eutro sed eutrophication hotspots resulting from biogeochemical transformations

This project endeavours to address the current lack of understanding of which P fractions on fluvial and stream bed sediments are more bioavailable and degrade water quality, specifically relating to the effect of organic P and humic-metal P complex pools from fluvial sediments. [More](http://www.waterjpi.eu/joint-calls/joint-call-2016-1/eutro-sed

VOLUNTARISM AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM : A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Merged with duplicate record 10026.1/735 on 14.02.2017 by CS (TIS)This thesis comparatively evaluates three groups of volunteers working within the criminal justice system in the South West of England. The groups chosen - probation Voluntary Associates, police Specials and Victims Support Scheme Volunteers - incorporate parties working with the offender, the public and the victim, ie those most closely identified with the judicial process. To date, research in both Britain and abroad has chosen to focus on a single agency which has limited our understanding of voluntarismo Nevertheless, most have identified a number of issues pertaining to the use of volunteers. Through a consideration of the type of work undertaken, motivations, who volunteers, recruitment, selection and training, and the role of the professional, this thesis attempts to link and examine these issues, to illustrate that it is possible to theorise about voluntary activity in a criminal justice context. Via interviews with 164 volunteers supported by extensive observation it has been possible to gain a more detailed insight into voluntary activity than had previously been contemplated. The findings revealed that within each organisation there. ý exists a volunteer sub-culture, (abbreviated to volunculture), which conforms to the ideology of the agency. Where a volunculture is strong, as in the case of the Specials then commitment is high; where a volunculture is weak commitment is likely to be low. The study moves on to consider the ways in which organisational policy can and does affect not only the formationof-a volunculture, _ but also its degree of strength or weakness. It is shown that presently most organisations pay lip service to the notion of using volunteers, reflected in the low status they are accorded within agency priorities. It is argued that until this is realised the wealth of helping potential that exists within communities can never be brought to the fore. Recommendations derived from volunteer perceptions and organisational policies are offered as pathfinders to achieving this objective

Continuous flow solar disinfection system for a rural community in Kenya

This project involved the design and installation of a continuous flow solar disinfection reactor at a rural village of approximately 500 population in a drought prone part of Kenya. The system was installed to disinfect surface water collected at a recently constructed microdam. The solar reactor uses CPC reflectors which reflect both direct and diffuse solar radiation onto clear pipes through which the requisite water supply flows. The system has been installed to operate by gravity flow between the hours of 9am to 5pm. The community fully participated in the planning, installation and subsequent operation of the system. Preliminary water quality results indicate that the system is providing a safe source of water for the community. However, the technology needs to be evaluated over a longer period across a wide range water quality and solar radiation conditions, in particular during the next rainy season

Sustainability of hand-dug wells in Tanzania: results from a post-evaluation

A recent post-evaluation conducted in the Kagera region, Tanzania assessed the sustainability of 17 representative water points up to 9 years post-installation by Concern Worldwide. This found that nearly all the hand dug wells were still functioning which validated the pump technology chosen for the programme. However, it also highlighted the importance of considering a service delivery approach as 3 water supplies, although still functioning, were not used by the population due to concerns about water taste and colour. The importance of ownership was also suggested by the fact that despite the failure of the cost-recovery scheme put in place, WASH committees seemed to be able to collect enough money reactively for any required maintenance. For longer term sustainability, more work is required to strengthen both the spare part supply chain as well the local back stopping agencies

The impacts of on-site septic tank wastewater disposal in Kampala city

The use of septic tanks as an appropriate decentralized wastewater treatment solution to an inner city area of Kampala has been investigated. Several large septic tanks servicing hostels were monitored in addition to the water quality of four springs used as water source for the local population: two springs sited downstream of the septic tank percolation areas compared to two adjacent springs located within the surrounding unplanned settlements with several pit latrines. Although the septic tanks did not discharge into a constructed percolation area and had not been properly maintained, it has been shown that the unsaturated sandy subsoil acted to attenuate significantly the pollutants and protect the downstream springs. In contrast the springs situated within the unplanned development showed higher levels of contamination which was attributed to poor spring construction in combination with adjacent sources of faecal pollution from pit latrines and surface runoff

Micro-cracking and crack growth in notched concrete and mortar beams

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, University of the Wttwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of th e degree of Master of science in Engineering Johannesburg 1988This dissertation addresses the question of the fracture behaviour of notched concrete and mortar beams. The major purpose of the work was to study the development of the micro-cracked zone and identify the point at which main crack growth began, and thus to characterise concrete and mortar at the start of main crack growth. Notched concrete and mortur beams of width 100 mm, depth either 200 mm or 300 nun, and with a span/depth ratio of three, were tested. Measurements of midspan deflection, midspan load, surface displacements across the fracturing section and ultrasonic pulse transit time were made. Ordinary Portland cement and mineral aggregates were used for the concrete and mortar beams. The J'■integral, surface displacements across the fracturing section and ultrasonic pulse transit time measurements were used to detect the onset of main crack growth. It was found that a reduction in the load carrying capacity of concrete and mortar is possible due to micro-cracking only. The value of the J-integral at the start of main crack growth was found to be essentially the same for concrete and mortar. The value of the J-integral at the start of micro-cracking was ■ < found to be essentially the same for concrete and mortar, and about 40% of the value of the J-integral at the start of main crack growth. The value of the J-integral at the start of micro-cracking and at the start of main crack growth was found, on average, to increase for an increase in beam depth. Surface displacements across the fracturing section showed the tension zone at the start of main crack growth to be approximately twice the size of the compression zone for both concrete and mortar. The'size of the micro-cracked zone, as determined from surface displacements across the fracturing section, was found to be 42% of the residual ligament depth for concrete, and 41% of the residual ligament depth for mortar. Scatter in the results was found to be considerable, thus meaning that only general trends could be identifie

