bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROCESSING OF FUZZY NUMBERS BY FUZZY RELATION EQUATIONS
Authors: DI NOLA ANTONIO , PEDRYCZ WITOLD , SESSA SALVATORE
Published: February 2008

In this paper we deal with fuzzy numbers that modelize uncertain quantities present in many fields of applications, such as man‐machine systems. Main attention is paid to inverse operations for fuzzy numbers which allow one to solve equations or systems of equations with fuzzy numbers. The relevance of the method proposed for the determination of parameters of fuzzy models is also stressed.
GENERALIZED FUNDAMENTAL EQUATION IN PANSYSTEMS NETWORK ANALYSIS
Authors: SHOUZHI WU , XUEMOU WU
Published: February 2008

Following the study in Ref. 1 the optimization of a panweight network is further studied. A generalized fundamental equation is first defined. A sufficient condition and two necessary conditions are then supplied under which the policy obtained by the fundamental equation must be optimum. Finally, the relation between the fundamental equation and the optimum principle is discussed in detail.
AN APPROACH TO STOCHASTIC SYSTEMS MODELLING
Authors: NOONAN JOSEPH P. , MARCUS JAMES R.
Published: February 2008

The problem of modelling stochastic systems when only a partial statistical description is available is considered. Specifically, a procedure is proposed for assigning an optimal joint probability model relating the input and output of the system where the partial statistical description becomes constraints. The Mutual Information functional is used to establish the model leading to a criteria which is optimal in an information theory sense. Results showing general solutions for cases of interest in digital communications as well as continuous systems with noise variance knowledge are given.
PANSYSTEMS METHODOLOGY AND PANSYSTEMS PEDAGOGY (I)
Authors: XUEMOU WU
Published: February 2008

This paper presents a new simplified text of some concepts of pansystems methodology and related applications to pedagogy, methods of teaching, study and creation, including certain principles of operations research, systems theory, cybernetics, etc.
MAXIMISING AND MINIMISING SYSTEMS OF PRODUCTION OF COMMODITIES BY MEANS OF COMMODITIES THROUGH THE USE OF LINEAR PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUE
Authors: MAJID S.A.
Published: February 2008

The cybernetic importance of the work of the economist P. Sraffa is briefly introduced and then consideration is given to the use of linear programming technique in constructing the Sraffan system of production of commodities by means of commodities. It is concluded that linear programming, via the use of computers and computer languages, could be used to show how much profits can be obtained from systems of production with the available means of production.
NEW DECISION RULES IN STATISTICAL PATTERN RECOGNITION
Authors: JUMARIE GUY
Published: February 2008

In this paper, one combines information theory, and more especially the concept of entropy, with the statistical theory of decision to derive new criteria for pattern recognition. A generalized definition of entropy is considered as a risk function, and the generalized decision rules so obtained contain the family of the Bayesian decisions as special cases. These criteria may help to check the results obtained by usual techniques; they can be used in adaptive and learning systems, and more generally they can be useful in cybernetic systems.
THE MINIMUM INACCURACY PRINCIPLE IN ESTIMATING POPULATION PARAMETERS FROM GROUPED DATA
Authors: GIL M.A. , CORRAL N.
Published: February 2008

In a previous paper the minimum inaccuracy principle was suggested as an operative method for estimating population parameters when the available experimental information could not be perceived as an exact outcome, but rather as fuzzy information. This principle is an extension of the maximum likelihood principle of estimating from exact experimental data. In this paper, the particularization of the first method to the case in which each fuzzy information reduces to a class of extact observations is developed. We then analyze certain correspondence between the maximum likelihood and minimum inaccuracy principles in estimating parameters after grouping data. In addition, we prove that the second method approximates to the first one when a certain natural grouping, or choice of classes, is accomplished. Finally, in order to illustrate the preceding results, some relevant particular cases are examined.
UNCERTAINTY, COSTLY INFORMATION AND THE OPTIMAL MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
Authors: PAPAKYRIAZIS ARTEMIS
Published: February 2008

