Thesis (MTech(Business Administration))--Cape Technikon, Cape Town,1996 / All organisations, profit as well as nonprofit, are increasingly coming to the realization that trying to compete solely on costs leads to ineffectiveness and a weaker financial position. Competing on the basis of product or service differentiation is becoming increasingly futile because products and services are becoming less and less unique. To ensure survival, effectiveness and competitiveness, organisations must provide services of exceptionally high quality. Providing services of high quality has proven to be the single most important factor contributing to organisational success and well-being. Providing services of superb quality also presents an important opportunity for organisational differentiation. A major requirement for successful management is effective measurement. This study is motivated by the limited research and resulting limited literature available on this subject in social work. The development of the SERVQUAL instrument offers a possible reliable and valid device for the measurement of service quality in social work. However, SERVQUAL has not been subjected to rigorous testing for reliability and validity in a social work organisation. In this research SERVQUAL was used to measure the quality of services in a social work organisation. The aim of this research was to determine the applicability, reliability and validity of the instrument in a social work organisation. Attention was given to literature that focuses on service quality, its measurement and management. The empirical research involved executives, social workers and clients of the social work organisation. It was found that SERVQUAL can be applied to social work services and it proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring service quality. However, further research is necessary to improve the quality of services to clients and directions for future research are indicated.

The tapping torque using in this thesis is used to test the quality of the jaw bone.Testing the quality of jaw bone is the first step of placing the implant. However,several existing methods for various reasons are not the best ways to measure thequality of bone quality. In this project, a solution explored in this pilot study wasbased on the fact that bone quality can be assessed from cutting resistance whentapping or threading in bone [Johansson P, Strid K-G. 1994], and the experimentwhich tapping into testing material has been done by Carlsson TL Medical AB.Authors’ duty is to analysis the data what we get from industrial supervisor tosummarize a formula to present the thickness of bone and createa scale connecting the tapping torque and material quality. Then compare thetapping torque of the known-quality material with the tapping torque of bone,quality of bone can be known. The study about measurement of bone thickness andscale connecting the cutting force with material quality describe the benefit thatdental implant surgery will more accurate than surgeon’s feeling and otherexpensive equipment according to the torque which is measured in pre-tappingprocess

Over the last several years studies have shown that the quality of indoor air may be worse than outdoor air. People spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, therefor, the associated health risk due to indoor air pollution may be greater than the risk due to outdoor air pollution. Building designs have altered dramatically over the last two decades resulted in "tighter" buildings that rely on sophisticated mechanical systems to provide for the quantity of air required throughout the building. These changes over the years could result in an increased number of complaints received regarding Sick Building Syndrome symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 30% of office buildings world-wide may have significant problems regarding poor indoor air quality (IAQ). This study involves a literature study of the major indoor air pollutants regarding the source of the pollutant, the associated health effects, the measuring techniques available and the results of previous studies conducted on the specific pollutant. Measurements will be taken in two sealed buildings, one an old and the other a new building to identify the major pollutants. A questionnaire was compiled specifically for building occupants and completed by the occupants of both buildings. From the results obtained a step-by-step method for solving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems was proposed. The method was applied and evaluated in a case study of a problem building where indoor air quality related problems were experienced. The results of the study revealed that the major indoor air pollutants are present in old as well as new buildings. The study also revealed that some office workers might be more susceptible than others to the medical reactions cause to human beings by these pollutants. Some concentrations are higher in new buildings than in old buildings. The responses from the questionnaire was evaluated against the results obtained from the measurement study. The step-by-step method in the case study provided a more systematic approach at solving IAQ problems at buildings. Solving indoor air quality problems is a very practical issue and does not necessarily require an investment of expensive high technology equipment, but might merely require a practical approach. Environmental Health Officers can play a major role in providing expert advice when scrutinizing building plans. Environmental Health Officers should empower themselves with the knowledge to do inspections or investigations in office buildings by using the step-by-step method for investigating indoor air quality problems. By addressing indoor air quality problems in buildings, the workers in healthy buildings can increase their productivity with lasting effects on a company’s bottom line.

