Technical Cooperation Project Research Articles

The FAO special programme for food security: livestock diversification - a case study in Chad

This paper presents a Technical Cooperation Project associated with the FAO Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) in Chad. The project entitled “Diversification Component of the SPFS in Chad”, which started in November 2000 and ended in October 2002, focussed on improving the contribution of small ruminants (sheep and goats) and poultry (chickens, ducks and guinea fowl) to household food security. Only data from the poultry component are presented in this paper.An initial analysis identified access to credit, goods and services, and markets as the main constraints faced by farmers wishing to expand their poultry production. High mortalities, especially in chickens, were identified as a major cause of low productivity. Through a consultative process that involved all the stakeholders, project interventions were designed to overcome these constraints. The project introduced credit with repayment in kind, access to animal health care, staff and farmer training, and demonstrated improved animal husbandry practices.Sixty percent of the original 55 farmer production/demonstration units remain active and profitable. Guinea fowl and duck keeping proved to be the most profitable as their meat is in high demand during festivals, and guinea fowl lay during the wet season when there is a scarcity of eggs. Efforts to control Newcastle Disease were less successful and the disease occurred in 78 percent of the units keeping chickens. Credit repayments have started in 40 percent of the units. This pilot project has shown the potential of poultry as a means of increasing household income and it has become a model for SPFS programmes elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.

Implementation of neutron tomography around the Algerian Es-Salam research reactor: preliminary studies and first steps

During the last three years a static neutron radiography facility has been designed and installed around one of the horizontal neutron beam channels of the Es-Salam research reactor. In order to extend the field of application of neutron radiography, a development project is actually undertaken. The purpose of this project is the implementation of neutron tomography (NT). The Es-Salam research reactor provides a 10 9 n/cm 2 s thermal neutron beam for the installation of a tomography facility. The aim of this Tomography facility will be to visualize dynamic processes and to implement fast reconstruction methods. A first step in this direction was the design and the realization of an exposition cell, a beam-catcher, a turn table and a neutron beam collimation system. All electronic parts of the detection system will be provided and installed within the frame work of a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This paper describes the estimation procedure of the main design parameters according to the measurement of the beam properties for final tomography station as well as the composition and the performance of the proposed detection system. Moreover, the influence of physical parameters of the irradiation in-pile parts on the image quality and acquisition process is discussed.

An overview of recent IAEA projects on mercury in non-marine environments

Nuclear and isotopic techniques are unique tools for studying mercury contamination and cycling in various environments. Therefore, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been supporting the use of nuclear and complementary analytical techniques (mainly neutron activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry), and application of radioactive and enriched stable isotopes in its member states since many years. The main mechanisms of support have been technical cooperation and coordinated research projects. Whilst the technical cooperation projects have helped in solving technical problems and providing know-how in the developing member states, the research projects have supported both basic and applied research. So far, participants from 18 IAEA member states have taken part in projects concerned with non-marine environments. In this paper, IAEA's supportive mechanisms are presented and the results of recently finished and on-going projects are discussed. As an important part of the IAEA activities, several interlaboratory comparison exercises were organised and reference materials characterised for both total and methylmercury issued.

A preliminary economic feasibility assessment of nuclear desalination in Madura Island

A joint study between KAERI and BATAN, which is entitled "A preliminary economic feasibility assessment of nuclear desalination in Madura Island", is being conducted under the framework of the Interregional Technical Cooperation Project of IAEA, signed on Oct. 10, 2001 at IAEA. The duration of the project is January 2002 to December 2004. An economic feasibility of nuclear desalination using system-integrated modular advanced reactor (SMART), which will provide Madura Island with electricity and potable water and also support industrialisation and tourism, will be assessed during the project. The scope of this joint study includes the analyses for the short- and long-term energy and water demand as well as the supply plan for Madura Island, evaluation of the site characteristics, environmental impacts and health aspects, technical and economic evaluation of SMART and its desalination system, including the feasibility of its being identified on the Madura Island. KAERI and BATAN are cooperating in conducting a joint study, and IAEA provides technical support and a review of the study products. This paper presents the interim results of the joint study by focussing on the technical and economic aspects of nuclear desalination using SMART in Madura Island.