The paper presents a model of environmental resource management in an uncertain environment with measurement considerations. In particular, the model recognizes uncertainty about the dynamic dispersion relationships and in the measurement of emission rates and pollution levels. Since uncertainty enlarges the environmental resource management problem, actions that reduce uncertainty must be considered by the environmental control manager. Such considerations, however, cannot be pursued independently of pollution control actions. It is thus postulated that environmental policy issues must be analyzed in the context of an adaptive control problem with measurement considerations and a new adaptive environmental control strategy, which is obtained by introducing a function of the one‐period—ahead covariance matrix of the parameter estimates in the objective function, is suggested. This new strategy is shown to exhibit the dual effect of experimentation and caution.
AN ATTEMPT AT A CONTROL‐THEORETIC SOLUTION TO STABILITY PROBLEMS IN MANAGEMENT
Authors: ADEAGBO‐SHEIKH A.G.
Published: February 2008

Mathematical models (often differential equations) in Modern Control Theory assume “deterministic interaction” between elements of the system. Management systems, in general, do not possess this property. In this paper we employ Beer's ideas to define special quantities and corresponding mathematical methods by which we are able to adapt non‐deterministic interaction for feedback control treatment.
PROOF OF A FUZZY REGULAR LANGUAGE THEOREM BY USING LEVEL SETS—A NOTE
Authors: LEE EDWARD T.
Published: February 2008

Fuzzy languages and level sets are defined and illustrated by examples. Properties of level sets are presented. A fuzzy regular language theorem may be proved through the use of the properties of level sets. Level sets offer what appears to be a useful tool in theorem proving in fuzzy languages, pictorial databases, natural language translation and processing, and many others. Through the use of level sets, results obtained in formal languages may be used in fuzzy languages and related areas.
SOCIAL WELFARE FUNCTIONS IN A FUZZY ENVIRONMENT
Authors: MONTERO F.J.
Published: February 2008

Fuzzy preference relations are considered and the concept of “fuzzy acyclity” is defined in order to measure their rationality. Such a concept is applied to study the properties of social welfare function in a fuzzy environment. In particular, the existence of non‐irrational aggregation rules is assured, in such a way that they can be used as a group decision aid.
TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A VIEWPOINT
Authors: PAPAGEORGIOU JOHN C. , PAPAGEORGIOU THALIA
Published: February 2008

Less developed countries are confronted with the problem of choosing among the different options of available technologies those that will lead them to the achievement of their economic and social goals faster. A review of the electronic revolution currently taking place in developed countries and throughout the world is presented and its impact upon manufacturing and process industries assessed. This electronic revolution has also made easier the application of management science in designing and controlling, in an optimum way, the different transformation systems and subsystems in a country. The problems of its implementation in less developed countries are briefly reviewed. A number of issues related to the transfer of technology from the developed to the less developed countries are discussed.
Autopoiesis, Self‐organisation and Symbolic Interactionism: Some Convergences
Authors: Baert Patrick , De Schampheleire Jan
Published: February 2008

Attention is paid to the similarities between pragmatic philosophy and symbolic interactionism on the one hand, and radical constructive epistemologies on the other. Referring to the work of George Herbert Mead, symbolic interactionism has frequently been designated as a naive and idealistic sociological theory promoting the liberty of the individual by the use of the metaphysically echoing concepts as “the self”, “the I and the Me” and “taking the role of the other”. In reading the work of Mead closely, however, one is struck by the theoretic nature of these concepts which is not always clearly mentioned in symbolic interactionism. Furthermore, the work of Mead treats very similar topics and in a very similar way to the work of present theorists on autopoiesis and auto‐organisation and its origins in the relation between individuals and society. It is the purpose of this paper to suggest the work of Mead as a possible frame of reference for the elaboration of present discussions on the matter.
Consciousness as the Unity of Higher Psychic Processes
Authors: Granovskaya R.M. , Bereznaya I.Y.
Published: February 2008

