Pyropia yezoensis, belongs to the genus of P orphyra before 2011, inhabit on intertidal zone rocks where irradiation changes dramatically, implying that the seaweed has gained certain mechanisms to survive a harsh env...Pyropia yezoensis, belongs to the genus of P orphyra before 2011, inhabit on intertidal zone rocks where irradiation changes dramatically, implying that the seaweed has gained certain mechanisms to survive a harsh environment. Based on the photosynthetic parameters with or without the inhibitors determined by a Dual-PAM-100 apparatus, we investigated the photosynthetic performance and the changes in electron fl ow that occurred during the algae were stressed with dif ferent light intensities previously. When the irradiation saturation was approaching, the CEF around PS I became crucial since the addition of inhibitors usually led to an increase in non-photochemical quenching. The inhibitor experiments showed that there were at least three dif ferent CEF pathways in Py. yezoensis and these pathways compensated each other. In addition to maintaining a proper ratio of ATP/NAD(P)H to support effi cient photosynthesis, the potential roles of CEF might also include the regulation of dif ferent photoprotective mechanisms in Py. yezoensis. Under the regulation of CEF, chlororespiration is thought to transport electrons from the reduced plastoquinone(PQ) pool to oxygen in order to mitigate the reduction in the electron transfer chain. When irradiation was up to the high-grade stress conditions, the relative value of CEF began to decrease, which implied that the NADP+ pool or PQ + pool was very small and that the electrons were transferred from reduced PS I to oxygen. The scavenging enzymes might be activated and the water-water cycle probably became an ef fective means of removing the active oxygen produced by the irradiation stressed Py. yezoensis. We believe that the dif ferent mechanisms could make up the photoprotective network to allow Py. yezoensis for survival in a highly variable light stress habitat, which may enlighten scientists in future studies on irradiance stress in other algae species.展开更多
Some new innovative constructions and technologies for improvement of port structures are worked out and discussed. The aims of innovations are to increase structures' reliability, to decrease cost of construction an...Some new innovative constructions and technologies for improvement of port structures are worked out and discussed. The aims of innovations are to increase structures' reliability, to decrease cost of construction and maintenance, to simplify technology and cost of building. For these purposes either some main bearing elements or structures in whole are modified or improved. In particular different improved waterfront constructions as well as retaining walls and coastal protection (gravity, piled, sheet piling, etc.) for use in various soil conditions are outlined. One of them incorporates trapezoidal blocks forming columns, each block in the column contacts the others either with smaller or larger bases. Another design incorporates blocks that are constructed with holes ran through the centres of gravity of the blocks. Rigid cylinder element running through the holes of several adjacent blocks allows them to be joined forming large size units, The structure consisting of wedge form retaining wall is original but simple to construct, Some new designs based on perfection of sheet-piling walls (sheet piles with curvilinear cross-section having a form of semi-rings) are proposed for different applications. Proposals on modernization of some traditional structures and technologies are discussed.展开更多
Coal roadway support is the foundation and strong guarantee of safe coal production. With the FLAC3D numerical simulation, the roadway fulllength anchor support mechanism was studied, and the full-length anchor forcet...Coal roadway support is the foundation and strong guarantee of safe coal production. With the FLAC3D numerical simulation, the roadway fulllength anchor support mechanism was studied, and the full-length anchor forcetransferring mechanism and stressfield distribution formed by roadway surrounding rocks were analyzed, which will provide a scientific basis for a support technology in large-section roadways under complicated geological conditions and lay a foundation for the popularization and application of a full-length anchor support system under special geological conditions.展开更多
The Western Carpathians are located out of world main natural hazardous zones. Human casualties are related more to snow avalanches in connection with mountain hiking, some individuals yearly by flooding and rarely by...The Western Carpathians are located out of world main natural hazardous zones. Human casualties are related more to snow avalanches in connection with mountain hiking, some individuals yearly by flooding and rarely by forest fires. Economic lost about 0.1 to 0.2 %, exceptionally up to 0.8 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) proportionally to the Carpathian regions of particular countries. Natural disasters are linked, except of the above mentioned events, to infrequent small and medium scale earthquakes, landslides, and erosion. Records of the most harmful natural events are found in archives since the 16th century. Their systematic study and factor analysis started from the end of the 19th century, and protective measures and organization of impact mitigation developed during the 20th century to minimize the risk.展开更多