ミャンマーにおける「ＪＩＣＡハンセン病対策・基礎保健サービス改善プロジェクト」

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) implemented a 5-year long bilateral technical cooperation project, "Leprosy Control and Basic Health Services Project" in Myanmar. The project was implemented by National Leprosy Control Program, Department of Health with close technical collaboration of JICA experts mainly from International Medical Center of Japan (IMCJ) and National Sanatoriums of leprosy in Japan. It accelerated to achieve the elimination of leprosy at national level, which was declared in January 2003, and at sub-national level onward. It also developed the appropriate technologies for prevention of disability and prevention of worsening of disability (POD/POWD), which were introduced in 9 townships as a pilot service program. The Government stratified the POD/POWD services as a national program since 2005 by taking up the former pilot area to start with. The project also strengthened the function of referral system of leprosy control (Diagnosis and treatment), POD/POWD and physical rehabilitation. Beside leprosy, the project conducted a series of refresher trainings for primary health care givers, Basic Health Service Staff (BHS), of project areas (48 townships) to improve the services on tuberculosis, Malaria, Leprosy, Trachoma and HIV/AIDS for 3 years (2001-2003), which was evaluated in 2004. It contributed to improve the services at township level hospitals in procurement of audio-visual equipments and in conducting microscope training on leprosy, Malaria and tuberculosis at project areas.

Chronic lifestyle disease prevention through technical cooperation

A five-(5) year Joint Technical Cooperation Project between the Government of Jamaica and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was implemented with an overall goal of improving the health status of the Jamaican population by strengthening the function of the regional health system in Southern Jamaica. A joint project management team was established, comprised of Jamaican and Japanese counterparts working side by side for the duration of the project. Early activities focused on a needs analysis of organizational capacity, human resource skills, clinical activities and community lifestyles, especially in relationship to the prevention of Chronic Lifestyle Diseases (CLDs). Guided by findings from this analysis, a disease prevention model (including a mobile clinic) was first established in the parish of Manchester and then extended to the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Clarendon. Concurrently, capacity building and staff training activities were implemented with both Jamaican and Japanese inputs. The disease prevention model including free health screening (BP and BMI,) was established as planned, first in the parish of Manchester with subsequent extensions to Clarendon and St. Elizabeth. A total of 5,539 clients were seen at the end of December 2002. In spite of financial and human resource constraints (on the Jamaican side) all planned outputs were achieved although some (e.g. mobile clinic in Clarendon) were achieved later than projected dates. A detailed evaluation of lifestyle changes is pending. However, anecdotal evidence suggests positive changes among staff and clients (including community groups). The intervention facilitated strengthening of chronic lifestyle disease prevention at the community level through capacity building and human resources training which included strengthening the pioneering approach of Community Health Aide (CHA) involvement in health screening and promotion. The method of technical transfer undoubtedly played an integral role in the success of the project and could be seriously considered as an approach in other CARICOM countries with similar chronic disease challenges. Objective: To document the Joint Technical Cooperation Project between Jamaica and Japan on strengthening health care in the Southern Region. Method: Within an overall goal of improving the health status of the Jamaican population by strengthening the function of the regional health system, a joint project management team was established, which comprised of Jamaican and Japanese counterparts working side by side, for the duration of the project. Early activities focused on a need analysis of organizational capacity, human resource skills, clinical activities and community lifestyles, especially in relationship to the prevention of Chronic Lifestyle Diseases (CLDs). Guided by findings from this analysis, a disease prevention model was first established in the parish of Manchester and then extended to the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Clarendon. Concurrently, capacity-building and staff-training activities were implemented with both Jamaican and Japanese inputs. Achievements/Outcomes: The disease prevention model, including free health screening (BP and BMI), was established as planned, first in the parish of Manchester with subsequent extensions to Clarendon and St. Elizabeth. A total of 5539 clients were seen at the end of December 2002. In spite of financial and human resource constraints (on the Jamaican side), all planned outputs were achieved, although some (e.g., mobile clinic in Clarendon) were achieved later than projected dates. A detailed evaluation of lifestyle changes is pending. However, anecdotal evidence suggests positive changes among staff and clients (including community groups). Conclusion: This intervention facilitated the strengthening of chronic lifestyle disease prevention at the community level through capacity building and human resource training, which included strengthening the pioneering approach of Community Health Aide (CHA) involvement in health screening and promotion. The method of technical transfer undoubtedly played an integral role in the success of the project and could be seriously considered as an approach in other CARICOM countries with similar chronic disease challenges.

