The use of geomagnetic field models in magnetic surveys

The importance of global geomagnetic field models for the reduction of magnetic surveys is discussed. It is demonstrated that a numerical model with adequate secular variation correction, provides a suitable representation of the regional field. The limitations of the presently available models are reported, with emphasis on the International Geomagnetic Reference Field

Comparison of irradiation damage in artifical and natural graphite at different irradiation temperatures

COMPARISON Of IRRADIATION DAMAGE IN ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL GRAPHITE AT DIFFERENTIRRADIATION TEMPERATURES. Results of irradiation experiments on artificial and natural graphite in the three temperature ranges 70 - 150°C, 300 - 400°C and 550 - 650°C are compared. These irradiation experiments were carried out in core or pool positions of tbe GETR. Vallecitos. The samples investigated received neutron doses up to 5x10$^{21}$ nvt with E > 0.17 eV, which is approximately 3X1O$^{21}$ nvt with E > 0.18 MeV. Changes in the lattice parameters. the electric and thermal conductivity, the macroscopic dimensions and the bending strength are discussed. The natural graphite samples investigated were manufactured partly with, partly without a binding material. The results obtained during these investigations indicate, in addition to the dependence on the irradiation temperature and the neutron dose, a strong influence exerted by tbe basic materials, the treatment during production and the density. Strong anisotropic effects in natural graphite at lower irradiation temperatures, resulting from the treatment during production, level out at higher irradiation temperatures

Climate change adaptation and vulnerability assessment of water resources systems in developing countries: a generalized framework and a feasibility study in Bangladesh

Water is the primary medium through which climate change influences the Earth’s ecosystems and therefore people’s livelihoods and wellbeing. Besides climatic change, current demographic trends, economic development and related land use changes have direct impact on increasing demand for freshwater resources. Taken together, the net effect of these supply and demand changes is affecting the vulnerability of water resources. The concept of ‘vulnerability’ is not straightforward as there is no universally accepted approach for assessing vulnerability. In this study, we review the evolution of approaches to vulnerability assessment related to water resources. From the current practices, we identify research gaps, and approaches to overcome these gaps a generalized assessment framework is developed. A feasibility study is then presented in the context of the Lower Brahmaputra River Basin (LBRB). The results of the feasibility study identify the current main constraints (e.g., lack of institutional coordination) and opportunities (e.g., adaptation) of LBRB. The results of this study can be helpful for innovative research and management initiatives and the described framework can be widely used as a guideline for the vulnerability assessment of water resources systems, particularly in developing countries

Further education in transition

This paper provides an overview of the national perspective in further education (FE) developments in Information and Learning Technology (ILT) since 1992, from the unique perspective of a number of key staff members at the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) and a member of staff with a role in quality improvement in the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC). It sets in context the research reported in this section in the papers by Cockrill et al. and Caven‐Atack

Effect of River Salinity on Crop Diversity: A Case Study of South West Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Saline water intrusion is a major problem and conflicting issue in south-west coastal region of Bangladesh. The increased salinity has negative impact on agricultural diversity in this region. The present study provides an assessment of perception of local farmers about changes of agricultural diversity mainly diversity of vegetable species (both summer and winter) and standing plants with the changes of salinity level in the nearby river. This study was carried out in January to August 2005 through semi-structured questionnaire in selected villages of different salinity prone areas such as high saline zone and moderate saline zone, namely Paikgacha and Rampal, respectively. The study has revealed that in Paikgacha, the salinity varies approximately within the range from 20,000 to 45,000 micro-mhos and in Rampal it is from 10,000 to 30,000 micro-mhos. Due to increased salinity, the summer vegetable species in Paikgacha and Rampal have been reduced from 16 to 2 and 15 to 9 respectively during the period 1975-2005. For winter vegetable species, this figure was reduced from 13 to 9 in Paikgacha but in Rampal this number remained unchanged. Standing plant species in Paikgacha and Rampal have been reduced from 31 to 14 and 35 to21 respectively during that period. Agricultural diversity is reducing in substantial rate both spatially and temporally

An Exploration of Parental Experiences with Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a group of pervasive developmental disorders that cause clinically significant impairments in social, occupational and overall functioning. The current body of research highlights the importance of community based interventions, programs and services for this population across their lifespan. This dissertation explores parental experiences with interventions, programs and services for their children and adolescents with ASD. This dissertation contains three manuscripts in addition to the introductory and concluding chapters. The first manuscript explores the current literature on occupational therapy based interventions for school aged children with ASD. Manuscript two presents the findings of an interpretive narrative exploration regarding parental perspectives on interventions for their children with ASD. This manuscript is analyzed using a Critical Social Theory (CST) lens and explores the themes as shared within the stories of the participants. The third manuscript explores current service delivery models for adolescents with ASD throughout their transition to adulthood. A CST lens has been used to critique the structures, environments and institutions in which adolescents and young adults with ASD operate throughout their transition to adulthood. This thesis contributes new knowledge to the growing body of information regarding parental perspectives on interventions for their children with ASD. It presents both confirmatory findings surrounding the importance of interventions for children and adolescents with ASD and identifies current service gaps for this population. It has provided insight into parental perspectives on interventions, programs and services for their children and has added their stories to the current literature. Additionally, the use of a CST lens provides an opportunity to explore current social structures that impact service delivery for this population