Many hydropower plants are operated as peak generators or frequency controllers, because they can change their output quickly to follow the fluctuating power demand. When meeting peak load requirements, a power statio...Many hydropower plants are operated as peak generators or frequency controllers, because they can change their output quickly to follow the fluctuating power demand. When meeting peak load requirements, a power station is turned on at a particular time during the day, generates power at a constant load for a certain number of hours, and is then turned off or set to a different load for another time period, resulting in a high variability inflow discharges. Where reservoir hydro schemes are operated primarily to provide peak load services, there are particular environmental risks that should be considered in any environmental impact assessment. At a minimum these should focus on water quality, fluvial geomorphology, riparian vegetation, macro-invertebrate and fish communities underpinned by a sound hydrological analysis. Frequent temperature changes may occur downstream of a peaking power station; increased seepage-induced erosion of riverbanks due to frequent water level drawdowns; and impacts to macro-invertebrate and fish communities due to rapid and frequent in channel habitat conditions. With a sound understanding of the potential environmental issues, there are strategies that can be employed at the siting and design stage to minimize or mitigate these risks, including but not limited to minimum environmental flows, ramping rules, utilization of a re-regulation storage and localized treatment works.展开更多
The insecticidal efficacy of the diatomaceous earth against granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with two essential oils for the degree of repellent activity, was evaluated in an exp...The insecticidal efficacy of the diatomaceous earth against granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with two essential oils for the degree of repellent activity, was evaluated in an experimental model in laboratory tests. The diatomaceous earth was obtained from three Romanian sources (Patirlagele, Urloaia and Adamclisi) and was applied at four doses of 100, 300, 500 and 900 ppm (5, 15, 25 and 45 mg, respectively) on three replicates each variant. Mortality of S. granarius adults was estimated after 7, 14 and 21 d of exposure on treated grain. The insecticidal efficacy of the examined diatomaceous earth against the granary weevil was highly influenced by exposure time, dose and essential oil type. The longer exposure times increased weevil mortality in the case of low doses (100 ppm and 300 ppm). After 60 d from the experiment initiation, the exposed grains from each variant were assessed about the progeny production. For the model proposed as bio-experiment, two essential oils in concentration of 80μL/L air and 125μL/L of Thymus vulgaris L. and Satureja hortensis L., respectively, were tested compared with untreated control in laboratory conditions. Both plant species belong to the family Lamiaceae, and the major active insecticidal compound was thymol among other providing to terpenoid class, such as eugenol and linalool. The species S. granarius chosen for experimental model was grown in the Research-Development Institute of Plant Protection (RDIPP) Bucharest bio-base. The results show that mortality induced from diatomaceous earth was at the level between 83.33% and 100% in all variants after 21 d, compared with untreated control and a standard product Silicosec.展开更多
Medicinal plants provide an important source of cure since ancient time. Poor soil resources, scarce and saline water and the harsh environment limited the production of plants in the Arabian Gulf countries. This stud...Medicinal plants provide an important source of cure since ancient time. Poor soil resources, scarce and saline water and the harsh environment limited the production of plants in the Arabian Gulf countries. This study aimed to investigate the production potential of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) grown on different growth media under greenhouse conditions. Three growth media agricultural soil, compost and hydroponic system were used, whereas tuff (inert volcanic material) was used as substrate. The result indicated that the high salinity of the agricultural soil limited growth and oil yield in rosemary. Shoot height increased in 11 weeks, by 62%, 65% and 114% in plants grown in agricultural soil, hydroponic system and compost, respectively. Na content in plants grown in agricultural soil was significantly higher than in plants grown in the other treatment. Essential oil yield in plants grown in compost exceeded those in agricultural soil by 114%. Essential oil content (0.66%-1.5% w/w) and chemical constituents concentrations did not change significantly with growth media. The main constituents, more or less, are comparable to essential oils constituents reported from other countries. In comparison, better yields are obtained for individual components of the oils of plants grown under our green house conditions. This study demonstrated the great potential of commercial production of rosemary in the greenhouse without compromising the oil quality and oil yield.展开更多