An Assessment of Contamination Fingerprinting Techniques for Determining the Impact of Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems on Private Well Supplies

Private wells in Ireland and elsewhere have been shown to be prone to microbial contamination with the main suspected sources being practices associated with agriculture and domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS). While the microbial quality of private well water is commonly assessed using faecal indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, such organisms are not usually source-specific, and hence cannot definitively conclude the exact origin of the contamination. This research assessed a range of different chemical contamination fingerprinting techniques (ionic ratios, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, fluorescent whitening compounds, faecal sterol profiles and pharmaceuticals) as to their use to apportion contamination of private wells between human wastewater and animal husbandry wastes in rural areas of Ireland. A one-off sampling and analysis campaign of 212 private wells found that 15% were contaminated with E. coli. More extensive monitoring of 24 selected wells found 58% to be contaminated with E. coli on at least one occasion over a 14-month period. The application of fingerprinting techniques to these monitored wells found that the use of chloride/bromide and potassium/sodium ratios is a useful low-cost fingerprinting technique capable of identifying impacts from human wastewater and organic agricultural contamination, respectively. The artificial sweetener acesulfame was detected on several occasions in a number of monitored wells, indicating its conservative nature and potential use as a fingerprinting technique for human wastewater. However, neither fluorescent whitening compounds nor caffeine were detected in any wells, and faecal sterol profiles proved inconclusive, suggesting limited suitability for the conditions investigated

Hydrology and communities: a hydrogeological study of Irish Holy wells

As part of efforts to improve water management in Ireland there is a need to promote greater awareness of groundwater issues amongst the general population. One means by which hydrogeologists can engage and educate local communities about groundwater issues is by addressing topics of direct interest to them, such as holy wells. In Ireland there are more than 3,000 holy wells, many of which are sites of devotion, especially on the pattern or saint’s day. Some of these holy wells are visited by pilgrims seeking a particular cure for an ailment (eye cures, backache, toothache are common examples). Many have been associated with a more generic power of healing and wellbeing. Whilst Irish holy wells have been the subject of scholarly study in disciplines such as archaeology, history, geography and cultural studies, very little attention has been given to their hydrogeological settings. This paper describes the results of a hydrogeological characterisation of Irish holy wells, based on a GIS analysis supplemented by field surveys of more than 200 wells. It was found that holy wells occur in most types of geology in Ireland, and are common in the less productive as well as in the regionally important aquifers. Importantly, however, they occur more frequently in areas classed as having extreme or high groundwater vulnerability to pollution; this is consistent with the observation that many holy wells are in fact springs or shallow wells constructed around springs or groundwater seepages. Many holy wells have been lost through neglect or through various development projects, and there is a need to preserve important wells as part of our geological as well as our cultural heritage. The current high levels of interest in holy wells amongst certain communities may warrant a move towards some more formal protection of these wells as a community resource

Does the availability of snack foods in supermarkets vary internationally?

BackgroundCross-country differences in dietary behaviours and obesity rates have been previously reported. Consumption of energy-dense snack foods and soft drinks are implicated as contributing to weight gain, however little is known about how the availability of these items within supermarkets varies internationally. This study assessed variations in the display of snack foods and soft drinks within a sample of supermarkets across eight countries.MethodsWithin-store audits were used to evaluate and compare the availability of potato chips (crisps), chocolate, confectionery and soft drinks. Displays measured included shelf length and the proportion of checkouts and end-of-aisle displays containing these products. Audits were conducted in a convenience sample of 170 supermarkets across eight developed nations (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom (UK), and United States of America (US)).ResultsThe mean total aisle length of snack foods (adjusted for store size) was greatest in supermarkets from the UK (56.4 m) and lowest in New Zealand (21.7 m). When assessed by individual item, the greatest aisle length devoted to chips, chocolate and confectionery was found in UK supermarkets while the greatest aisle length dedicated to soft drinks was in Australian supermarkets. Only stores from the Netherlands (41%) had less than 70% of checkouts featuring displays of snack foods or soft drinks.ConclusionWhilst between-country variations were observed, overall results indicate high levels of snack food and soft drinks displays within supermarkets across the eight countries. Exposure to snack foods is largely unavoidable within supermarkets, increasing the likelihood of purchases and particularly those made impulsively.<br /