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Describes field experiments to determine the effects of previous organic waste composts, using different types and application rates, on sunflower yield. Oil, carbohydrates and metal content were evaluated. Experiments were conducted in the Nuclear Research Centre Farm, in sandy, infertile soil. Results show a remarkable increase in dry matter and seed yields, due to previous single compost additions. A mixture of water hyacinth and biosolid compost showed an improvement. The results of this research indicate that application of organic waste composts is a feasible and valuable recycling method in sandy desert soils.

The removal of nickel and mercury from drinking water, using powdered activated carbon (PAC) and granular activated carbon (GAC) was studied intensively. The water studied was artificially contaminated by Ni and Hg to yield 2mg/l each. Both batch and continuous systems were tested. The time needed to maintain equilibrium and the adsorption isotherm were determined by the batch system. The results obtained were found to be confirmed with Freundlich’s equation, rather than Langmuir or BET. When the PAC was used, the values 1/n and K were 1.59 and 1.02 for Ni and 1.21 and 1.91 for Hg. Relatively similar results were obtained when the GAC was examined. This indicated the stronger adsorbability of mercury compared to nickel. When investigating the continuous system at different contact times the results indicated that increasing the contact time increased the metal : carbon removal efficiency. The overall results showed that the breakthrough points for either Ni or Hg reflected their adsorption isotherms as indicated by k values. Concludes that the addition of an activated carbon filter is recommended for the treatment of drinking water contaminated by heavy metals.

Pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of different levels of Cobalt (Co), on the growth and on the chemical constituents of peanut plants. Co was added to soil at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400mg Co/kg soil. Dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll content, catalase activity, total proteins and free amino acids content, carbohydrates and sugars and mineral contents were determined in roots, stems and leaves of the plant. Results showed that soil polluted with higher rates of Co depressed plant growth in terms of dry matter production. However, the relatively low levels of Co increased the dry matter accumulation. The results obtained indicated high accumulation of Co in plant, although the level of Co in the soil was added in relatively low concentrations. On the other hand, plant chemical constituents exhibited different responses according to plant organ and Co application rate. In addition, the interaction effect both Co and Ni on the mineral content of peanuts was investigated.

Examines the effect of pollution along the agriculture highway between Cairo and Alexandria. Different samples of water, soil and plants (clover) were collected from nine variable locations along this highway. Results obtained revealed that the influence of lead precipitating from the atmosphere directly reflects the lead content of soil. Concentration of metals so far did not show any great significant effect.

A variety of biomass plantations are being raised for energy production. This case study is on energy production potential of seasonal oil bearing crops in India. These crops have the advantage of producing oil (liquid fuel) as well as biomass as agro residue (solid fuel). The purpose of the study is to estimate total energy yields of oil bearing crops and compare with other types of energy plantations. Also oil bearing crops bioaccumulate metals and thus phytoremediate soil. This provides scope for waste water irrigation.

Relevant published papers on energy production by raising oil bearing crops have been analyzed. The effect of waste water irrigation and agronomic practices on increasing productivity is given special attention.

It is shown that the seasonal oil bearing crops such as castor have a high potential to generate energy and this is comparable to energy produced by many perennial grasses. The energy yields of castor under irrigated condition was 196×103 MJ/ha and this is comparable to the reed canary grass which yields 195×103 MJ/ha. Some of the oil bearing crops are also super accumulators of certain toxic metals.

In this study, only all the accessible papers on the topic could be analyzed.

This case study indicates that raising oil bearing crops such as castor using waste water has many advantages which include high energy yields, utilization of waste water for productive purpose and phytoremediation of soil.

The comparison made between various types of energy crops for their energy generation is an original contribution. Findings of economic and environmental benefits by waste water irrigation are also of value.

Describes a study carried out to evaluate the accumulation of heavy metals by two different vascular aquatic plants in the artificial wetlands which were constructed for the treatment of municipal wastewater in Berlin, Germany. The studied plants were Pharagmites australis and Schoenoplectus lacustris. The investigated metals were: Zn, Cr, Cu, Fe, Cd, Ni and Pb. The translocation of such metals in the plant roots, stems and leaves was also determined. The level of metals in the influent and effluent of the wastewater, as well as the sludge, was investigated. The concentration factor of each metal by plants and sludge was further studied. Results revealed that P. australis has a higher tendency for the accumulation of metals than S. Lacustris. The level of metals was higher in roots, followed by leaves, then stems. Metals were more concentrated in the sludge than in the plants. Further study showed that the levels of metals in plants grown in the artificial wetlands were higher than in those grown in a “controlled” area. Concludes that vascular plants can act as scavengers of metals from the municipal wastewater while still maintaining a healthy status.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how managerial estimates of long-term market price trends can be included into investment analysis of metal mining. The inclusion of subjective market information with a new cycle reverting price process is proposed.

