In a series of three studies, we assess modern debris-flow hazards in Arizona from extreme precipitation events and following wildfires. In the first study, we use a combination of surficial geologic mapping, ¹⁰Be exposure age dating and modeling to assess prehistoric to modern debris-flow deposits on two alluvial fans in order to place debris-flow hazards in the context of both the modern environment and the last major period of climate change. Late Pleistocene to early Holocene debris flows were larger and likely initiated by larger landslides or other mass movement failures, unlike recent debris flows that typically initiate from shallow (~1 m) failures and scour channels, thus limiting total volumes. In the second study we assess the predictive strengths of existing post wildfire debris-flow probability and volume models for use in Arizona's varied physiographic regions, and define a new rainfall threshold valid for Arizona. We show that all of the models have adequate predictive strength throughout most of the state, and that the debris-flow volume model over-predicts in all of our study areas. Our analysis shows that the choice of a model for a hazard assessment depends strongly on location. The objectively defined rainfall intensity-duration thresholds of I₁₀ and I₁₅ (52 and 42 mm h⁻¹, respectively) have the strongest predictive strengths, although all five of the threshold models performed well. In the third study, we explore various basin physiographic and soil burn severity factors to identify patterns and criteria that can be used to discriminate between potential non-debris-flow (nD) and debris-flow (D) producing basins. Findings from this study show that a metric of percent basins area with high soil burn severity on slopes ≥30 degrees provides a stronger discrimination between nD and D basins than do basin metrics, such as mean basin gradient or relief. Mean basin elevation was also found to discriminate nD from D basins and is likely a proxy for forest type and density, which relates to soil thickness, root density and the magnitude of post-disturbance erosion. Finally, we found that post-fire channel heads formed at essentially the same slope range (~30-40 degrees) as saturation-induced hill slope failures.

In the pursuit of sustainable development, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are acknowledged globally as a tool designed to assist governing authorities by providing the information required to make an informed decision regarding development proposals. South Africa has entrenched this EIA requirement in the presiding environmental legislation: the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1 998). In the effort to manage the negative impact of development on the rocky ridges of Johannesburg, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, conservation, Environment and Land Affairs (GDACEL) has introduced a buffer zone requirement in the procedure of the EIA. The Red Data Plant Policy for Environmental Impact Evaluations for GDACEL described a buffer zone as a collar of land that filters out inappropriate influences from surrounding activities. As a tool in the EIA, a buffer zone is a worthwhile concept. However, the determination of the dimension of the buffer zone on rocky ridges, is non-discriminatory between sites, and thus, presents potential contention between decision-making authorities and developers. There is a need for further research to establish a scientifically acceptable method of determining site-specific buffer zones for individual EIA applications. The key objective of this paper is to suggest the possibility of determining a buffer zone that accommodates the unique environmental aspects of each site. This is achieved by determining the distance between the edge of existing developments and the point at which the successional climax community within the adjacent natural vegetation is established. Three suitable study sites, consisting of developed residential estates on ridges adjacent to nature reserves, were identified within the greater Johannesburg metropolis. The three study sites identified for this assessment include Kloofendal (west), Morning Hill (east) and Kliprivier (south). Within each study site field surveys were conducted along transects starting 5m from the development edge and ending 75m within the nature reserve adjacent to each site. Quantitative (species density) and qualitative (Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance values) data analysis was employed to describe and evaluate the identified plant communities. The data in this study provides clear indication that a 25-35m buffer zone would suffice for these specific plant communities to maintain a climax successional status if impacted on by residential development. This paper thus makes a case for permitting the determining of variable buffers zones, based on a gradient analysis of a plant community, as a potential panacea to the problem of resistance and reluctance to accept present standard buffer zones. / Thesis (M. Environmental Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

