Legislation in the Netherlands requires routine analysis of drinking water samples for cultivable Legionella species from high-priority installations. A field study was conducted to investigate the presence of Legionella species in thermostatic shower mixer taps. Water samples and the interior of ten thermostatic shower mixer taps were investigated for cultivable Legionella species. In seven cases, Legionella species was found in at least one of the samples. In four cases, Legionella species was detected in the biofilm on the thermostatic shower mixer taps interior, with the highest values on rubber parts, and in five cases in the cold supply water. These results show that thermostatic shower mixer taps can play a role in exceeding the threshold limit for cultivable Legionella species, but the cold supply water can also be responsible. Practical implications: This study showed that contamination of thermostatic shower mixer taps (TSMTs) with Legionella spp. was frequently observed in combination with contamination of the water system. Consequently, a combined focus is necessary to prevent the proliferation of cultivable Legionella spp. in TSMTs. In addition, the results also demonstrated that biofilms on rubbers inside the TSMT had high numbers of Legionella spp., probably because rubber contains relatively high concentrations of biodegradable substrates. Therefore, improvement of the rubber materials is necessary to reduce the proliferation of cultivable Legionella spp. in TSMTs.
A systematic operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation program is an essential element in the management of a wastewater collection system. Effective inspection, cleaning, and rehabilitation are key processes for optimizing the proper functioning of a collection system. 7-1 7.1 Methods and Equipment The following information outlines the methods and equipment frequently utilized to inspect and clean gravity collection systems and pumping stations. Frequent inspection and cleaning is essential for normal functioning and problem identification. Information is also presented regarding spare parts and equipment necessary for effective operation. 7.1.1 Gravity Collection Systems Physical Inspection A physical inspection is vital to an O&M program. Without it, a maintenance program cannot be implemented in a systematic way since system problems cannot be quantified. Elements of a physical inspection program include visual and equipment-based techniques that use established industry methods of system evaluation. Physical inspections should be performed on a regularly scheduled basis as a part of the preventive maintenance program. The purpose of conducting inspections is to: • Identify what is in the system (inventory). • Identify the location of the system's components. • Determine the condition of the components (assessment). • Prevent problems from developing. Before acceptance of a newly constructed collection system, O&M personnel should conduct a physical inspection to verify the accuracy and completeness of the record drawings. Inspection before acceptance will also ensure that the new components are clear of construction debris and rocks.
‘Creating the Difference’ is the theme of the 2014 edition of the Chi Sparks conference. It is also the challenge that the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) community is facing today. HCI is a creative field where practitioners engage in design, production, and evaluation of interactions between people and digital technology. Creating excellent interfaces for people, they make a difference in media and systems that people are eager to use. Usability and user experience are fundamental for achieving this, as are abilities at the forefront of technology, but key to a successful difference is getting the right concepts, addressing genuine, intrinsic, human needs. Researchers and practitioners contribute to this area from theory as well as practice by sharing, discussing, and demonstrating new ideas and developments. This is how HCI creates a difference for society, for individuals, businesses, education, and organizations. The difference that an interactive product or service makes might lie in the concept of it but also in the making, the creation of details and the realisation. It is through powerful concepts and exceptional quality of realisation that innovation is truly achieved. At the Chi Sparks 2014 conference, researchers and practitioners in the HCI community convene to share and discuss their efforts on researching and developing methods, techniques, products, and services that enable people to have better interactions with systems and other people. The conference is hosted at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and proudly built upon the previous conferences in Arnhem (2011) and Leiden (2009). Copyright van de individuele papers ligt bij de betreffende auteurs.
