Remedial Plan Research Articles

Implications to secure mineral supply for clean energy technologies for developing countries: A fuzzy based risk analysis for mining projects

Cleaner energy production relies on the sustainable supply of critical minerals. Ensuring a constant supply of these minerals is integral to cleaner energy initiatives. The majority of global green energy initiatives rely on minerals mined in developing countries. However, there are challenges in fulfilling the ever growing demands to supply minerals in an economically viable, socially beneficial, and environmentally responsible manner, and these can multiply as a result of delays or stoppages caused by various risks affiliated with the mining industry. This can drastically affect the supply chain of minerals and other dependent components in the overall process to generate cleaner energy. Therefore, identification, prioritization, and future remediation plans for probable risks related to the mineral supply chain are necessary. This work identifies 39 different risks characterized in seven major groups: economic and financial risks, environmental and climate, health and safety, management, political and legal, social, and technical and operational. The probable risks associated with mining projects are prioritized using a fuzzy logic-based methodology, and the remediation plans are discussed to address the challenges upfront before their occurrence. Results reveal that the technical and operational and economic and financial risks take precedence over those related to political and legal, social, environmental and climate, health and safety, and managerial groups. This research can help policymakers in developing strategies to mitigate potential risks and lessen their influence on the supply chain of critical minerals supply required for cleaner production.

Anomalous transport for multispecies reactive system with first order decay: time-fractional model

The prediction of pollutant migration and its concentration variation in the subsurface hydrology is vitally requisite for the assessment and restorative treatment of polluted groundwater system. Pollutant migration for the multispecies reactive system cannot be reliably investigated by classical form of convection-dispersion equation (CDE), due to the presence of more than one reactive species. This paper establishes a time-fractional model for multispecies reactive system under the first order sequential reaction network to understand the anomalous or non-Fickian migration phenomenon for reactive pollutants. At present, most of the fractional models are presented for the classical CDE to investigate migration phenomenon for single species system, not for the multispecies reactive system due to the complexity of the modelled framework. The impact of fractional derivative model is analysed for variable dependent migration parameters and constant parameters, both for the multispecies reactive migration phenomenon. The fractional derivative is expressed in the Caputo sense and to handle the non-linearity of problem, Homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is adopted. The advantage of this method, to get the solutions, is that the HPM is independent of small parameters required for the deformation process as used in other existing perturbation techniques, which make it much more convenient to use for non-linear systems. The impact of the fractional derivative index and other migration parameters is graphically depicted for the reactive species and significant influence of fractional term is observed. The derived solutions are then validated by using the corresponding solutions obtained by other existing well-established methods to ensure the convergence of the HPM solutions. As there do not exist any solutions for such fractional models for multispecies reactive system, this study may be advantageous to convey better understanding for the anomalous or non-Fickian migration for reactive pollutants and their remediation planning in the groundwater resources.

Practical application of international recommendations and safety standards in the systematic planning and implementation of remediation of sites or areas with residual radioactive material

The IAEA fundamental safety objective is ‘to protect people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation’ and this must be done ‘without unduly limiting the operation of facilities or the conduct of activities that give rise to radiation risks’, while ensuring that people and the environment, present and future are protected against radiation risks (IAEA 2006 Fundamental Safety Principles, Safety Fundamentals No. SF-1). In addition, ‘protective actions to reduce existing or unregulated radiation risks must be justified and optimized’ (IAEA 2006 Fundamental Safety Principles, Safety Fundamentals No. SF-1). An international system of radiological protection can be applied such that processes, such as remediation, can be systematically undertaken to address the wide range of ‘existing exposure situations’ present globally. In doing so, decisions made regarding actions undertaken can be demonstrated to be ‘justified’ and ‘optimized’ (i.e. balanced), such that the amount of effort should be commensurate with the risk (applying a ’graded approach’). In addition, protection of people and the environment can be demonstrated by comparing the actual exposure to appropriate criteria over the lifetime of remediation. This paper provides an overview of the current IAEA safety standards on remediation of sites or areas contaminated with residual radioactive material within the international system of radiological protection and provides practical examples of their application through case studies considered in IAEA international model validation programs.