The sensitivity of bluegill (<i>Lepomis macrochirus</i>) to low pH in soft (12 or 18 mg/L CaCO₃) and hard (165 or 197 mg/L CaCO₃) water was compared in five day laboratory toxiclty tests. Embryo-larval bluegill were exposed to pH levels ranging from 3.8 to 7.0 in soft water and from 3.8 to 8.0 in hard water. An on-site toxicity test, using lake water (3.4 mg/L CaCO₃) adjusted to pH levels ranging from 3.5 to 7.3, was conducted to compare laboratory and field results. At low pH, hatching was reduced, the hatching period prolonged, and the incidence of partial hatching increased. Increased water hardness mitigated acid toxiclty, enhanced larval survival, and promoted hatchability. Hatching rates were decreased over those of the controls by 76 percent in soft water and by 23 percent in hard water at pH 4.0, and hatching was negligible at pH 3.8. The length of the hatching period was prolonged by 24 to 48 hours at pH levels ≤4.6. Partial hatching averaged 43 percent in pH 4.4. Increasing acidity resulted in increased embryo-Iarval mortality, averaging >62 percent at pH levels ≤4.6; mortality was 100 percent at pH levels <4.4 in soft water and 3.8 in hard water. Bluegill larvae were more sensitive than eggs. The embryo-larval LC50's were pH 4.67 in soft water and pH 4.06 in hard water; LC1's were pH 5.66 in soft water and 5.04 in hard water. In the on-site field experiment, approximately 50 percent mortality occurred at pH 4.6 which was nearly identical to the LC5O of pH 4.67 in laboratory (soft water). Growth of larvae was not affected by low pH. As acid levels increased, yolk-sac volumes decreased, physical deformities (fin, eye, and spinal abnormalities) increased and behavioral abnormalities were evident. Yolk-sac volume was decreased at pH levels <5.5 in soft water and <5.1 in hard water, perhaps reflecting higher energy expenditures by larvae held at sublethal pH levels. Spinal curvature and fin erosion of larvae were apparent at pH levels <5.25 in soft water. Larvae were lethargic and swimming ability was impaired at pH levels ≤5.5 in soft water and ≤5.1 in hard water. Exposure of embryo-larval bluegill to low pH levels (<5.7) in soft water may compromise their ability to survive, forage efficiently, and escape predation under natural conditions. / Master of Science

Two approaches for the examination of microbially-caused degradation of water quality within water distribution systems were considered: the results of a questionnaire were analyzed and a sampling technique utilizing a concentrator was evaluated. A questionnaire, completed by water treatment plant operators in Virginia, was analyzed to ascertain what complaints regarding water quality were being received and what the causes of the complaints were. The most frequently reported complaints were those of taste and odor. Although they were not the sole factor, it appears nuisance bacteria were causative agents in degradation problems related to turbidity and red water. The Pellicon cassette system concentrator was evaluated for use during sampling in water distribution systems. The evaluation included determining the range of percent recovery in the retentate to be expected and the factors affecting this recovery. Thirty to sixty percent recovery of bacteria (Pseudomonas cepacia or Escherichia coli) in the retentate can be expected. The percent reduction in volume was the system parameter which most affected the percent recovery. / Master of Science

published_or_final_version / abstract / China Development Studies / Master / Master of Arts

It is common knowledge that water is one of the basic needs for human beings. However, the consumption of contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases and fatalities. It is, therefore imperative to constantly monitor the quality of potable water. There are numerous technologies used for water quality monitoring. These technologies are relatively effective however these tests are expensive and complex to use, which then require experienced technicians to operate them. Other tests are not rapid, making consumers of water susceptible to waterborne diseases. In this study, dye-doped, surface functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and surface-functionalized magnetic nanocomposites (MNCs) were proposed as materials that can be applied in order to reduce the time taken to get results as well as to make the processes less complex and portable. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize surface functionalized dye-doped SiNPs and surface functionalized MNCs for detection and preconcentration of in water. Additionally, proof of concept had to be shown using the synthesized materials. SiNPs were the materials of choice due to their easily functionalized surfaces and their strong optical properties. SiNPs are photostable and they do not leach in solution due to the inert nature of the silica matrix in aqueous media. MNCs were chosen as materials of choice for preconcentration of E. coli in water because they are easy to synthesize and they can be applied in various biological applications due to their functional groups. SiNPs were synthesized using the water-in-oil microemulsion. The SiNPs were further functionalized with amine and carboxyl groups and avidin. Thereafter, they were bioconjugated with biotinylated anti-E. coli antibodies. The pure and surface functionalized SiNPs were characterized using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, Zeta Sizer, UV-vis spectroscopy and spectrofluorometry. The application of the dye—doped surface functionalized SiNPs in E. coli detection was characterized using the fluorescence plate reader. The SiNPs were spherical and uniform in size. They increased in size as they were being functionalized, ranging from 21.20 nm to 75.06 nm. The SiNPs were successfully functionalized with amine and carboxyl groups as well as with avidin and antibodies. Two methods were investigated for carboxyl group attachment (direct and indirect attachment) and the direct attachment method yielded the best results with a surface charge of -31.9 mV compared to -23.3 mV of the indirect method. The dye loading was found to be 1% after particle synthesis. The optical properties of the Ru(Bpy) dye were enhanced 3 fold when they were encapsulated in the Si matrix. The SiNPs were binding to the E. coli cells and enabled detection. MNCs were synthesized through in-situ polymerization. The MNCs were characterized using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM and XRD. The MNCs were successfully functionalized with carboxyl groups. The increase in size of the nanocomposites as seen in SEM images proved that the Fe3O4 was successfully encapsulated in the polymer matrix. The MNCs were proven to be magnetic by a simple magnetism test whereby they were separated in an aqueous solution using an external magnetic field. The antibody-labelled MNCs were binding to the E. coli cells as shown in TEM images. E. coli cells were removed from water at varying concentrations of 1x106 CFU/mL to 1x109 CFU/mL at 10 mL volumes. This study has demonstrated that dye-doped SiNPs amplify the signal of E. coli cells using fluorescence. The study has also demonstrated that the MNCs can be applied in sample preconcentration and enrichment for E. coli detection. However, further studies should investigate and optimize the combination of the two techniques in a point of use device for water quality testing of 100 mL-samples as per the requirement of the SANS 241 standard. / Civil and Chemical Engineering / M. Tech. (Chemical Engineering)