The regional magnetic data set of Namibia: Compilation, contributions to crustal studies and support to natural resource management

Research Article| December 01, 2002 The regional magnetic data set of Namibia: Compilation, contributions to crustal studies and support to natural resource management D.G. Eberle; D.G. Eberle Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 510153, 30631 Hannover, Germany, e-mail: detlef.eberle@bgr.de Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar G. Andritzky; G. Andritzky Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 510153, 30631 Hannover, Germany, e-mail: detlef.eberle@bgr.de Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar D.G. Hutchins; D.G. Hutchins Geological Survey of Namibia, P.O. Box 2168, Windhoek, Namibia, e-mail: dave@mme.gov.na; rainer@mme.gov.na Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R. Wackerle R. Wackerle Geological Survey of Namibia, P.O. Box 2168, Windhoek, Namibia, e-mail: dave@mme.gov.na; rainer@mme.gov.na Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information D.G. Eberle Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 510153, 30631 Hannover, Germany, e-mail: detlef.eberle@bgr.de G. Andritzky Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 510153, 30631 Hannover, Germany, e-mail: detlef.eberle@bgr.de D.G. Hutchins Geological Survey of Namibia, P.O. Box 2168, Windhoek, Namibia, e-mail: dave@mme.gov.na; rainer@mme.gov.na R. Wackerle Geological Survey of Namibia, P.O. Box 2168, Windhoek, Namibia, e-mail: dave@mme.gov.na; rainer@mme.gov.na Publisher: Geological Society of South Africa First Online: 07 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1996-8590 Print ISSN: 1012-0750 © 2003 Geological Society of South Africa South African Journal of Geology (2002) 105 (4): 361–380. https://doi.org/10.2113/1050361 Article history First Online: 07 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation D.G. Eberle, G. Andritzky, D.G. Hutchins, R. Wackerle; The regional magnetic data set of Namibia: Compilation, contributions to crustal studies and support to natural resource management. South African Journal of Geology 2002;; 105 (4): 361–380. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/1050361 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietySouth African Journal of Geology Search Advanced Search Abstract 41 airborne magnetic surveys flown between 1962 and 1992 over different areas of Namibia were compiled as part of a German-Namibian technical cooperation project to produce a refined compatible national (countrywide) magnetic data set. Contour maps are available in two scales (1:1 000 000 and 1:250 000) together with digital grids having cell sizes of 2000m, 500m and 200m. The refined magnetic data serve as a new tool suitable to elucidate the crustal evolution and to contribute to the management of renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Namibia can be subdivided into several magnetic domains amongst which the cratonic areas and the Proterozoic fold belts are the most important. Modelling indicates that the magnetic pattern reflects intra-continental rift and collision processes, most clearly on the periphery of the Archean cratons. The mid-Proterozoic, Sinclair Sequence is supposed to be an accreted terrane. Two examples of magnetic data used in the management of natural resources are discussed: Depth values of the top surface of the magnetic basement in the Otavi Mountainland provided by harmonic analysis of the magnetic field and synthesis of magnetization waves have contributed towards the development of a geohydraulic model of one of the most important aquifers of Namibia. In the southern part of the country, structural analysis of the magnetic field yielded intersections and confluences of magnetic lineaments, which are considered sites with future potential for hydrothermal mineralization. They especially cluster in the Proterozoic Sinclair Sequence and Orange River Group. A number of areas with increased mineral potential could be identified. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Monitoring Processes of National Development in the Kyrgyz Republic

The purpose of the paper is to develop a formal method for monitoring and assessment of the process of sustainable national development. In particular, we apply cluster analysis to develop procedures of formal assessment of development gaps, and show how they can be applied for monitoring processes of sustainable development (the method proposed could also be applied for inter-country comparison and assessment of the impact of technical cooperation projects and different internal and external shocks on national development). A formal method is described and implemented for the analysis of national development processes in the Kyrgyz Republic in the period 1992-2000. The study reveals that although in the second part of the nineties many development indicators in the country improved significantly, the development path observed in this period can hardly be classified as sustainable.

Nuclear and isotopic techniques for addressing nutritional problems, with special reference to current applications in developing countries.

