bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genesis II: an Outer Space Resort/Convention Center
Authors: Giroux Sharon S.
Published: March 2007

For purposes of promoting creative and innovative thinking, intellectual inquiry and exploration, students in a HospitalityMarketing and Sales class were challenged to consider the feasibility of a Resort/Convention Center in outer space. As GENESIS II was conceived, students were required to participate in a multidiscipli nary approach to learning as they researched subject matter not only in their own field of expertise but in technological, scientific, cultural, and agricultural ones as well. A marketing plan was developed and models constructed which depicted this 2000 suite cosmic facility as occupying part of Space Settlement One, a project designed by the University of New Mexico, in conjunction with NASA. A space vehicle, Galaxian International, would transport as many as 300 dignitaries, scien tists, researchers, and other elite clientele from selected target areas around the world to this extraterrestrial environment. Computerized language translators would facilitate global and international interchanges in this holistic environment and would ultimately promote universal peace. A fingerprint registration system would permit access to suites all of which afforded space views and holograms. A worldwide computerized banking system would enable visitors to purchase gallactic novelties, to visit the science and cultural center, to take space tours in pods, and to enjoy international cuisine and entertainment. A budget was proposed and funding planned via grants, private industry, and the sale of electricity to Earth. Convention and meeting rooms, such as the Starlight and Galaxy were promoted in convention brochures for distribution to travel agents and meeting planners. Promotional materials also contained suggestions for space souvenirs, collateral items, and advertising messages. The students who conceived GENESIS II were committed to the project as they realized that they could be among the first pioneers to enjoy the solar ambiance in this futuristic resort. GENESIS II received statewide media attention.
The Ownership Structure of Property Rights: Theory and Empirical Evidence of Restaurant Franchising
Authors: Yae Sock Roh  , Heung Michael Kwag
Published: March 2007

This study examines the ownership structure of restaurant franchising by comparing and contrasting capital market and agency explanations. The primary emphasis is placed on evaluation of these competing theories based on empirical data related to the major determinants of ownership structure that concerns restaurant franchising systems. Comprehensive data from specific individual restau rant franchisors are used in this study. In contrast to previous conjectures made in hospitality literature, this study finds that the choice of organizational form (company ownership versus franchising) is largely influenced by agency costs.
Share Price Reaction To Security Offerings By Hospitality Firms
Authors: Byrd Anthony K. , Borde Stephen F. , Atkinson Stanley M.
Published: March 2007

This study examines the share price reaction to security offering announcements by hospitality firms. Results indicate that a significant negative market reaction is triggered on average when firms announce new equity issues. However, no significant share price reaction occurs when firms announce new debt issues. Cross-sectional analyses of announcement period abnormal market returns indicate that the market's reaction to equity issuance announcements is more favorable or less unfavorable for larger firms. The impact of security offerings is important to investors, managers, creditors, and other stakeholders, as security offerings can have a significant impact on the value of the firm and on the firm's cost of capital.
Hospitality and Tourism: a Rhetorical Analysis and Conceptual Framework for Identifying Industry Meanings
Authors: Keiser John D.
Published: March 2007

Hospitality and tourism are certainly two of the most widely used words in the fields of ho tels, restaurants, travel, and related areas. They are used independently or in combination with other words, such as hospitality industry or tourism industry. As prevalent as these words are in conversations and in literature, they are used broadly, loosely, interchange ably, and erroneously. This article performs a rhetorical analysis of these words and offers a conceptual framework to more closely study each word's intent and purpose. Industries and disciplines define themselves by a shared language, which makes it imperative that key vocabulary is used properly and judiciously to enhance the communicative abilities of the field.
An Empirical Investigation of Attitude Theory for Tourist Destinations: a Comparison of Visitors and Nonvisitors
Authors: Baloglu Seyhmus
Published: March 2007

This study empirically investigates attitude structure, the relationship between cognition, affect, and behavioral intention, for three Mediterranean destinations. Specifically, the study compares a traditional and extended model of attitude structures between visitor and nonvisitor segments. The findings suggest that some relationships hypothesized in the tra ditional attitude model are not supported for either visitors or nonvisitors. The extended model, however, is fully supported for visitors and partly supported for nonvisitors. It is concluded that some modifications should be made to attitude theory for tourism destina tion selection behavior. The study also reveals some practical implications for promoting and positioning tourism destinations.
Personality Dimension of Hospitality Management Education in the Czech Republic: a Pilot Study
Authors: Stone Graham J. , Ineson Elizabeth M. , Indrova Jarmila , Petru Zdenka , Slamova Dana
Published: March 2007

