper offers an assessment of the environmental impact of trade liberalization on the cross-border trucking sector in North America. Specific policies in the realm of transportation, environment and trade are investigated with data directly related to the time of implementation that varied across ports on each of the two international borders in North America subsequent to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The data on truck flows, wait times, air quality and trade value are analyzed using econometrics for quantitative analysis. Results show various policies do have a positive impact on reducing air emissions through changes in trucking characteristics (technology, patterns) in particular ports where they have been implemented.     

A field study of the accuracy and reliability of a biometric iris recognition system

PurposeThe iris of the eye appears to satisfy the criteria for a good anatomical characteristic for use in a biometric system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a biometric iris recognition system: Mobile-Eyes?.MethodsThe enrollment, verification, and identification applications were evaluated in a field study for accuracy and reliability using both irises of 277 subjects. Independent variables included a wide range of subject demographics, ambient light, and ambient temperature. A sub-set of 35 subjects had alcohol-induced nystagmus. There were 2710 identification and verification attempts, which resulted in 1,501,340 and 5540 iris comparisons respectively.ResultsIn this study, the system successfully enrolled all subjects on the first attempt. All 277 subjects were successfully verified and identified on the first day of enrollment. None of the current or prior eye conditions prevented enrollment, verification, or identification. All 35 subjects with alcohol-induced nystagmus were successfully verified and identified. There were no false verifications or false identifications. Two conditions were identified that potentially could circumvent the use of iris recognitions systems in general.ConclusionsThe Mobile-Eyes? iris recognition system exhibited accurate and reliable enrollment, verification, and identification applications in this study. It may have special applications in subjects with nystagmus.     

Assessing a novel room temperature DNA storage medium for forensic biological samples

The ability to properly collect, analyze and preserve biological stains is important to preserving the integrity of forensic evidence. Stabilization of intact biological evidence in cells and the DNA extracts from them is particularly important since testing is generally not performed immediately following collection. Furthermore, retesting of stored DNA samples may be needed in casework for replicate testing, confirmation of results, and to accommodate future testing with new technologies.A novel room temperature DNA storage medium, SampleMatrix™ (SM; Biomatrica, Inc., San Diego, CA), was evaluated for stabilizing and protecting samples. Human genomic DNA samples at varying amounts (0.0625-200 ng) were stored dry in SM for 1 day to 1 year under varying conditions that included a typical ambient laboratory environment and also through successive freeze-thaw cycles (3 cycles). In addition, spiking of 1-4× SM into samples prior to analysis was performed to determine any inhibitory effects of SM. Quantification of recovered DNA following storage was determined by quantitative PCR or by agarose gel electrophoresis, and evaluation of quantitative peak height results from multiplex short tandem repeat (STR) analyses were performed to assess the efficacy of SM for preserving DNA.Results indicate no substantial differences between the quality of samples stored frozen in liquid and those samples maintained dry at ambient temperatures protected in SM. For long-term storage and the storage of low concentration samples, SM provided a significant advantage over freezer storage through higher DNA recovery. No detectable inhibition of amplification was observed at the recommended SM concentration and complete profiles were obtained from genomic DNA samples even in the presence of higher than recommended concentrations of the SM storage medium. The ability to stabilize and protect DNA from degradation at ambient temperatures for extended time periods could have tremendous impact in simplifying and improving sample storage conditions and requirements. The current work focuses on forensics analysis; however this technology is applicable to all endeavors requiring storage of DNA.     

Witnessing an Accidental Shooting at the Police Training Academy

Abstract

After an accidental shooting at a police training academy, outcomes of the class involved (n = 45) were compared with those of several comparison classes (n = 154) immediately and one year later. Results revealed a modest impact, but an increase in PTSD symptomology was observed from academy training to the one-year follow-up. Recruits in the affected class demonstrated more prejudicial attitudes toward women in law enforcement, perhaps because the shooter was a woman. The findings suggest that mistakes made by women within law enforcement may be generalized as stereotypes, and that further research is needed on the psychological impact of becoming a police officer.     

Using the Strategy Tripod to Understand Strategic Management in the “Evaluation-Friendly” Organizations of Cultural and Creative Industries

Abstract

This article provides a new conceptual framework based on the Strategy Tripod to understand challenges and orientation that affect performance evaluation in the organizations of cultural and creative industries (CCI). The analysis is built on a quantitative study carried out in Estonia. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the ability of different variables to predict performance evaluation. The new conceptual framework provides a holistic understanding of the uncertain environment and its impact on strategic management in “evaluation-friendly” organizations in CCIs. It adds new insight into theoretical and managerial discussions on how and why strategic management in CCIs is practiced.     

Hot Air: The Impact on the Insurance Industry from Climate Change Disclosure Rules

This article addresses certain recent rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission requiring companies to disclose the risks presented to their business from climate change. It subsequently examines how these added risks may impact the insurance industry—specifically with regard to director and officer liability. In the author's view, climate change will bring a tectonic shift to industries worldwide and a potential avenue for liability in the insurance industry may be able to circumvent standard pollution exclusion language by making claims under director and officer policies.     

When and Why do Plants Comply? Paper Mills in the 1980s*

This paper uses census data for 116 pulp and paper mills over the period 1979–1990 to examine the determinants of compliance with air pollution regulations. Several plant characteristics are significant: large plants, old plants, and pulp mills comply less frequently, as do plants with water pollution or OSHA violations, but firm characteristics generally are not significant. Enforcement activity increases compliance, but in a heterogeneous way: pulp mills are less sensitive to inspections, while plants owned by larger firms are less sensitive to inspections and more sensitive to “other” enforcement actions, consistent with the authors’ expectations and prior research results.     

Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and its Health Effects in Rural Areas of Harij Taluka,Patan District of Northern Gujarat

The most important resource for the survival of human beings is the availability of fresh drinking water. This study compares the drinking water quality in nine villages of Harij Taluka of Patan District of Northern Gujarat. Samples were collected from various village drinking water sources and analyzed. Along with this scientific analysis, a socioeconomic survey of village households was conducted. The water samples were analyzed for parameters crucial for drinking water quality, such as TDS (total disolved solids), fluoride, dissolved oxygen, magnesium hardness, chloride, and many others. The findings from the scientific analysis of water and from the survey revealed that although some parameters in water exceed their normal tolerance, it does not have any significant impact on human health. The article thus concludes that the water quality is good for human consumption as laboratory analysis of the samples revealed no significant contamination.     

海洋工程对环境影响评价与司法鉴定

为确定污染源、污染范围和污染程度,鉴定民事责任诉讼请求与海洋工程建设项目所产生的环境影响之间有无因果关系,根据《海水水质标准》、《渔业水质标准》、《海洋沉积物质量》和《海洋生物质量》等国家标准对海洋工程建设项目所在的养殖海域水质、沉积物、生物体选点采样。实地勘察,进行环境监测和环境影响评价。结果表明,水质污染物、沉积物污染物．生物体污染物不是民事责任诉讼请求所述养殖贝类大量死亡的直接原因。司法鉴定结论：海洋工程建设项目施工现场．周围海域局部受到施工产生较小泥浆入海泥沙影响,靠近海洋工程建设项目施工现场的一定范围养殖贝类死亡与海洋工程建设项目施工之间有因果关系,依据水域污染事故渔业损失计算方法,评估养殖损失。