Implementation Of Remedial Measures Research Articles

Dam Site Characterization Based on Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Urban Catchments. A Case of the Msimbazi Catchment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Site characterization is crucial for the location and design of dams because it offers data for risk assessments and the planning and implementation of remediation measures. This study looked into the potential use of GIS-based methods for the characterization of dam sites. Satellite pictures were used to verify the catchment delineation results. The catchment slope, the number of networks in the sub-basin, and the land surface cover were all taken into consideration while choosing a location for a dam. From the findings, five possible dam site locations — Kisarawe (upstream), Magomeni, Kinyerezi, Jangwani, and Pugu sub-catchments — were identified. The Kisarawe sub-basin upstream has the largest prospective location (covering an area of around 89.89 km2) since it has a less populated and developed area, which would allow for enough room to construct a dam while protecting the downstream from frequent flooding. According to the capacity and other requirements of the receiving stream downstream, the chosen dam locations could hold approximately 75.15% of the runoff produced in the catchment before releasing it at a controlled rate. The outcomes of the study demonstrate further the effectiveness of geographic information systems in determining the characteristics of dam sites and in designing sustainable dams that take land surface cover into account.

Study of Educational Problems Based on Aspects of Equity, Efficiency, Quality, and Relevance

This research is a qualitative descriptive study that aims to describe educational problems based on four aspects, namely equity, efficiency, quality, and relevance. The research was conducted at SMAN 1 Sumberpucung, Malang Regency. Data collection was done by interview, observation, and documentation methods. Data triangulation was carried out based on data obtained from the three methods which verify and complement each other. Data analysis was carried out using the Miles and Huberman method, namely the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that at SMAN 1 Sumberpucung there were several problems, both in terms of equity, efficiency, quality, and relevance. In the aspect of equity, there are several problems, namely, (a) at first there were problems in recruiting prospective students who excel, (b) there were students who withdrew from school, and (c) the implementation of remedial measures was not in accordance with the difficulties experienced by students. The problem in the efficiency aspect is that students with low abilities do not get special services. In terms of quality, schools still do not have a separate laboratory. And in the aspect of relevance, the learning carried out still does not use a scientific approach.

Diagonal corner cracks of slabs at end units of apartment buildings in Singapore

Frequent reports about the occurrence of diagonal corner cracks of slabs at end units of public housing buildings were received before 1985. A forensic study was undertaken in 1985 to identify the causes of such cracks and the necessary measures to eliminate such cracks in all future public housing developments. The methodology of the study adopted was to carry out a detailed investigation of the cracks reported in five public housing buildings in different new towns all over Singapore. Schematic sketches and/or crack widths of such cracks at each dwelling units are reported for each of the case studies. The causes of such cracks were a combination of design and construction issues. After the implementation of remedial measures, the occurrence of diagonal corner cracks of slabs at end units of the newly constructed public housing buildings became significantly less common.

Educational inequality and COVID-19: Who takes advantage of summer schools and other remedial measures?

In spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a global crisis with far-reaching effects, not least on education. Since the beginning of the pandemic, its impact on learning losses and increasing educational inequality has been widely discussed. While empirical evidence of rising educational inequality and learning loss is steadily growing, at the same time little is known about the families who are interested in remedial measures like summer schools to bridge the negative effects of the pandemic and school closures. The present study addresses this lack of research by providing an initial examination of the empirical evidence of mechanisms underlying parental choice of remedial measures. We take a closer look on which parents are particularly attracted by remedial measures by using cross-sectional data from a parent survey (N = 3590 parents) in Austria. The findings, illustrated via a series of latent mediation models, indicate that parents’ intention to use remedial measures is predicted by parents’ attitudes towards the implementation of remedial measures, parents’ assessment of their child’s learning engagement and of the quality of distance learning during school closures. Moreover, the intention to use remedial measures is significantly influenced by the family’s socioeconomic status.