Nuclear and isotopic techniques are valuable tools in human nutritional research studies. Isotopes, both radioactive and nonradioactive, enable detailed evaluations of nutrient intake, body composition, energy expenditure, status of micronutrients, and nutrient bioavailability. In recent times, isotopic methods have been widely used in a number of coordinated research projects and technical cooperation projects of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Nutrition Programme. The doubly labeled water technique combines the use of the stable isotopes oxygen-18 and hydrogen-2 (deuterium) to measure total energy expenditure in free-living human subjects, and to investigate the magnitude and causes of both undernutrition and the emergence of obesity in developing countries. The deuterium dilution technique is a reliable tool to measure breastmilk intake and thereby infant growth and development. In collaboration with the World Health Organization's Growth Monitoring Program, this technique is being used to generate new data on growth standards for children in developing countries. This technique is also used in the measurement of body composition by the estimation of lean body mass and fat mass in individuals. Stable isotopes of iron and zinc have been successfully used to assess the nutritional impact of several nationwide food supplementation-programs conducted on pregnant and lactating women and children in both industrialized and developing countries. Isotopic techniques are especially suitable for monitoring changes in body composition, energy metabolism, and mineral status (with particular reference to osteoporosis) in the elderly. Nuclear methods have also served to develop models for a physiological reference man in Asia in support of radiological health and safety issues, for establishing elemental composition of foods, and for measurement of pollutants in the environment.

Geo–tectonic Position of Tin Polymetallic Mineralization Zone in the Southern Da Hinggan Mountains Area, Inner Mongolia, China: An Introduction to This Special Issue

Abstract: As a part of the main activities of Japan‐China technical cooperation project, a test survey area, approximately 5,000 km2, was established for the implement of its geological and geochemical research program. A major mineralization zone called Huanggang–Ganzhuermiao–Wulanhaote Sn‐Cu polymetallic mineralization zone is recognized in the southern Da Hinggan Mountains area. The southern half of this zone is known as the sole Sn‐mineralization zone in North China. The survey area lies in this prominent zone. As the most of the papers presented in this issue have concerns to the geology and mineralization in this survey area, this report was prepared to introduce geo‐tectonic situation of the Sn‐Cu polymetallic mineralization zone in the Inner Mongolia orogenic belt. The belt is divided into four tectonic facies (from NW to SE); I: Wuliyasitai volcano‐plutonic zone, II: Hegenshan ophiolite mélange zone, III: Sunitezuoqi volcano‐plutonic zone, IV: Wenduermiao ophiolite mélange zone. The subject Sn‐Cu polymetallic mineralization zone is situated in the southeastern part of the Sunitezuoqi magmatic zone. About this Sunitezuoqi magmatic zone, three geo‐tectonic characteristics are pointed out. In late Carboniferous to early Permian period, subduction of Hegenshan oceanic crust occurred, which accelerated volcano‐plutonic activities and brought about basic to intermediate volcanic rocks of tholeiitic to calc‐alkaline series represented by Dashizhai Group in the Sunitezuoqi magmatic zone. Late Jurassic to early Cretaceous acidic rocks representing the most culminated volcanism and plutonism in Mesozoic era in the Da Hinggan Moutains area are distributed very extensively in and around the Sn‐Cu polymetallic mineralization zone. The Proterozoic metamorphic basement rocks called Xilinhaote complex are distributed close to the mineralized area in the Sunitezuoqi magmatic zone.Although the real mineralization was known associated with Mesozoic acidic to intermediate volcano‐plutonic activities, it is thought that the lower Permian Dashizhai volcanic rocks and pre‐Cambrian basement rocks might have played certain significant role in the process respectively of extraction of elements and formation of the magma favorable for such mineralization in the Sunitezuoqi magmatic zone. It would be necessary to give further considerations to these three geological units in relation to the Sn‐Cu polymetallic mineralization.

Becoming an intercultural primary school teacher: Experiences from Bolivia

The article analyses various developments that took place within the context of a Technical Cooperation project, financed by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, and implemented by GTZ (the German Technical Cooperation Agency) together with Bolivian Educational Ministry during 1997 and 1998. The project focused on teacher education, especially initial teacher education, in the course of national educational reform in Bolivia and concentrated on intercultural bilingual education in the Bolivian highlands.