This thesis examines how mothers of children labeled ‘learning disabled’ negotiate with educational professionals as advocates for their children. Previous scholarship has not adequately addressed the role that parents, particularly mothers of children labeled ‘learning disabled’ play in the education of their children. Through analyzing the ways in which these educational practices shape people’s experiences and identities, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which labeling processes are experienced, managed, constructed, negotiated and/or resisted. This subject was explored through in-depth interviews with six mothers, using interviewing practices informed by standpoint methodology. My analysis follows two major themes. The first theme deals with the contradictory nature of psychoeducational assessments in the classrooms of the educational system. I demonstrate how psychoeducational assessments act as a set of rules, regulations and rights. I demonstrate how the mothers in my study used these as tools for empowerment and resistance to educational structures and discourses of normalcy. I also demonstrate the limitations of these texts to secure the educational interest and rights of children labeled ‘learning disabled’. The second theme deals with transformation processes. I ask, how do mothers of children labeled ‘learning disabled’ change as a result of negotiating their child or children’s ‘learning disability’. I demonstrate how being a parent of a child labeled ‘learning disabled’ is outside the sphere of ‘regular’ parenting and the sphere of the formal educational system and the economic, social and health-related consequences of such negotiations.

As school accountability intensifies, school districts strive not only to prepare their students to meet the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandates, but also to prepare students for college and careers after high school. Understanding the necessary reading rigor to ensure academic success is key for educators. Although Texas opted not to adopt the Common Core Curriculum Standards and the accompanying Stretch Lexile measures for reading that require higher reading levels at each grade, Texas educators must still prepare students for academic success. This study determined how the use of more rigorous Lexile standards found in other states and associated with the Common Core Curriculum Standards would affect passing scores on Texas reading assessments in grades 6-8. The population for this study included three middle schools during the 2010 school year within one large suburban school district. State reading assessment data collected from these three schools included students' scores from grades 6, 7, and 8. A Chi-square Test for Independence determined that there was statistical significance for some groups of students in the accountability system: all students, Hispanic students, and economically disadvantaged students. Each of these groups was found to pass at a significantly lower rate when using the Stretch Lexile standard. Results were also examined in terms of political, economical, educational, and social policy implications. The policy implications discussed in this study are far-reaching for Texas educators and students, especially economically disadvantaged and Hispanic students. The higher standards can potentially trigger the school improvement process for campuses and districts failing to make NCLB's required adequate yearly progress. Additional expenses related to supplemental educational services, school choice, and professional development drain district Title I budgets due to mandatory set-aside amounts, disallowing funds for other student-centered programs. Implications for practitioners include clearly establishing intervention systems, adhering to a multi-tiered intervention system, and providing a screening tool for teachers so that progress monitoring can be accomplished for students as they move toward more rigorous reading expectations that will result in college and career preparedness.

Background: There is currently no standard method of diagnosing the presence or severity of concussion in acute primary care settings. This pilot project is part of a larger study to develop a Computerized Concussion Assessment Tool (CCAT). Methods: A prospective observational clinical study was conducted to explore the validity of the CCAT among patients presenting to the Emergency Department at Kingston General Hospital and at Hotel Dieu Hospital (Kingston, Ontario) with minor head injury. Twenty-two patients with concussion and eighteen patients with head injury (but not diagnosed with concussion) were recruited to the study. All participants completed a background questionnaire, several neurocognitive tests and the CCAT assessment. Performance on the CCAT was compared between these two groups. Data collected during the development phase of the CCAT from a Normal Volunteers group (n=68) were used in an additional comparison. CCAT Scores for Selective Attention, Divided Attention and Memory were compared with standard neurocognitive tests through correlational analyses. In addition, the validity and clinical yield of the CCAT were investigated relative to gold standard measures. Results: After adjustment for covariates, no statistically significant differences were found between the three participant groups for any of the three primary CCAT Scores (Selective Attention, Divided Attention and Memory). Correlational analyses showed that the CCAT Selective Attention Score and the CCAT Memory Score are moderately correlated with standard neurocognitive tests. There was no correlation observed for the CCAT Divided Attention Score and its associated neurocognitive test. Conclusion: The CCAT was unable to discriminate between concussed patients and non-concussed individuals. However, moderate correlations observed between the CCAT Scores for Memory and Selective Attention and their respective neurocognitive tests support a view that there should be optimism for the future development of the CCAT. Issues related to the feasibility of the study and its administration in the emergency department setting are discussed. / Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2008-09-23 10:40:20.199

