Material Waste in the Northern Ireland Construction Industry: On-Site Management Causes and Methods of Prevention

The construction industry in Northern Ireland is one of the major contributors of construction waste to landfill each year. The aim of this research paper is to identify the core on-site management causes of material waste on construction sites in Northern Ireland and to illustrate various methods of prevention which can be adopted. The research begins with a detailed literature review and is complemented with the conduction of semi-structured interviews with 6 professionals who are experienced and active within the Northern Ireland construction industry. Following on from the literature review and interviews analysis, a questionnaire survey is developed to obtain further information in relation to the subject area. The questionnaire is based on the key findings of the previous stages to direct the research towards the most influential factors. The analysis of the survey responses reveals that the core causes of waste generation include a rushed program, poor handling and on-site damage of materials, while the principal methods of prevention emerge as the adequate storage, the reuse of material on-site and efficient material ordering. Furthermore, the role of the professional background in the shaping of perceptions relevant to waste management is also investigated and significant differences are identified. The findings of this research are beneficial for the industry as they enhance the understanding of construction waste generation causes and highlight the practices required to reduce waste on-site in the context of sustainable development.

Business Models for Cloud Computing: Experiences from Developing Modeling & Simulation as a Service Applications in Industry

The potential of cloud computing is gaining significant interest in Modeling & Simulation (M&S). The underlying concept of using computing power as a utility is very attractive to users that can access state-of-the-art hardware and software without capital investment. Moreover, the cloud computing characteristics of rapid elasticity and the ability to scale up or down according to workload make it very attractive to numerous applications including M&S. Research and development work typically focuses on the implementation of cloud-based systems supporting M&S as a Service (MSaaS). Such systems are typically composed of a supply chain of technology services. How is the payment collected from the end-user and distributed to the stakeholders in the supply chain? We discuss the business aspects of developing a cloud platform for various M&S applications. Business models from the perspectives of the stakeholders involved in providing and using MSaaS and cloud computing are investigated and presented.

Blacklisting and its legacy in the UK construction industry: employment relations in the aftermath of exposure of the Consulting Association

This paper explores responses to the exposure of blacklisting in the UK construction industry in the period following the closure of the Consulting Association (CA) in 2009. It asks whether employer collusion to blacklist in this way has been terminated and concludes that it is now largely of historical interest although other forms of anti-union activity continue. It highlights particularly the historic and continuing importance of ‘double breasting’ and reports on divergent employer paths in the aftermath of the exposure and subsequent closure of the activities of the CA.

Potential pathogenic fungi assessment through molecular biology in cork industry

Portugal has been the world leader in the cork sector in terms of exports, employing ten thousands of workers. In this working activity, the permanent contact with cork may lead to the exposure to fungi, raising concerns as potential occupational hazards in cork industry. The application of molecular tools is crucial in this setting, since fungal species with faster growth rates may hide other species with clinical relevance, such as species belonging to P. glabrum and A. fumigatus complexes. A study was developed aiming at assessing fungal contamination due to Aspergillus fumigatus complex and Penicillium glabrum complex by molecular methods in three cork industries in the outskirt of Lisbon city.

Desired learning outcomes for the curricula in financial services industry as perceived by professionals in the financial services industry located in the Greater Toronto Area /

This study sought to explore the changing nature of the financial services industry in Toronto, Canada and the impact that these changes will have on the vocational educational outcomes required by Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) graduates who wish to enter the financial services industry. The study was descriptive and exploratory, based on both quantitative and qualitative data. Triangulation of 3 data sources (a collection of newspaper articles from the Toronto Star between July 1999 and June 2000, the calendars of the 25 CAATs, and a survey questionnaire prepared by me and distributed to subject matter experts who are key practitioners in the financial services industry) was used. The study contains a discussion of how the financial services industry is changing. The first question to be answered was: What do current practitioners in financial services perceive to be the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will be required of future graduates for employment within the financial services industry? The study found that Ontario CAAT's graduates entering the financial services field need both business and financial services vocational learning outcomes. Colleges should have 2 programs 1 in accounting and 1 in financial services. The report addresses which specific topics should be included in the financial services program. The second question to be answered was: How does this anticipated profile of knowledge, skills, and attitudes change depending on the degree of implementation of the new technologies by the survey respondent? The study found no pattern. The third question to be answered was: In what way do existing programs need to change in the area of accreditation as perceived by the respondents? The study found that for accreditation, 3 credentials should be addressed within the financial services program. These are the Canadian Securities, the Life Underwriters, and the Certified Financial Planner designations. The last question to be answered was: What new knowledge, skills, and attitudes need to be incorporated into college curricula to address changing needs in the employment sector? For each Ontario CAAT which has a financial services program (excluding accounting), their program was reviewed in light of the topics as perceived by professionals in the financial services industry.

