Thermodynamic and Diffusion Properties of Biodegradable Systems Based on Starch and Cellulose Derivatives

The interval sorption and diffusion of water vapor were studied for two systems: methylcellulose (MC)/starch and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)/starch. The diffusion coefficient of water vapor and the Gibbs free energy of swelling of these blends in water were estimated. The Gibbs free energy of mixing starch with the cellulose derivatives was determined using the thermodynamic cycle. CMC/starch was shown to be more compatible than MC/starch. Biodegradation of these systems in the water–soil environment was measured and found to increase with the concentration of starch in its blends with cellulose derivatives.     

Investigation of long-term river water quality variations using different urbanization indices and assessment of common scientific perspectives of urbanization on water quality

This study investigated the water quality variation spanning 30 years (1986–2017) in 16 catchments of Hong Kong against different urbanization indices, namely, built area fraction; population; and product of population and built area fraction. Pearson correlations of three different periods of time (1988–1990, 1998–2000, and 2015–2017) indicated that water quality trends were dependent on the urbanization index. Total solids, nitrite-nitrogen, total phosphorus, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and flow rate had significant deteriorative trends (Pearson r > 0.5 and p < 0.05) with population and product of built area and population. Results also interpreted that built area fraction and product of built area and population were the worst and best indices that represented urbanization and/or its impacts, respectively. Mann-Kendall test for the entire 30 year period showed that water quality had improved with time with respect to certain water quality parameters (e.g., dissolved oxygen, ammoniacal nitrogen and total suspended solids). The results portrayed that although the urbanization of catchments had increased with time, the river water quality with respect to many parameters showed signs of improvement and the legislative measures implemented seemed to be effective in controlling pollution.     

Further analysis of employment interview validity: a quantitative evaluation of interviewer‐related structuring methods

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the relationship between four interviewer‐related factors and the validity of the employment interview. Using a regression approach to meta‐analysis, an analysis of 120 interview studies with a total sample size of 18,158 suggested that: (1) training should be provided to interviewers regardless of whether the interview itself (i.e. the questions and rating scales) is structured; (2) the same interviewer should be used across all applicants, especially when the interview itself is not highly structured; and (3) using a panel of interviewers does not contribute to validity, and may actually have a detrimental effect. Results for the fourth interviewer factor, taking notes during the interview, were inconclusive. Limitations and directions for future research are noted. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A procedure to design a Permeable Adsorptive Barrier (PAB) for contaminated groundwater remediation

A procedure to optimize the design of a Permeable Adsorptive Barrier (PAB) for the remediation of a contaminated aquifer is presented in this paper. A computer code, including different routines that describe the groundwater contaminant transport and the pollutant capture by adsorption in unsteady conditions over the barrier solid surface, has been developed. The complete characterization of the chemical–physical interactions between adsorbing solids and the contaminated water, required by the computer code, has been obtained by experimental measurements. A case study in which the procedure developed has been applied to a tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-contaminated aquifer near a solid waste landfill, in the district of Napoli (Italy), is also presented and the main dimensions of the barrier (length and width) have been evaluated. Model results show that PAB is effective for the remediation of a PCE-contaminated aquifer, since the concentration of PCE flowing out of the barrier is everywhere always lower than the concentration limit provided for in the Italian regulations on groundwater quality.     

Towards a long-term integrated monitoring programme in Europe: network design in theory and practice

Long-term integrated monitoring is an important approach forinvestigating, detecting and predicing the effects ofenvironmental changes. Currently, European freshwaters,glaciers, forests and other narural and semi-natural ecosystemsand habitats are monitored by a number of networks establishedby different organisations. However, many monitoring programmeshave a narrow focus (e.g. targeting individual ecosystems) andmost have different measurement protocols and sampling design.This has resulted in poor integration of ecosystem monitoring ata European level, leading to some overlapping of efforts and alack of harmonised data to inform policy decisions. The need fora consistent pan-European long-term integrated monitoring ofterrestrial systems programme is recognised in the scientificcommunity. However, the design of such a system can be problematic, not least because of the constraints imposed bythe need to make maximum use of existing sites and networks.Based on the outcomes of the NoLIMITS project (Networking ofLong-term Integrated Monitoring in Terrestrial Systems), thisarticle reviews issues that should be addressed in designing aprogramme based on existing monitoring sites and networks. Fourmajor design issues are considered: (i) users' requirements,(ii) the need to address multiple objectives, (iii) role ofexisting sites and (iv) operational aspects.