Consciousness is considered as a whole activity, a synthesis of all higher psychic processes, i.e. perception, attention, memory, thinking, emotions and speech; their mutual conditionality is outlined. The unique contribution of each psychic process to consciousness is presented and the most significant connections between them revealed. The cerebral asymmetry is described as a specificity of each psychic function manifestation in the right and left‐brain hemispheres. Certain development principles, common to all the considered functions, are formulated. The application of these principles to the system of psychic processes makes it possible to indicate explicitly the mechanisms of continuous self‐learning.
A Note on the Comparison of the Quadratic and Shannon's Mutual Information
Authors: Martinez I. , Gil M.A. , Perez R.
Published: February 2008

The problem of estimating the information conveyed about a random variable by another one in a population on the basis of a sample drawn at random and with replacement from it was exhaustively analysed previously. From a theoretical viewpoint, this analysis showed the advantages of the quadratic mutual information against Shannon's mutual information in relation to such a problem. This theoretical conclusion is confirmed from an empirical viewpoint by comparing the population values and estimates for both information measures on the basis of samples obtained from a normal bivariate distribution by a Monte Carlo simulation.
Bayesian Decision Making with Previous Probabilistic Uncertainty and Actual Fuzzy Imprecision
Authors: Angeles Gil María
Published: February 2008

The traditional literature dealing with statistical decision problems usually assumes that previous information about an associated experiment may be expressed by means of conditional probabilistic information, and the actual experimental outcomes can be perceived with exactness by the statistician. We now consider statistical decision problems satisfying the first assumption above, so that the actual available information cannot be exactly perceived, but rather it may be assimilated with fuzzy information (as defined by Zadeh et al.).
Fuzzy Intersections and their Pictorial Representations
Authors: Mizumoto Masaharu
Published: February 2008

Triangular norms have been around since the early 1940s and have been used in the context of statistical metric space. A number of examples of existing t‐norms are given which are known to provide good models of fuzzy set‐theoretic intersections. Pictorial representations of t‐norms that have been made with the aid of a computer are presented and the relationship between t‐norms and parametrised t‐norms is discussed in this context. Several new examples of t‐norms are proposed using triangular functions.
A Neurocybernetic Model of Modal Co‐operative Decisions in the Kilmer‐McCulloch Space
Authors: Delgado A.E. , Mira J. , Moreno‐Diaz R.
Published: February 2008

Many genuine aspects of the high level behaviour of the nervous system (NS) can be understood in terms of co‐operative processes among neurons computing at the algorithmic level. This conception of the NS is applied to the study of the co‐operative control of incompatible modes of behaviour generally associated to reticular formation. The KM space is defined to generalise the problems of modal decision. Some drastic convergence agreement algorithms in the mode selection are proposed in such a way that the NS is stable in situations of lesion or cortical inhibition which eleminates the participation of a large number of reticular units.
Communications
Authors: Shien Lin Shao
Published: February 2008

The methods of Wiener's cybernetics are applied to analyse the fundamental properties of the teaching process, it is suggested that a mathematical model be formulated for the process. Accordingly a macroscopic law of the teaching process is obtained and discussed.
Communications
Authors: Heylighen Francis
Published: February 2008

This communication is published in two parts. The author believes that a new domain, emerging from the cybernetics and systems tradition, is defined: complexity research. The study of this subject is motivated by the complexity of problems facing present‐day society, and the availability of new concepts and technologies. A conceptual framework for analysing complexity and self‐organising processes is outlined, and the fundamentals of an appropriate methodology are sketched. It is proposed that researchers working within this domain would associate by creating a network.
Political Alienation and Environmental Complexity Reduction
Authors: Geyer Felix
Published: February 2008

A systems theoretical reconceptualisation of certain parts of alienation theory is considered. Two opposed forms of alienation are distinguished, interpersonal alienation and societal alienation. Political alienation is described as a subform of societal alienation which does not necessarily correlate with the different forms of interpersonal alienation, as is often assumed. Alienation is viewed as a generic term for information processing problems of individuals.
System and Time: The Function of Time in Meaning‐constituting Systems
Authors: Bednarz John
Published: February 2008

The enlistment of time is shown to become indispensable for the continued existence of complex systems in two ways. First, complexity forces the making of selections of meaningful combinations of modal forms that becomes possible through the use of time. Second, the empirical limits of the present and the degree of complexity with which it has to deal require further measures.
Solving Indefinable Problems with Backward Utopian Iteration
Authors: Kaiser R.W. , Plenert G.J.
Published: February 2008