Second Welland Canal - Book 2, Survey Map 4 - Locks 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 in Grantham

Survey map of the Second Welland Canal created by the Welland Canal Company showing the Grantham Township along the outskirts of Merritton. Identified structures associated with the Canal include Locks 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, Lock House Lot, and the towing path. The surveyors' measurements and notes can be seen in red and black ink and pencil. Several stones likely used in the measurements are identified on the map. Local area landmarks are also identified and include streets and roads(ex. Hartzel Road and Macadamized Road), the Great Western Railroad, Swing Bridge, Thorold Station and its structures (ex. freight house, office, water tank, and wood house), Gordon and Mackay Houses, Gordon and Mackay's Cotton Mill, hydraulic race, a wharf, pond, and an unnamed bridge. Properties and property owners of note are: Concession 9 Lots 12 and 13, A. Bradley, John O'Coner, G. Grant, J. Bradley, J. Vanderburgh, O. Clifford and a parcel of land leased Gordon and Mackay.

Second Welland Canal - Book 2, Survey Map 7 - Locks 23, 24 and 25 in Thorold

Survey map of the Second Welland Canal created by the Welland Canal Company showing the canal as it passes through the Village of Thorold. Identified structures associated with the Canal include Locks 23, 24, and 25, a Guard Gate, Lock House Lot, the Little Deep Cut, and the towing path. The surveyors' measurements and notes can be seen in red and black ink and pencil. Local area landmarks are also identified and include streets and roads(ex. Pine Street and Front Street), a basin, a mill race, McPherson and Wier's Grist Mill, Brown and Ross Flouring Mill, R. James Store, J. Brown Cement Mill, W. B. Hendershots Store, Keefers Mill, J. Woodward Grist Mill, Brierly McWhirter and Co. Cotton Mill, E. W. Stephenson Tavern, a factory and a saw mill on W. H. Ward's property, a flouring mill, engine house, a store house, several barns, J. Brown's Wharf, and a number of structures belonging to: Jenkinson, Mrs. McCarty, John Clay, M. McDonnah, Mrs. Donahoc, W. B. Hendershott, Mrs. Pawling, and Christy. Properties and property owners of note are: Lots 8, 9, 16, and 17, W. H. Ward, J. Keefer, G. Keefer Jr., G. Keefer Sr., Dr. Rolls, W. Hendershott, Cleveland, Lucy, and R. Leeper.

Impact of the elderly on household health expenditure in Bihar and Kerala, India

Dans le contexte d’une population vieillissante, nous avons étudié l’impact de la présence de personnes âgées sur les dépenses catastrophiques de santé (DCS), ainsi que leur impact sur trois effets reliés (le fait d’éviter des traitements, la perte de revenu, et l’utilisation de sources de financement alternatives). Nous avons utilisé les données d’une enquête du National Sample Survey Organization (Inde) en 2004, portant sur les dépenses reliées à la santé. Nous avons choisi un état développé (Kerala) et un état en voie de développement (Bihar) pour faire une comparaison des effets de la présence de personnes âgées sur les ménages. Nous avons trouvé qu’il y avait plus de DCS au Kerala et que ceci était probablement lié à la présence accrue de personnes âgées au Kerala ce qui mène à plus de maladies chroniques. Nous avons supposé que l’utilisation de services de santé privés serait lié à une augmentation de DCS, mais l’effet a varié en fonction de l’état, du présence d’une personne âgée, et du type de service utilisé (ambulatoire ou hospitalisation). Nous avons aussi trouvé que les femmes âgées au Bihar utilisait les services de santé moins qu’elle ne devrait, que les ménages ayant plus de 4 personnes ont possiblement un effet protecteur pour les personnes âgées, et que certains castes et group religieux ont dû emprunter plus souvent que d’autres groupes pour payer les frais de santé. La présence de personnes âgées, les maladies chroniques, et l’utilisation de services de santé privées sont tous liés aux DCS, mais, d’après nos résultats, d’autres groupes retardent les conséquences économiques en empruntant ou évitant les traitements. Nous espérons que ces résultats seront utilisés pour approfondir les connaissances sur l’effet de personnes âgées sur les dépenses de santé ou qu’ils seront utilisés dans des discussions de politiques de santé.

Impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Professional Development and Educational Needs of Library Professionals in the Universities of Kerala