This article reports the findings from the early stages of a research project. The preliminary study was designed to examine the extent to which the dimension of personality is ade quately considered in the vocational management education process. Data are analyzed from a pilot sample of students and managers in the Czech Republic, using the 16PF5 in strument. The research considers the importance of personality traits in the learning pro cess. On the basis of the results, which indicate the need for a review of the current hospital ity management education provision, advice is given to assist potential management trainees and recommendations are made for hospitality educators.
Fire Safety Aspects of Thermal Insulation
Authors: Hilado Carlos J. , Cumming Heather J.
Published: March 2007

Thermal insulation materials and systems have an important role in the conservation of energy, in the economical maintenance of com fortable environments, and in the profitable operation of industries. Proper use of thermal insulation should take into account fire safety aspects. In industry, one important fire safety aspect is prevention of self-heating and spontaneous combustion; ethylene oxide, heat transfer fluid, polyalkylene oxides, and polyether polyols are given as examples. Fire protection to maintain structural integrity and prevent decomposition of reactive chemi cals is highly desirable. In any structures occupied by people, fire toxicity is an important factor in ability to escape from fires and in extent of fire injuries.
Relative Toxicity of Pyrolysis Gases From Some Rigid Foams Used as Thermal Insulation
Authors: Hilado Carlos J. , Cumming Heather J. , Schneider Andjane E.
Published: March 2007

Various samples of rigid foams used as thermal insulation were evaluated for toxicity of pyrolysis gases, using the screening test method developed at the University of San Francisco. The rigid foam samples included polyurethane, polyimide, polyisocyanurate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.

The toxicity of pyrolysis gases from polyurethane rigid foams seemed to depend on foam composition. Polystyrene rigid foam exhibited the longest time to death under these particular test conditions. The rising temperature and fixed temperature programs produced the same rank order of materials based on time to death.
Fire Resistance Tests for Thermal Insulation
Authors: Kanakia M. , Herrera William R. , Hutto Francis B.
Published: March 2007

This report presents the results of a test program to evaluate the relative performance of three high-temperature thermal insulation systems for steel pipes. Each insulation was installed in two 1 ½-in. thick layers over 3-in. steel pipe and covered by a stainless steel jacket.

Nine-ft. 10-in. lengths of insulated pipes were exposed to the ASTM E119 time/temperature profile for two hours and the temperatures of the pipe wall were measured. Times to reach a temperature of 1000° F on the pipe wall were recorded to be approximately one hour for mineral wool insulation and one and one-half hours for perlite insulation. The third sample, calcium silicate insulation, had reached a maximum temperature of 850° F on pipe wall at two hours when the test was terminated. (Extra polation of the curve indicated that calcium silicate insulation would have reached 1000° F in two hours and twelve minutes.)

The report also contains a pictorial assessment of damage to the insula tion and pipe after the exposure.
Methods for Keeping Thermal Insulation Dry to Preserve Its Function for Energy Conservation
Authors: Turner William C. , Johnson John W.
Published: March 2007

The presence of moisture in thermal insulation increases its thermal conductivity and reduces its insulating effectiveness. Various meth ods for keeping thermal insulation dry are discussed.
Formaldehyde Odor and Health Problems Within Residences
Authors: Timm William , Smith Patti M.
Published: March 2007

The National Association of Attorney Generals and several governmental agencies have been seeking to ban Urea-Formaldehyde foam insulation from the market, following all the sensational claims of health hazards appearing in the news media. This paper shows that the incidence of claims is only a fraction of the percent of all the installations made in this country. The individual claims of health hazards have only started to accelerate after one or two bad odor installations have been sensationalized in the press.

Medical tests have not verified the actual sources of the symptoms claimed by the consumers. These very same symptoms have appeared in individuals who have had no known contact with formaldehyde. Population studies have not verified the laboratory studies on test animals, and studies conducted on individuals who have had a life time of exposure to for maldehyde foams have not indicated a serious health hazard exists. Some individuals may be more sensitive to formaldehyde fumes; there is no indication of permanent physiological damage to individuals general health from exposure to formaldehyde fumes, and once these individuals are re moved from contact with formaldehyde fumes, the symptoms dissappear.

The evaluation of Urea-Formaldehyde insulation must be made from a risk-benefit analysis. Industry admits that all testing of health hazards has not been conducted and complete assurance of the absence of a hazard may never be possible. This statement, however, applies to many sub stances in use by the general public today. This product must be evaluated on its potential to conserve our energy resources and reduce our depend ence on foreign oil imports. This benefit must be compared to the slight risk that some installations may create an odor problem within the resi dence and a smaller percentage of these individuals may be irritated from the foam.

Some errors by the applicator or the excess of formaldehyde in general construction materials used in the residence construction can increase the potential for an odor problem. Odors in some incidences are a result of the reduction of ventilation within the structure. Many complaints are claimed to be formaldehyde odor problems because of the same general irritation and symptoms, but on careful and thorouch examination prove to be from a completely different chemical irritant.