Numerical Simulation of Crack Evolution Mechanism and Subsidence Characteristics Effected by Rock Mass Structure in Block Caving Mining

In the block caving mining, the significant rock mass deformation and surface subsidence will be formed with the continuous extraction of ore. However, the internal crack evolution mechanisms in rock mass and associated subsidence characteristics present one of the key issues in rock mining engineering. Although block caving method has been used for many years, current knowledge of the crack evolution mechanisms, the subsidence characteristics under the influence of rock mass structure and subsidence prediction capabilities are limited. Based on the rock mechanics model provided by CEMI (Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation), crack evolution mechanisms and subsidence characteristics effected by the rock mass structure in block caving are numerically investigated using RFPA 2D, a numerical code based on FEM (Finite Element Method). Crack formation, propagation and coalescence in the overlying strata and the stress-balancing arch evolution in the stress field are represented visually during the whole process of extraction. The numerically obtained crack evolution shows that the stress-balancing arch has a significant influence on the fracture development of rock mass, and directly determines the slump form and rate of the rock mass. After understanding of the crack evolution mechanism in rock mass, the characteristics of surface subsidence are analyzed. Numerical experiments emphasize the geometrical configuration of joints and faults about mechanisms of subsidence development, including joints orientation, faults location and inclination, which can provide significantly meaningful guides for investigation of subsidence mechanisms and implementation of remedial measures.

The Indoor Microclimate of Prefabricated Buildings for Housing: Interaction of Environmental and Construction Measures

The current knowledge shows that the interior microclimate of residential buildings that were constructed between 1950 and 1990 using panel construction, not only in the Czech Republic but also in Europe, and were renovated in accordance with applicable legislation related to thermal comfort and energy is significantly affected by gaseous pollutants. At increased concentrations and exposure times, these pollutants negatively affect the interior microclimate and at the same time have a negative effect on the health of users. After the implementation of remediation measures, which are mainly focused on improving the thermal technical parameters of the building envelope, the concentration of CO2 in the indoor environment increases. Carbon dioxide is one of the most important active factors and in terms of the quality of the interior microclimate, it is considered a reliable indicator of whether the interior microclimate can be considered a healthy and favorable environment. It is thus clear that the set and de facto systematized measures in the renovation of the housing stock from the second half of the 20th century has led to energy savings on the one hand, but on the other hand, this has contributed to the hygienic damage of housing units and an unhealthy interior microclimate. The paper aims to define the interaction of interdisciplinary contexts that have led to an increase in the indoor air quality (IAQ) of renovated residential panel buildings.

Disturbed Lands Reclamation Statement in the Territory of the Mokhovsky Coal Mine

The national project “Ecology” sets to bring up to date the ecological policy of the environment-geared laws of the Russian Federation which must preserve biodiversity and afford the involvement of all participants in the process. Revegetation, as part of the program, sets to restore disturbed lands to a condition suitable for their use in the national economy and prevent their anthropogenic impact on the adjacent areas. The quality of reclamation works is not always at an adequate level, which creates difficulties in the remediated lands development. This is a consequence of insufficient information at the design stage, specifically data on the composition and properties of the soil cover and worked-out rock mass, lack of special technical support for the implementation of remediation measures at the proper level, the landscape of the deposit is not taken into account during the work with disturbed soils. Intensive use of the studied territories of the Sartakinsky, Karakansky and Mokhovsky fields both in agricultural and mining industries led to changes in the natural biocenos. This paper presents the study of soil-agrochemical characteristics (granulometric and structural structure of soil, the humus content, hydrogen index, the content of food elements, hydrolytic acidity, the sum of absorbed bases, absorption capacity, etc.) on different genetic horizons of zonal soils of Mokhovsky coal mine, and specifically unbroken soils of Mokhovsky, Sartakinsky and Karakansky fields on possibility of their use at carrying out of biological reclamation.

CONCEPT OF LEAK TIGHTNESS MONITORING AT UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE

The most important part of the operation of each underground gas storage facility is the implementation of a regular monitoring system for leak tightness monitoring. This article deals with the design of a proposal leak tightness monitoring concept in underground gas storage in porous reservoirs (depleted gas/oil reservoirs, aquifer reservoirs). This concept interconnects all commonly used and established leak tightness monitoring methodologies and evaluates them in time with a comparison with historical results with reference to possible solutions or implementation of remedial measures. Keywords: underground gas storage, leak tightness, well integrity http://doi.org/10.35180/gse-2019-0012

Developing and testing an Early Warning System for Non Indigenous Species and Ballast Water Management

This paper describes the methodological approach used for the development of an Early Warning System (EWS) for Non Indigenous Species (NIS) and ballast water management and summarizes the results obtained. The specific goals of the EWS are firstly to warn vessels to prevent loading of ballast water when critical biological conditions occur in ports and surrounding areas i.e. mass development or blooms of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP). Secondly, to warn environmental and health authorities when NIS or pathogens are present in ports or surrounding areas to enable an early response and an implementation of remediation measures. The EWS is designed to be used for implementing various parallel obligations, by taking into consideration different legal scopes, associated information and decision-making needs. The EWS was elaborated, tested in the Adriatic Sea and illustrated by two case studies. Although the EWS was developed with an Adriatic Sea focus, it is presented in a format so that it may be used as a model when establishing similar systems in other locations. The role of the various actors is discussed and recommendations on further developments of the EWS are presented. It was concluded that the EWS is a suitable tool to reduce the spread of potentially harmful and ballast water mediated species.