The shift from print to digital information has a high impact on all components of the academic library system in India especially the users, services and the staff. Though information is considered as an important resource, the use of ICT tools to collect and disseminate information has been in a slow pace in majority of the University libraries This may be due to various factors like insufficient funds, inadequate staff trained in handling computers and software packages, administrative concerns etc. In Kerala, automation has been initiated in almost all University libraries using library automation software and is under different stages of completion. There are not much studies conducted about the effects of information communication technologies on the professional activities of library professionals in the universities in Kerala. It is important to evaluate whether progress in ICT has had any impact on the library profession in these highest educational institutions. The aim of the study is to assess whether the developments in information communication technologies have any influence on the library professionals’ professional development, and the need for further education and training in the profession and evaluate their skills in handling developments in ICT. The total population of the study is 252 including the permanently employed professional library staff in central libraries and departmental libraries in the main campuses of the universities under study. This is almost a census study of the defined population of users. The questionnaire method was adopted for collection of data for this study, supplemented by interviews of Librarians to gather additional information. Library Professionals have a positive approach towards ICT applications and services in Libraries, but majority do not have the opportunities to develop their skills and competencies in their work environment. To develop competitive personnel in a technologically advanced world, high priority must be given to develop competence in ICT applications, library management and soft skills in library professionals, by the University administrators and Library associations. Library science schools and teaching departments across the country have to take significant steps to revise library science curriculum, and incorporate significant changes to achieve the demands and challenges of library science profession.

Impact of teak and eucalypt monoculture on soils in the highlands of Kerala

Impact of teak and eucalypt monoculture on soils in the highlands of kerala .The thesis is arranged under nine chapters. The first chapter introduces the topic, reviews the literature pertaining to the study and presents the aims and objectives of the study. The second chapter briefly describes the study location. experimental design and sampling methodology. The third chapter deals with physical properties of plantation soils. The fourth and fifth chapters cover the chemical properties and macro- and micro nutrient status in plantation soils. The organic matter fractions in plantation soils are described in sixth chapter. First part of the seventh chapter presents the results of factor analysis and the second part deals with fertility index of plantations. All these chapters are self-contained with separate introduction, materials and methods and results and discussions. A general discussion of the results is included in the eighth chapter. The ninth chapter includes conclusions and summary A study that traces the variation in physical and chemical properties and nutrient status of teak soils with age of plantations, till the end of a rotation period is thus highly pertinent. Such a study, with an adjacent natural forest as a reference stand will not only generate information that will help us to understand the pattern of variation in soil properties, but will also aid us in formulating better management strategies. The data generated by such a study will be more useful if accompanied by information on soil changes following a short rotation plantation crop. As Eucalypt, a short rotation crop is the second major plantation crop in Kerala, it was chosen for the study.

Development Planning at the State Level in India - A Case Study with Reference to Kerala, 1957-'84

This thesis entitled “Development planning at the state level in india a case study with reference to kerala1957-84.Planning in India is a concurrent subject with the Centre and the States having well-defined domains of jurisdiction with regard to planning functions and sources of resource mobilisation.The genesis of the lack of academic interest in state level planning is in the widely held belief that in the extent scheme of Centre-State economic relations, the states have little scope for initiative in planning.Both at the theoretical and empirical levels, Kerala has attached very great importance to planning.It has been the localeof wide and deep discussions on the various dimensions of planning.In Kerala's development process, the leading sector consists of social services such as education and public healthOne point that needs special emphasis in this regard is that the high demand for education in Kerala cannot be attributed to the Keralites' ‘unique urge‘ for education. Rather, it is related to the very high level of unemployment in the state (Kerala has the highest level of unemployment in the country.In resource allocation under the Five Year Plans, Kerala attached the highest weightage to power generation, hydro-electric projects being the major source of power in the state. Nearly one-fourth of the plan resources has been claimed by hydro-electric projects.In the agricultural sector, Kera1a's level of productive use of electric power is one of the lowest.As is evident.from above, planning in Kerala has not enabled us to solve the basic problems of the state. More 'scientific' planning in the sense of applying mre sophisticated planning techniques is obviously not the answer. It, on the contrary, consists of more fundamental changes some of which can be brought about through an effective use of measures well within the power of the State Government.

Household Energy consumption pattern in rural Kerala

The present thesis critically analyzes the micro level issues that influence the rural household energy behavior in Kerala. The aim of the study is to examine the energy consumption pattern at the household level in rural Kerala and to assess the variations in rural household energy consumption pattern across geo-climatic and socio-economic clusters. The researcher assess the attitudes of the rural households towards energy sources, uses and devices. The study tries to identify the factors influencing the adoption of energy conservation practices and shift to the improved energy

Sustainable Watershed Management: Illusion or Reality? A case of Kerala State in India

Soil erosion is more detrimental and affects the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil. Degradation of soil and water resources is a worldwide problem. Over the next two decades, it is expected that the world will need 17% more water to grow food for the increasing population in developing countries and that total water use will increase by 40%. The total land area subjected to human-induced soil degradation is estimated as 20 x 106 (km)2 Hence conservation of soil and water is essential for the subsistence of life. This can be made possible through sustainable watershed management. This thesis aims at investigating the condition under which sustainable watershed management is possible in Kerala, in South India. The research has been carried out in three stages. In the first stage a conceptual framework is formulated (Chapter 3) based on the relevant literature (Chapter 2) in the field of watershed management. In the second stage this framework is applied to two existing case studies in Kerala State (Chapter 4). In the third stage, the methodology is used to test out geo textile innovation (Chapter 5) in two field experiments (Chapter 6).