Not all problems are solvable using traditional problem‐solving or research methodologies, primarily because the problem defies definition. Backward Utopian Iteration suggests the use of the systems approach to solving these problems by focusing on the goal or output of the system.
Cybernetic Approaches to Computer Communications Networks
Authors: Ghosal Amitava , Ghosal Raja
Published: February 2008

Computer networks are very complex and somewhat unpredictable systems in dynamic operations. Cybernetic modelling, incorporating stochastic, fuzzy variables, wherever appropriate, approximating interactions not easily tractable via a black‐box systems approach, may be more accurate. A method of analysis of computer networks is considered by representing subsystems and interactions, accurately as far as possible, and then utilising the results of systems sciences for analysis, including specifics, e.g. queuing systems. The aim is to identify correspondences between the behaviour of subsystems of networks and suitable analytic tools. Automation along such lines for the analysis and design of networks and other systems may be a possibility.
Perception, Memorisation and Multidimensional Time
Authors: Vallée Robert
Published: February 2008

A model is presented of multidimen‐sional perception and memorisation. It is applied to the perception and memorisation of time and then a multidimensional time is proposed. Concepts of matrix factor of attention and matrix factor of memorisation, as well as of thickness of an instant, are introduced. The set of instants of consciousness is shown to be an open set which, in certain cases, may be subjectively felt to be of infinite duration.
Cybernetics and Social Science: Theories and Research in Sociocybernetics
Authors: Geyer Felix , van der Zouwen Johannes
Published: February 2008

In studying the relationship between Cybernetics and Social Science, theories and research in Sociocyber‐netics are examined. The focus is on researchers who apply Cybernetics to the study of society and its social systems and processes. References are backed by a new 300‐item bibliography of the relevant system literature, compiled for the article.
Crime Control by Statistical Process Control
Authors: Lin Bishan
Published: February 2008

The implementation of a statistical process control (SPC) procedure in the setting up of a crime‐control monitoring system is considered. The SPC system can be viewed as a computer‐aided alarm to trigger corrective action related to crime control. Both implementation procedures and barriers to implemen‐tation are addressed. Four effective strategies are also discussed.
Notes towards the Definition of the Word “Intelligence”
Authors: James D.B.
Published: February 2008

The meaning of the word “intelligence” is discussed with a view to the formation of its definition.
Communications
Authors: Marcer Peter J.
Published: February 2008

Interprets and discusses the new and substantial work by the Denis Guichard Prizewinner, Jean‐Claude Perez, on the further understanding of DNA.
Convergence of Adomian's Method and Applications to Non‐linear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Mavoungou Théophile , Cherruault Yves
Published: February 2008

The study of the convergence of Adomian's method presents some difficulties when applied to real problems. Proposes a convergence proof of this technique adapted to non‐linear partial differential equations. Solves some real examples numerically.
A Parallel Backward‐chaining Strategy Based on the Concept of OR‐Node Levels in the AND/OR Tree
Authors: Tout K.R. , Evans D.J.
Published: February 2008

Applies a parallel backward‐chaining technique to a rule‐based expert system on a shared‐memory multiprocessor system. The condition for a processor to split up its search tree (task‐node) and generate new OR nodes is based on the level in the goal tree at which the task‐node is found. The results indicate satisfactory speed‐up performance for a small number of processors (< 10) and a reasonably large number of rules.
On the Axiomization of Conditional Independence
Authors: An Z. , Bell D.A. , Hughes J.G.
Published: February 2008

Presents an investigation of some aspects of the axiomization of conditional independence of probability. Contributes to the understanding of Pearl's completeness conjecture and identifies a direction for revision which could remove some of the difficulties of Pearl's axiom set, but this alternative is not without its own difficulties. This approach largely simplifies the definition of conditional independence. Then shows the completeness conjecture to be incorrect by presenting counter examples; a new axiom based on the counter examples follows. Discusses the reason for the conjecture being incorrect. Notes that an alternative conjecture could be suggested, but this raises many new questions and increases complexity. Finally, shows that “the disjointness condition on variable sets” is in fact necessary. Concludes that while the axiomization of conditional independence has attractions, it is probably too complex to be pragmatic. Suggests an alternative way forward in inexact reasoning.
Contemporary Systems and Cybernetics
Authors: Rudall B.H.
Published: February 2008

