Controversies in water management : frames and mental models

The purpose of the present research is to improve the quality of the information and interpretations available to decision makers, by surfacing and juxtaposing the differing frames of decision makers, experts, and special interests groups. This thesis provides a new method to analyse frames

From Words to Action : Alberta Can Afford a Real Poverty Reduction Strategy

The Edmonton Social Planning Council, Public Interest Alberta, and the Alberta College of Social Workers present Alberta's 2013 child poverty report card, which shows that despite an improving economy, in 2011 there were 84,000 children in Alberta (29,800 of whom were under the age of 6) living below the low-income measure (LIM After Tax).This year's report suggests reforms that would facilitate additional provincial investment in ending child poverty, and outlines the associated investment values. Other poverty indicators and suggestions for alleviating poverty are also included

Tracking the Trends 2013: 12th Edition

This report contains current and historical demographic and socio-economic data from the Edmonton region. Areas of focus in this report include statistics on education and employment, the cost of living and housing, wages and incomes, poverty, government income supports, social wellbeing, and the demographics of Edmonton

Tracking The Trends: Edmonton's Increasing Diversity

Tracking The Trends: Edmonton's Increasing Diversity provides a comprehensive picture of many aspects of Edmonton's social well-being. This 11th edition of Tracking the Trends presents a number of new social and economic data variables in addition to updates on the trends featured in the 10th edition released in 2009.This edition of Tracking the Trends features a special section on Edmonton's increasing diversity. Edmonton is becoming a more diverse city in terms of religion, race and ethnic origin. These trends have important implications for Edmonton's future, offering both opportunities and challenges.This edition also includes an updated Social Health Index. The intent of this index is to provide a rough measure of the overall social health of Edmonton, and how it has changed over time.Presented together, these trends give us a clearer picture of the social changes taking place in Edmonton. They also offer a broad understanding of the segments of the population which are disadvantaged or marginalized

We Must Do Better: It's Time to Make Alberta Poverty-Free

This report, authored by Jim Gurnett (in partnership with the ESPC, Public Interest Alberta, and the Bissell Centre), is a follow up to the We Can Do Better report released in 2009. We Must do Better overviews: the results of 5 poverty forums held across the province in 2009;recent statistics on poverty and unemployment in Alberta; and,potential public policy and program options that would help to reduce or eliminate poverty

Corrosion and corrosion prevention in gas turbines

The conditions governing the corrosion behavior in gas turbines are surveyed. Factors such as temperature, relative humidity, the presence of sulfur and nitrogen dioxide, and fuel quality are discussed. Electromechanical corrosion at relatively low temperature in compressors; oxidation; and hot corrosion (sulfidation) at high temperature in turbines are considered. Corrosion prevention by washing and rinsing, fueld additives, and corrosion resistant materials and coatings are reviewed

Reflection mode photoacoustic measurement of speed of sound

We present a method to determine the speed of sound in tissue using a double-ring photoacoustic sensor working in reflection mode. This method uses the cross-correlation between the laser-induced ultrasound waves detected by two concentric ring shaped sensors, while a priori information about the depth-position of the photoacoustic source is not required. We demonstrate the concept by estimating the speed of sound in water as a function of temperature. Comparison of the estimated speed with values reported in literature shows an average systematic error of 0.1% and a standard deviation of 0.1%. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the method can be applied to layered media. The method has application in the correction of photoacoustic and ultrasound images afflicted by local speed variations in tissue. Additionally, the concept shows promise in monitoring temperature changes which are reflected in speed of sound changes in tissue.\ud \u

Is public accountability possible in algorithmic policymaking? The case for a public watchdog

Despite algorithms becoming an increasingly important tool for policymakers, little is known about how they are used in practice and how they work, even amongst the experts tasked with using them. Drawing on research into the use of algorithmic models in the UK and Dutch governments, Daan Kolkman argues that the inherent complexity of algorithms renders attempts to make them transparent difficult and that to achieve public accountability for the role they play in society a dedicated watchdog is required

"It's Time to Step Up": Recommendations to Address Rental Housing Issues in Edmonton

It's TIme to Step Up is the companion report to "Not just a Roof Over our Heads". It reviews the ESPC's recommendations in response to the Edmonton Renters' Survey results.In June 2007 the Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC) made 13 recommendations to address the crisis in rental housing in the report A Roof Over their Heads. These recommendations were based on what we heard at two renters' listening forums held the previous month. The results of our Edmonton Renters' Survey, presented in the report Not Just a Roof Over our Heads, show that renters' situations have not improved over the past year despite the recent stabilization of the rental market. Many renters continue to have difficulties affording shelter and their other basic needs, and the persistent lack of affordable alternatives gives renters little control to change their situation. Low and modest income households are facing the greatest difficulties; wage increases have not kept pace with rent increases, leaving families less able to maintain a decent standard of living and putting them at greater risk of financial crisis (including the loss of their housing) in the event of unforeseen expenses. The survey results also highlight major concerns with housing maintenance and safety