The methods combined by test, field monitoring and theoretical analysis were adopted to do the systemic research on the rock mass from micro-structure to macro-deformation, and rheological model of Jinchuan rock mass ...The methods combined by test, field monitoring and theoretical analysis were adopted to do the systemic research on the rock mass from micro-structure to macro-deformation, and rheological model of Jinchuan rock mass was established to discuss the reasonable supporting time. Resuhs show that supporting after suitable stress and displacement release can benefit for the long-term stability of surrounding rock.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this preliminary qualitative study was to gain insight into community health needs in order to develop health program for community in Chongqing. Methods: Totally 40 participants were assigned in...Objective: The aim of this preliminary qualitative study was to gain insight into community health needs in order to develop health program for community in Chongqing. Methods: Totally 40 participants were assigned into 6 focus group discussions. All groups were led by local language speakers, and their talking was recorded after gaining informed consent. Transcribed data were coded and subjected to thematic analysis. Results: The main obtained themes were that community health problems were chronic noncommunicable disease, main health service needs included regularly free check-up and health education, and perceived health risk factors were unhealthy lifestyle and behavior as well as environment problems. Conclusion: Our community health needs assessment (CHNA) with FGDs indicate that residents realize the importance of prevention of disease. Our study identifies that primarily community health promotion is one of the priorities of community health service needs, including reorienting health service, health education, guiding behavior or lifestyle, and creating healthy environments. The findings of this study can provide guidance to the development of more effective and pertinent health program in this community.展开更多
Various ocean energy technologies have been developed that harness several kinds of renewable energy resources of the ocean. However, these technologies suffer from problems such as high construction and maintenance c...Various ocean energy technologies have been developed that harness several kinds of renewable energy resources of the ocean. However, these technologies suffer from problems such as high construction and maintenance costs, restrictive installation requirements and damage by extraordinary weather conditions. In this paper, we propose a lightweight and FPGD (flexible power generation device) that overcomes these problems. The FPGD essentially consists of piezoelectric films and silicon rubber. Because the FPGD is small and flexible, it is anticipated to efficiently convert fluid energy into electrical energy even when the fluid energy is low. We perform several experiments to confirm the effectiveness of the FPGD and we discuss the results.展开更多
Novel preservation condition without ultra-low temperature is needed for the study of pathogen in marine fishes. Freeze-drying is such a method usually used for preservation of terrigenous bacteria. However, studies u...Novel preservation condition without ultra-low temperature is needed for the study of pathogen in marine fishes. Freeze-drying is such a method usually used for preservation of terrigenous bacteria. However, studies using freeze-drying method to preserving marine microorganisms remain very limited. In this study, we optimized the composition of protectants during the freeze-drying of Edwardsiella tarda, a fish pathogen that causes systemic infection in marine fishes. We found that the optimal composition of protectant mixture contained trehalose(8.0%), skim milk(12.0%), sodium citrate(2.0%), serum(12.0%) and PVP(2.0%). Orthogonal and interaction analyses demonstrated the interaction between serum and skim milk or sodium citrate. The highest survival rate of E. tarda was observed when the concentration of Na Cl was 10.0, 30.0 and between 5.0 and 10.0 g L^(-1) for preparing TSB medium, E. tarda suspension and protectant mixture, respectively. When E. tarda was frozen at-80℃ or-40℃ for 6 h, its survival rate was higher than that under other tested conditions. Under the optimized conditions, when the protectant mixture was used during freeze-drying process, the survival rate(79.63%–82.30%) of E. tarda was significantly higher than that obtained using single protectant. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) image indicated that E. tarda was embedded in thick matrix with detectable aggregation. In sum, the protectant mixture may be used as a novel cryoprotective additive for E. tarda.展开更多
