bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiprocessing On Supercomputers for Computational Aerodynamics
Authors: Yarrow Maurice , Mehta Unmeel B.
Published: March 2007

Little use is made of multiple processors available on current supercomputers (computers with a theoretical peak performance capability equal to 100 MFLOPS or more) to improve turnaround time in computational aerodynamics. The productivity of a computer user is directly related to this turnaround time. In a time-sharing environment, such improvement in this speed is achieved when multiple processors are used efficiently to execute an algorithm. We apply the concept of mul tiple instructions and multiple data (MIMD) through multitasking via a strategy that requires relatively minor modifications to an existing code for a single processor. This approach maps the available memory to multiple processors, exploiting the C-Fortran-Unix interface. The existing code is mapped without the need for devel oping a new algorithm. The procedure for building a code utilizing this approach is automated with the Unix stream editor.
Numerical Modeling of Axisym m eTric Laminar Diffusion Flames By a Parallel Boundary Value Method
Authors: Smooke M.D. , Giovangigli V.
Published: March 2007

The coupling of adaptive numerical methods with large-memory parallel/vector computers has produced a powerful tool with which to probe flame structure. We have investigated numerically one such system— the axisymmetric laminar diffusion flame. The ability to predict the coupled effects of complex transport phenomena with detailed chemical kinetics in these flames is critical in modeling turbulent reacting flows, in improving engine efficiency, and in understanding the processes by which pollutants are formed. Compu tationally, we solve the governing conservation equa tions of mass, momentum, species balance, and en ergy with detailed transport and finite rate chemistry submodels. We utilize up to six processors of an IBM ES/3090 600J in parallel to obtain a discrete solution on a two-dimensional grid with Newton's method and adaptive mesh refinement.
Helping Secondary Market Workers Overcome Journey-To-Work Transportation. Difficulties: a General Model
Authors: Palmer John
Published: March 2007

Food service firms have begun to experience labor shortage at entry level positions, attributable to the declining number of teenagers in the population. One available strategy that responds to this problem is to recruit from among currently underutilized labor groups. Persons living below the poverty line (so- called "secondary market workers") are one such group; however, members of this group, face barriers to obtaining and retaining employment. Prominent among those barriers is a lack of transportation to and from work. This article presents and discusses a general model of how employers can decide whether (and how) to help potential employees with this problem.
Recruitment Policies and Practices of Restaurants, Hotels and Clubs: a Study of the Personnel Procedures of Hospitality Firms
Authors: Kohl John P. , Stevens David B.
Published: March 2007

The authors analyzed thousands of newspaper "help wanted" ads overtime and found a disturbing problem in the use of sex and age-biased phrases, terms, and words in classified ads. They offer warning and counsel to hospitality firms on phrases and the like to watch and strategy to improve legality of ads and image of the industry
An Analysis of Merger and Acquisition Activity in the Hospitality Industry for the Period 1970-1988
Authors: Tse Eliza Ching-Yick , Crawford-Welch Simon
Published: March 2007

This paper conducts an analysis of merger and acquisition activity in the hospitality industry for the period 1970-1988. A typology of merger and acquisition strategies is evolved thus enabling classification of merger and acquisition attempts. The classification scheme allows discussion of both general and specific trends concerning merger and acquisition activity. Finally, a statistical model is offered which will enable the determination of the success or failure of different merger and acquisition strategies in terms of financial performance.
Environmental Uncertainty, Business Strategy, and Financial Performance: an Empirical Study of the U.S. Lodging Industry
Authors: Dev Chekitan S. , Olsen Michael D.
Published: March 2007

A key premise in the normative literature is that an appropriate business strategy will favorably align an organization with its environment (Andrews, 1971; Hofer & Schendel, 1978; Porter, 1980). It is argued that the strategy that will produce the best results is dependent on existing environmental circumstances (Miles & Snow, 1978).

This study investigated the tenet that, for firms in the lodging industry, there exists an optimal pattern or ''fit'' between the environment and the firm's business strategy that separates the more successful operations from the less successful ones.

The findings of this study indicate that a "match" between the state of the environment facing an organization and its business strategy is required for high performance. The results obtained provide an invaluable planning and analysis tool for all levels of management involved in charting a firm's future.
Hospitality Managers' Stress and Quality of Life: Recommendations for Change
Authors: Sarabahksh Mort , Carson David , Lindgren Elaine
Published: March 2007

A recent investigation conducted by the authors showed that hospitality man agers reported significantly greater stress and careerinterference with theirpersonal and family life, as well as an overall lower quality of life, in comparison with non- hospitality managers. Outlined in this paper are recommendations for better stress management and improvement of hospitality managers' life satisfaction. These include delegation and sharing of responsibilities and authority with staff, helping employees to be more responsible for theirperformance, utilizing a Manageron Duty (MOD) concept of organizational management (especially in non-guest contact areas), implementing fundamental institutional changes in scheduling, building internal support systems formanagers and employees, and encouraging managers and employees to take advantage of educational and therapeutic opportunities available to them in their region.
Internship Strategy for Hospitality Management Programs
Authors: Pauzé E. Francis , Johnson Wayne A. , Miller Judy L.
Published: March 2007

