The presence of pollutants known as emerging contaminants in water and wastewater is a topic of growing interest. Emerging contaminants, which include endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), are compounds that remain relatively unknown, although their adverse effects have been proven. Emerging contaminants are not satisfactorily removed by traditional treatment methods; therefore, there is a need for innovative techniques. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been recognized as successful removal methods for these problematic pollutants. However, technical success is not the only factor that must be considered. Process engineering, environmental, and economic and social parameters were considered. A holistic analysis was completed using a ranking system to determine the performance of several AOPs (ozonation, UV, photocatalysis, the Fenton reaction, and integrated processes). Ultimately, H2O2/O3 presented the highest average ranking (3.45), with the other processes showing similar performance, with the exception of TiO2 photocatalysis (2.11).

Handwriting as a unique expression of human behaviour has evoked continuous interest as a means of analyzing and studying personality – a study known as Graphology. Research in graphology has shown diverse results, ranging from negative to highly favourable. Many of the studies disregarding the value of graphology can be criticized on the grounds of their research methodology as well as the method used in handwriting analysis, namely the ‘trait-method’ whereby isolated graphological features are simplistically linked to personality as opposed to a more encompassing, holistic approach. In the present study the special link between personality and graphology is illustrated as well as the decisive influence the gestalt and form standard of a writing have on the interpretation of that particular writing. The approach to the graphological analyses was holistic, as it complements the complex uniqueness of personality. The study also focuses on the recommended methodology of handwriting analysis, by offering a tailor-made personality ‘picture’ of the individual. Graphological findings were compared to the clinical findings of the same client/patient according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diseases IV-TRTM (DSM-IV-TRTM). Five (5) case studies have been reported in this qualitative research study. The analyses of the writings were done by an independent graphologist. The objective graphological findings show similarities with clinical findings of the same clients/patients. The holistic approach to handwriting analysis deems to have diagnostic value and is promising in providing guidelines for psychotherapy. Graphology can thus be regarded as a useful and viable tool in psycho-educational assessment. / Education / D.Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Handwriting as a unique expression of human behaviour has evoked continuous interest as a means of analyzing and studying personality – a study known as Graphology. Research in graphology has shown diverse results, ranging from negative to highly favourable. Many of the studies disregarding the value of graphology can be criticized on the grounds of their research methodology as well as the method used in handwriting analysis, namely the ‘trait-method’ whereby isolated graphological features are simplistically linked to personality as opposed to a more encompassing, holistic approach. In the present study the special link between personality and graphology is illustrated as well as the decisive influence the gestalt and form standard of a writing have on the interpretation of that particular writing. The approach to the graphological analyses was holistic, as it complements the complex uniqueness of personality. The study also focuses on the recommended methodology of handwriting analysis, by offering a tailor-made personality ‘picture’ of the individual. Graphological findings were compared to the clinical findings of the same client/patient according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diseases IV-TRTM (DSM-IV-TRTM). Five (5) case studies have been reported in this qualitative research study. The analyses of the writings were done by an independent graphologist. The objective graphological findings show similarities with clinical findings of the same clients/patients. The holistic approach to handwriting analysis deems to have diagnostic value and is promising in providing guidelines for psychotherapy. Graphology can thus be regarded as a useful and viable tool in psycho-educational assessment. / Education / D.Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The development of an index to compare different sources of energy is presented; the index address the appraisal of the source of energy from its sustainable performance and also using the factors that influence the user's decision making process of adopting an alternative energy. The index is used to compare the fuel cell system and the traditional grid system powered by coal fired power plants, for a typical residential unit located in the rural Appalachian region in Ohio.