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Current Canadian Building Codes mandate prescribed design requirements for the protection of vertical floor openings by means of draft stops and closely spaced sprinklers. In the event that a design cannot meet the requirements, they also allow for the use of an alternative solution as long as the alternative solution can be proven to provide at least an equivalent level of performance as that prescribed in the Code. A commonly suggested alternative to the use of draft stops includes the construction of a recession at the perimeter of the floor opening; however, the performance of this design relative to that of an equivalent draft stop design has not been thoroughly evaluated. In this research, the available methods for the evaluation of ceiling recession designs are reviewed in order to identify appropriate tools with which to conduct such an analysis. While both analytical analysis and experimental testing could be used, experimental testing of the design is not considered here as this option would not commonly be pursued by design teams due to restrictions on both project budget and design timelines. From the available analytical tools, the fire modeling software Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) is selected for evaluation of the ceiling recession design due primarily to the ability of FDS to address complex geometries with appropriate spatial resolution to investigate details of flow and thermal profiles at the ceiling level in a larger compartment. Previous FDS studies are reviewed and an independent validation study is conducted in order to develop an analysis methodology which is appropriate for the evaluation of ceiling recession designs. A case study evaluation is conducted consisting of two dimensionally distinct ceiling recession configurations in the same compartment and two separate source fire heat release rates (HRR). Results are analyzed to evaluate the selected analysis methodology with respect to the characteristics of the simulated flow, and thermal detector response. Results show that the presence of an obstruction to the ceiling jet flow significantly improves thermal detector response where the source fire HRR is low. At higher source fire HRRs, the difference in activation time is found to be minimal amongst configurations of ceiling recession considered in the study. Predictions of thermal detector response time for a selected ceiling recession design are compared to predictions made for code-prescribed draft stop configuration as would be necessary for an alternative solution evaluation. Results indicate that ceiling recession designs provide a reduced level of performance at both low and high source fire HRRs when the thermal detector is placed at the recession ceiling level. In contrast, when the thermal detectors are located at distances greater than 80 mm below the upper ceiling, a design which is permitted by the Code, the performance of the ceiling recession appears better than that of the prescribed draft stop design. Results from the model for detectors placed at distances from the ceiling exceeding 40 mm, however, require further confirmation through experimental testing or additional modeling.

La thèse analyse les distinctions qui se sont opérées dans les débats parlementaires précédant l’adoption de la LIPR (2002) et ce, pour tenter d’identifier le dénominateur commun qui a justifié l’élaboration, par les députés, d'une loi réunissant pour la toute première fois immigrants et réfugiés. Intéressée à voir si ces deux groupes constituaient des figures du sujet à part entière, nous avons analysé les représentations qu’en avaient les parlementaires, que ce soit dans une logique de parti ou dans une logique plus transversale. L’examen des débats parlementaires montre que les députés distinguent non pas les réfugiés des immigrants, mais plutôt les désirables des non-désirables. Par ailleurs, notre démarche analytique a permis de relever les éléments qui particularisent les désirables et les non-désirables. Enfin, nous avons été en mesure de constater l'établissement, voire l'assouplissement d'une diversité de conditions pour notamment favoriser la non-entrée (ou la sortie) des non-désirables.

The dominant paradigms of the past decade involve the preservation of biodiversity through the use of landscape corridors and buffer zones, as well as the integration of economic growth through sustainable use. The International Biosphere Reserve (IBR) program, as defined in the Seville Strategy, encourages locations already involved in conservation to continue to protect biodiversity and foster harmonious relationships between humans and their environment through sustainable development. An excellent example of an IBR is the Mammoth Cave Area Biosphere Reserve (MCABR) in south-central Kentucky. In order to measure the significance of the implementation of the Seville Strategy in the MCABR, a methodology was developed which not only measures the implementation level of the Seville Strategy, but also the policies involved in the implementation procedure. Twenty-four indicators, designed by the authors of the Seville Strategy, were analyzed. These indicators were broken down into three categories, administrative, research, and educational indicators. The results of the analysis show that the implementation of the MCABR has had a significant impact on the biodiversity, environmental management, and sustainable development of the Mammoth Cave area. This methodology has the potential to successfully measure other IBR programs at the local, national, or international level.