This paper shares an effective model for experiential education. This paradigm is unique because it represents a balanced triangular commitment from the univer sity, the industry and the student. Without this equal and committed partnership, the maximization of student development would be limited. The basic components of the model; quality commitment, structural congruence with the program mission state ment, competency based experiences, grading and evaluation mechanisms may be replicated in most academic settings.
Learner-Controlled Instruction for Management Training
Authors: Forrest Lewis C.
Published: March 2007

Educators and trainers in the hospitalityltourism industry should be concerned with using the most efficient and effective approaches to management training and development. Since the early 1970s a concept called learner-controlled instruction (LCI) has been used by some hospitality organizations formanagement training with considerable success. LCI has been shown to be more effective than traditional field training of managers that is time-based and requires managers to rotate among departments and stations for observation and participation, even when the field training is supplemented with classroom instruction. Published literature supports the LCI approach as superior in effectiveness to traditional teacher-controlled training. A nine-point model for LCI design and application serves as a foundation for creating programs based on the concept. An explanation of procedures for implementing LCI programs clarifies the learning environment and expected out comes. Educators and trainers are challenged to apply LCI for improved results in management training and development.
Trends in Hospitality Management Literature: a Content Analysis
Authors: Chon Kye-Sung , Evans Michael R. , Sutherlin Deborah
Published: March 2007

The aim of this paper was to examine the growth in the body of literature in the discipline of hospitality management for the 20-year period from 1967 to 1986. The topics studied and the methodological approaches in the published articles were examined using the content analysis technique. An analysis indicates information gathering shifts in the topics studied, the method of research used, and the type of authors of the published articles.
Using a Computer-Assisted Drafting and Design System To Support Hospitality Design Instruction
Authors: Lambert Carolyn U.
Published: March 2007

Educators have employed microcomputers to support instruction for over 20 years. However, results of research studies comparing the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction with other types of media are inconclusive. To use computers appropriately, educators must first identify the purpose of the course, the desired learning goals, the role of the computer, and the best teaching style. This paper presents a review of studies using computers for educational activities and then describes the application of a computer-assisted drafting and design (CADD) program in a hospitality design course.
Application of Fmea to Nightclub Security
Authors: Berkley Blair J.
Published: March 2007

Nightclub security presents some of the most difficult reliability problems in the service industry. Crowds of people, social interaction, ego involvement, high-energy atmosphere, and the effects of alcohol make security failures seem almost inevi table. This paper applies failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to document potential nightclub-security failure modes, causes and effects, and to prioritize them according to risk. Interviews with 27 Los Angeles area nightclub operators are used to identify potential failure modes and effects. A review of the human reliability literature is then used to identify potential failure causes.
Using Behavior Modeling To Teach the Interpersonal Elements of Restaurant Management
Authors: Young Cheri A. , Corsun David L. , Muller Christopher , Inman Crist
Published: March 2007

By defining the task of food service management in terms of its content and complexity, and analyzing the role that behavior modeling plays in experiential learning, this article ad dresses the "how" and "why" questions regarding the effectiveness of experiential learn ing. Alumni of a hospitality program were surveyed regarding a required, experiential res taurant management course. The data supply evidence that experiential learning with behavior modeling provides learners with managerial skills they require after graduation.
Optimization of the Thermal Resistance of Roof Insulation in Reroofing
Authors: Cash Carl G.
Published: March 2007

This paper presents an economic model for calculating the optimum thermal resistance for roof insulation. It applies primarily to reroofing work, because it does not account for heating and cooling equip ment cost savings attributable to increased insulation.

The economic model uses current costs and heat content of fuels, heat ing and cooling degree days, and the installed cost of roof insulation per unit of thermal resistance. It also shows the economic penalty for deviating from the calculated optimum insulation.

Optimum thermal resistance is calculated for twenty representative cities in the United States, and is compared with ASHRAE Standard 90-75 for insulation in commercial and high rise residential buildings.

