Urban coral reefs: Degradation and resilience of hard coral assemblages in coastal cities of East and Southeast Asia

© 2018 The Author(s) Given predicted increases in urbanization in tropical and subtropical regions, understanding the processes shaping urban coral reefs may be essential for anticipating future conservation challenges. We used a case study approach to identify unifying patterns of urban coral reefs and clarify the effects of urbanization on hard coral assemblages. Data were compiled from 11 cities throughout East and Southeast Asia, with particular focus on Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Naha (Okinawa). Our review highlights several key characteristics of urban coral reefs, including “reef compression” (a decline in bathymetric range with increasing turbidity and decreasing water clarity over time and relative to shore), dominance by domed coral growth forms and low reef complexity, variable city-specific inshore-offshore gradients, early declines in coral cover with recent fluctuating periods of acute impacts and rapid recovery, and colonization of urban infrastructure by hard corals. We present hypotheses for urban reef community dynamics and discuss potential of ecological engineering for corals in urban areas

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Not AvailableBackground: Pulmonary function tests (PFT) serve as a predictor of qualitative and quantitative assessment of health and it tend to have a relationship with worker’s different physical and working parameters. Pulmonary functions generally determined by the strength of respiratory muscles and elastic recoil of the lungs but due to the regular working in flour mill, workers have a tendency to decreased pulmonary capacity. Methods: Medspiror equipment was used for the experiment which recorded the standard determinants of pulmonary function which were FVC, FEV1, PEFR and FEF 25-75%. Results: There was a significant correlation between respiratory parameters with age of flour mill workers so as the age of the workers increases FVC, PEFR, FEF and FEV1 decreases. There was a significant correlation between respiratory parameters with working years in flour mill hence the duration of employment increases FVC, PEFR, FEF and FEV1 decreases. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, it was concluded that flour mill workers were having increased risk of pulmonary function impairments. These results suggest that there is an urgent need to improve flour mill dust control measures.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableWheat flour is a complex organic dust with a large multiplicity of allergic effects when encountered for a considerable time. There is a growing accord on the toxic effect of flour dust on respiratory functions of flour mill workers. Dust inhalation over a long period leads to proliferative and fibrotic changes in respiratory tract and lungs. Flour production is predominantly in the unorganized sector involves the milling process and milling is accomplished by grinding grain between stones and a steel wheel which leads to workers exposure to floor dust. Therefore, the present study was undertaken with the objective of assessment of the prevalence of occupational allergic disorders, skin problems, lower and upper respiratory tract problems among flour mill workers. The findings showed that the high prevalence of allergic disorders among flour mill workers were seen and approximate half of the respondents were in agreement that they have problems such as cough, eczema, wheezing, nasal congestion, poor sense of smell, hives/swelling, shortness of breath, itchy nose, headache and sneezing due to dust. Grain mill workers were also reported the skin problems such as skin rash, itching, dry skin, hives, swelling and blistery rashes. Respondents were reported about frequent or constant cough and wheezing while 19 per cent respondents were strongly agreed about chest tightness, problem of breathing and pneumonias as lower respiratory tract problems and frequent bronchitis. Majority of the respondents were suffering from upper respiratory tract problems such as nasal congestion, runny nose, postal nasal drip, itchy nose, red or itchy eyes, sinus pressure or pain, poor sense of smell, frequent ear infections, frequent sinus infections, frequent colds and hoarse voice.Not Availabl