Founded in 1902 as the Transvaal Miners' Association, the South African Mine Workers' Union (MWU), as it was renamed in 1913, rose to prominence as a militant union for white miners, especially during the turbulen...Founded in 1902 as the Transvaal Miners' Association, the South African Mine Workers' Union (MWU), as it was renamed in 1913, rose to prominence as a militant union for white miners, especially during the turbulent years of industrial strife and bloody strike action in the first two decades of the 20th century. Since the election victory of the Pact government in 1924 a program of pro-white protectionist legislation was introduced. As South Africa's most prominent white trade union of the 20th century, the MWU therefore became renowned for defending job reservation in the mining industry. After 1948, it enjoyed the National Party government's support in this regard. However, skilled labor shortages and changing labor conditions in the 1970s forced the government to introduce labor reform. Job reservation was scrapped and black unions were officially recognized. These initiatives put the MWU on a confrontational path with the government and the union aligned itself with right-wing political resistance and protest. But, the altered political and economic South African realities after 1994 forced the MWU to rethink its strategies. By 2002, it had reinvented and transformed itself into Solidarity, adequately equipped for addressing the labor challenges and demands of a post-apartheid South Africa. This article, based on the author's research of the South African labor movement in the early 20th century, traces the historical development of the union and its influence on South African political and labor history.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41176134)the Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology,Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology,the Prospective Joint Research Project of Jiangsu Province(No.BY2011188)+1 种基金the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(No.2011CB411908)the National Marine Public Welfare Research Project(Nos.201105023-8,201105008-2)
文摘Pyropia yezoensis, belongs to the genus of P orphyra before 2011, inhabit on intertidal zone rocks where irradiation changes dramatically, implying that the seaweed has gained certain mechanisms to survive a harsh environment. Based on the photosynthetic parameters with or without the inhibitors determined by a Dual-PAM-100 apparatus, we investigated the photosynthetic performance and the changes in electron fl ow that occurred during the algae were stressed with dif ferent light intensities previously. When the irradiation saturation was approaching, the CEF around PS I became crucial since the addition of inhibitors usually led to an increase in non-photochemical quenching. The inhibitor experiments showed that there were at least three dif ferent CEF pathways in Py. yezoensis and these pathways compensated each other. In addition to maintaining a proper ratio of ATP/NAD(P)H to support effi cient photosynthesis, the potential roles of CEF might also include the regulation of dif ferent photoprotective mechanisms in Py. yezoensis. Under the regulation of CEF, chlororespiration is thought to transport electrons from the reduced plastoquinone(PQ) pool to oxygen in order to mitigate the reduction in the electron transfer chain. When irradiation was up to the high-grade stress conditions, the relative value of CEF began to decrease, which implied that the NADP+ pool or PQ + pool was very small and that the electrons were transferred from reduced PS I to oxygen. The scavenging enzymes might be activated and the water-water cycle probably became an ef fective means of removing the active oxygen produced by the irradiation stressed Py. yezoensis. We believe that the dif ferent mechanisms could make up the photoprotective network to allow Py. yezoensis for survival in a highly variable light stress habitat, which may enlighten scientists in future studies on irradiance stress in other algae species.
文摘Some new innovative constructions and technologies for improvement of port structures are worked out and discussed. The aims of innovations are to increase structures' reliability, to decrease cost of construction and maintenance, to simplify technology and cost of building. For these purposes either some main bearing elements or structures in whole are modified or improved. In particular different improved waterfront constructions as well as retaining walls and coastal protection (gravity, piled, sheet piling, etc.) for use in various soil conditions are outlined. One of them incorporates trapezoidal blocks forming columns, each block in the column contacts the others either with smaller or larger bases. Another design incorporates blocks that are constructed with holes ran through the centres of gravity of the blocks. Rigid cylinder element running through the holes of several adjacent blocks allows them to be joined forming large size units, The structure consisting of wedge form retaining wall is original but simple to construct, Some new designs based on perfection of sheet-piling walls (sheet piles with curvilinear cross-section having a form of semi-rings) are proposed for different applications. Proposals on modernization of some traditional structures and technologies are discussed.
基金Supported bythe National Natural Science Foundation of China (50904024) the State Key Laboratory Research Fund of Coal Resources and Mine Safety of China University of Mining & Technology (10KF02) the Doctoral Fund of Henan Polytechnic University (B2009-66)
文摘Coal roadway support is the foundation and strong guarantee of safe coal production. With the FLAC3D numerical simulation, the roadway fulllength anchor support mechanism was studied, and the full-length anchor forcetransferring mechanism and stressfield distribution formed by roadway surrounding rocks were analyzed, which will provide a scientific basis for a support technology in large-section roadways under complicated geological conditions and lay a foundation for the popularization and application of a full-length anchor support system under special geological conditions.
