Дисертації з теми "Small-scale interventions"

This thesis examines historical and contemporary artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Kadoma-Chakari, Zimbabwe in order to identify effective strategies to reduce mercury loss and exposure and to increase miners’ incomes by improving gold recoveries. Cyanidation of mercury-rich tailings and the use of nitric acid to leach mercury from cathode sludge and amalgams are identified as significant pathways for losses of mercury into the environment in Zimbabwe. Indirect evidence suggests that as much as 90% of the mercury contained in amalgamation tailings at mills in Kadoma-Chakari is dissolved during passive vat cyanidation. Mercury traps placed after copper amalgamation plates and centrifuges could reduce the amount of mercury subjected to cyanidation, but mercury can be kept out of cyanidation circuits altogether by replacing whole ore amalgamation with vinyl loop carpets. The optimal cyanide concentration for passive vat leaching is between 0.1 to 0.15%. Better management of nitric acid waste solutions can also significantly reduce mercury losses. The current political and socio-economic crisis significantly limits the effectiveness of ASGM programs in Zimbabwe. Nevertheless, strategies for more effective management of ASGM interventions are suggested by a review of the history of didactic theatre (Theatre for Development) in Africa. Theatre used as an awareness building tool is exemplified by “Nakai”, a drama produced in Kadoma-Chakari to increase knowledge of the hazards of mercury use. Theatre can also be a means to ensure horizontal communication between donors and project beneficiaries if it is used to stimulate discussions that give communities a real voice in development programs. It is proposed that community participation in project design, implementation and evaluation increases the likelihood of project success and sustainability because community-identified problems and solutions are more realistic than those defined by donors, and because community “buy in” and ownership increases pressure on project administrators to deliver the services communities need.

There is growing interest in reducing the environmental and human-­‐health impacts resulting from electricity generation. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation are all commonly suggested solutions. Such interventions may provide health and environmental benefits by displacing emissions from conventional power plants. However, the generation mix varies considerably from region to region and emissions vary by the type and age of a generator. Thus, the benefits of an intervention will depend on the specific generators that are displaced, which vary depending on the timing and location of the intervention. Marginal emissions factors (MEFs) give a consistent measure of the avoided emissions per megawatt-­‐hour of displaced electricity, which can be used to evaluate the change in emissions resulting from a variety of interventions. This thesis presents the first systematic calculation of MEFs for the U.S. electricity system. Using regressions of hourly generation and emissions data from 2006 through 2011, I estimate regional MEFs for CO2, NOx, and SO2, as well as the share of marginal generation from coal-­‐, gas-­‐, and oil-­‐fired generators. This work highlights significant regional differences in the emissions benefits of displacing a unit of electricity: compared to the West, displacing one megawatt-­‐hour of electricity in the Midwest is expected to avoid roughly 70% more CO2, 12 times more SO2, and 3 times more NOx emissions. I go on to explore regional variations in the performance of wind turbines and solar panels, where performance is measured relative to three objectives: energy production, avoided CO2 emissions, and avoided health and environmental damages from criteria pollutants. For 22 regions of the United States, I use regressions of historic emissions and generation data to estimate marginal impact factors, a measure of the avoided health and environmental damages per megawatt-­‐ hour of displaced electricity. Marginal impact factors are used to evaluate the effects of an additional wind turbine or solar panel in the U.S. electricity system. I find that the most attractive sites for renewables depend strongly on one’s objective. A solar panel in Iowa displaces 20% more CO2 emissions than a panel in Arizona, though energy production from the Iowa panel is 25% less. Similarly, despite a modest wind resource, a wind turbine in West Virginia is expected to displace 7 times more health and environmental damages than a wind turbine in Oklahoma. Finally, I shift focus and explore the economics of small-­‐scale cogeneration, which has long been recognized as a more efficient alternative to central-­‐station power. Although the benefits of distributed cogeneration are widely cited, adoption has been slow in the U.S. Adoption could be encouraged by making cogeneration more economically attractive, either by increasing the expected returns or decreasing the risks of such investments. I present a case study of a 300-­‐kilowatt cogeneration unit and evaluate the expected returns from: demand response, capacity markets, regulation markets, accelerated depreciation, a price on CO2 emissions, and net metering. In addition, I explore the effectiveness of feed-­‐in tariffs at mitigating the energy-­‐price risks to cogeneration projects.

This research explores the ecological integrity of three small-scale interventions in urban greening in a single catchment in the City of Cape Town, within the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos ecotype. The chosen intervention sites were namely: Tokai Park, Princess Vlei and Bottom Road Sanctuary. The study aimed to bridge a gap in the current research by contributing to an understanding of the ecological value of social management and intervention.