Optimum thermal resistance calculated with natural gas as the fuel is lower than called for by the ASHRAE standard; the calculated optimum thermal resistance using electricity or oil is about the same as the ASHRAE standards. The scatter of the optimum thermal resistance calculated for each city shows that the thermal resistance should be calculated using local data rather than average values.
Low-Cost Fire Response Tests for Cellulose Insulation
Authors: Hilado Carlos J. , Brauer Diana P.
Published: March 2007

The widespread use of cellulose insulation and the large number of small manufacturers makes low-cost fire response tests desirable for evaluating the fire safety aspects of this material. Various laboratory tests are discussed and some test data obtained at the University of San Francisco are presented.
A Study of the Effects of Moisture Vapour on the Thermal Transmittance Characteristics of Cellulose Fibre Thermal Insulation
Authors: Tye Ronald P. , Spinney S.C.
Published: March 2007

The effect of moisture on the thermal performance of cellulose has been investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Typical residential wall and ceiling constructions were insulated with cellulose fibre loose-fill insulation at normal densities of application and then subjected to both fixed and cyclic moisture gradient conditions. After 57 days of continuous moisture increase, no catastrophic effects on performance were noted and once cyclic conditions were introduced, the thermal performance improved markedly due to the onset of drying out of the insulation. Quantitative measurements indicate that an approximate 10% increase in moisture content reduces the thermal resistance of a cellulose insulated system by approximately 15%. However, once drying out conditions were established the thermal performance improved once again. Suggestions are made for further work in this and related areas.
When Democratic Evaluation Doesn't Seem Democratic
Authors: McTaggart Robin
Published: March 2007

Articles should deal with topics applicable to the broad field of program evaluation. Implications for practicing evaluators should be clearly identified. Examples of contributions include but are not limited to reviews of new developments in evaluation and descriptions of a current evaluation effort, research problem, or technique. Manuscripts should include appropriate references and not exceed 10 double- spaced typewritten pages in length.
An Interview with Richard P. Nathan
Authors: Heinberg John
Published: March 2007

Interviewees should be persons who are important stakeholders for evaluations and those with views of general interest to practicing evaluators. Interviewers and interviewees may be one person or several (i.e., one person may interview one individual or a panel of individuals, a panel of interviewers may interview one or more interviewees, and so on). Paul Johnson, of the U. S. Public Health Service, is coordinating this section. Suggestions for interviewees and interviewers should be sent to Paul at 740-G Humphrey Bldg., 200 Independence Ave., S. W., Washington, DC 20201.
International Evaluation Conference
Authors: Love Arnold J. , Leeuw Frans L. , Kordes Frans G.
Published: March 2007

This section, which will appear in each issue of the journal, is open to contributions from members of the evaluation community worldwide. We particularly welcome news about evaluation societies, the events that they are undertaking and other international evaluation activities.

Please send contributions c/o The Editorial Office.
Single-case Evaluation in the Public Sector Using a Combination of Approaches
Authors: Kazi Mansoor A.F.
Published: March 2007

Single-case evaluation has its roots in the positivist, scientific paradigm of the physical sciences. However, it has now developed as a method of evaluation that involves both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and one which can be readily applied by practitioners themselves in a variety of human services in the public sector, such as social services, health and education. This paper reports on a research project involving the use of single-case designs on an agency-wide basis within Kirklees Metropolitan Education Social Work Service, in Yorkshire, England. The practitioners found that single-case designs enabled continuous assessment of outcome data by both the clients and the practitioners, providing a model of accountability and collaborative working.
Dieting in Moderation
Authors: Tiggemann Marika
Published: March 2007

This study demonstrates the substantial conceptual consequences in distinguishing a variable’s role as a moderator as opposed to a mediator. In particular, the study investigates the role of dietary restraint in the relationship between body dissatisfaction and psychological well-being. Path analyses showed that, in addition to its mediating role, dietary restraint has a moderating role, such that there is a stronger relationship between body dissatisfaction and psychological well-being when dietary restraint is high than when dietary restraint is low. In contrast, gender had only a direct effect on weight dissatisfaction. It was concluded that the same processes occur for both men and for women, whereby it is the individuals who diet who suffer loss of psychological well-being.
Neurasthenia and the Social Construction of Psychiatric Knowledge
Authors: Ware Norma C. , Weiss Mitchell G.
Published: March 2007

The diagnostic category of neurasthenia is examined as a cultural construct with social uses and implications for psychiatric nosologies. The legitimation of otherwise stigmatized symptoms through a diagnosis of neuras thenia is discussed. The re-thinking and re-definition of the category in Chinese psychiatry in the 1980s is reviewed to illustrate the social construction of knowl edge and DSM's influence abroad. The proposal to include neurasthenia in DSM-IV is considered as part of the initiative to increase the cultural validity of the DSM system. Implications for research are suggested, and questions raised about the ability of DSM to resist change and re-produce itself.
Successful Leadership - Evidence From Highly Effective Headteachers ®
Authors: Lawlor Hugh , Sills Patrick
Published: March 2007

The article summarises the findings of the first stage of a major research project which is investigating how highly effective headteachers influence school outcomes and pupil achievement.