Shedding Light on Increasing Trends of Phosphorus Concentration in Upper Austrian Rivers

Phosphorus (P) impairment of surface waters still represents a major concern worldwide, despite decades of awareness and implementation of remedial measures. In view of this situation, it is all the more necessary to provide decision makers with reliable modelling tools, which can correctly estimate the effect of alternative management strategies. This work tests the performance of the semi-empirical model MONERIS (Modelling of Nutrient Emissions in River Systems) in depicting and quantifying trends of instream total phosphorus (TP) concentration in three catchments located in Upper Austria, a region affected by high agricultural nutrients emissions. The model correctly depicts both the existence of increasing trends (4–µ g TP L − 1 year − 1 ) and the lack thereof (<0.1 µ g TP L − 1 year − 1 ) in different sub-catchments within the period 2001–2014, although it systematically underestimates the trends magnitude. Furthermore, MONERIS together with an optimized data management system has allowed identifying the probable cause of such trends. The results suggest that, despite considerable improvements achieved through enhanced P removal from wastewater and through the implementation of an agri-environmental programme, changes in land use and in cultivated crop types have led to an offsetting increase of erosion-driven emissions. This methodology offers high potential to predict the effect of different management scenarios, but further model fine-tuning concerning erosion and retention processes is required to improve the model accuracy.

Генезис уголовно-процессуального законодательства об ответственности юридических лиц в России

The article deals with the legislative and doctrinal precondition of criminal liability of legal persons, which are accumulated a concept formed the basis of the judicial reform of 1864. The author studies the practice the first phase of the introduction in to the Russian criminal procedure enforcement of the measures applicable to legal persons for acts committed during preliminary investigation of crimes. In this context, the article lays emphasis on the norms of the Charter of criminal proceedings of 1864, which contain the procedural peculiarities of the application of such a measures to legal entities as closure, as well as monitors the judicial practice on the criminal liability of legal persons. The article gives a positive assessment of the approach of the legislator to the possibility of the implementation of remedial measures in criminal proceedings on such corruption crimes as crimes against property and income of the treasury. Given these positions, the author comes to the conclusion of the possibility of application of measures of criminal procedure liability of legal persons under preliminary investigation in criminal cases of crimes that infringe on budget forming industries.

Model-based Scenario Analysis of the Impact of Remediation Measures on Metal Leaching from Soils Contaminated by Historic Smelter Emissions.

A spatially distributed model for leaching of Cd from the unsaturated zone was developed for the Belgian-Dutch transnational Kempen region. The model uses as input land-use maps, atmospheric deposition data, and soil data and is part of a larger regional model that simulates transport of Cd in soil, groundwater, and surface water. A new method for deriving deposition from multiple sites was validated using soil data in different wind directions. Leaching was calculated for the period 1890 to 2010 using a reconstruction of metal loads in the region. The model was able to reproduce spatial patterns of concentrations in soil and groundwater and predicted the concentration in shallow groundwater adequately well for the purpose of evaluating management options. For 42% of the data points, measurements and calculations were within the same concentration class. The model was used for forecasting under a reference scenario, an autonomous development scenario including climate change, and a scenario with implementation of remediation measures. The impact of autonomous development (under the most extreme scenario of climatic change) amounted to an increase of 10% in cumulative Cd flux after 100 yr as compared with the reference scenario. The impact of remediation measures was mainly local and is less pronounced (i.e., only 3% change in cumulative flux at the regional scale). The integrated model served as a tool to assist in developing management strategies and prioritization of remediation of the wide-spread heavy metal contamination in the region.

10.5937/mmeb1402081r = Remediation the tailing dump RTH in terms of stability

Checking the dam stability of the flotation tailing dump RTH within RTB Bor, it was determined on some analyzed profiles that the stability coefficient has less value than the legally prescribed limits. This work presents the measures for bringing the stability coefficient of dam in prescribed limits to all profiles, as well as checking the stability upon implementation of remedial measures.