Reports and surveys are given of selected current research and developments in systems and cybernetics. They include: New Applications for Missile Launcher, Second Order Cybernetics, Management Cybernetics, VDU Workstation Safety, Medical Cybernetics, New Image Processing System, Prospects for Conscious Machines.
The Cybernetic Ontology of Action
Authors: Turchin Valentin F.
Published: February 2008

Popularly, metaphysics is considered to be the antonym for physics. Argues that this attitude is a hangover from outdated forms of empiricism and positivism. In the light of cybernetic epistemology, scientific theories are linguistic structures which help to produce predictions of events. These structures are not directly deduced from experience, but guessed and then justified a posteriori. Metaphysics provides a basis for such structures. Proposes the principle that the ultimate reality we find in the physical world is that of action. Modifies Schopenhauer's formula as the world is action and representation, with action taking ontological precedence, and not to the space‐time picture of the world. For a picture is only a picture, a representation which changes from one subject to another, from one theory to another; while action is an irrefutable reality. Thus the concept of action in abstracto is taken and on this basis an attempt is made to interpret the fundamental concepts of knowledge: what are objects, what is objective description of the world, what is space and time?
Tribute to the Life and Work of Rook McCulloch
Authors: Andrew Alex
Published: February 2008

Rook McCulloch, the wife of the late Warren McCulloch, died on 4 June 1991, at the McCulloch Farm in Whippoorwill Road, Old Lyme, Connecticut. She was 92, and devoted much effort during the last ten years of her life to the compilation of a four‐volume collection of Warren's works, now published by Intersystems Publications, Salinas, California. He died in 1969, and the birth of cybernetics has been attributed to his collaboration (along with Walter Pitts) with Norbert Wiener.
The Case Study: Its Systemic Metatheory and the Social/Behavioural Sciences
Authors: Steve Counelis James
Published: February 2008

Briefly maps the intellectual terrain of a generic system of enquiry — the metatheory of case study research. Draws a distinction between a generic research design and a methodology: the former is an overarching research plan, the latter refers to data‐generating processes and cognitive procedures for discerning datal patterns. Methodology is an integral part of every generic research design. General systems theory informs the metatheory on the case under study. Describes the armamentarium of case study research: topical loci in case study research; researcher's a priori notions and values; ideology/epistemology interrelations; data‐generating instruments and procedures; cognitive datalpattern processes and characteristics of case study discourse. Delineates the influences of the pragmatic unity of fact and value, the reciprocal relations between knowledge and practice, and the constraints of the researcher's intellectual vision and values. Presents the character and significance of the Heisenberg indeterminacy principle for the epistemology of the social/behavioural sciences.
World in Torment: A Time Whose Idea Must Come
Authors: Beer Stafford
Published: February 2008

Presents the full text of the Presidential Address by Stafford Beer to the Triennial Congress of the World Organization of Systems and Cybernetics, New Delhi, India, January 1993. Introduces the components of contemporary change and discusses the diagnostic approach of management cybernetics. Outlines a summary theory of autonomy and considers autonomy at the global level. Offers an account of the cybernetics of chronic societary triage, developing an analysis of triage through category A, B and C partition. Produces a summary theory of team syntegrity and discusses the power and the use of the team syntegrity model. Finally, outlines an action plan for World Syntegration.
Modelling Response to Catastrophe Using Beer's VSM: Viability for Effective Action
Authors: Leonard Allenna
Published: February 2008