The theory and methodology are based on the work of the American psychologist David McClelland, who outlined the competency approach as a means of identifying the key characteristics of highly effective performers in specific jobs or roles.

The article identifies the different ways in which highly effective headteachers work to improve school outcomes and raise pupil achievement. The detailed evidence was collected from 27 highly effective headteachers (14 primary, 10 secondary and 3 special) by lengthy interviews with experienced senior education consultants. Analysis of the interview data revealed fourteen characteristics as significant to the ways headteachers successfully effect school outcomes. All the characteristics and personal qualities and attributes were identified by the headteachers and not by the researchers. At the next stage of the project there will be a detailed investigation of how characteristics combine according to different contexts. These contexts will include size and type of school and improving/failing schools (macro level) and specific incidents such as ineffective liaison with governors (micro level). At the third stage it is proposed to look at the implications of the findings for the training, development and support of headteachers.
An Engineering Approach to Ventilation System Design
Authors: Dix T.R.
Published: March 2007

Many ventilation systems fail to meet the expectations of the occupants, despite the level of knowledge available to aid their construction, including best practice and good design criteria. This paper looks at how a ventila tion system should be designed, installed and main tained in order to maximise occupant satisfaction and minimise operating costs. Contemporary design solu tions are discussed, and a case study of the new parlia mentary building in Westminster, London, is presented.
Characterisation of Gas Phase Organic Emissions from Hot Cooking Oil in Commercial Kitchens
Authors: To W.M. , Yeung L.L. , Chao Christopher Y.H.
Published: March 2007

A large quantity of oily fumes is generated in fast food and Chinese restaurants from cooking oil kept at a high temperature in the kitchens. If these oily fumes are not properly abated, they can be a major source of organic emissions in some dense urban areas with a lot of res taurants such as found in Hong Kong. In the present study, the most commonly used cooking oil, peanut oil, was kept at 260°C in an environment typical of a com mercial kitchen that consisted of a two-burner stir-frying cooking range, a single-tank electric fryer, a baffle-type grease extractor and an exhaust duct. Air samples were collected at the inlet of the grease extractor and the exit of the exhaust duct. Organic material was extracted from these samples and examined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A new ex traction protocol using a Soxhlet apparatus and freshly distilled chloroform as the solvent was established in this study. It was noticed that there was no appreciable breakdown of the oil composition at the temperature studied. The efficiency of the grease extractor was deter mined by obtaining the relative concentrations of gas phase organic composites at the sampling positions.
A Survey of Publicly Funded Asbestos Abatement Projects in the County of Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, during the Time Period 1996-1999
Authors: Lange John H. , Bules Melissa , Lindquist Jeffrey , Gray Michael , Ivarone Caroline
Published: March 2007

A survey of asbestos abatement projects performed by public agencies was undertaken for the County of Erie, Pennsylvania, USA. The time period for this survey was 1996 to November 1999. Project data collected included project name by public agency, name of contractor, quantity of work, cost for this work, and time period over which work was conducted. Initial information on pro jects was obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and was followed up through contact with the specific agency. Comparison of this sur vey with that of one previous during the time period of 1992-1994 suggests the amount of abatement in the public sector has decreased. Distribution of costs be tween bids was nonnormal and appears to best fit a log arithmic distribution. Some information was not avail able from the agencies, suggesting either a lack of un derstanding of environmental regulations or noncom pliance. Information presented provides an insight into the direction of the asbestos abatement industry, its management, liabilities and future problems.
ETS-RSP Particulate Marker Factors: Variation in Published Factors and Application to ETS Data from Two Types of Indoor Environments
Authors: Carrington Joanna , Gee Ivan , Watson Adrian , Stewart Lorraine
Published: March 2007

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is an indoor air pol lutant that causes adverse health effects for exposed non-smokers. To measure the ETS concentration partic ulate tobacco smoke components are identified and are referred to as ETS markers named ultraviolet particulate matter (UVPM), fluorescent particulate matter and sola nesol particulate matter. To determine the contribution of ETS to indoor air pollution empirically derived ETS marker factors are applied. The factors represent a ratio of ETS marker to total respirable suspended particles (RSP) collected under controlled experimental condi tions. The published ETS marker factors for UK ciga rettes varied and when applied to smoking and non- smoking household and public house data produced sig nificantly different data sets (p < 0.05). Non-tobacco sources for UVPM compounds contributed to and over estimated the ETS-UVPM concentration with respect to RSP. This occurred when the published UVPM factors were applied and the predominant source of UVPM was not tobacco. The ETS factors produced acceptable re sults with respect to total RSP collected when tobacco was the predominant source of RSP, as seen by data col lected in public houses.
Revisiting the Association between Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk
Authors: Lee Peter N. , Fry John S. , Forey Barbara
Published: March 2007