The aim of this study was to explore how social workers interpret the part of the Swedish social services act that regulates each municipality’s responsibility of the people staying in it. The study’s general methodological approach connects to sociology of law. The research questions were: (1) What factors are considered important by the social workers in assessments of responsible municipality? (2) Are there variations in the assessments of responsible municipality and in that case; how can the variations be explained? (3) What discretion do the social workers consider that they have in assessments of responsible municipality? Previous studies have found considerable differences in professional social work assessments in Sweden. 69 social workers completed a questionnaire which included two vignettes. The selection maintained the emergency social services for well above 4 million citizens. Many factors were considered important in assessments of responsible municipality; the most prominent of those was the physical presence in the municipality. Variations appeared especially regarding long-term decisions and could partially be explained by which factors were considered important. The law that regulates the area of interest is a detailed legislation. However, some explanation could be found in Lipskys (2010) theory of Street-level bureaucracy.

Since the inception of the Kentucky Educational Reform Act in 1990, Kentucky has undergone numerous educational changes. Regarding world languages, recent changes include a new state World Language Standard, a K-12 world language program review, and university language proficiency entrance requirements. These changes create an interesting context in which world language educators negotiate their perceptions and pedagogical choices. This study explored the perceptions, influences, and pedagogical choices of one Kentucky world language educator regarding language proficiency and cultural tools of context, standards and assessments. A constructivist framework guided the case study design. Data collection included interviews, observations, and artifact collection and data analyses followed the comparative analysis process (Yin, 1994; Merriam, 1998). Findings suggest that the participant's perceptions of language proficiency reflect characteristics of the communicative competence language proficiency model of Uso-Juan and Martinez-Flor (2008). In addition, the participant's pedagogical choices regarding context, standards and assessments reflect organizational, policy, and personal influences (Grant, 2003) and characteristics of mediated action (Wertsch, 1998). This study highlights the importance of understanding world language educators' perceptions during a time of contextual change and the need for professional development supporting educators’ pedagogical choices.

The purpose of this study is to research whether or not gender has an impact on assessments regarding the support for persons with special nedds (LSS personkrets 3). Administrators working in disability care are to make decisions on the basis of the individual's needs when assessing the need for aid and support. This study is based on qualitative interviews, with six administrators, and one head of operations. The empirical data collected has been thoroughly analysed from a gender perspective, rooted in Butler's theory regarding performativity and subversive actions, as well as Connell's gender regime, and Hirdman's gender contracts. Results show that administrators have ackknowledged and noticed differences in how male and female users express their needs, where the difference lies in the communication; females seem more reserved and shy, whereas males seem more outward and extroverted. The interviews indicate that administrators from chosen municipalities have a poor gender awareness, and seem not to apply gender perspectives in their work.