This paper concludes that 0.8 ppm of formaldehyde vapors is the thresh old of odor and the safe toxic limit is well above this limit. If a value of 0.5 ppm is established as a standard for formaldehyde vapors in a residence there should be no hazard to the health of the individuals residing in the structure.
The Physical, Psychological and Social Impact of Psoriasis
Authors: Rapp Stephen R. , Exum M. Lyn , Reboussin David M. , Feldman Steven R. , Fleischer Alan , Clark Adele
Published: March 2007

Psoriasis is a chronic, disabling skin disease affecting up to 2 percent of the population. Little is known about how physical, psychological and social features of the illness interact to create a negative impact. In this article, a biopsychosocial model of the impact of psoriasis is described, and results from a survey of 317 psoriasis patients are presented. The types of functional disability, psychological distress and disease-related stressors are described for highly strained patients (i.e. those with disease-related suicidal ideation) and compared with less strained patients (i.e. those without suicidal ideation). As predicted by the model, significantly more disability, psychological distress and disease-related stressors are found among highly strained patients. Logistical regression analysis revealed that strain is more strongly associated with disability, distress and disease-related stress level than with disease severity. Implications for research and clinical interventions are discussed.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Review of the Cross-Cultural Epidemiological Literature
Authors: Staley Douglas , Wand R. Roxburgh
Published: March 2007

Early clinical studies suggested that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was a rare disorder, but recent large-scale epidemiological research conducted in North America using standardized diagnostic criteria (DSM-III) report prevalence rates between 1 to 3%. A review of clinical and case reports of OCD among psychiatric population in non-Western countries reveals similar sociodemographic and clinical correlates for the disorder compared to Western findings. Epidemiological studies using translated versions of standardized diagnostic instruments and conducted in non-Western countries, report similar prevalence rates and clinical phenomenology for O CD as that found in Western settings. Methodological and measurement issues relevant to conducting valid cross- cultural psychiatric research are discussed in relationship to the diagnosis of OCD. The review concludes that OCD is generally similar in prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features in both Western and non-Western countries for adult populations.
Learning, for a Change: School Improvement as Capacity Building
Authors: Earl Lorna , Lee Linda
Published: March 2007

I know of no other strategy which has taken 20 or more schools and shown this level of success — even more quickly than we thought possible — and in a cost effi cient way. (M. Fullan)

Since 1991, a number of secondary schools in the Canadian province of Manitoba have been part of an experiment in school improvement. The result? Many of these secondary schools have really moved — they have shown gains in student achievement and have become the kinds of schools that are likely to sustain improvement. Of the 22 schools that were involved in MSIP at the time of our intensive evaluation, one third showed substantial improve ment and half had made considerable movement along the continuum. Although the improvement in schools was excit ing, as evaluators we were particularly interested around how the schools 'got there' and whether or not they could sustain their movement. In our evaluation, we set out to look inside the 'black box'to describe how specific schools actually went about changing their schools, in practice with the hope of uncovering some general principles that could guide schools as the approach any improvement initiatives.
Spittal Primary School
Authors: Howarth Carol
Published: March 2007

This article about a school in Glasgow (South Lanarkshire authority) is in two parts. The first part was written by the Headteacher Carol Howarth, in collaboration with Allison Closs of Edinburgh University, and first published by the Scottish School Ethos Network. It is a powerful story of the development of an ethos in which pupils learn to be responsible for themselves and care for each other and their school environment, and of the impact on learning and achievement. The second part results from an editor's visit to see the school and meet pupils; an interview with the head tells more about school leadership and development which is driven by social values and a strong commitment to the pupils and local community. Finally, a group of pupils give their own views on ethos and achievement.
Redistributive Effects of Public Expenditures in the Urban and Rural Areas of Pakistan
Authors: Shirazi Nasim Shah , Ilyas Muhammad , Ahmad Mehboob
Published: March 2007

Utilizing HIES (1992-93) data and Economic Survey of Pakistan (various issues), this article focuses on the effects of government expenditures on the distribution of income across various income groups in the urban-rural areas of Pakistan. Net National Product (NNP) is used as the income base. Results show that the lower income groups get the lower absolute public expenditure benefits than higher income groups in both the urban and rural areas of Pakistan. However, public expenditure benefits as a percentage of incomes across various income brackets, show that the lowest income group gets the maximum benefits and the subsequent income groups receive at a decreasing rate. Comparing urban and rural public expenditure benefits results depict that urban households enjoyed more public expenditure benefits than their rural counterparts.
Economic Comparison of Two Energy-Efficient Design Strategies for Mechanical Ventilation Systems
Authors: Vishnevsky E.P.
Published: March 2007