We examine in detail arguments put forward to support the claim that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) increases the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers. Hackshaw et al. [Br Med J 1997;315:980-988] have esti mated that the risk increases by 23% (95% Cl 14-32%) per 10 cigarettes/day smoked by the husband. The esti mated increase essentially disappears if proper adjust ment is made for smoking misclassification bias, if cor rection is made for the joint effects of confounding by fruit, vegetables, dietary fat and education, if errors in published data in one study are corrected, and if results from all pertinent studies are included (and not just those which report risk by level of smoking by the husband). Taking account of all these factors and using un- weighted estimates of the association between ETS ex posure and the confounding variables (as one very large study reported results discrepant from those for numer ous smaller studies), the risk increase per 10 cigarettes/ day was found to be 2% (95% Cl -3 to +7.5%), based on data from 47 ETS/lung cancer studies. Using weighted estimates, the risk increase was 5.5% (95% Cl 0 to +11 %). Restricting attention to the 36 studies that had adjusted for age, the increase was reduced further to -2% (95% Cl -6 to+3%) using un-weighted estimates, or to + 1 % (95% Cl -4 to +6%) using weighted estimates. These estimates are not materially affected by bias due to the reference group (non-smokers married to non-smokers) having some ETS exposure from other sources. Other sources of potential upward and downward bias, not formally taken account of in the analysis, are discussed. Based on extrapolation from the known lung cancer risk in smok ers, Hackshaw et al. [Br Med J 1997;315:980-988] esti mate that environmental tobacco smoke exposure would be expected to increase the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers by 19%. Using more appropriate assump tions (for the relative exposure to smoke constituents of passive and active smokers, for the lung cancer risk in those who have ever smoked and for the dose-response model) leads to a much lower estimate of about 0.5%. Even this estimate is open to question as a threshold might exist for the effects of tobacco smoke constituents on lung cancer risk. Whether or not a true risk exists, it is clear that this is not demonstrated by the overall evi dence. The true increase in risk per 10 cigarettes/day smoked by the husband is very unlikely to be as large as 23%. It might be as much as 5%, but it could well be 1 % or less, or even zero.
Microbial Volatile Organic Compound Emission Rates and Exposure Model
Authors: Menetrez M.Y. , Foarde K.K.
Published: March 2007

This paper presents the results from a study that exam ined microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) emis sions from six fungi and one bacterial species ( Strepto myces spp.) commonly found in indoor environments. Data are presented on peak emission rates from inocu lated agar plates loaded with surface growth, ranging from 33.5 μg.m-2 per 24 h (Cladosporium sphaerosper mum)to 515 μg.m-2 per 24 h (Rhodotorula glutinis). Fur thermore, changes in MVOC emission levels during the growth cycle of two of the micro-organisms are exam ined. This report also includes a calculation of the impact of MVOC emissions on indoor air quality in a typical house and an application of an exposure model used in a typical school environment.
Monitoring and Modelling Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation in Classrooms within a Purpose-Designed Naturally Ventilated School
Authors: Kolokotroni M. , Ge Y.T. , Katsoulas D.
Published: March 2007

This paper investigates the performance in use of ther mal passive ventilation stacks in the classrooms of a school during the summer period. Measurements of air temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2) and air velocity were carried out from which ventilation rates in the class rooms and stacks were calculated. It was found that the airflow through the passive stacks was a significant pro portion of the classroom air exchange rate and metabolic CO2 was lower in classrooms with passive stacks. The predictions of a multi-zone airflow computer model were compared with measured values. Multi-zone modelling indicated that passive stacks could significantly increase ventilation in classrooms, which would otherwise be ventilated via single side ventilation through openable windows on one external wall. It was found that if the zones are accurately represented, multi-zone modelling is able to provide a good indication of the general trends of airflow rates both for the whole classroom and the flow through passive stacks.
Assessment of Non-Smokers' Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke Using Personal-Exposure and Fixed-Location Monitoring
Authors: Sterling Elia M. , Collett Chris W. , Ross James A.
Published: March 2007

Fixed-location monitoring has been extensively employed to assess exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in offices and other public buildings. In contrast, personal monitoring methods have seldom been used to assess non-smokers' exposure. Simultaneous personal exposure monitoring and fixed-location measurements were conducted in two office buildings in Rich mond, Va., USA, to compare the two sampling methods. The results from the personal and fixed-location monitoring showed general agreement in the mea sured exposure to particle-phase and vapour-phase ETS constituents. The overall results indicate that fixed-location monitoring provides a close approx imation of an individual's exposure to ETS, as determined through personal monitoring. A secondary objective of the research was to assess the effective ness of dilution ventilation for the control of ETS in the workplace. Overall, the results demonstrate that with ventilation in accordance with current ASHRAE Standards, dilution can be an effective means of controlling ETS related constituents to low concentrations.
Appraisal of the Regulations Governing the Use of Gas-Powered Domestic Appliances Having Consideration of NOx Emissions
Authors: Zorraquino J.-V. Martin , del Campo Diaz V. , San José R. García
Published: March 2007