Neutron Activation Analysis in the IAEA Projects on Air Pollution

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been promoting studies on air pollution since 1992. During the period 1992–1999 there have been six major co-ordinated research and regional technical co-operation projects in which 77 counterparts from 40 Member States actively participated. The studies supported by the IAEA have included ambient and workplace airborne particulate matter, the use of appropriate plant biomonitors and a series of laboratory intercomparison exercises in support to these projects. Recent and current IAEA projects in this field are reviewed in the light of the application of neutron activation analysis, which has been used as a major analytical technique by more than two thirds of the counterparts, and contributed also approximately two thirds of all analytical results for the intercomparison exercises.

Management Development for Libraries and Information Services in Latin America and the Caribbean

This paper reflects on the outcomes of a project undertaken in 1997/98, and examines issues relating to the development of the managerial expertise that underpins the library and information services in Latin America and the Caribbean. It reviews the results of surveys of schools of Librarianship and Information Sciences and a small selection of employers in the region, examining the congruence between the needs of the employers and provision by the schools and possible explanations for an apparent mutual lack of awareness of modern management techniques. Proposals for developing management expertise include: enhancing access to indigenous professional publications and teaching materials; developing a Hispanic language distance-learning programme for library managers; improving research into the job market and skills requirements; and developing an electronic network for communication between the schools. The role of international agencies and technical co-operation projects is assessed, and attention is drawn to the need for a more positive approach to overcome the issues surrounding the transfer of management know-how between different cultures.

Management Development for Libraries and Information Services in Latin America and the Caribbean

This paper reflects on the outcomes of a project undertaken in 1997/98, and examines issues relating to the development of the managerial expertise that underpins the library and information services in Latin America and the Caribbean. It reviews the results of surveys of schools of Librarianship and Information Sciences and a small selection of employers in the region, examining the congruence between the needs of the employers and provision by the schools and possible explanations for an apparent mutual lack of awareness of modern management techniques. Proposals for developing management expertise include: enhancing access to indigenous professional publications and teaching materials; developing a Hispanic language distance-learning programme for library managers; improving research into the job market and skills requirements; and developing an electronic network for communication between the schools. The role of international agencies and technical co-operation projects is assessed, and attention is drawn to the need for a more positive approach to overcome the issues surrounding the transfer of management know-how between different cultures.

In search of results of technical cooperation

For the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), technical cooperation (TC) is the process by which the PAHO Member States work with the Organization, as equal partners, to identify and reach their own health goals and to promote self-sufficiency in health development, through programs that respond to those countries' needs and national priorities. Since 1978, PAHO has used the American Regional Planning, Programming, Monitoring, and Evaluation System (AMPES) to establish management procedures and to facilitate decision-making in health TC. As part of AMPES, PAHO uses a "logical approach to project management" to structure the work program of the Organization and to identify the expected results from TC activities and TC resource investments. This project management approach, which replaces the "functional approaches" system used to date, also helps establish a causative relationship between the programmed activities and the results that PAHO expects, and between the activities and the hoped-for outcomes in the countries. As part of an ongoing process of rethinking international health TC, several years ago PAHO began a four-phase study on the usefulness and validity of functional approaches and on the need to propose new ones or to modify existing ones. The results of the initial phase showed it was difficult to classify the activities because the functional-approaches categories were not mutually exclusive and the TC activities were complex. Further, the expected results did not specify the product for which the PAHO Secretariat was accountable within a certain time frame nor the Secretariat's level of responsibility. Thus, a new and more flexible classification of expected results was proposed, with the following categories: cooperation networks and alliances; surveillance and information systems; standards and guidelines; research and evaluation studies; plans, projects, and policies; methods, models, and technologies; training programs; promotional campaigns and advocacy; and direct support. In the second phase of the study, it was concluded that the proposed classification system made it possible to more precisely identify the products of PAHO technical cooperation projects, the Organization's degree of responsibility, and the bases for estimating needed resources. The new system could also facilitate monitoring and evaluation. In addition, the third phase of analyzing the functional approaches has begun. Its objective is to evaluate the effect of technical cooperation based on the changes incorporated in the programming of activities.