Two systems, one with air re-circulation alone and the other a combination of air re-circulation and energy recovery using plate heat exchangers have been ana lysed. For these systems, a set of equations was derived for partial or full re-circulation of air with and without plate heat exchangers. Also, as part of the analysis, the reciprocal ratio of investment and running costs was considered. In this analysis, the re-circulation factor pro vided by ventilation units, a bypass factor and the effi ciency of a plate heat exchanger were considered to be variables. For the sake of simplicity, the outdoor temper ature was assumed to change uniformly throughout the year from a winter time minimum to a summer time maximum. All the final mathematical expressions de rived are non-dimensional. The technical and economic estimations proposed were those which gave the most pessimistic outcome, that is, those for which the out come gave the lowest guaranteed common profit. The numerical calculations showed that quite different re sults were obtained depending on specific applications. Several economic indexes were estimated including payback times and capital and running costs for typical examples. The expected payback time for a system with plate heat exchanger is something like 2.0 years for an installation in the climate zone of Saint Petersburg, installed and run in accordance with Russian legislation.
A Macroscopic Model for Predicting Dust Concentration Distribution in Swine Buildings
Authors: Puma M.C. , Maghirang R.G.
Published: March 2007

A macroscopic model for predicting dust concentration distribution in mechanically ventilated swine rooms has been developed. The model accounts for the effect of tur bulent diffusive deposition, gravitational settling, coagu lation and ventilation. Four particle diameter size ranges were chosen to represent the fine particles in swine buildings: 0.5-0.9, 0.9-1.6, 1.6-2.8, and 2.8-5.0 μm. Pre dicted results indicated that ventilation would be the dominant particle removal mechanism accounting for over 90% of the particles removed; that deposition of particles on surfaces would be small (2-9%), and loss by coagulation negligible (~0%). Additionally, source loca tion would strongly influence the dust concentration dis tribution in the prototype swine room. Dust generation rate and presence or absence of obstructions in the form of mock pigs would affect the dust distribution minimal ly. Temperature difference between supply and room air (7-9 vs. 14-16°C) would not cause any appreciable dif ference in dust distribution.
Passive Downdraught Evaporative Cooling
Authors: Cook M.J. , Robinson D. , Lomas K.J. , Bowman N.T. , Eppel H.
Published: March 2007

This is the second in a series of four papers that describe a 3-year EU-funded research project into the application of passive downdraught evaporative cooling (PDEC) to non-domestic buildings. The paper describes the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for modelling PDEC. It describes the modelling techniques used and applica tion to investigate the performance of a hypothetical office building in Seville. From the CFD analysis it is con cluded that: (i) CFD is invaluable for analysing the venti lation performance of PDEC buildings, (ii) wind buffering and appropriate aperture sizes are essential to maintain well-regulated flows, and (iii) a top-down ventilation strategy performs equally well in upflowing mode, e.g. during night venting.
A Suggested Lead Surface Concentration Standard for Final Clearance of Floors in Commercial and Industrial Buildings
Authors: Lange John H.
Published: March 2007

Standards for final clearance after lead abatement have been established for child-related facilities and public housing in the United States. For these existing stan dards final clearance for lead is based on surface load ing. However, no standards have been suggested for buildings that are identified as not child-related or public housing (e.g. commercial buildings). Calculations have now been made to determine a proposed final clearance loading value for buildings or structures that are not child-related or public housing and for the two situations: lead-free and non-lead-free. The values proposed for floors are 1,100 μg Pb.ft-2 for lead-free buildings and 1,000 μg Pb.ft-2 for non-lead-free buildings. Blood lead levels in adults should not increase after exposure at or below these suggested lead-loading values.
Air Toxics in a New Australian Dwelling over an 8-Month Period
Authors: Brown Stephen K.
Published: March 2007

A 'healthy house' was constructed in Sunbury, a suburb north of Melbourne, Australia, in early 1998. It was designed with a tight building envelope to minimise air infiltration and a ducted mechanical ventilation (and heat recovery) system providing a minimum ventilation rate of 0.35 air changes per hour. This system also included partial filtration and dehumidification of the air. Many (but not all) construction materials were selected to be low-VOC emission products (e.g. paint topcoat and lac quers, laminated flooring and cupboards). Total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations were approxi mately 4,000 μg.m -3 just after construction, decreasing by a double-exponential model to 300 μg.m-3 by 8 months, which is below the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) goal of 500 μg.m-3. Formal dehyde concentration was near the NHMRC goal of 130 μg.m-3 at construction, and also decreased by a double-exponential model, but to a long-term (months to years) concentration of 60 μg.m-3. Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, microbial pollutants and dust mite allergens were also monitored.
Exposure to High Levels of Volatile Organic Compounds and Other Pollutants in a Printing Facility in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Gioda Adriana , Radler de Aquino Neto Francisco
Published: March 2007