Presents the Viable System Model, developed by Stafford Beer, as a potentially valuable resource for strengthening the capabilities of temporary, situation‐based organizations such as those assembled to respond to natural, technical and man‐made disasters. Describes a Viable System Model of a response to a small‐scale accident and extends its lessons to larger more complex situations. Suggests that the management of the high levels of variety in multifaceted disaster response efforts could be improved by using the model as a common frame of reference.
Identification of Multiple‐input Transfer‐function Noise Models: A Regression Approach — Part II: Results and Conclusions
Authors: Östermark Ralf , Höglund Rune
Published: February 2008

Evaluates an identification strategy, based on ridge regression, for multiple‐input models. The models are essentially the same as those of Edlund, but a far greater number of replications, 1,000, is used in each of the 21 cases tested. Furthermore, users actually identified and estimated ARIMA models of the residuals in the identification procedure of impulse response weights, unlike Edlund, who used only theoretical noise models in filtering the input and output series. A short discussion of the underlying theory was presented in Part I,Kybernetes, Vol. 22 No. 4, 1993, pp. 47–53. In Part II the procedures and results of the empirical testing are published together with some concluding remarks.
Understanding cracks in houses
Authors: Pryke John F.S.
Published: February 2008

Before beginning a detailed technical discussion on cracks it is necessary to put the subject into perspective and ask what ‘cracking’ means to a house owner or prospective house purchaser.
The Care of Building Exhibition
Authors: Griffiths John
Published: February 2008

Recent statistics on the condition of Britain's housing stock show a marked decline in housing conditions over the last two decades, despite an increase in home‐ownership from 29.5 per cent to 55.4 per cent since 1950. The English House Condition Survey and its equivalent for Greater London paint a depressing picture of the problem.
Easements on site
Authors: Anstey John
Published: February 2008

I once began a lecture to the Pyramus and Thisbe Club (which, as you doubtless know, is the organisation which all Party Wall surveyors belong to, have applied to join, or should aspire to) by saying that easements were something which they should have nothing to do with. I am not at all sure that the same is not true of surveyors in general, and that just as the House of the Tragic Poet at Pompeii has (or, at any rate, had until the late earthquake) cave canem written at the doorway, so should all instructions to surveyors concerned with development have written at their head ‘Beware of the Easements.’
Surveying for timber decay
Authors: Gibson A.P. , Lothian M.T.
Published: February 2008

Since the time of primitive man, timber has remained the most useful and versatile of all naturally available materials. Its obvious aesthetic value makes it irreplaceable in the manufacture of fine musical instruments, furniture and great works of sculpture, but its greatest use is in the construction of our dwellings. Whether used in its almost natural state to construct a forester's log cabin, or sliced up into convenient pieces to build most of the world's homes, it is unsurpassed for versatility, ease of working and mechanical strength.
Windows—types and inspection techniques
Authors: Hollis Malcolm
Published: February 2008

Although it may be said that man sees the world through a window a surveyor can see much of the condition of a building in a window. From the narrow windows of the massive constructions of medieval times, the development of the structural frame with infill enabled windows to be enlarged. But it was the encouragement of the development of glass towards the end of the Middle Ages which enabled windows to throw light into the interior of the buildings and encouraged, the advancement of interior design and decoration.
The surveyor as expert witness
Authors: Hurlstone D.T.
Published: February 2008

To many people, the term ‘Expert Witness’ conjures up a picture of a serious‐faced, profound, middle‐aged man with bushy eyebrows and spectacles or presumably, in this age of sex equality, it could perhaps be a smart young female, equally well versed in the problems of some specialist topic. Whoever he or she is or what they look like, is entirely secondary to the main consideration. The person is one who has knowledge that will help with the case under review. A building or structural surveyor may feel flattered at being referred to as an Expert Witness but this is really only a legal term for a witness on technical or professional matters. This article sets out to comment on the various attributes that are necessary and the many points that are important, even if somewhat obvious, in the way the person sets about his or her task.
Survey of commercial leasehold property
Authors: Hollis Malcolm
Published: February 2008