Training and Technology Transfer for Low-Volume Roads in Developing Countries

Experience in promoting suitable technologies and improving operational performance is drawn on to enable developing countries to make more effective use of local resources in the construction and maintenance of low-volume roads. Training and technology transfer projects require multidisciplinary consulting and advisory support, which may include courses and on-the-job training but may also require “twinning” and other linkages between institutions for a more substantial transfer of skills over a longer period. The process is illustrated by case studies from a range of national and international technical cooperation projects, including the global Management of Appropriate Road Technology research initiative and the World Road Association’s World Interchange Network. The cases are set within a framework of basic models of ways in which training and technology transfer can contribute to international construction industry development, which suggests an inverse relationship between project predictability and recipient autonomy. The analysis offers several general lessons for engineers involved in international technology transfer, including ( a) the importance of assessing local administrative, social, cultural, and regulatory environments at the project design stage; ( b) the need for an open-minded approach to the choice of technology; ( c) the scope for working with and through the local private sector; ( d) deciding on an appropriate mix of technical and management training; and ( e) applying the principle of sustainability through recognition of recipient autonomy and maintained contact between provider and recipient institutions to build confidence through collaboration.

Evaluating International Development Projects

International financing and aid agencies involved in construction industry development expect their interventions to contribute to a broad technology transfer and skills development process, which may include courses and on-the-job training, but may also require ‘twinning’ and other linkages between institutions for a more substantial transfer of skills over a longer period. Evaluating achievement is difficult since projects are so diverse in their technical demands, as well as in the range of target groups and circumstances involved. The article is illustrated by case studies from national technical cooperation projects based in China, Egypt, Ghana, India, Lesotho, the South Pacific and Sri Lanka, as well as regional and global initiatives. The lessons from the evaluation of these projects confirm the diversity of project experience, but suggest some common factors which could be taken into account at the project design stage to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

IAEA analytical quality assurance programmes to meet the present and future needs of developing countries

For many years the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been promoting analytical quality assurance and quality control in its Member States with emphasis on measurands that are amenable to analysis by nuclear and related techniques, i.e. radionuclides, trace elements, and stable isotopes. This paper reviews briefly the rationale for some of these activities, particularly in relation to the needs of participants in developing countries arising out of co-ordinated research programmes, technical co-operation projects and global and regional networks. Emphasis is given to biological and environmental reference materials with a matrix of natural origin. Also described are some activities arising out of the requirements of ISO-25 and other relevant international quality standards.

Staff Development in International Technical Cooperation Programmes: the case of the TEMPUS Joint European Project ‘LISTEN’

Explains the relationship between the purposes of staff development in schools of librarianship and information studies, and of international technical cooperation projects such as those supported by the European Commission’s TEMPUS programme. Links this to an evaluation of the staff development from which the Robert Gordon University School of Information and Media has benefited during its involvement in the ‘LISTEN’ Joint European Project during its three year life (1994–97). Explains the position which the School of Information and Media was in when the planning for this project commenced about 5 years earlier; outlines the purposes of staff development in the school, and points to those which are intended to develop the individual, and those which are related to the broader needs of the school and the university. Presents an analysis of the aims of international technical cooperation activities, and matches them against the aims of staff development as a framework within which to evaluate the impact on staff development of Project ‘LISTEN’. Identifies individual and institutional benefits in terms of staff development, and notes its impact on the profile of the school. Points to a number of outstanding issues, particularly the need for continuing cooperation after the end of a project; whether technical cooperation activities should be maintained through further institutional leadership or could be led independently by staff who have been effectively developed; and the limited number of schools engaged in cooperative activities.

Introducing advanced testing methods for domestic hot water storage tanks in Jordan

In Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) systems the usage of hot water storage tanks is absolutely essential, and, the thermal behaviour of these tanks has a large influence on the efficiency of the entire system. To assess this influence, as well as to improve the quality of the storage tanks, it is very important to determine its parameters. Through a technical co-operation project between the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) in Amman and the Technical University of Munich (TU) (sponsored by the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe), work was carried out: • — to apply a new development in storage testing to the existing facility at the RSS • — to examine its applicability • — to examine its reproducibility to local storage tanks made in Jordan. This paper presents the above referenced work including a description of the storage test facility and the applied ‘dynamic system testing’ procedure, which is based on the transient system simulation TRNSYS and the program for dynamic fitting DF. Through the testing of two storage tanks, it became evident that another test sequence was needed to determine the thermal vertical conductivity in the storage tanks. A new test sequence was proposed and tested to determine this parameter, which has a profound influence on the determination of certain other parameters.