This study seeks to describe the demographic, offence, and diagnostic details of subjects referred by the Procurator Fiscal at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the Forensic Psychiatry Liaison between 1994 and 1997. The initial outcome of the assessment and an assessment of medical time involved is presented. This study is a retrospective review of audit forms completed between 1993 and 1994 and once more in 1997. The referral criteria, age structure and offence pattern was broadly similar to that reported in court diversion schemes in England. A primary diagnosis of alcohol and/or drug dependence was seen in one third of referrals during both years of the audit. A marked increase (250%) in referrals between 1994 and 1997 resulted in a marked reduction of those admitted to hospital, and an increase in the percentage who had 'no psychiatric diagnosis'. The need for ongoing liaison between the Procurators Fiscal and the Forensic Psychiatrists involved would appear important in modifying referral criteria.

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Following failure of a 50" Asbestos Cement force main in Tel Aviv, Israel, a failure analysis was undertaken to determine the cause of failure and the risk of further incidents. This identified the possibility of further catastrophic bursts of the force main. Fully structural rehabilitation was designed using a hybrid reinforced concrete and ferrocement approach in order to meet all of the engineering needs as well as achieving a practical solution with minimum disruption in a densely-populated urban area. An above-ground bypass pipeline was necessary, and the location of this bypass necessitated a careful campaign by the Client and the Project Manager to develop a positive relationship with a hostile community. The project was successfully completed within the planned time and budget and a key constraint, avoiding pumping of sewage to the sea, was met.

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