Domestic gas apparatus generate oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which have been classed in recent years as problem products in the context of indoor air quality (IAQ). These, together with carbon monoxide which may also be present in the products of gas combustion, mean that the formulation of regulations for health protection presents complex problems. The present work shows the importance of this matter and presents interesting case studies taken from the Basque Country and our area of influence. It also makes specific recommenda tions as to how existing regulations should be changed.
Determination of Selected Volatile Organic Compounds in an Indoor Environment
Authors: Kozdron-Zabiegała Bozena , Przyjazny Andrzej , Namieśnik Jacek
Published: March 2007

Evaluation of the quality of indoor air for 13 dwellings in the Tricity area Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia of Poland was carried out by measuring the con centrations of selected volatile organic compounds: benzene, toluene, butyl acetate, ethylbenzene, m-xylene, styrene and m-dichlorobenzene. Two differ ent techniques were used for the isolation and preconcentration of analytes from air samples: a passive method employing a home-made permeation-type passive sampler, and a dynamic method based on a sorption tube. In both cases activated charcoal was used as a sorption medium (packing of traps). It was found that for the majority of the examined analytes the mandated values of maximum allowable concentrations were not exceeded, and that benzene was not detected in any of the investigated dwellings. No significant differ ences were observed between the daily concentrations (as determined by the dynamic method) and the time-weighted average concentrations (determined by the passive method).
Environmental Pleural Plaques due to Asbestos and Fibrous Zeolite Exposure in Turkey
Authors: Karakoca Yalçin , Emri Salih , Cangir Ayten Kayi , Bariş Yusuf Izzettin
Published: March 2007

There are many districts in central and south-eastern Anatolia where benign and malignant pleural diseases occur as a result of environmental exposure to mineral fibres. Tremolite asbestos is found in the region and, in addition, in certain areas, there is a unique non-asbestos fibre called erionite which is a fibrous zeolite and which causes pulmonary diseases similar to those produced by asbestos. In this article we would like to report the frequency of calcified pleural plaques in a large-scale epidemiological study in Turkey. The presence of such plaques is considered indicative of mineral fibre exposure. The miner alogy of the region, exposure characteristics of the population and frequency of detection by computerised tomography, thoracoscopy and thoracotomy are also given.
Detailed Measurements of Indoor Radon Levels in Five Residential Premises and the Effect of Ventilation
Authors: Chao Christopher Y.H. , Tung Thomas C. W. , Chan Daniel W. T. , Burnett John
Published: March 2007

Detailed radon measurements and ventilation testing were carried out in five residential premises in Hong Kong. Continuous radon detectors were located in the bedrooms of each site and corresponding CO2 decay tests were con ducted to estimate the ventilation rate. Four air-conditioning operation modes were used in the measurements. Data obtained from the measurements were used to verify the validity of a simple mass balance model. In this paper, fac tors including the elevation of the building, geographical composition of the area, diurnal variation of the radon level and influence of the ventilation rate on indoor radon level are also discussed.
Nitrogen Dioxide in the Home: Cooking, Double Glazing or Outdoor Air?
Authors: Cotterill Alison , Kingham Simon
Published: March 2007

There is substantial evidence linking nitrogen dioxide exposure to ill-health, and research has suggested that one of the main areas of exposure is in the home. The study described here was carried out to assess the levels of nitrogen dioxide inside homes and investigate the factors affecting those levels. Moni toring of nitrogen dioxide was carried out using passive diffusion samplers (Palme's tubes) in 40 houses in Huddersfield over three consecutive two-week periods in late 1994. Half the houses were located close to a busy main road and half on residential roads set back and parallel to the main road. The sam ple was split so that half had gas cookers and half had electric cookers. These subsets were split again so that half had double glazing and half had single- glazed windows. At each house a sampler was placed in the kitchen, living room, bedroom and outside. It was found that while gas cookers had a signifi cant effect on indoor levels of nitrogen dioxide, window type and proximity to a main road have little.
Airborne Lead Exposure to Workers during Deleading Activity as Part of a Building Demolition Project
Authors: Lange John H. , Sites Sharon L.M. , Thomulka Kenneth W.
Published: March 2007

An evaluation of airborne lead exposure was conducted during abatement of a building as part of its demolition. Personal airborne exposure concentrations were collected over 29 working days. These results suggest, for this study, that exposure levels are highly variable, exhibit a nonnormal distribution and fre quently exceed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Permissi ble Exposure Limit for lead. Various engineering and work practice controls were employed during this project to reduce exposure levels, although the con tractor did at times employ prohibited practices. Exposure results from this study suggest that lead abatement workers involved in demolition are not a homogenous group for sampling purposes. Studies are needed to evaluate engineering controls, work practices and worker exposure to airborne lead during abatement of buildings that are being demolished.
Smoking and Occupational Lung Disease Epidemiology
Authors: Gee J. Bernard L.
Published: March 2007