The relatively recent interest in the U.S. in the development of atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (AFBC) has been preceded by two main factors. First of these is the ever present problem of acid rain and growing public support for cleaner burning fossil fuels. Second is the increasing demand on public landfills and subsequent need for burning of municipal solid waste. From these factors and their corresponding influences, Western Kentucky University has the impetus and has received the financial assistance necessary to build and develop a laboratory scale AFBC system. A brief history of the events leading to this development, as well as selected results from the last 12 months of this project are discussed.

The ability for wetlands to purify contaminated water is not a new concept. Natural wetlands have been cleansing water within our environment for ages. After studying the process of natural wetlands the same concept was applied to municipal waste. It is the success of constructed wetlands treating municipal waste that created the new idea for the application of a wetland system to treat wastewater from livestock facilities. Through proper design and management, constructed wetlands may be useful for reducing the nutrient concentration of waste (Rieck el al., 1996). Taking into consideration the higher nutrient loads of livestock waste, the same basic idea of constructed wetlands used for municipal waste is being utilized to protect public water sources from contamination of livestock wastes. In this study a constructed wetland (total recycle) built for the purification of swine waste was evaluated. In cooperation with Pig Improvement Company of Allen County, Kentucky, water samples were collected from the nine connected cells making up the wetlands created at The Dogwood Ridge Farm. After collection of the samples, they were analyzed at the Western Kentucky University Environmental Laboratory. Samples were tested for levels of the following parameters: • Ammonia Nitrogen • Nitrate Nitrogen • Total Phosphorus • Biological Oxygen Demand • Total Suspended Solids • Total Dissolved Solids • Fecal Coliform • Conductivity • Mineral Elements The data in this report accounts for seven sample dates throughout 1996. Samples were also collected for three additional months prior to the first sample date in which data is reported, although these dates are considered to be a part of the initial start up phase for the testing period. Sample dates within the start up phase are not included among the results. With greater concern directed towards higher water quality standards, there is the need to eliminate any activities resulting in non-point source pollution (NPS). Livestock waste is considered one of the leading causes of NPS pollution which has created this awareness for better waste management. As traditional waste treatment equipment is commonly too expensive for the average livestock producer, constructed wetlands are proving to be an affordable, environmentally friendly, and manageable solution for livestock waste treatment.

Institutions of higher learning are in a pivotal position to address the environmental problems that global society faces now, but response to this challenge requires transformation in priorities and practices. Recognizing the impacts that universities have on the environment and the social and economic costs associated with these impacts, institutions of higher learning are changing policies and management to become more sustainable. Sustainability is defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (1987). To evaluate the environmental impacts and level of sustainability at Western Kentucky University, ten indicators were assessed: Building Design, Energy, Water, Land, Air, Solid Waste, Purchasing, Transportation, Food and Dining, and Environmental Literacy. Average annual energy consumption for each campus community member is 4,139 kWh of electricity, 527 pounds of coal, 3,600 cf of natural gas, totaling over 22 million Btus, costing $317 and emitting 3.34 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, 14,244 gallons of water are used, and 248 pounds of solid waste are generated per campus community member annually. WKU's physical growth provides opportunities to incorporate elements of energy efficiency and sustainable design into new buildings and renovations that provide permanent savings in energy and water. University energy costs and carbon footprint can be reduced through initiatives including physical and policy change and education campaigns that engage students, faculty, and staff. Sustainable building design and construction and energy conservation have indirect positive impacts, reducing water use, blending with the natural landscape, and reducing water and air pollutants. Less than 4% of WKU's solid waste is recycled. Investment in recycling infrastructure can make recycling economically self-supported through revenue and avoided landfill fees. WKU has no policy for environmentally responsible purchasing. A "green purchasing" guide could promote the use of recycled content paper, and energy efficient appliances. University shuttles are decreasing carbon emissions by using 5% biodiesel, and plan to increase the blend. Campus-community initiatives such as bike lending and expanding shuttle service are progress toward sustainability. Further steps could include purchase of university fleet hybrid cars and a ride-share program for commuters. According to Worldwatch Institute, food transportation is the biggest, fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. WKU food services could decrease the university's carbon footprint while supporting the local economy by using food produced locally, and reduce environmental impacts and landfill fees by composting food waste. A survey sent to WKU faculty requesting submissions of courses including sustainability as a concept resulted in 42 courses from within four main campus Colleges. Ecological literacy is essential in preparing students to be productive and engaged citizens of a global society. Efforts toward sustainability reduce the university ecological footprint and have far-reaching positive impacts in reduced operating costs, improved quality of services to students and faculty, and providing a model for local communities. Universities invested in sustainability also give their graduates critical knowledge and skills to find creative solutions to challenges facing society.