The making and re-making of places along the St. Louis River in Duluth: From paintings to projects

Studies of the effectiveness of Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) call for the prioritization of placemaking and broadening of the definition of stakeholders. This paper argues that such stakeholder groups should include local historians, archivists, and art-or-architectural historians whose knowledge of local, place-based initiatives and familiarity with the built and visual landscape offer invaluable insights. In addition, instead of making new places as part of revitalization and remediation initiatives, such work should focus on the re-making of human-scaled spaces and places with unique histories to which residents are already attached. Several recent-and-ongoing projects in the St. Louis River AOC demonstrate the effectiveness of work that re-imagines places with clear and established identities and which does not turn away from problematic and complicated histories. An exploration of these initiatives in the St. Louis River AOC is combined with further consideration of placemaking and place attachment and an examination of industrial portraits created by Art Fleming for the Kom-on-Inn Bar in West Duluth in the 1950s, which are testament to the pride in place and the importance of the river and industries in the making and then breaking of the neighborhoods and the larger ecosystems of which they are a part.

Abstract 202: Impact Of Productivity Targets And Performance Reviews For Specialty Practices In The Veterans Health Administration

Introduction: In 2013, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) introduced a program setting minimum physician productivity targets for specialty practices based on the ratio of total work Relative Value Units to clinical full-time equivalents. Practices with productivity below their targets were required to undergo annual reviews and submit remediation plans. We have previously demonstrated that reviewed cardiology practices experienced large increases in productivity though the contribution from regression toward the mean is unknown. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the introduction of the VHA’s program was associated with larger increases in productivity at low-productivity practices. Methods: We extracted productivity metrics from fiscal year 2009-2019 reports for VHA practices in 4 specialties: cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, and surgery. We identified low-productivity practices using VHA minimum productivity targets. We used linear regression to compare changes in productivity at these practices before and after implementation of the VHA’s program, controlling for specialty and facility level effects. Results: Of 4,249 specialty practice-years, we identified 383 as low productivity. Prior to implementation of the VHA’s program, there was evidence of regression toward the mean with relative increases in productivity ranging from 21% for surgery to 27% for cardiology the year after a practice was designated as low productivity. After implementation of the VHA’s program, there was evidence of an independent program effect with an additional relative annual productivity increase of 3.0% (95% CI 1.1 to 4.9%) at these practices. There was no evidence of effect modification for cardiology practices. Conclusions: A majority of the increase in productivity observed at low-productivity VHA specialty practices appears to be due to regression toward the mean, with a smaller but significant contribution from the VHA’s productivity program. Policies incentivizing productivity of specialist physicians at the group level may be an effective way to increase care efficiency in integrated healthcare systems. Evaluations of programs targeting low-performing practices should be designed to account for regression toward the mean.

Prediction of soil organic carbon in mining areas

Coal mining activities have destroyed natural landscapes and surface vegetation, resulting in a large loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in farmlands. Therefore, farmland SOC mapping in mining areas is of great significance to low-carbon reclamation and ecological compensation. Natural factors such as topography, climate, vegetation, and soil properties are key variables for SOC mapping. Human activities, including crop rotation and farmland damage caused by coal mining, also severely interfere with farmland SOC in mining areas. Here, we use take mining areas of the Changhe watershed as a case study to explore the effects of these activities on farmland SOC storage. Farmland damage was quantified using mining area geological hazard data, and four random forest (RF) models were constructed to predict SOC content based on natural variables alone (RF-N), natural variables + crop rotation (RF-C), natural variables + farmland damage (RF-F), and natural variables + crop rotation + farmland damage (RF-A). We found that: (1) the RF-A model most accurately captured SOC spatial differentiation information (followed by RF-C, RF-F, and RF-N). (2) There were significant differences in the SOC of different crop rotation areas and between low and high damage farmlands; specifically, the SOC content of wheat-corn rotations (one-year two cropping system) was higher than wheat-soybean-corn rotations (two-year three cropping system) and wheat (one-year one cropping system), and the SOC of high damage farmlands was lower than that of low damage farmlands. (3) Variable importance analysis showed that crop rotation and farmland damage were the two most important variables for predicting SOC in mining areas—demonstrating the effectiveness of common farming practices in predicting SOC in mining areas. Our results provide a scientific basis for land reclamation, soil carbon input, and land remediation planning in mining areas.