Epidemiology studies of lung cancer which may be the result of workplace exposure contrast the risk ratios or SMRs of the exposed population with a control group. If a dose-response relationship can be detected then this suggests a causal relationship between the exposure and its effect. Smoking is clearly a substantial confound ing factor but unfortunately adjustment for this is often limited by lack of accurate data. Most commonly only 'ever' versus 'never' smokers numbers are available and even then this data may only be available for some of the cohort. In the various studies of silica and lung cancer it is important that the smoking history of both silica- exposed and control groups is known. If the prevalence of smoking was similar in the two groups this would remove the confounding, but differences in the groups are usually present. Since the SMRs from a number of studies of silica and lung cancer are about 1.5 it is sug gested that these might be close to smoking-adjusted SMRs. By contrast, where the SMR is >2.0, smoking adjustments are likely to affect the magnitude but not the statistical significance of the result.
Review : Testing for Formaldehyde Emission from Wood-Based Products - A Review
Authors: Yu C.W.F. , Crump D.R.
Published: March 2007

Concern about possible health effects from formalde hyde emitted from wood-based panel products manu factured with urea-formaldehyde and melamine-formal dehyde binding resins has led to the development and increasing use of low emission products. To control the emissions a range of tests has been developed which the wood-based panel industry can use to determine the potential of products to release formaldehyde. This pa per reviews laboratory test methods which are based on the extraction of formaldehyde and also the current requirements in European product standards. It further describes the use of chamber tests to measure formalde hyde emission under normal conditions of temperature and humidity. These tests are included in the labelling schemes of some countries and are the subject of a new European standard test method.
Suggestions on the Ventilation Design for an AIDS Laboratory in China
Authors: Liu Jiang , Liu Guangquan
Published: March 2007

In order to help in the prevention of the spread of AIDS in China, many biomedical laboratories have recently been constructed to perform tests for the HIV. For these con structions some engineers have simply followed the ventilation design requirements for clean rooms, al though putting more emphasis on the air cleanliness requirement of the laboratory. However, this approach has brought about higher construction and operating costs for the ventilation system and resulted in a poor hygienic safety factor. It was felt that better suggestions for the ventilation design were needed. Surveys on the ventilation in four AIDS/HIV laboratories were carried out, during which the air pressure of the laboratory, the air cleanliness, the air change rate and the airflow pat tern were tested. On the basis of these studies, and refer ring to the regulations for cleanrooms and biomedical laboratory design, several proposals were made. Firstly that negative pressure should be created by exhaust ventilation to guarantee inward airflow to the laboratory. Next that extreme air cleanliness is not required for the running of class II biosafety cabinets with air change rates in the range of 30-60 air changes per hour. Also, a rational directional airflow pattern should be created to guarantee both that clean air reaches the workers first and then flows to contaminated areas and that there will be no dead air spaces in the laboratory. Finally, the exhaust air from a level 3 biosafety laboratory should not be recirculated in order to give a greater biosafety factor under'class 10,000' air cleanliness regulations.
The Subjective Dimension of Social Stratification: The Case of the Self-Identification Question
Authors: Hiller Peter
Published: March 2007

During recent years we have witnessed a regrowth of interest in the subjective dimension of sociological analysis, and particularly in the relevant ideas of Weber and the symbolic interactionists. This has been reflected in the writings of phenomenologically-informed sociologists such as Schutz, Berger and Luckmann and Holzner. Empirically, the areas of deviance and religion have profited most, while other fields, such as organizational theory and education are also being investigated with a more explicit emphasis on subjective factors.1 The field of social stratification, however, appears to have been neglected in this regard. It is my purpose to consider what is meant by 'the subjective dimension of sociological analysis', especially as it applies to research on social stratification. The use of 'self-identification' questions in empirical research will be discussed, using some Australian examples, in order to highlight some of the major problems in the use of subjective factors in otherwise objectively-oriented studies.
An Exploratory Study of the Childfree Lifestyle1
Authors: Rowland Robyn
Published: March 2007

In our society, which is pro-natalist, the childfree alternative to a family life-style is not always visible and research has tended to neglect it. Studies conducted so far are mostly Canadian and North American, and have dealt mainly with the 'childless' wife. The present study was a preliminary survey of a self-selected sample of voluntarily childfree people in New Zealand and included 374 respondents (183 men and 191 women). The questionnaire they completed assessed aspects of the decision-making process in deciding to remain childfree, reasons for making the decision, whether respondents were aware of the positive aspects of child-rearing, attitudes of others toward the couple and their decision, and their current method of contraception (including sterilization). Most respondents included a written discussion of their situation which reaffirmed or clarified their responses in the questionnaire. One clear point which emerged was the relief people felt at being able to discuss their childfree position, and this indicates a possible need for group support as is found in the United States in the National Organization for Non-parents.
Conflict, Stereotypes and Masculinity in Australian and New Zealand Surfing
Authors: Pearson Kent
Published: March 2007