文摘The Western Carpathians are located out of world main natural hazardous zones. Human casualties are related more to snow avalanches in connection with mountain hiking, some individuals yearly by flooding and rarely by forest fires. Economic lost about 0.1 to 0.2 %, exceptionally up to 0.8 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) proportionally to the Carpathian regions of particular countries. Natural disasters are linked, except of the above mentioned events, to infrequent small and medium scale earthquakes, landslides, and erosion. Records of the most harmful natural events are found in archives since the 16th century. Their systematic study and factor analysis started from the end of the 19th century, and protective measures and organization of impact mitigation developed during the 20th century to minimize the risk.
文摘Many hydropower plants are operated as peak generators or frequency controllers, because they can change their output quickly to follow the fluctuating power demand. When meeting peak load requirements, a power station is turned on at a particular time during the day, generates power at a constant load for a certain number of hours, and is then turned off or set to a different load for another time period, resulting in a high variability inflow discharges. Where reservoir hydro schemes are operated primarily to provide peak load services, there are particular environmental risks that should be considered in any environmental impact assessment. At a minimum these should focus on water quality, fluvial geomorphology, riparian vegetation, macro-invertebrate and fish communities underpinned by a sound hydrological analysis. Frequent temperature changes may occur downstream of a peaking power station; increased seepage-induced erosion of riverbanks due to frequent water level drawdowns; and impacts to macro-invertebrate and fish communities due to rapid and frequent in channel habitat conditions. With a sound understanding of the potential environmental issues, there are strategies that can be employed at the siting and design stage to minimize or mitigate these risks, including but not limited to minimum environmental flows, ramping rules, utilization of a re-regulation storage and localized treatment works.
文摘The insecticidal efficacy of the diatomaceous earth against granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with two essential oils for the degree of repellent activity, was evaluated in an experimental model in laboratory tests. The diatomaceous earth was obtained from three Romanian sources (Patirlagele, Urloaia and Adamclisi) and was applied at four doses of 100, 300, 500 and 900 ppm (5, 15, 25 and 45 mg, respectively) on three replicates each variant. Mortality of S. granarius adults was estimated after 7, 14 and 21 d of exposure on treated grain. The insecticidal efficacy of the examined diatomaceous earth against the granary weevil was highly influenced by exposure time, dose and essential oil type. The longer exposure times increased weevil mortality in the case of low doses (100 ppm and 300 ppm). After 60 d from the experiment initiation, the exposed grains from each variant were assessed about the progeny production. For the model proposed as bio-experiment, two essential oils in concentration of 80μL/L air and 125μL/L of Thymus vulgaris L. and Satureja hortensis L., respectively, were tested compared with untreated control in laboratory conditions. Both plant species belong to the family Lamiaceae, and the major active insecticidal compound was thymol among other providing to terpenoid class, such as eugenol and linalool. The species S. granarius chosen for experimental model was grown in the Research-Development Institute of Plant Protection (RDIPP) Bucharest bio-base. The results show that mortality induced from diatomaceous earth was at the level between 83.33% and 100% in all variants after 21 d, compared with untreated control and a standard product Silicosec.
文摘Medicinal plants provide an important source of cure since ancient time. Poor soil resources, scarce and saline water and the harsh environment limited the production of plants in the Arabian Gulf countries. This study aimed to investigate the production potential of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) grown on different growth media under greenhouse conditions. Three growth media agricultural soil, compost and hydroponic system were used, whereas tuff (inert volcanic material) was used as substrate. The result indicated that the high salinity of the agricultural soil limited growth and oil yield in rosemary. Shoot height increased in 11 weeks, by 62%, 65% and 114% in plants grown in agricultural soil, hydroponic system and compost, respectively. Na content in plants grown in agricultural soil was significantly higher than in plants grown in the other treatment. Essential oil yield in plants grown in compost exceeded those in agricultural soil by 114%. Essential oil content (0.66%-1.5% w/w) and chemical constituents concentrations did not change significantly with growth media. The main constituents, more or less, are comparable to essential oils constituents reported from other countries. In comparison, better yields are obtained for individual components of the oils of plants grown under our green house conditions. This study demonstrated the great potential of commercial production of rosemary in the greenhouse without compromising the oil quality and oil yield.