This dissertation examines the role of donor-funded international projects to reduce mercury pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASM). ASM is the second largest source of anthropogenic global mercury pollution, accounting for roughly 1000tonnes of atmospheric emissions and releases to the environment per annum. The artisanal mining economy involves 10-15 million people across the developing world, and supports 80-100 million people directly and indirectly. In 2003 the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Program reached consensus that there is sufficient scientific evidence to trigger an international response to global mercury pollution, including the pollution generated by ASM. Yet thus far most international interventions have concentrated on environmental monitoring and assessment, while virtually no efforts have focused on implementing solutions. The aim of this dissertation is to move global mercury policy for ASM past its emphasis on assessments. It does this by developing a philosophical and strategic policy framework to guide future interventions by international institutions. A brief history of global mercury policy is provided, illustrating how ASM has been neglected and examining divisions between ecocentric and technocentric theories of environmental intervention. The relationship between ASM and poverty is examined, reaching the conclusion that because artisanal gold mining is a form of upward mobility for the world's extreme poor, the idea of reducing mercury pollution by redirecting miners into alternative livelihoods is unrealistic; indeed gold itself is the alternative livelihood. Using case studies collected in the field, the issue of conflict over property rights between artisanal miners and large-scale mining companies is explored, and a risk mitigation framework presented to assist companies to coexist with artisanal miners. Finally, a new approach to international intervention is proposed based on three interdependent principles of formalization, capitalization, and education. A plan is developed for directing more expertise and financial resources to the field, and more effectively meeting the needs of miners. Specific recommendations include a rapid assessment methodology to select project sites, and improving operational linkages among public and private institutions.

This thesis analyses the influence of Francoist agrarian policy on agricultural output in Spain in the 1939-55 period. The focus is on the wheat, olive and wine sectors, and special attention is given to small-scale farmers. Agrarian policy included price-fixing, production quotas and rationing of consumption. In the historical literature, this policy is often blamed for the post-Civil War decline in output. Yet, the present analysis states that this interpretation is erroneous. Producers and consumers circumvented intervention by creating a black market. When earnings from this source are included, value of output per unit of land remained close to pre-war levels. This also holds for small-scale farmers, although they benefited less from the black market than large-scale farmers did. It is then concluded that the decrease in wheat output was caused by lack of work animals and fertilisers rather than official prices. Intervention in the wheat sector was therefore desirable from a social viewpoint, but the system could have been improved. Average olive oil output was only below the pre-war level immediately after the war. Consequently, state intervention was unnecessary after 1942-43 and could have been abolished long before it was finally done in 1952. Thus, the intervention in the olive sector is an example of state failure. In the wine sector, policy aimed at increasing farm prices rather than decreasing consumer prices. Table wine consumption declined after the war, but this was counteracted by higher demand for high-alcohol white wine for the production of brandy and industrial alcohol. The winegrowers in Toledo successfully reacted by increasing output of high-alcohol white wine. Yet, the strategy led to overproduction, and state protection was increased in 1952-53. Consequently, state intervention had different effects on different sub-sectors. However, in none of the cases did output decline significantly because of the price policy.

This is a largely qualitative, part quantitative, inquiry into the effectiveness of classroom modelling in helping tertiary students prepare for their AS-level examinations. Classroom modelling, a form of peer modelling developed by the author, draws substantially upon neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), a discipline regarded as controversial in education. Classroom modelling involves students investigating each other's more successful practices and drawing out elements that might be woven into their own practice.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Cincinnati, 2009.
Advisor: Carol Rice. Title from electronic thesis title page (viewed Aug. 12, 2009). Keywords: Quartz exposure; worker training; work practices; small-scale demolition; Mozambique. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

This research aimed to establish the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention facilitated by a trainee educational psychologist and a class teacher, with a class of Year Four children. The study took a pragmatist approach to research, whereby a mixed method approach was considered the best way to address the study’s research questions. The Year Four children in a mainstream primary school participated in a six week mindfulness-based intervention, with activities from ‘60 Mindful Minutes’ (The Nurture Group Network, 2014). Quantitative data were collected and analysed in relation to the children’s social and emotional well-being, levels of mindfulness, and observable behaviour (peer relationship difficulties, prosocial behaviour, conduct problems and hyperactivity and inattention) at four time-points. Qualitative data was collected at follow-up: the class teacher was interviewed and the children were asked to provide written feedback. Both the quantitative and qualitative data indicated that the children became more “mindful” after completing the intervention. Additionally, positive effects for their social and emotional well-being were found. The intervention was well-accepted by the children and their class teacher, and evidence was found at follow-up for the maintenance of mindfulness practices. The findings provide positive implications for practice, in regards to educational settings and educational psychologists.