Hazardous enrichment of toxic elements in soils and olives in the urban zone of Lavrio, Greece, a legacy, millennia-old silver/lead mining area and related health risk assessment

Lavrio is a Greek town with several abandoned Ag/Pb mines. In this study, 19 potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were measured in soil, weeds, and olives. Levels of seven of the studied PTEs in soil were highly elevated: Zn (56.2–58,726 mg kg-1), Pb (36.2–31,332), As (7.3–10,886), Cu (8.3–1273), Sb (0.99–297.8), Cd (0.17–287.7), and Ag (0.09–38.7). Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near edge structure analysis of the soils revealed that As was predominantly associated with scorodite, Pb with humic substances, Zn with illite, Zn(OH)2 and humic substances, and Fe with goethite-like minerals. The transfer of the PTEs to weeds was relatively low, with the transfer coefficient being less than 1.0 for all PTEs. Cadmium in table olives surpassed 0.05 mg kg-1 fresh weight (the limit in EU), while Pb surpassed its limit in approximately half of the samples. Health risk assessment confirmed soil contamination in the study area where As and Pb hazard quotients were well above 1.0 and the average hazard index equaled 11.40. Additionally, the cancer risk values exceeding the 1 × 10-4 threshold. The results obtained in the study indicate that Lavrio urgently requires an adequate ecofriendly remediation plan, including revegetation with tolerant species and targeted efforts to chemically stabilize harmful PTEs. The presented approach may serve as a pivotal study for industrial areas with similar contamination levels.

Unsaturated characteristics and transport of hydrated chromium ore processing residue

A mining tail cover system for controlling toxic substances (e.g. chromium (VI) (Cr6+)) in chromium ore processing residue (COPR) requires unsaturated transport modelling with inputs of water retention curves (WRCs) to evaluate the system. This study experimentally characterised the unsaturated properties of unweathered grey-black (GB) and weathered hard-brown (HB) COPR before and after hydration associated with mineralogical changes and estimated chromium transport by employing numerical modelling with the properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests were also performed before and after testing to quantify the mineralogical compounds of materials. The XRD results showed that the brownmillerite decreased with the degree of the hydration. The relationship between the fitting parameters of WRC models and variables, such as the degree of hydration and specific gravity, was investigated. The WRC of GB COPR shows a bimodal shape because of the hydration process during the test. The hydration process transformed the chemical and mineralogical composition of GB COPR, thus influencing its WRC characteristics. Numerical simulations parameterised by WRC properties were conducted to compare unsaturated transport between GB and HB COPR through a sandy cover. HB COPR had a longer transportation time than GB COPR, revealing the importance of considering water retention characteristics in remediation plans.

INVESTIGATING TEACHERS PERCEPTION OF THE REASSONS OF LEARNING DISABILITIES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE

This study aimed at identifying the English language teachers' perspectives toward learning disabilities, in addition to the teachers' suggestions for treating learning difficulties in English language to raise the achievement level of students. To achieve the objectives of the study, interviews were conducted with primary school teachers to identify more reasons and suggestions from their point of view on how to treat students' learning difficulties in English. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the estimates of primary school teachers for the reasons for students' LDs in English language in several fields among the students. The study concluded with recommendations on the need to diversify in teaching methods, reduce the teaching burden for teachers from lessons, and open channels of communication between home and school to follow up on students’ affairs. The study also recommended identifying all the problems students face in the process of learning the language and increasing the awareness of students and their families about the importance of learning English language. In addition, schools should be encouraged to establish a special laboratory for English language, equipped with the latest tools to enable students to listen to the language better and with sound pronunciation, and encouraging teachers to develop remedial plans to improve the achievement level of students.

