Ecological sanitation compost toilets in Sri Lanka: an appropriate solution?

Ecosan toilets were introduced to Sri Lanka in 2001. There is an increasing interest in ecosan technologies with NGOs and INGOs and Ministries (Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Health). In 2005/6 approximately 50 ecosan toilets were constructed and several upcoming projects include ecosan technologies. However, there is no sound ecosan strategy existing yet. The efforts of the different stakeholders have to be bundled and streamlined. Misconceptions have to be clarified and the limited experiences in Sri Lanka discussed. To facilitate the sustainable introduction of ecosan, UNICEF contracted an international consultant to evaluate the appropriateness of ecological sanitation in relation to the socio-cultural, economic and financial context of Sri Lanka. Preliminary findings are presented in this paper

Sobrevivência de empresas : a influência do capital humano

Tendo em vista a importância de compreender os fatores que influenciam a sobrevivência das empresas e a relevância do capital humano para a economia, estuda-se o impacto do capital humano na sobrevivência das empresas. Para tanto, esse estudo objetiva sistematizar a produção científica realizada sobre o capital humano e sobrevivência de empresas no período de 1992 a 2021. Busca-se analisar a evolução temporal da pesquisa; o perfil das publicações em termos de autores, periódicos, instituições, países e áreas do conhecimento; a colaboração institucional e internacional; e os temas estudados na área. Emprega-se, então, o método bibliométrico de natureza quantitativa e a revisão bibliográfica de caráter qualitativo. Diante disso, verifica-se que o interesse pelo assunto tem crescido e que as pesquisas sobre o tema não são centralizadas, estando dispersas em diversos autores, periódicos e instituições. Observa-se também os tópicos recentes relacionados à tecnologia, ao empreendedorismo feminino, a empresas em estágio inicial e à visão baseada em recursos. Adicionalmente, constata-se que a magnitude que o capital humano impacta a sobrevivência de empresas varia com as características organizacionais e ambientais. Conclui-se com sugestões de pesquisas tendo como base os temas recentes e as lacunas identificadas.Considering the importance of understanding the factors that influence the survival of companies and the relevance of human capital to the economy, this study investigates the impact of human capital on the survival of companies. Therefore, this study aims to systematize the scientific production carried out on human capital and survival of companies in the period from 1992 to 2021. It seeks to analyze the temporal evolution of the research; the profile of publications in terms of authors, journals, institutions, countries, and areas of knowledge; institutional and international collaboration; and the topics studied in the area. Then, this study uses the bibliometric method of quantitative character and the bibliographic review of qualitative character. Given this, it appears that interest in the subject has grown and that research on the subject is not centralized, being dispersed among several authors, journals, and institutions. Recent topics related to technology, female entrepreneurship, new companies, and the resource-based view are also noted. Additionally, it appears that the magnitude that human capital impacts on the survival of companies varies with organizational and environmental characteristics. It concludes with research suggestions based on recent themes and identified gaps

Terra preta sanitation: a new tool for sustainable sanitation in urban areas?

Terra Preta (Black Soil) is highly fertile soil, which was produced in the Amazon region until around 500 years ago. It is a result of sanitation and biowaste management which can give direction in developing a sustainable future. Ongoing research indicates that addition of ground charcoal and lactic acid fermentation are probably the main components in producing terra preta. These discoveries were used to develop Terra Preta Sanitation, which is not one fixed type of sanitation but rather a set of processes: collection under lactic acid fermentation and transport to a semi-central site for thorough vermicomposting. The addition of lactic acid bacteria and powdered bio-char eliminate faecal smell, facilitate sanitization and increase user friendliness. In this way sanitation can help produce rich soil, which in turn improves water availability, food security and the regional climate. The avoidance of smell and opportunities for business development make TPS an obvious choice in urban contexts

COYOTE VULNERABILITY TO SEVERAL MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

We appreciate this opportunity to present a brief synopsis of a complex field study recently completed near Laredo, Texas. It provides a preliminary assessment of differences in coyote vulnerability to several management tools At this point, our analyses are incomplete and interpretations are tentative, at best Nonetheless, the data provide some insights and a basis for speculations and questions about coyote behavior, population processes, and the logistics of coyote population reduction. This research was sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (through the Predator Ecology and Behavior Project) and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, with generous assistance from other projects at the Denver Wildlife Research Center. the Texas Animal Damage Control Program, Texas A&I University, and Utah State University

The UPA-Ecosan concept in Uganda: socio-acceptability and hygiene safety

The interdisciplinary PhD research “Potentials and Constraints to the Link of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture and Ecological Sanitation” carried out at University of Technology Hamburg-Harburg, TUHH assesses the safe reuse of faeces and urine and the social acceptability of re-circulation of human-derived nutrients. Thus facilitating the interaction of ecosan and agriculture. The research complements already conducted and on-going work. Vital part of the studies is the continuous monitoring of temperature and humidity and the repeated analyses of bio-solids for pH and microbiological parameters over a period of twelve months. Furthermore a study on the survival of Ascaris suum eggs in the faecal matter is carried out while the assessment of the socio-cultural acceptance of human derived nutrients is conducted by interviews. Preliminary results from interviews and observations are presented

Cameras, Coyotes, and the Assumption of Equal Detectability

Remote cameras are an increasingly important tool in management and wildlife studies. However, we often do not know if they provide an unbiased sample of populations. Using a marked, radio-collared population of coyotes (Canis latrans) of known social status, we evaluated the influence of temporal (daily and seasonal) and spatial (distance between units, habitat, and proximity to human structures) factors on vulnerability to photo-captures. During 8 unbaited camera sessions of 6 weeks each, we obtained 158 coyote photographs at a photo-capture success rate of 1.6%. We were able to identify not only marked individuals, but also a number of uncollared adults through variation in their pelage. Photo-capture of adults peaked 2 weeks after we established camera stations. Annual success for photographing adult coyotes was greatest during March and April, which corresponded with the dispersal season. The majority of photo-captures occurred at night, and adult photo-captures peaked around midnight, with smaller peaks at dawn and dusk. Rather than reflecting a circadian activity pattern, nighttime captures seemed to reflect when adult coyotes were most vulnerable to photo-capture. Characteristics of camera locations, such as amount of human activity, being on roads versus trails, and habitat type, also influenced the number of photo-captures. We conclude that remote cameras do not always provide an unbiased sample of populations and that animal behavior is important to consider when using these systems. Researchers using camera techniques need to carefully consider when, where, and how cameras are placed to reduce this bias

Ruthenium Oxidation in High Temperature Air and Release of Gaseous Ruthenium KFKI-3/2008

The RUSET experimental programme was launched in order to study Ru oxidation and release from fuel in high temperature air. More than forty small scale tests have been performed with mixed powder components of inactive materials and with short fuel rods. The influence of temperature, air flow rate and the presence of other fission products on the gaseous Ru release and the retention role of fuel pellets and cladding have been investigated. The test series indicated that if an air ingress type severe accident occurs most of the initial Ru mass can be released from the reactor core to the containment or environment. Some part of the released gaseous Ru undergoes precipitation and deposits on the cold surfaces, another part is released in gaseous form. The deposited Ru oxides can serve as a secondary source for further gaseous Ru releas