The majority of bananas/plantains in Uganda are produced for local consumption and small-scale domestic trade with comparatively less export for the global market. Nevertheless, Uganda produced the largest global quantity of bananas in 2008 (FAOSTAT 2008). The fruit is therefore of vital importance, however predominantly, it is the East African Highland varieties that are regarded as an essential domestic staple food. In particular, these bananas are grown by small-scale Bugandan women producers situated in the central region where this study is located. Food security and hunger alleviation programmes in Uganda attempt to foster the livelihoods of small-scale agriculturalists through an income generation agenda supported by many International Institutions such as the World Bank (WB), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO). These projects are implemented anticipating that endorsement of tissue culture banana plantlets, alongside their associated agricultural inputs and improved management practices, will ameliorate declining yields and augment livelihoods. The intention is to investigate the effectiveness of such banana tissue culture intervention programmes. In order to capture the farmers' interpretations and perspectives of these, adoption of participatory research methodology and techniques is considered integral to individual assessment. As the majority of respondents are farming banana within a 'backyard' or home garden system which entails a complex, mixed cropping regime, an agro-ecological stance is embraced to encapsulate the wider context of banana production. Thus the study is able to offer an insight into acute farmer knowledge of their environment, including species preference and agro-practices employed in banana cultivation. The central question of this enquiry is thus: 'do small-scale farmers in Uganda deem tissue culture banana plantlets worthwhile cultivating, and therefore consider this as valuable intervention to enhance their livelihoods?' A rejoinder required empirical research achieved over two phases exceeding a one and a half year period in Uganda. Forty-seven small-scale farmers were consulted in three differing locations sited within the 'fertile crescent' around Lake Victoria. Completion of life history timelines and photodiaries supplemented semi-structured interviews which took place on the homesteads of participants. Beneath the umbrella of a livelihood approach, the farmers expose broader aspects inhibiting positive outcomes related with involvement in banana tissue culture intervention programmes. The exploration further incorporates necessary discussion with scientists at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), National Agricultural Advisory (NAADS) extension agents, Non Government Organisations (NGOs) agriculture specialists and a private company, all stakeholders in some way of the banana tissue culture schemes. The analysis of the study is rooted in ecofeminist and disability studies theory, as consequently, by drawing out these connections and intricacies, proffers a rationale as to the foundation of a pervasive attitudinal bias clandestine in societies. These concepts underpin inequitable perceptions of poverty, women and people with disabilities in the present. The theoretical findings implore coalesce of authentic and inclusive investigative methods to represent 'the lived experience' of the farmer in a procedure not often applied in agricultural research.

Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) is a significant feature of the contemporary world and it is a particular challenge to the armed forces of many states which are involved is such conflict, or are likely to become so. This thesis is not concerned with how such difficult conflict situations arise. Rather it is concerned with how, from the point of view of the state, they may be contained and ultimately brought to a satisfactory resolution. The work is thus concerned with the practicalities of ending LIC. More specifically, the purpose of this research is to establish a framework of doctrinal and military principles applicable to the prevention and resolution of LIC. The principles of this thesis are based in numerous historical examples of LIC and six in depth case studies. These distilled principles are analysed in two central chapters, and are then applied in two latter defence force chapters so as to ensure there practicality and resilience. Numerous defence academics and military practitioners have been consulted in the production of this thesis; their contribution has further reinforced the functionality of the principles examined in this research. The research illustrates the criticality of a holistic approach to LIC. The function of this approach is to guarantee the stability of the sovereign state, by unifying civil, police, intelligence and military services. The effectiveness of the military elements must also be ensured, as military force is central to the suppression of LIC. Consequently, the research makes strategic and operational prescriptions, so as to improve the capability of defence forces that are concerned with preventing or resolving LIC.

This research examines how an architect might contribute to the social and public dimensions of contemporary Australian cities through small-scale, low-tech, object-based interventions. Employing a research-by-design methodology, original interventions that invigorate everyday, abandoned and overlooked city spaces are created and interrogated. The unlocking of behaviours and corresponding explosions of social activity reveal a latent public potential, suggesting an untapped spatial determinism. Intervention sites are conceptualised as ‘micropia’ which are anomalous yet beneficial ruptures in the urban fabric that emerge from an organic engagement with everyday life. These ‘micropia’ put into question ‘grand designs’ devised and imposed from the preserve of a detached professionalism.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Architecture and the Built Environment , 2022

A research report submitted to the WITS SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education (Primary Mathematics). Johannesburg, 2014
This study explored models and strategies used by one class of Grade 6 learners across a range of multiplication problem types under a realistic mathematics approach (RME) in a former Model C primary school in Johannesburg East. Forty learners participated in six intervention lessons over a period of six weeks. Learners were presented with mathematical word problem-solving tasks. Evidence of model use, type of models generated, and how the models and the corresponding strategies were used to solve multiplication problems were assessed. The main focus was to discover the models and strategies that learners were using prior to the intervention lessons (assessed using a pre-test), to identify the shifts with respect to these models and strategies during the course of the intervention lessons and finally to identify the kind of models and strategies that learners were using by the end of the small scale intervention (assessed with a post-test which was a repear sitting of the pre-test). Results indicated that learners were using a limited number of models and strategies at the beginning. As a result of the intervention lessons, learners began to use a broader range of models within their problem-solving. Post-test results indicated that a broader range of models and substantial shifts away from use of the column model were associated with increased success in learners‟ multiplication problem-solving performance at the end of the intervention lessons.