The Lived Experiences of Learners from Broken Home with Insignificant Progress Amidst Pandemic: Basis in Designing A Remediation Plan

The closure of Philippine schools has greatly affected the quality of instruction and learning during the pandemic. This study aimed to delve into the lived experiences of learners with insignificant progress from broken homes during the implementation of distance learning modalities. To materialize such a purpose, the researchers employed the phenomenological method of study. Fourteen student participants from broken homes were purposively selected to participate in an in-depth interview. The themes were identified using the NVIVO Application. The result shows that these groups of learners encountered several challenges such as slow internet connection, unfinished learning tasks, and deafening noise. These students have also made some adjustments which include doing household chores, changes in sleeping patterns, and seeking help from peers. More so, as a support to their children, the parents/homes assist such as financial and material support. It is also reported that parents/guardians give advice and help their children in accomplishing learning tasks. In conclusion, institutional policies from the government needs to strengthen the collaboration among education stakeholders to further assist these groups of learners. Subsequently, proposed remediation plan was made.

Nailed it! Doctor of pharmacy learners' self-awareness of performance on authentic assessments

IntroductionThe primary objective of this pilot study was to determine the reliability and validity of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) self-awareness survey. A secondary objective was to assess learner self-awareness in OSCE performance. MethodsA retrospective review of OSCE data from a single cohort in a three-year accelerated doctor of pharmacy program occurred. The cohort completed four OSCEs with a total of 23 discrete cases. At the end of each case, before receiving feedback, learners completed an evaluation of their skills, communication, overall performance, and identified if they believed the patient/provider would return (“nailed or failed”). These self-evaluations were then compared with respective learner performance scores for each case. Content validity was assessed for the self-awareness survey via the Lawshe method. Reliability of the OSCE cases and self-awareness survey were conducted utilizing Cronbach's alpha and the Spearman-Brown formula, respectively. ResultsThe OSCE self-awareness survey was found to be face valid and reliable for the overall survey. The subsections of return to pharmacist and overall learner performance were also found to be valid and reliable. A statistical relationship was found between learner self-assessment of pass/fail and their actual grade for overall performance and return to pharmacist. ConclusionsResults from this study may guide remediation plans related to OSCE performance and development of other self-awareness activities in practice settings. Further studies are needed to evaluate the broader application and use of self-awareness tools.

Do humans take good care of their offspring as animals do…! the Lavreotiki and Lavrion 'sagas', Hellenic Republic-Part 2: hazard and risk assessment and remediation.

A number of geochemical and epidemiological studies verified that the Lavrion urban and suburban area is highly contaminated and has affected to a variable degree the health of the inhabitants, presented in the first part of review on the Lavrion 'sagas'. In the second part of this review, emphasis is given to the challenge environmental scientists faced in communicating the scientific results to environmental managers and the public and state officials in order for them to understand the benefits of prioritising public health over wealth. Imminent remediation actions have been developed and proposed in order to secure a healthier life for the local population. The proposed integrated environmental management scheme was based on the findings of hazard and health risk assessment. The aim was not only to remediate the contaminated land, but also to inform the local population and authorities regarding the environmental hazards that they were facing, and the necessary safety measures that should be taken. However, the proposed lifestyle changes were viewed with scepticism from all stakeholders. This paper seeks to provide some answers to questions related to the obstacles that have prevented the implementation of the proposed remediation plan on a large scale by reporting on risk perception and response to scientific evidence by the affected community in Lavrion. It also underlines the significant role of SEGH in linking applied environmental research with the public.