Distribution of natural radionuclides in surface soils in the vicinity of abandoned uranium mines in Serbia

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in soils from the area affected by uranium mining at Stara Planina Mountain in Serbia were studied and compared with the results obtained from an area with no mining activities (background area). In the affected area, the activity concentrations ranged from 1.75 to 19.2 mg kg(-1) for uranium and from 1.57 to 26.9 mg kg(-1) for thorium which is several-fold higher than those in the background area. The Th/U, K/U, and K/Th activity ratios were also determined and compared with data from similar studies worldwide. External gamma dose rate in the air due to uranium, thorium, and potassium at 1 m above ground level in the area affected by uranium mining was found to be 91.3 nGy h(-1), i.e., about two-fold higher than that in background area. The results of this preliminary study indicate the importance of radiological evaluation of the area and implementation of remedial measures in order to prevent further dispersion of radionuclides in the environment.

Evaluation of French guidelines on the indications of colonoscopy: Results of a regional practice survey

Compliance with guidelines on colonoscopic indications can improve colorectal cancer screening efficiency. We conducted a regional practice survey of gastroenterologists working in the public and private sectors in France, and compared the results with French national guidelines. Four consecutive yearly questionnaire-based practice surveys were conducted, and remedial measures were recommended on the basis of the results. We analyzed 5128 colonoscopies carried out by 65 practitioners. Of these, 4266 (83.2%) conformed to contemporary guidelines, 391 (7.6%) did not conform, and 471 (9.2%) could not be classified, owing to a lack of information. Remedial measures led to a significant increase in the number of colonoscopies conforming to guidelines (p=0.037) and to a significant fall in the number of unclassified procedures (p=0.0018). The distribution of colonic lesions differed between procedures that did and did not conform to guidelines (2.4% versus 0.3% of colorectal cancers, 11.4% vs. 6.9% of advanced adenomas, and 17.5% vs. 14.6% of non-advanced adenomas; p<0.0001). This longitudinal multicenter survey shows that national colonoscopy guidelines are largely respected in France and improve the detection of colonic neoplasia. Practices improved following implementation of remedial measures.

Vapor Intrusion into Large Commercial/Industrial Facilities

Inhalation exposure from vapor intrusion has become a priority over the past several years for federal, state, tribal, and local environmental agencies. This article discusses the identification of vapor intrusion conditions and mitigation approaches for large commercial and industrial facilities. Factors to be considered in the design and implementation of remedial measures to address source areas below a building include identification of source areas, access to the sources, feasibility of active remedial technologies to address the source area, and whether a remedial technology will be effective in reducing or eliminating the potential for vapor intrusion into the overlying building. In the event a mitigation system is deemed appropriate, the key factors to be considered in the design and construction of such systems include size and construction details for the building; uses and occupancy type; and type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the building and associated air exchange rates and operation and maintenance considerations. This topic will remain a priority for regulatory agencies and a key concern of building owners.

Evaluation of various chemical extraction methods to estimate plant-available arsenic in mine soils

Elevated levels of bioavailable As in mining soils, agricultural areas and human habitats may cause potential toxicity to human health, plants and microbe. Therefore, it is essential to determine proper soil chemical extraction method in order to estimate plant-available As in mining soils and protect agricultural and environmental ecosystems by evaluation of environmental risk and implementation of remediation measures. In this study, six single soil chemical extraction processes and four-step sequential chemical extraction protocol were used to determine the relative distribution of As in different chemical forms of soils and their correlations with total As in plants grown in mining areas and greenhouse experiments. The strongest relationship between As determined by single soil chemical extraction and As in plant biomass was found for sodium acetate and mixed acid extractant. The mean percent of total As extracted was: ammonium oxalate (41%) > hydroxylamine hydrochloride (32%) > mixed acid (16%) > phosphate (6%) > sodium acetate (1.2%) > water (0.13%). This trend suggests that most of the As in these soils is inside the soil mineral matrix and can only be released when iron oxides and other minerals are dissolved by the stronger chemical extractant. Single soil chemical extraction methods using sodium acetate and mixed acids, that extract As fractions complexed to soil particles or on the surface of mineral matrix of hydrous oxides of Fe, Mn and Al (exchangeable + sorbed forms) can be employed to estimate and predict the bioavailable As fraction for plant uptake in mining affected soils. In sequential chemical extraction methods, ammonium nitrate and hydroxylamine hydrochloride may be used to provide closer estimates of plant-available As in mining soils.