Industrial environments often contain potential sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many such com pounds are extremely toxic and can be harmful to health. In April 2000, a chemical evaluation was carried out in a printing facility in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during which a high concentration of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) was detected. Therefore, measures were adopt ed to improve the air quality such as the increase in the air exchange rate and installation of exhaust fans. In March 2001, a new evaluation was done. Some 249 VOCs were identified and quantified in both campaigns. Most of them were found only in the indoor air. After the control programme, the values for TVOCs were reduced by 40-80%; however, they were still high and exceeded international and national limits. The majority of other parameters measured at the same time remained below the tolerance limits. Therefore, another round of reme diative measures was initiated and follow-up monitoring will be undertaken, illustrating that indoor air quality remediation is a stepwise continuing process.
Surface and Passive Monitoring for Asbestos in an Industrial Facility
Authors: Lange J.H. , Thomulka K.W. , Lee R.J. , VanOrden D.R.
Published: March 2007

Surface and passive (deposition) samples were collected from an industrial facility that previously had partial asbestos abatement. Sampling, both surface and pas sive, was conducted in instrument control rooms and adjacent hallways. Complete abatement was performed in control rooms and partial abatement in hallways. The sampling time period for this study was 45 days. Sam pling was conducted from both vertical and horizontal surfaces using surface particulate adhesive and passive samplers (deposition-dust fall samplers). A floor sample exhibited the highest surface loading. Overall, floors and countertops had similar surface loading with walls hav ing the lowest. The highest wall surface loading did not exceed some of the lower values for floors and counter tops. Deposition of asbestos structures was low and con sisted primarily of structures smaller than 5 μm in length. Surface concentration in structures per square millime ters for surfaces ranged from the detection limit, which was less than 25, to approximately 363,400. Use of sur face and passive sampling for evaluating fallout and sur facing loads of asbestos is discussed. Copyright©2003 S. Karger AG, Basel
Quantification of Indoor TVOC Levels from Different Sources in Mechanically Ventilated Buildings
Authors: Chan George Y. , Chao Christopher Y.
Published: March 2007

The levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in 17 building premises including offices, customer ser vices centre, social services centre and fitness facilities were measured using a real-time monitoring method by a photo-acoustic infrared instrument. Measurements were taken both when the mechanical ventilation system was operating and when it was not operating. Simple source apportionment analysis was conducted based on a simplified materials balance equation to identify sources of the indoor VOC accumulation and their contri butions from building material-related sources, occu pant-related sources and the outdoors. The average emission rate of TVOCs from building materials was 0.19 μg.m-2.s-1 and that from the occupants was 5 μg.s-1 per person. The TVOC emission rate from venti lation ductwork was 0.21 μg.s-1. During the daytime, the building material-related TVOC sources and the occu pant-related TVOC sources each contributed 17.5 and 14.9% by weight to the total indoor TVOC accumulation, respectively, with the remaining 67.5% coming from the outdoor sources. During night-time, the building materi al-related TVOC sources contributed an average of 32.2% by weight to the total indoor TVOC sources and the remaining 67.8% came from the outdoor sources. The indoor TVOC level contributed by the ventilation ducting and related sources was found to be negligible. Copyright© 2003 S. KargerAG, Basel
Review : The Toxicologic Importance of Formaldehyde and Glutaraldehyde in the Hospital Environment
Authors: Leslie G.B.
Published: March 2007

Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde are found in the hospital environment at higher concentrations than those to which the general population is exposed. Their possible adverse health effects are therefore very important to people working in certain parts of hospitals and to patients in the hospitals. Both compounds are irritant and can cause sensitisation. There are virtually no published data on animal toxicological studies on glutaraldehyde but for form aldehyde there are a number of animal studies which indicate that exposure to high concentrations of the vapour causes cytotoxic changes in the nasal muco sa which can lead to carcinoma. There is, however, no convincing reason to consider formaldehyde a human carcinogen since prolonged exposure to con centrations causing cytolethality does not occur. It would seem sensible to con trol the concentrations of both these aldehydes well below the level at which significant irritation and cytotoxicity occur by extraction of the vapours at the workplace and the provision of adequate ventilation elsewhere, thus allowing the continued use of these two valuable chemicals.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Levels and Mutagenic Activities of Organic Extracts from Airborne Particles in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Gil L.D. , Adonis M.I.
Published: March 2007