Monitored Natural Recovery of Contaminated Sediment in Cottonwood Bay, Texas

ABSTRACT Monitored natural recovery (MNR) is a response action for contaminated sediment that relies on natural processes to reduce ecological and human health risks to acceptable levels over time. Multi-media long-term monitoring is necessary to verify remedy effectiveness and success. Whereas MNR has most often been employed together with other engineered remedies to address contaminated sediment, this case study describes an evaluation demonstrating the suitability of MNR with adaptive management as a stand-alone sediment remedial strategy for Cottonwood Bay, located in Dallas, Texas. Current risks at the Cottonwood Bay site are associated with human consumption of fish contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The lines of evidence used to evaluate MNR included documentation of source control; review of PCB burial/isolation and surface sediment recovery; evaluation of sediment deposition and sediment stability; and demonstration of decreasing temporal trends in fish tissue PCB concentrations. The multiple lines of evidence demonstrated that source control and natural recovery processes have contributed substantially to reduced concentrations of PCBs and metals in surface sediments and PCBs in fish. MNR has been approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and is incorporated as a stand-alone remedy in the revised Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for Cottonwood Bay. A long-term monitoring plan is being implemented as part of an MNR response action to confirm decreasing trends in surface sediment and fish fillet PCB concentrations over time and to demonstrate the continued effectiveness of natural recovery processes.

Potentially Toxic Elements’ Contamination of Soils Affected by Mining Activities in the Portuguese Sector of the Iberian Pyrite Belt and Optional Remediation Actions: A Review

Both sectors of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portuguese and Spanish, have been exploited since ancient times, but more intensively during and after the second half of the 19th century. Large volumes of polymetallic sulfide ore were extracted in open pits or in underground works, processed without environmental concerns, and the generated waste rocks and tailings were simply deposited in the area. Many of these mining sites were abandoned for years under the action of erosive agents, leading to the spread of trace elements and the contamination of soils, waters and sediments. Some of these mine sites have been submitted to rehabilitation actions, mostly using constructive techniques to dig and contain the contaminated tailings and other waste materials, but the remaining soil still needs to be treated with the best available techniques to recover its ecosystem functions. Besides the degraded physical structure and poor nutritional status of these soils, they have common characteristics, as a consequence of the pyrite oxidation and acid drainage produced, such as a high concentration of trace elements and low pH, which must be considered in the remediation plans. This manuscript aims to review the results from studies which have already covered these topics in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, especially in its Portuguese sector, considering: (i) soils’ physicochemical characteristics; (ii) potentially toxic trace elements’ concentration; and (iii) sustainable remediation technologies to cope with this type of soil contamination. Phytostabilization, after the amelioration of the soil’s properties with organic and inorganic amendments, was investigated at the lab and field scale by several authors, and their results were also considered.

Preliminary Study of Groundwater Quality Using Hierarchical Classification Approaches for Contaminated Sites in Indigenous Communities Associated with Crude Oil Exploration Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Groundwater is an important source of water. Since the control and removal of pollution are expensive, it is essential to identify the possible sources of contamination and to correctly classify groundwater on the basis of its intrinsic and integrated vulnerability. Objectives: To group ground water chemical ions and heavy metals parameters into similar groups. Method: The investigation made use of standard analytical procedures. All sampling, conservation, transportation and analysis followed standard procedures described in APHA (2012). To prevent degradation of the organic substances, all obtained samples were transferred to the laboratory, while kept in an icebox. Results: Sampling records from the same area are generally assigned to the same cluster during hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The cluster diagram shows the grouping of the heavy metal in the study area during wet and dry seasons. It reveals that 5 distinct clusters were identified for wet season and 4 clusters were identified during dry season. Also, it reveals that 5 distinct clusters were identified for wet season and for dry season, 4 distinct clusters were identified. Conclusion: The findings of this study are significant for policymakers and agencies in terms of dealing with the issues identified to enhance sustainable livelihood practices in the oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Therefore, decision-makers should take proper initiatives to get local people aware of the endangered zones before use, as drinking water is key to good health. Similarly, multinational oil companies will find it useful in their quest for viable social corporate responsibility and remediation plans in their respective host communities. The method proved to be a useful and objective tool for environmental planning.