Strategies to Rehabilitate Lake Simcoe – Modelling Phosphorus Loads, Remedial Measures and Control Options

ABSTRACT Average annual total phosphorus loads to Lake Simcoe are estimated at 100 metric tons. Urban sources of phosphorus such as water pollution control facilities and urban stormwater runoff account for approximately 30% of the total loading. Rural sources such as runoff from agricultural lands, leachate from septic systems, atmospheric deposition and soil erosion contribute the remaining 70%. A target load of 75 metric tons per year has been proposed to ensure an end-of-summer deep water dissolved oxygen concentration of 5.0 mg/L. To achieve the target load, it is necessary to reduce the export of phosphorus from the major controllable sources by 25 metric tons per year. Remedial measures and phosphorus control options to reduce point and non-point sources include controlling agricultural runoff, and erosion and urban stormwater runoff. Several management strategies have been evaluated using a GIS-assisted computer model called HYDROSIM which predicts changes in phosphorus loading in response to implementation of remedial measures within the Lake Simcoe watershed. Management scenarios examined the effectiveness of remedial options based on present and future conditions to ensure that the target load is achievable and sustainable. Modelling results indicate that the most substantial loading reductions can be achieved by controlling urban stormwater runoff and cropland soil erosion. Based on the implementation of an aggressive management program, the target load of 75 metric tons per year is considered to be achievable and can be maintained into the future.

Predicting the Rate of Shale Undercutting Along Highway Cuts

Undercutting of highway cuts due to differential weathering is a common occurrence in many states. Progressive undercutting can result in frequent rock falls and dangerously unstable conditions. For timely implementation of remedial measures required to prevent undercutting-induced failures, it is essential to be able to predict the rate at which different shales weather and undercut. In order to devise a method that could be used to predict the rate of shale undercutting, fourteen sites, located in three different states, were evaluated. The sites consisted of road cuts that displayed significant amounts of undercutting. Essential to the selection of these sites was the presence of pre-split blast hole markings on the resistant undercut units. The presence of pre-split markings ensured that the exposed face of the undercut unit was the original surface exposed to weathering since the time of excavation. The amount of undercutting at each site was carefully measured at many points along the entire length of the cut. Information regarding the date of excavation of the selected road cuts was obtained from highway department records. The measured amount of undercutting at each road cut and the age of the cut were used to estimate the rate of shale undercutting since excavation. Samples of the undercutting shales were obtained from each site and tested for slake durability, Atterberg limits, clay mineralogy, and rock fabric. Correlation of laboratory test results with estimated rates of undercutting indicates that the slake durability index can be used successfully to predict the rate of shale undercutting. The rate of undercutting at the sites studied does not appear to be related to Atterberg limits or clay mineralogy, as determined by x-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy suggests fabric and degree of cementation may be important factors governing the rate of shale undercutting.

Restoration of Lake Veluwe, The Netherlands, by Reduction of Phosphorus Loading and Flushing

In the shallow and hypertrophic Lake Veluwe the cycling of phosphorus between water and sediments was mainly determined by a continuous bloom of the blue-green alga Oscillatoria agardhii. For the restoring of water quality it was considered necessary to reduce the external P-loading as well as to suppress the release of phosphorus from the sediments. The P-loading of the lake decreased from approx. 3 to 1 g P/m2 a year in 1979. Additionally the lake has been flushed during winter periods with water low in phosphorus. Flushing was primarily aimed at interrupting the continuous algal bloom. After four winters of intensified flushing Oscillatoria still is the dominant alga but the diversity of species is increasing. In 1982 Oscillatoria disappeared for several months. The results show a sharp decline of summer values of total phosphorus from 0,40-0,60 mg/1 to approx. 0,15 mg/1. In the trend of various parameters correlated with algal biomass a striking discrepancy is observed. Chlorophyll-a, ashfree-dryweight and particulate-phosphorus show a considerable and approximately similar decrease (50-60%). On the other hand the decrease of algal biomass in terms of freshweight (viz. biovolume of Oscillatoria) and reciprocal Secchi-disc values is relatively small (approx. 25%). Obviously the O. agardhii filaments contain much less organic matter, chlorophyll-a, phosphorus and nitrogen per unit of biovolume after implementation of remedial measures. Transparency appears to be determined by number and volume of O. agardhii more than by chlorophyll-a and ashfree dryweight. Intensified flushing will be continued for the next few years.