Integrated Geophysical and Geochemical Methods for Environmental Assessment of Municipal Dumpsite System

Leachate originating from open refuse dumpsite systems can be delineated through an integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. This study was designed to examine extent of leachate and pollution from one of the numerous open refuse dumpsites in Lagos metropolis. Qualitative assessment was determined using electrical resistivity tomo- graphy (ERT), vertical electrical sounding (VES) and induced polarization geophysical methods. Both ERT and VES methods revealed persistent low resistivity (1 - 20 Ωm) of leachate to the depth above 35 m. The two methods were projected to produce 3-D view of the site which shows a NW-SE flow pattern of the leachate and possibly, the ground- water. IP values observed over the polluted zone was −2.9 - 8 ms, indicating a sandy layer. Quantitative assessment was achieved by analysis of geochemical substances in the water samples taken from wells and boreholes in the precinct of the dumpsite. Here, we examine the macroelements, salts (sulphates, nitrates and chlorides), heavy metals, radioactive metals contents and physical parameters of the water samples. The analyses reveal the presence of these substances in the water and their strong correlations justified the provenance as the same. As part of the quantitative evaluation, physical parameters (pH, TDS, DO, salinity, total hardness, turbidity, electrical conductivity EC and temperature) of the water samples were also determined. The samples pH plotted in the acidic domain unsuitable for human consumption. Leachate flow direction was generated from the decreasing concentration of measured parameters (geochemical ele- ments and physicals properties) in NW-SE direction which agrees with similar flow pattern deduced from ERT results

Conflicts and management styles in the Sri Lankan commercial building sector

The Sri Lankan commercial building industry is currently experiencing a construction boom after thirty years of civil war. Creating a dispute free environment through well conflict management is one of the main ways to keep the continuous demand and development of construction. However, the Sri Lankan construction sector is arranged in such a way that they directly approach the dispute resolution rather than avoiding the dispute initially through proper conflict management. The aim of this research is to understand the prevailing conflict management styles in Sri Lankan commercial building industry from the main stakeholders’ perspective. The dual concern theory is applied to this study as a theory foundation. Four cases are selected for this study with the intention of conducting meetings with three main stakeholders of each case who represented client, consultants and contractors respectively. The research findings reveal that compromising is the most common conflict management style used by the industry. Forcing style obtained the second place in the ranking whereas obliging and avoiding received third and fourth places. This study is conducted to provide a full picture of conflicts faced by the Sri Lankan commercial building industry and their proper management so that the future projects will use this information to diminish the destructive effects of conflict situations and provide a real value for money. Key Words: Conflict Management; Dual Concern Theory; Commercial Building Sector; Sri Lank

Hypothetical views on some unusual disease associations with sickle cell Anaemia

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a disease accompanied with several complications arising mainly from vasoocclusion and haemolysis. There are also complications of infections which may occur due to defective cell mediated and humoral immunity. However, there are associations that have been observed to be unusual in children with sickle cell anaemia from anecdotal experience. These include febrile seizure, malignancies, malnutrition, cerebral malaria, tuberculosis and connective tissue disorders. There are anticipated connections between some of these illnesses and SCA. However, the fact that they do not occur commonly, raise the probability that certain yet unknown factor in the sickle cell patient may be protecting these patients against them.Keywords: Unusual, associations, sickle cell anaemi