The cubic lattice is a graph in Â3 where the vertices are points with integer coordinates and edges are unit length line segments parallel to the x-, y-, or z-axis. A step is a line segment that connects one vertex to a neighboring vertex one unit away in the x-, y-, or z-direction. This thesis will show that the Whitehead Link needs at least 34 steps to be embedded on the cubic lattice.

Agricultural land use in areas that are located in karst groundwater basins negatively impact groundwater quality because karst terrains provide multiple, direct hydrologic connections from the surface into karst aquifers. The connections and rapid velocities associated with surface and subsurface flow in karst aquifers allow for contaminants to move quickly into and through a groundwater basin. When groundwater returns to the surface via a spring or springs, any contaminants within the water become part of surface streams and rivers. These in turn, impact water quality in areas located downstream of the spring or springs. The purpose of this study was to identify the source and movement of agricultural contaminants in a karst groundwater basin within the context of local climate, hydrogeology and land use. The study area is a fluvio-karst groundwater basin located in the Corn Belt of northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. Land use is predominantly agricultural in nature. Dye tracing, both qualitative and quantitative, resulted in the delineation of the Coldwater Cave Groundwater basin and illustrated that the boundaries of the basin could change as a result of precipitation events. Investigation of basin and aquifer characteristics, stream water temperature monitoring, and evaluation of cave map data and karst feature inventories determined that the surface and subsurface hydrogeology in the study area was very well integrated. Water sampling and analysis documented that agricultural contaminants, specifically nitrates, bacteria, and atrazine impact the quality of the surface water and groundwater within the basin. A ribotyping project that was done in conjunction with the thesis work showed the source of bacteria to be from cattle and humans. Nitrogen isotope analyses indicated that the source of nitrates was from ammonium fertilizers and from septic system wastes. Atrazine, at levels well below the MCL standards established by EPA, and its metabolite deethylatrzine (DEA) were detected in the groundwater year round. Contaminant load was calculated for nitrates, bacteria, and atrazine. Lowest contaminant loads occurred during the winter months of November, December, and January, when freezing temperatures minimized groundwater recharge. Contaminant load varied between high and low concentrations during the months of February and March reflecting the diurnal change between above and below freezing surface temperatures. Contaminant loads were highest during May through October when storm events are common. Contaminant load and transport are a function of the interaction of local hydrogeology and climate.

In 1998, Western Kentucky University (WKU) worked in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Drinking Water Protection Division, to investigate methods to improve source-water quality for rural-water supply systems (RWSS). Through partial funding from the EPA, WKU developed a Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality (TACWQ), which focused resources and expertise toward assisting RWSS in achieving and maintaining capacity development goals and protecting public health. The TACWQ established the Source Water Protection Initiative (SWPI) to assist RWSS in acquiring and monitoring the technical, financial and managerial capacity needed to provide safe drinking water and achieve the public health protection goals of the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (Technical Assistance Center, July 1998). The SWPI also provided technical assistance toward identifying and reducing source water impacts throughout Kentucky. Monthly sampling during 2000 from seven watersheds in western and south central Kentucky showed that levels of several pesticides and herbicides were elevated above Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in their source waters. Of the MCL exceedences, three commonly used pesticides (atrazine, alachlor, and simazine) were repeatedly being detected at several sites. Of the three compounds, atrazine, a triazineclass herbicide widely used in Kentucky to control broad leaf and grassy weeds in row crops such as corn, drew the most interest. Atrazine has been classified as a spring use only, "Restricted Use Pesticide due to its potential for groundwater contamination." (EXTOXNET, 1996) It is regulated as a compound with class III (slight) toxicity. In 1994, EPA took atrazine under special review to evaluate the ecological and biological effects it may cause. EPA later deemed atrazine not to significantly increase the risk of cancer in humans and went as far as lifting its use restrictions. Independent researchers still dispute EPA claims. The exceedences of the MCLs by many compounds in source water do not immediately result in violations. The source water must go through treatment processes. Water-supply operators must strive to meet National Primary Drinking Water Standards (EPA, 1999) prior to going to the consumer. However, the fundamental concept driving the SWPI is that the technical and financial challenges faced by RWSS are proportional to the quality of their source water. At several sites, even treated water that was distributed to customers exceeded federally mandated MCLs. Levels of atrazine in finished water reached 17 parts per billion (ppb) in Lewisburg, Kentucky. The MCL for atrazine is currently 3.0 ppb.