Subjective managerial estimates are included into stochastic metal price modeling by defining separately the following parameters of each price cycle phase: approximated length, approximated long-term price level and volatility. An net present value-based investment analysis model is applied together with Monte Carlo simulation.

It is plausible to combine managerial estimates about metal price trends and cycles with stochastic modeling for shorter term and to include the information into investment analysis. The results show that the difference between the proposed process and the commonly used mean reverting process is remarkable in terms of decision-making implications.

The proposed method allows the inclusion of more relevant information into the metal price modeling used in mining investment analysis. Results suggest that the cyclical nature of metal prices affects project value of metal mining projects, and it should be considered when making irreversible investment decisions. The proposed method can be generalized for any cyclical processes.

This paper explores ways in which Singapore adapts its planning policy and practices to meet the needs of its growing silver population, particularly the relationship between ageing related policies and its urban development strategies.

The research assesses Singapore's urban planning policies for the ageing population against the WHO framework for age-friendly cities using Kampung Admiralty (KA) (a pioneering project of integrated housing cum community for the ageing population) as a case study for the analysis. The methodology adopted includes a post-occupancy evaluation and a walking tour of the selected case study (Kampung Admiralty), and an analysis of Singapore's ageing policies in relation to urban planning governance.

The study examines the role and significance of a multi-agency collaborative governance structure in ageing planning policies with diverse stakeholders in the project. The evaluation carried out on KA reveals the challenges and opportunities in urbanisation planning for the ageing population. This paper concludes by emphasising the potential of multi-collaborative governance and policymaking in creating an inclusive, liveable built environment for the ageing population in Singapore, particularly but also potential implications for other ASEAN tropical cities.

The case study identified key issues in Singapore's urban planning for betterment in ageing and highlighted the requirement for enhancing urban planning strategies.

This article fulfils an identified need for the Singapore government to address the issue of ageing by providing affordable and silver-friendly housing to its ageing population.

The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of sustainability efforts within the field of supply chain management, more specifically supply chain logistics operations, and to identify opportunities and provide recommendations for firms to follow sustainable operations. This study also aims to stimulate further research within the area of sustainable logistics operations.

The reasons why it is important to implement sustainability into supply chain operations is discussed. Based on a review of the extant literature, various areas within the logistics function where sustainability can be implemented are then presented. Some short‐term and long‐term recommendations for the successful implementation of sustainability in the logistics function of supply chains are provided.

There has been very little work done to understand the role and importance of logistics in an organization's quest towards sustainability. For firms to implement a sustainability strategy in their supply chain operations, the logistics function needs to play a prominent role because of the magnitude of costs involved and the opportunity to identify and eliminate inefficiencies and reduce the carbon footprint.

Firms in their quest for sustainable logistics operations must start early and start simple. A top management commitment is required for such efforts to be successful. Also, firms need to be able to visualize and map out their supply chains and benchmark their sustainability efforts with other firms in their industry.

Firms need to follow sustainable practices in their overall operations and in their logistics operations in particular because not only does it have financial and other intangible benefits, but it is also the right thing to do. Firms have a great social responsibility especially with respect to use of non‐renewable sources of energy and materials and also with respect to how their products are used and handled once they reach the end of their life cycles.

This paper is the first of its kind which examines the state of sustainability within the field of supply chain logistics operations and identifies areas and sets the agenda for future research in this field.

The purpose of this paper is to identify how the factors associated with sense of community at work are connected with job satisfaction among the front-line managers and middle managers in social and health-care services in Finland.

A questionnaire prepared for this study was sent to 241 social and health-care managers (front line and middle managers) in Finland. A total of 136 of managers responded to the survey (response rate was 56 per cent). Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.

Alongside job meaningfulness, open communication and good flow of information within the organization, sense of security provided by close relationships at work and managers’ own superiors’ appreciation of their leadership skills all are related to managers’ job satisfaction.

The study adds to our understanding of factors which are connected to the job satisfaction among social and health-care managers’. The findings of this study can be used in the development of leadership to support managers in coping at work.