Leakage Rate Modeling in Depleted Gas Fields Safeguards Well Integrity, CO2 Storage

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 205537, “Safeguarding CO2 Storage by Restoring Well Integrity Using Leakage Rate Modeling Along the Wellbore in Depleted Gas Fields Offshore Sarawak,” by Parimal Patil, SPE, Prasanna Chidambaram, SPE, and M. Syafeeq B. Ebining Amir, Petronas, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Ensuring the long-term integrity of existing plugged and abandoned (P&A) and active wells that penetrated a studied CO2 storage reservoir was key to reduction of leakage risks along the well path for long-term containment sustainability. With a goal of developing depleted gas fields as carbon dioxide (CO2) storage sites in offshore Sarawak, determining the complexity involved in restoring the integrity of these P&A wells, as well as the development wells, is critical. Leakage-rate modeling (LRM) was performed to identify and evaluate the associated risks for designing the remedial action plan. CO2 Storage Challenges in Central Luconia Storage sites in this study include three major depleted gas reservoirs in the Central Luconia gas field offshore Sarawak. Hydrocarbons from deeply buried reservoirs were produced through drilling of vertical and deviated wells. Thirty-eight wells were drilled in these three depleted gas reservoirs, of which 11 are exploration wells that had been P&A; 27 wells include active producers, water injectors, and idle wells. By estimating the performance of well-barrier elements in the legacy P&A wells and existing development wells, an assessment of well integrity analysis was performed. The casing, as well as the cement, may degrade with time depending on the downhole temperature, pressure, stress conditions, and formation fluids. Degradation of wellbore cement in the presence of carbonized acid fluids poses a risk of creating leakage pathways. Understanding the local stress conditions acting on the cement/casing/formation sheath is important to increase knowledge regarding leakage-pathway creation, together with geochemical and geomechanics processes. CO2 Storage Well Integrity Risk Assessment Once the locations of the existing P&A wells were identified, site-inspection data helped define the preparation required to assess possible gas seepage or the existence of leakage pathways along these wellbores. The measured leakage amount of gas/CO2 could then be used to backfeed the simulation model to identify the leakage system along the wellbore. The method uses desktop modeling studies together with site surveys using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or side scan sonar. The modeling helps simulate various leakage scenarios, while actual field measurements for any bubbling at the seabed provide the critical inputs to refine the modeling work to define the risk associated with each well. To gauge the integrity of storage sites for each well, a comprehensive understanding of critical factors and dominant criteria had to be considered as part of the data-evaluation process. Tables 1 and 2 of the complete paper define the risk-assessment elements for the existing P&A exploration and appraisal wells and development wells, respectively, used for the risk-assessment exercise. The risk-assessment process includes identification of risk, risk analysis, and risk evaluation. All wells that penetrated the CO2 storage reservoir were benchmarked as a baseline for a corrosive storage environment. Such data are useful for forecasting the possible leakage rates at the CO2 sequestration site.

Model‐supported decision‐making at a contaminated sediment site: Post‐audit and site closure

Computer simulation models have been used to support decision‐making at contaminated sediment sites for decades. Nonetheless, their reliability in remedial decision‐making has been questioned, and there is a need for retrospective studies of the accuracy of model predictions, that is, post‐audits. The Neal's Landfill site near Bloomington, Indiana, provides an example of the successful use of a mathematical simulation model in the selection of a remedy for a site that includes streams with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)‐affected sediment, water, and fish. A chemical fate and transport and bioaccumulation computer simulation model was developed to compare the effectiveness of alternative remediation plans in reducing fish total PCB concentrations. A post‐audit of the model, using several years of data collected after remediation, demonstrates that the model successfully predicted declines in surface water and fish tissue PCB concentrations over a decade, including those associated with longer term natural recovery processes as well as the response to remedial actions. The model predicted, and the post‐audit bore out, that risk‐based goals would be met using an alternative less extensive than others under consideration. An uncertainty analysis, based on bounding model calculations, provided important support for decision‐making, as did the inclusion of a statistical Remedy Confirmation Clause in the Consent Decree for the site. This study demonstrates the utility of a computer simulation model to guide remedial decision‐making at a contaminated sediment site. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1233–1245. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