Motivation: The South-African deep level gold mining industry has adapted in many ways, as the pursuit for gold has led deep into the earth core, where rock face temperatures measure around 60°C. Ventilation adapted through engineering developments like refrigeration systems, creating cooler work environments to an extent. Despite these developments the risks of high ambient temperatures coupled with strenuous work and dehydration remains, leading to alternative methods of control that have to indicate whether employees have the necessary functional capacity to perform daily work tasks. Objectives: The objectives of this study were: to measure and compare the physiological effects of the tasks performed by workers in an underground mining environment; To measure the soundness of heart rate as a gauge of work stress in real-life work conditions, taking into account the stressors that influence it; to determine the efficacy of functional and physical work capacity assessments as a method of determining work readiness. Methods: A study group (n = 16) was chosen to represent the “most exposed” work population, all of whom have previously passed the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessments. The assessments were repeated and the maximal oxygen uptake assessment was done. The participants were divided into two groups (n = 8) according to their work areas. Measurements were taken over a period of eight consecutive shifts. Each group was later divided into three groups as per the work they performed. Dehydration was determined through urine analysis and body weight changes. Heart rate was observed continuously through a heart rate monitor and oral temperature was measured on an hourly basis. Results: The shift durations seen during this study were much longer than the customary 8-hour work day. The mean HR results of group I, which was suspected of having the most strenuous work, were very similar to the results for group II and III. This group did, however, have the highest % heart rate ≥ 120 beats per minute and mean cumulative heart beats, group III having the lowest. All of the groups were found to be mildly dehydrated at the end of their shifts, the urine specific gravity indicating that the participants were generally already considerably dehydrated at the onset of the shifts. Group I was the only group whose mean heart rate had a statistically significant correlation (r ≥ 0.5) with % weight loss. There was a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) correlation between heart rate and mean oral temperature for all of the groups. The participants that passed the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessments were found to have performed comparatively better during the real-time shifts than those that failed. Conclusions: Although there were several employees that had a high mean maximum heart rate, none of the mean heart rates were higher than the self-pacing rate of 110 beats per minute. This ability of self- pacing was seen in the way the participants were able to manage energy expenditure by alternating between heavy and lighter tasks. A great concern is the fact that all of the participants had a % weight loss (0.9 – 2.8% weight loss) indicative of mild dehydration after the shifts, on top of morning urine specific gravity samples (1.020 – 1.025) showing signs of considerable dehydration. Several correlations were found between the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessments and maximum temperature, maximum heart rate and maximal oxygen uptake, suggesting a significant relationship between the real life situation and the homogenous laboratory setting. comparing the employees that passed the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessment to those that failed, a marked difference was seen in their respective performances. The groups that passed had a lower mean heart rate and maximum heart rate and higher maximal oxygen uptake. It may, therefore, be concluded that the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessments provide a valid evaluation of an individual’s work capacity and potential to cope with the varying demands of underground work. / Thesis (MSc (Occupational Hygiene))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Motivation: The South-African deep level gold mining industry has adapted in many ways, as the pursuit for gold has led deep into the earth core, where rock face temperatures measure around 60°C. Ventilation adapted through engineering developments like refrigeration systems, creating cooler work environments to an extent. Despite these developments the risks of high ambient temperatures coupled with strenuous work and dehydration remains, leading to alternative methods of control that have to indicate whether employees have the necessary functional capacity to perform daily work tasks. Objectives: The objectives of this study were: to measure and compare the physiological effects of the tasks performed by workers in an underground mining environment; To measure the soundness of heart rate as a gauge of work stress in real-life work conditions, taking into account the stressors that influence it; to determine the efficacy of functional and physical work capacity assessments as a method of determining work readiness. Methods: A study group (n = 16) was chosen to represent the “most exposed” work population, all of whom have previously passed the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessments. The assessments were repeated and the maximal oxygen uptake assessment was done. The participants were divided into two groups (n = 8) according to their work areas. Measurements were taken over a period of eight consecutive shifts. Each group was later divided into three groups as per the work they performed. Dehydration was determined through urine analysis and body weight changes. Heart rate was observed continuously through a heart rate monitor and oral temperature was measured on an hourly basis. Results: The shift durations seen during this study were much longer than the customary 8-hour work day. The mean HR results of group I, which was suspected of having the most strenuous work, were very similar to the results for group II and III. This group did, however, have the highest % heart rate ≥ 120 beats per minute and mean cumulative heart beats, group III having the lowest. All of the groups were found to be mildly dehydrated at the end of their shifts, the urine specific gravity indicating that the participants were generally already considerably dehydrated at the onset of the shifts. Group I was the only group whose mean heart rate had a statistically significant correlation (r ≥ 0.5) with % weight loss. There was a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) correlation between heart rate and mean oral temperature for all of the groups. The participants that passed the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessments were found to have performed comparatively better during the real-time shifts than those that failed. Conclusions: Although there were several employees that had a high mean maximum heart rate, none of the mean heart rates were higher than the self-pacing rate of 110 beats per minute. This ability of self- pacing was seen in the way the participants were able to manage energy expenditure by alternating between heavy and lighter tasks. A great concern is the fact that all of the participants had a % weight loss (0.9 – 2.8% weight loss) indicative of mild dehydration after the shifts, on top of morning urine specific gravity samples (1.020 – 1.025) showing signs of considerable dehydration. Several correlations were found between the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessments and maximum temperature, maximum heart rate and maximal oxygen uptake, suggesting a significant relationship between the real life situation and the homogenous laboratory setting. comparing the employees that passed the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessment to those that failed, a marked difference was seen in their respective performances. The groups that passed had a lower mean heart rate and maximum heart rate and higher maximal oxygen uptake. It may, therefore, be concluded that the functional work capacity and physical work capacity assessments provide a valid evaluation of an individual’s work capacity and potential to cope with the varying demands of underground work. / Thesis (MSc (Occupational Hygiene))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.