In considering property for this Checkpoint article I have not listed a specific method of construction but have set out to comment on the survey of properties which are held under a Lease. One may consider that it is unreasonable to regard the inspection of such a property as being in any way materially different from the inspection of a Freehold commercial building. There is one major difference: with a Freehold dwelling you are advising your client of the liabilities and obligations that he may have to accept if he proceeds with the acquisition of the property that you are inspecting. You will have advised him on the probabilities of the need to maintain and repair certain sections of the building and ventured forth with informed advice on the cost of looking after the buildings.
A flaw in the ointment
Authors: Anstey John
Published: February 2008

It is a common misconception that the Rights of Light Act 1959, is about Rights of Light — common, and forgivable, but wrong. That doesn't matter very much, but what does matter is that it doesn't seem to be doing at least part of half of what it sets out to do. That it isn't doing the other half at all doesn't matter either, because it only ever was a temporary measure, the period for which has now expired. But the other bit does matter, and wants looking into carefully. You may by now be confused, so I will deal with die Act's provisions briefly and then explain what I think is going wrong.
Noise testing of fitted windows
Authors: Allaway P.H.
Published: February 2008

The London branch of a major overseas bank is situated in an office block which has recently been refurbished to a very high standard. The windows were not, however, renewed and traffic noise from the busy street outside was intrusive to an annoying extent in top management offices, board rooms and private dining rooms.
The NHS: building and the state of the art
Authors: Bolton John
Published: February 2008

Structural Survey interviews John Bolton.
Survey: Diagnosis: Remedy – A sound basis for a major feat of architectural conservation
Authors: Insall Donald W.
Published: February 2008

The repair and restoration of the ‘Lords’ Ceiling' — more accurately, the ceiling of the Lords' Chamber, at the Palace of Westminster, in the care of the Property Services Agency — has been one of the outstandingly challenging architectural tasks of the decade. How was the initial survey carried out, on the basis of which this elaborate restoration contract has now been followed through to its completion?
The winning survey report
Authors: Son Walker
Published: February 2008

In accordance with instructions received through — we have carried out a detailed inspection of the subject property in order to advise you in connection with your proposed purchase of a leasehold interest for an unexpired term of 12 years.
Empty houses — 3
Authors: Catt Richard
Published: February 2008

The first paper in this series identified the plight of empty buildings and explored the legilation that applies. It concluded that existing legal safeguards are inadequate and the few permissive powers of protection that do exist are rarely used by local authorities. The second looked at the costs of leaving buildings empty and a number of initiatives which have been made to bring the buildings back into use. Where successful, these attempts have only been on a small scale and have taken great effort, much of it voluntary, to motivate authorities and lending agencies to allow them to go ahead. Now positive proposals for improvement are made.
Railway arches
Authors: Hendey Charles
Published: February 2008

Introduction The development of a national railway network in the United Kingdom was inextricably linked with the progress of the Industrial Revolution. Railways dominated and pervaded British society and economy for over 100 years and even now their influence is still strong.
Are modern cements better than ancient cements?
Authors: Davidovits Joseph
Published: February 2008

Introduction How old is concrete? 150 years, 2,000 years or 9,000 years? Since the invention of Portland cement by Aspdin in the early 19th century, concrete has become the most widely used construction material in the world. Yet, concrete durability can pose severe constraints on the concrete engineer and designer. In the search for materials which are more cost‐effective or more efficient, cement replacement materials such as natural pozzolans, calcined clays, shale and soils, slags, rice husk ash or pulverised fuel ash are attracting much interest. Are these cheap replacement materials not compromising on quality and long‐term durability? A first optimistic answer is given in this paper which will be especially useful for practising civil and structural engineers, materials technologists, engineers and designers.
Pitched roof construction
Authors: Keyworth Brian
Published: February 2008

It is not uncommon for designers of low rise buildings to be instructed by their clients that a requirement for a pitched roof is part of the design brief. This may reflect an aesthetic preference by the client, but is more likely to be due to the opinion that the pitched roof is a traditional and well‐tried construction form. While it is true that pitched roofs do have a generally good record of satisfactory performance, especially when compared with some types of flat roof construction, the structural design of the majority of pitched roofs constructed in the last 25 years is very different from those illustrated in textbooks of ‘traditional’ roof carpentry. In addition to use of trussed rafters, other factors, such as increased insulation or the development of the roof space as habitable accommodation, have similarly changed the way in which the roof performs and the areas of consequent potential risk.
Rising groundwater levels beneath London
Authors: Blower T. , Simpson B.
Published: February 2008