A competency roadmap for advanced practice nursing education using PRIME-NP

BackgroundClinical competency validation is essential for nurse practitioner (NP) education and public accountability. While there has been robust discussion around what constitutes clinical competency and assessment, clear and consistent definitions and measurements remain elusive. PurposeThis article describes the PRIME-NP clinical competency model that is scalable, reproducible and accurately documents NP student competency across clinical courses. MethodsTo develop the model, work in 5 discrete domains was necessary: (a) model development, (b) assessment tool to be used in Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE), (c) rubrics to accompany the OSCE exam, (d) faculty education, and (e) evaluating the model use. FindingsFaculty and student outcomes reveal that the model and assessment tool acceptability and effectiveness of the model, especially for early identification for at risk students. ConclusionThe PRIME-NP offered faculty the opportunity to identify at-risk students, identify a more nuanced remediation plan, and assess student competency in simulated environments.

Assessing the environmental risk and pollution status of soil and water resources in the vicinity of municipal solid waste dumpsites.

Municipal solid waste management remains a major challenge for many developing countries where unsanitary and environmentally damaging practices, such as open dumping and burning of wastes, are consistently utilized as means of waste disposal. This study aimed to assess the impact of local dumpsites in a region in Southern Lebanon and to assess/determine the level of pollution they cause on local ecosystems and the concomitant risks to public health. Accordingly, soil and water samples were collected from the seven dumpsites that were investigated over the course of two seasons. Several biological, chemical, and physical parameters were examined, with the results being utilized to calculate a number of environmental indices. Results indicated that several soil parameters including TN (700-2400mg/kg), pH (8.3-8.7), COD (39-1995mg/kg), and sulfate levels (17.8-301.6mg/kg) were altered by the dumpsites. Heavy metal concentrations varied between dumpsites; however, the most commonly prevalent metals across all dumps were Fe (992-41,500mg/kg), Cr (17.4-139.5mg/kg), Zn (24.1-177.4mg/kg), Cu (9.42-148.2mg/kg), and Mn (25.2-776.5mg/kg), though recorded concentrations exceeded permissible limits only in certain instances. Evidently, soil samples collected at dumpsites had higher concentrations compared to the samples collected away from dumpsites reaching 27 times more in certain locations. The altered parameters have a direct effect on soil fertility and, if biomagnified, could disrupt crop yields and impact human health. Physiochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations in water samples were not significantly altered and were found to be within permissible limits. However, it is crucial to develop a monitoring and remediation plan to decrease the percolation of leachate to water resources.

Restating Internal Control Reports Following Financial Statement Restatements: Determinants and Consequences*

ABSTRACTAfter restating their financial statements, companies may voluntarily restate their previously issued internal control (IC) reports for the financial statement (FS) misstatement periods, changing them from “effective” to “ineffective.” This paper examines the determinants and consequences of IC restatements, which have been of concern to financial statement users. When announcing these IC restatements, companies often provide a detailed explanation of the IC problems and a discussion of their plans to remediate these problems. We find that companies with less severe IC problems that can be remediated more quickly are more likely to restate their IC reports. Moreover, these results are driven by companies with a higher need for external financing, suggesting that IC restaters voluntarily restate their IC reports in order to inform investors about their less severe IC material weaknesses and their plans to improve IC quality. Finally, we find that, relative to other FS restatement companies, IC restaters have a lower likelihood of CFO turnover and auditor resignation following the FS restatement. Taken together, our results suggest that voluntary IC restatements are used by IC restaters as a means to separate themselves from other FS restatement companies with more severe control problems and slower remediation plans. Our findings also indicate that studies investigating IC quality and related disclosures need to distinguish between IC restaters and other FS restatement companies because of the different characteristics and consequences between the two groups.