The levels of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in airborne parti cles were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 97 samples collected in downtown Santiago de Chile. The mean annual concen tration was 260 ng·m -3 (range 71.80-1,345 ng·m-3). Six PAHs classified as carcinogenic by the WHO comprised 45% of the total PAHs. The annual mean concentration for benzo(a)pyrene was 18.25 ng·m-3 (range 2.08-130.30 ng·m -3), much higher than reported levels for several European and American cities. Levels in the cold season were, on average, 2.87 times higher than in the hot season. Principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyse the PAHs profiles. Organic extracts of particulate matter were examined by the Ames test using strain TA 98 ± S9 and all samples showed a very high mutagenic response both ± S9. The mutagenicity of the extracts was much higher than reported from studies in other countries. Ear lier work with the strains TA 98 NR and TA 98/1,8 DNP6 had suggested that the extracts also contained mononitro- and dinitro-arenes. Continual expo sure to particulates containing carcinogenic PAHs and nitroarenes represents a health risk for Santiago residents.
Effect of Combined Heat and Moisture Transfer on the Predicted Indoor Thermal Environment
Authors: Guohui Gan
Published: March 2007

Both building performance and occupants' thermal comfort are influenced by heat conduction, convection and radiation as well as condensation/evapora tion. This paper presents an analysis of thermal comfort in buildings subjected to simultaneous heat and moisture transfer using numerical techniques. A model based on computational fluid dynamics has been developed for predict ing the indoor thermal environment. Assessment is made of the effects of radiation heat transfer and moisture condensation on the accuracy of pre dicted indoor thermal comfort.
Decipols: Should We Use Them?
Authors: Aizlewood Claire E. , Raw Gary J. , Oseland Nigel A.
Published: March 2007

This paper provides a discussion on the use of the olf and the decipol. The validity of using these units to determine ventilation rates and compare pollu tion emission rates is discussed, in relation to their derivation and theoretical basis, and the method of application. A procedure has been developed for testing buildings by using a trained panel of people to rate air quality directly in decipol units. This was used in nine European countries as part of the 'Euro pean Audit Project'. The practical limitations of this procedure, and the impli cations of the results obtained, are discussed in this paper.
Environmental Modelling Based on a Structural Fragments Approach
Authors: Lindgren Fredrik , Nouwen Johan , Loonen Hélène , Worth Andrew , Hansen Björn , Karcher Walter
Published: March 2007

Today, predictive methods like Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs) play an important role in setting the priorities for risk assessment of chemicals. However, when a large number of compounds (>200) have to be considered, limitations arise on which physico-chemical variables to use. In this paper, a fast and easy way of chemically characterising compounds has been investigated. A QSAR is a regression model that relates the variation in the biological activity (y-matrix) within a homogenous series of compounds to their chemical and structural properties (x-matrix). The descriptor variable matrix (x) may be constructed from a multitude of variables indicating either the presence or absence of predefined structural fragments. The present paper investigates the possibilities and limitations of using such a derived x-matrix in cases of QSARs and environmental modelling. The approach is used in two examples, which both gave positive results.
Volatile Organic Compounds in Office Buildings
Authors: Lagoudi Argyro , Loizidou Maria , Asimakopoulos Demosthenes
Published: March 2007

A great number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in the indoor air of office buildings, emitted mainly by the building materials, the consumer products used, the furnishing, office equipment, smoking, mechanical ventila tion systems and outdoor air pollution. An attempt has been made to identify the strongest sources of VOCs in the indoor and outdoor air of six office build ings in Greece. Analysis of the results showed that the VOCs in the outdoor air were strongly related to the traffic in the area. Correlation of the concentra tions found in both the indoor and outdoor air showed that the outdoor air contributes significantly to the chemical pollution load of the indoor air in some of the buildings. Also, a significant intercorrelation was found among the concentration patterns of aromatic and a number of aliphatic compounds, which showed that these compounds were emitted by similar sources. How ever, since these compounds are not emitted exclusively by car exhausts, the identification of their source is difficult. The dominant indoor sources of VOCs were permanent ones such as building materials and furniture.
Calibration of LR-115 Plastic Track Detectors for Environmental Radon Measurements
Authors: Ramola R.C. , Rawat R.B.S. , Kandari M.S. , Ramachandran T.V. , Eappen K.P. , Subba Ramu M.C.
Published: March 2007

Solid-state nuclear track detectors are widely used for integrated measure ments of radon and its daughter products in the environment. However, these detectors have to be calibrated before use in field measurements. In the present work, LR-115 type II plastic track detectors have been calibrated in bare mode in a chamber containing a known radon concentration. The cali bration factor measured for this mode was 125 tracks.cm-2.d-1 = 1 WL (3.12 x 10-2 tracks.cm -2.d-1 = 1 Bq.m-3).
Internet Questionnaire and Real-Time Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
Authors: Kähkönen E. , Zitting A. , Airo E. , Valkonen J. , Leikas M.
Published: March 2007

