Let $G$ be a free product of cyclic groups of prime order. The structure of the unit group ${\cal U}(\Q G)$ of the rational group ring $\Q G$ is given in terms of free products and amalgamated free products of groups. As an application, all finite subgroups of ${\cal U}(\Q G)$, up to conjugacy, are described and the Zassenhaus Conjecture for finite subgroups in $\Z G$ is proved. A strong version of the Tits Alternative for ${\cal U}(\Q G)$ is obtained as a corollary of the structural result.

We prove the existence of trace functions in the rings of fractions of polycyclic-by-finite group rings or their homomorphic images. In particular a trace function exists in the ring of fractions of $KH$, where $H$ is a polycyclic-by-finite group and $\char K > N$, where $N$ is a constant depending on $H$.