Surf board riding and surf life saving, two distinctively Australian and New Zealand sports were described in terms of important background features in an article published in the previous issue. Attention was drawn to the 1960s as a period in which conflict occurred between members of the two groups. Tensions between the groups have remained since that time. The present article examines aspects of these tensions in detail showing they have served to crystallise some inherent philosophical contrasts between each type of surfing activity. Data are presented as part of an examination of the many contrasts and tensions between the two groups. Despite the contrasts, the subculture of each surfing group share a similar characteristic masculinity. This article discusses this similarity as well as some of the continuing differences between each sport pattern.
Class Processes: Key Issues for Analysis
Authors: Eipper Chris
Published: March 2007

The reformulation of old issues in class analysis continues to generate new insights. This paper discusses class as relations of power and consciousness. It addresses the relationship of social determination to human agency and connects the structuring of social processes to their institutionalisation. It then links the phenomenon of class mobilisation to patterns of social mobility and closure. These arguments raise in new form the ties between class and status, and the extent to which status struggles can be related to certain forms of class ideology.
Dualism and Domination: An Analysis of Marxian, Weberian and Existentialist Perspectives
Authors: Knights David , Willmott Hugh
Published: March 2007

This paper concerns itself with the difficulties of reconciling the separation of the individual from society (sociological dualism) in both theory and practice. In theory, the failure of structuralism, functionalism, marxism or phenomenology is that of attempting to reconcile sociological dualism without also relating it to the problems of existential dualism whereby individuals are preoccupied self-defeatingly in securing meaning through solid and stable social identities. In practice, these dualisms are not easily penetrated because they are obscured by the process of domination that are their medium and outcome.
The Decision to Accredit: The Voting Process of The Australian Council on Hospital Standards
Authors: Duckett S.J. , Coombs E.M.
Published: March 2007

The decision whether or not to accredit a hospital is the principal method of regulation of hospital practice available to the Australian Council on Hospital Standards (ACHS). This decision is made by the ACHS's councillors who represent various hospital and medical organisations. The decision-making process was studied to ascertain the relationship between the stated objectives of the ACHS and the criteria used in the decision to accredit. It was found that there were a number of considerations extraneous to the official standards which operated in decision-making. These considerations were related to decision-making theories and the implication of such extraneous factors for the implementation of the official policies of the ACHS discussed. Suggestions are also made for improving the present approximate and subjective decision process so that the official objectives can become operational.
The Magician's Hat: A Critique of the Concept of Ethnicity
Authors: Eipper Chris
Published: March 2007

Theories of ethnicity have come to rival class in the claims made for them. This paper presents a critique of ethnicity as a concept. It shows the links between the logical construction of the concept, its ideological appeal, and the social ramifications of applying this mode of analysis to actual social situations. Rather than attempting to cover the whole field of ethnic studies, the focus is on two major contributions to the subject: Glazer and Moynihan's and van den Berghe's. The paper argues that ethnic groups cannot have the conceptual status claimed for them; that a distinction between race and ethnicity based on definitional differences between physical and cultural identifiers of group membership obscures rather than illuminates the significance of race and racism; and that an alternative approach is required for the analysis of ideological mobilisations which draw upon diverse cultural inheritances and claims to descent.
Australian Resource Development and the National Fragmentation Thesis
Authors: Head Brian W.
Published: March 2007

This paper re-examines the proposition, advanced by Stevenson and by Crough/Wheelwright, that shifts in regional economic power resulting from the mineral resources boom have led to a fragmentation of the national economy and exacerbated political tensions in the Australian federal system. The fragmentation thesis is outlined, and criticized, in the light of recent patterns of economic change, economic policy, federal- State political and fiscal relations, and questions of the control of benefits stemming from resource development.
The Political Economy of Labour Migration: An alternative to the sociology of 'race' and 'ethnic relations' in New Zealand
Authors: Miles R. , Spoonley P.
Published: March 2007

This paper begins by identifying the various problematics that have dominated 'race and ethnic relations' theory in New Zealand sociology, and then critiques two representative texts by identifying their silences. The critique focuses on the failure of the writers to take adequate account of the importance of production relations and their reification of an ideological notion, 'race'. The paper then offers an alternative problematic, the political economy of labour migration, which is grounded in the relationship between the process of capital accumulation and subsequent labour migrations to and within New Zealand.