<p>The Eerste River is a river system which has, over the years, been subjected to human interference. The purpose of this study was to investigatge temporal and spatial trends in the water quality of the Eerste River between 1990 and 2005. The study results revealed that the major trends in the water quality of the Eerste River are more spatial than temporal.</p>

D.Ing. / Measuring the efficiency of water utilities has been a constant challenge to various stakeholders in the water sector. There are several factors that influence the efficiency of utilities. The following study examines the different factors and establishes a model to quantify the efficiency of water utilities using limited number of variables. It utilises Fuzzy Logic to develop the measurement model. The developed method can also be used to configure a new water utility for efficiency. In addition, the research highlights some possible imperfections in the water policies that can result in an inherent inefficiency of a water utility. The developed model can assist in setting ceiling levels for utility's water assets and labour, to ensure efficiency. The model is generic and can be applied to any country or community, and can be used to configure water utilities for the poor. The Model utilised "Matlab Fuzzy Tool Box student version 2009a" software as a tool to develop the Fuzzy Inference Engine for Utility Efficiency. The study is a contribution to the domain of knowledge of water engineering science.

The worldwide natural occurrence of high levels of arsenic (As) in groundwater and its deleterious effects on human health have inspired a great amount of related research in public health and geosciences internationally. With >100 million people in South and Southeast Asia exposed to >10 µg/L As in shallow groundwater that they use for drinking, the installation of deeper, low-As wells has emerged as a major strategy for lowering the exposure. As the magnitude of deep pumping continues to increase, this work focuses on the geochemical and hydrologic questions surrounding the vulnerability and sustainability of low-As aquifers in Bangladesh, the country most affected by As crisis. In an effort to better understand the residence time of groundwater in low-As aquifers at depth, radiocarbon (14C) and 13C in dissolved inorganic carbon, tritium (3H), stable isotopes of hydrogen (2H) and oxygen (18O), and noble gas concentrations were measured across a ~25 km2 area of Araihazar, ~30 km east of Dhaka. Groundwater from >120 m depth is shown to be ~10,000 years old and its isotopic signatures indicate that recharge occurred at the time of changing climate from the late Pleistocene to early Holocene, with little recharge occurring since. In contrast, the intermediate depth low-As aquifers (<120 m) have a heterogeneous distribution of groundwater chemistry and ages, and contain groundwater recharged <60 years ago in certain locations. In one such area surrounding a small village, the effects that subsurface clay layer distribution has on recharge patterns and redox status of the intermediate aquifer was investigated. The relevant hydrogeologic and geochemical processes that led to documented failures of a community well at the site were assessed using a combination of solid and water phase geochemistry with tritium-helium (3H/3He) dating, hydraulic head monitoring, and pumping tests. Organic matter seeping from a compressible clay layer, which is subject to a pumping-induced, downward hydraulic gradient, reduces iron oxides and helps release As in the grey, upper part of the intermediate aquifer. No recent recharge was detected by 3H measurements in the upper, grey sand layer, however a layer of orange sand beneath it contains groundwater that was recharged 10-60 years ago. This groundwater laterally bypasses the confining clay layer to recharge the middle of the aquifer and contains dissolved As levels of <10 µg/L. In this particular case, the pore water that leaches from clay layers contributes to As contamination, whereas the lateral recharge with shallow groundwater coincides with the low-As depth. Thus, clay layers may not always protect the low-As aquifers from As contamination, even if they can block direct vertical recharge with shallow groundwater enriched in As and organics. Finally, the adsorption of As to aquifer sediments, as a natural mechanism of the low-As aquifer defense against contamination, was assessed in the field via a column study. The column experiments were conducted by pumping shallow, high-As groundwater through freshly collected sediment cores to quantify the retardation of As transport through the aquifer. This study demonstrated an elegant method of assessing contaminant transport under nearly in situ conditions that resulted in sorption estimates similar to those made by field studies using more challenging methods or located at hard-to-find sites with convenient flow patterns. My work, therefore, contributed to a better understanding of low-As aquifers in Bangladesh from the perspectives of both the groundwater flow and water-sediment interactions on various scales, and it integrated methods that can be employed elsewhere to characterize aquifers and study contaminant transport.