Latest research supports the view that the sick building syndrome has a multi- factorial aetiology in which chemical, physical, biological and psychosocial factors interact. From these studies it has been recommended that one of the first steps for indoor air quality surveys should be a questionnaire. Using mod em technology workers' opinions and their impressions regarding the indoor air quality, any symptoms they experience, their health status and psychoso cial factors may be collected quickly and directly through the World Wide Web and Internet networks. According to the feedback given by the workers, measurements of indoor air quality can be directed to work sites where the workers have made various complaints about the air in a building. In this study, the remote control of indoor air quality monitoring, general communi cations and transfer of data files have been achieved by using remote control software through a GSM mobile telephone.
Personal Exposure to Carbon Monoxide in Underground Car Parks in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan M.Y. , Burnett J. , Chow W.K.
Published: March 2007

An extensive survey has been carried out in 52 underground car parks in Hong Kong focusing on carbon monoxide concentrations in the air. So far as short- term health effects are concerned this compound is generally regarded as the most important chemical species from car exhausts. Its presence can be used to quantify air pollution, and give an indicator of the air quality in car parks. The sites were sampled during peak hours. This report presents the results and analysis of the carbon monoxide levels measured. Of the 52 sites surveyed, 27 were rated as 'good', 7 'acceptable' and 18 'poor' according to our interpreta tion of recommended international health criteria. The findings also revealed that the utilisation rate of car parks varied significantly over time.
Review : A Critical Commentary on Views Expressed by IARC in Relation to Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Lung Cancer
Authors: Lee P.N. , Thornton A.J.
Published: March 2007

When assessing epidemiological evidence for the purposes of classifying carci nogenicity, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, World Health Organisation, Lyon, France) adopt high scientific standards. The clas sification of carcinogenicity is perhaps open to question for a few agents evalu ated in monographs 39-63, but clearly aligns with the evidence summarised for the great majority. Since monograph 38 in 1986, when the evidence on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and lung cancer was considered equivo cal, IARC staff and associated scientists have published numerous papers which led them to their current view that the carcinogenicity of ETS is 'well established.' The content of these papers is critically examined and is found to contain numerous limitations, including failure to report results using stan dardised indices of ETS exposure, failure to show weakening of the association over time, failure to make it clear the association with lung cancer is only for spousal smoking and does not apply for workplace exposure, failure to investi gate sources of between-study heterogeneity, failure to consider study quality adequately, failure to consider histological type, seriously inadequate consid eration of sources of bias, overstatement of biologic plausibility, and inade-. quate consideration of proof of causation. The strength of the epidemiological evidence relating ETS to lung cancer appears to be less than that for all other agents classified by IARC as having 'sufficient' evidence of carcinogenicity, and is no stronger than that for various agents with a 'limited' classification. 'Limited' evidence of carcinogenicity would appear a more appropriate classi fication for ETS.
Assessment by Personal Monitoring of Respirable Suspended Particles and Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure for Non-Smokers in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Phillips K. , Howard D.A. , Bentley M.C. , Alván G.
Published: March 2007

In a study in Sydney, Australia, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) particles and respirable suspended particles (RSP) for 319 self-reported non-smokers was assessed by personal monitoring. The subjects were sepa rated into four distinct groups for investigation: Home, Work, Elsewhere, and 24-Hour, which were further sub-divided based on whether they lived or worked with smokers. Saliva samples for cotinine analysis were taken at the start and end of each monitoring session. Good correlations (R2 > 0.86) were found between the three methods used in this study to assess the contribution of ETS particles to RSP from all sources. Annual exposure estimates for ETS particles and nicotine in smoking homes were greater than in smoking work places. Median annual exposure in smoking homes and workplaces equates to less than 4 cigarette equivalents per year (CE·y-1). Exposures in non-smoking homes, non-smoking workplaces and away from the home and workplace were below the limit of quantification for most subjects. Based on the 90th percen tile, the highest exposed subjects would potentially inhale no more than 15 CE·y-1. Subjects living with smokers had greater ETS exposure while away from home and work compared to subjects living with non-smokers. This Else where group were also exposed to the highest RSP concentrations. Question naire data indicated that subjects consider bars/restaurants to be the locations where they are exposed to most ETS in their daily lives. However, 62% of these subjects considered their exposure in these locations to be 'none' or 'very low' during the monitoring period. Saliva cotinine determinations would appear to be a good marker for evaluation of ETS exposure at 90th percentile levels. Out of 331 subjects recruited as non-smokers, 6 (1.8%) misreported their non-smoking status as demonstrated by their saliva cotinine level.
A System of Permeability Specification for Use in Moisture Simulation Models
Authors: Galbraith G.H. , McLean R.C. , Guo J. , Kelly D.
Published: March 2007

