Nutrient dynamics and the eutrophication of shallow lakes Kasumigaura (Japan), Donghu (PR China), and Okeechobee (USA).

We compared the nutrient dynamics of three lakes that have been heavily influenced by point and non-point source pollution and other human activities. The lakes, located in Japan (Lake Kasumigaura), People's Republic of China (Lake Donghu), and the USA (Lake Okeechobee), all are relatively large (> 30 km2), very shallow (< 4 m mean depth), and eutrophic. In all three lakes we found strong interactions among the sediments, water column, and human activities. Important processes affecting nutrient dynamics included nitrogen fixation, light limitation due to resuspended sediments, and intense grazing on algae by cultured fish. As a result of these complex interactions, simple empirical models developed to predict in-lake responses of total phosphorus and algal biomass to external nutrient loads must be used with caution. While published models may provide 'good' results, in terms of model output matching actual data, this may not be due to accurate representation of lake processes in the models. The variable nutrient dynamics that we observed among the three study lakes appears to be typical for shallow lake systems. This indicates that a greater reliance on lake-specific research may be required for effective management, and a lesser role of inter-lake generalization than is possible for deeper, dimictic lake systems. Furthermore, accurate predictions of management impacts in shallow eutrophic lakes may require the use of relatively complex deterministic modeling tools.

Biofeedback, humanistic psychology and psychosomatics in family practice.

An innovative educational approach to psychosomatic illness in family practice has been developed. It is a synthesis of experiential methods of non-verbal communication and creativity training developed from psychotronic applications of biofeedback, humanistic psychology and eidetics. The methodology, called eidetic biofeedback, operates on non-traditional models of human potential and involves a holistic approach to the mind-body/environment relationship. The methods work by transferring the responsibility for health back to the awareness of the individual.Of 200 office practice patients, 60 percent achieved major changes in personality integration and vitality. This was reflected in cessation of the presenting complaint, without symptom substitution and diminished demand for clinical services.