文摘The methods combined by test, field monitoring and theoretical analysis were adopted to do the systemic research on the rock mass from micro-structure to macro-deformation, and rheological model of Jinchuan rock mass was established to discuss the reasonable supporting time. Resuhs show that supporting after suitable stress and displacement release can benefit for the long-term stability of surrounding rock.
文摘Objective: The aim of this preliminary qualitative study was to gain insight into community health needs in order to develop health program for community in Chongqing. Methods: Totally 40 participants were assigned into 6 focus group discussions. All groups were led by local language speakers, and their talking was recorded after gaining informed consent. Transcribed data were coded and subjected to thematic analysis. Results: The main obtained themes were that community health problems were chronic noncommunicable disease, main health service needs included regularly free check-up and health education, and perceived health risk factors were unhealthy lifestyle and behavior as well as environment problems. Conclusion: Our community health needs assessment (CHNA) with FGDs indicate that residents realize the importance of prevention of disease. Our study identifies that primarily community health promotion is one of the priorities of community health service needs, including reorienting health service, health education, guiding behavior or lifestyle, and creating healthy environments. The findings of this study can provide guidance to the development of more effective and pertinent health program in this community.
文摘Various ocean energy technologies have been developed that harness several kinds of renewable energy resources of the ocean. However, these technologies suffer from problems such as high construction and maintenance costs, restrictive installation requirements and damage by extraordinary weather conditions. In this paper, we propose a lightweight and FPGD (flexible power generation device) that overcomes these problems. The FPGD essentially consists of piezoelectric films and silicon rubber. Because the FPGD is small and flexible, it is anticipated to efficiently convert fluid energy into electrical energy even when the fluid energy is low. We perform several experiments to confirm the effectiveness of the FPGD and we discuss the results.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31302206)Special Research Funds for Independent Innovation and Scientific & Technology Achievements Transformation of Shandong Province (No. 2014ZZCX06205)Agriculture Seed Improvement Project of Shandong Province
文摘Novel preservation condition without ultra-low temperature is needed for the study of pathogen in marine fishes. Freeze-drying is such a method usually used for preservation of terrigenous bacteria. However, studies using freeze-drying method to preserving marine microorganisms remain very limited. In this study, we optimized the composition of protectants during the freeze-drying of Edwardsiella tarda, a fish pathogen that causes systemic infection in marine fishes. We found that the optimal composition of protectant mixture contained trehalose(8.0%), skim milk(12.0%), sodium citrate(2.0%), serum(12.0%) and PVP(2.0%). Orthogonal and interaction analyses demonstrated the interaction between serum and skim milk or sodium citrate. The highest survival rate of E. tarda was observed when the concentration of Na Cl was 10.0, 30.0 and between 5.0 and 10.0 g L^(-1) for preparing TSB medium, E. tarda suspension and protectant mixture, respectively. When E. tarda was frozen at-80℃ or-40℃ for 6 h, its survival rate was higher than that under other tested conditions. Under the optimized conditions, when the protectant mixture was used during freeze-drying process, the survival rate(79.63%–82.30%) of E. tarda was significantly higher than that obtained using single protectant. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) image indicated that E. tarda was embedded in thick matrix with detectable aggregation. In sum, the protectant mixture may be used as a novel cryoprotective additive for E. tarda.
文摘Founded in 1902 as the Transvaal Miners' Association, the South African Mine Workers' Union (MWU), as it was renamed in 1913, rose to prominence as a militant union for white miners, especially during the turbulent years of industrial strife and bloody strike action in the first two decades of the 20th century. Since the election victory of the Pact government in 1924 a program of pro-white protectionist legislation was introduced. As South Africa's most prominent white trade union of the 20th century, the MWU therefore became renowned for defending job reservation in the mining industry. After 1948, it enjoyed the National Party government's support in this regard. However, skilled labor shortages and changing labor conditions in the 1970s forced the government to introduce labor reform. Job reservation was scrapped and black unions were officially recognized. These initiatives put the MWU on a confrontational path with the government and the union aligned itself with right-wing political resistance and protest. But, the altered political and economic South African realities after 1994 forced the MWU to rethink its strategies. By 2002, it had reinvented and transformed itself into Solidarity, adequately equipped for addressing the labor challenges and demands of a post-apartheid South Africa. This article, based on the author's research of the South African labor movement in the early 20th century, traces the historical development of the union and its influence on South African political and labor history.