The successful application of moisture simulation models to building enve lopes requires accurate values of material permeability. Unfortunately, al though the presently available database is reasonably voluminous, much of the information contained therein is of limited use in such applications. This paper describes the specification of permeability data in terms of the differ ential permeability function. Several alternative mathematical forms are com pared using experimental results from a representative range of building mate rials and the most appropriate form is identified. The use of this function allows the accurate evaluation of permeability appropriate to the humidity conditions to which a material is subjected in practice. On the basis of theoret ical analysis, it is also suggested that this function allows the separation of the total moisture flux into its vapour and liquid components. This hypothesis has been tested for two materials using a prototype experimental procedure in which permeability measurements are made under different barometric pres sures.
Review : Dry Rot and Other Wood-Destroying Fungi: Their Occurrence, Biology, Pathology and Control
Authors: Singh Jagjit
Published: March 2007

Microbial biodeterioration of building materials and their contents in both modern and historic buildings is attrib uted to changes in the building environment. The main environmental parameters favouring the decay of mate rials and contents are water, humidity, temperature and lack of ventilation. The damage caused by biological agents is very familiar, as is the destruction arising from attempts to eradicate them by the use of chemicals, which not only are a cause for concern to health authori ties, wildlife interests and environmentalists, but also lead to the development of resistance in the target organisms. Correct identification of the deteriogen mate rial is important as not all deteriogens are equally de structive. Some rots and insects are present in timber when it is cut, or are acquired in storage, and these may be present in heartwood or sapwood. Fungal or insect infestation may also be dead or dormant, representing conditions in the past. Environmental control and pre ventative maintenance are preferable to chemical means. Buildings work as spatial environmental systems and must be understood as a whole. They separate the occupants from the external environment, thus creating a different internal environment for the occupants. The causes of decay in materials and structures are in fluenced by the internal building environment which has a varied microclimate depending upon structural aspects of the building. Preventative maintenance should in most cases forestall the need for major interventions, and it is beyond doubt that it reduces the cost of the con servation of buildings. Since the internal environment of a building is the product of a number of influences, it is advisable to study in detail the ecological factors such as temperature, humidity at the micro-environment levels and the response and performance of the building before undertaking an intervention involving any building. Con tinuous monitoring of the environment in buildings en sures the long-term health of both building materials and overall structures.
The State, the Steel Industry and BHP
Authors: Donaldson Mike
Published: March 2007

Discussions on the relationship between the state and capital are frequently devoid of empirical referents. Connections need to be made between companies, individual capitals, fractions of capital and capital itself, if the insights of state theorists are to be useful in analysing power relations within existing social formations. Following an earlier analysis of the regional state and BHP in Whyalla, this article turns again to BHP and the state, this time at the federal political level. In doing so it illustrates effects of state-BHP relations on sections of the working class in the Wollongong region, and affirms 'relative autonomy' as a useful construct.
Attitudes Toward Abortion in a Provincial Area of New Zealand: Differentials and Determinants
Authors: Perry Paul , Trlin Andrew
Published: March 2007

Previous studies of attitudes toward abortion in New Zealand have not provided detailed analyses of differentials in such attitudes, nor have they used multivariate techniques to assess the relative importance of different background variables in accounting for variation in abortion attitudes. This study, using data from a survey of women aged 16-44 years in the Manawatu Region, examines the responses to five abortion attitude questions. The responses have been converted to a single abortion attitude scale, which has been used (a) to examine the bivariate relationships with thirteen different background variables, and (b) as a dependent variable in a series of multivariate analyses using Multiple Classification Analysis.

The multivariate results point to the importance of religious beliefs, religion, and family size variables as being the most important independent variables (among those included in the analysis) in accounting for variation in the abortion attitude scale.
The Facilitation of Attainment Aspirations
Authors: Carpenter Peter , Western John
Published: March 2007

Within the context of the restructuring of higher education and possible changing perceptions about the benefits of higher education among those involved, the impact of selected structural and social psychological variables upon the transition of a group of young people from Year 12 of high school to higher education and/or the workforce is examined.

The data reveal that the transition from high school to tertiary education is dependent upon social origins, prior school achievements and aspirations as well as on the processes of interpersonal encouragement and academic self-assessment. Such dependence differs between the sexes. Specifically where educational aspirations are constant social background is more important for men than women while perceived encouragement from significant others, academic self- assessment and academic achievement are more important for women.
Politics, Policy and Performance: The Primary Prevention of Disease in Two Community Health Centres in Queensland
Authors: Najman J.M. , Gibson D. , Jones J. , Lupton G. , Sheehan M. , Sheehan P. , Western J.S.
Published: March 2007

A major goal underlying the community health programme initiative in Australia was the prevention of disease. The clients and people in the communities served by two Brisbane community health centres were studied to determine the extent to which (a) they had received preventive advice; (b) they had acted upon such advice. Comparative data on non-client community samples were also examined. The data indicate that there is little preventive activity and little evidence of changes in behaviour associated with preventive programs in the two health centre areas. The apparent failure of at least one major goal of the community health programe in Queensland is attributable to, amongst other factors, political and structural forces which impeded the successful implementation of this policy initiative.