Introduction In recent years it has been observed that the groundwater level in the deep aquifer beneath central London is rising. It is becoming clear that this could have serious engineering implications for a significant number of structures. Sponsored by the Department of the Environment (DoE) and other interested parties, the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) has commissioned a study into the nature and extent of these potential consequences and the steps which may be necessary to avoid them. This paper is based on work carried out under contract for CIRIA as a part of this study.
The assessment and repair of a fire‐damaged supermarket
Authors: Swinney Paul
Published: February 2008

This case study concerns a two‐storey supermarket building which was partially gutted by fire during the Handsworth riots in Birmingham in 1985. Burks Green and Partners were commissioned by the loss adjustors to investigate the structural significance of damage to the building and to advise on the viability of repair. Representatives of the insured considered that the best course of action was to demolish and rebuild. In the course of investigation, certain inherent defects in the structure also became apparent and it was necessary to encompass these within the repair scheme. In order to satisfy the owner's representatives about the effectiveness of proposed repairs, a trial area was first repaired and load‐tested.
York Minster after the fire
Authors: Brown Charles
Published: February 2008

After a Sunday morning service in York Minster attended by the Synod of the Church of England — comprising the two Archbishops, most of the bishops, and representatives of the clergy and laity — on 8th July, 1984, many of those present commented on the beauty of the Minster interior, in particular the south transept where sunlight flooded through the great Rose Window.
ORBIT‐2 — Know your building's IQ
Authors: Duffy Frank
Published: February 2008

As we pointed out last month in our Leader, facilities managers spend a great deal of their time informally assessing buildings. If they are fortunate enough to be consulted in the choice of new buildings, they bring to their recommendations years of experience and perhaps even expertise that alert them to ways in which new buildings should accommodate organisational needs. If — as is normally the case — they are presented with an existing building portfolio, the fitting of those buildings to the needs of the organisation is a running battle, with continuous assessment informing day to day decisions. And how are those decisions to be judged? Is a new building the answer to organisational problems, or should the organisation consider renovation? Should it lease or buy? How should it choose between several comparable buildings? Is it possible that simple layout adjustments will pay dividends in efficiency? Will the cabling provision continue to be adequate, or will increasing information technology overload it? Do you need access floors or flat wiring — or both? How do your offices compare with other offices?
The premises audit — space use
Authors: Williams Bernard , Worthington John
Published: February 2008

So far in this series, attention has been focused on the cost of operating premises. In this issue Bernard Williams and John Worthington, a partner of DEGW, will focus their attention on making the best use of the space available, and ensuring that systems exist to manage the resource effectively.
The Association of Facilities Managers
Authors: Bell Jane
Published: February 2008

Although the job has existed since commercial premises began, the profession of facilities management is less than 10 years old. Moves towards achieving coherence as a professional group began in the United States, where as early as 1975 an annotated bibliography on planning educational facilities was published. This was followed by the appearance in 1980 of a new journal, Facilities Design and Management, the introduction of the first graduate programme in Facility Planning and Management at Cornell, and the establishment of two groups — the FMI and the IFMA — to represent the interests of those involved in facilities management on a day‐to‐day basis.
Smoking — rights and needs
Authors: Tong David
Published: February 2008

It is increasingly common these days for smoking to be banned either completely or in designated areas. On public transport, in restaurants and the cinema the unpleasant and uncomfortable effects of smoking are often no longer tolerated. These restrictions are, however, much less in evidence where people spend the bulk of their time — at their workplace. In most organisations it is recognised that a total ban would be heavy‐handed and potentially disruptive. Recent developments show, however, that non‐smokers are becoming increasingly assertive in their demands for smoking control. Facilities managers, with their colleagues in the personnel department, will have to respond so that the right of non‐smokers to a pollution‐free working environment can be reconciled with the needs of smokers to indulge their addiction.
Building components and materials — sources
Authors: Streeter John
Published: February 2008

Every year there is a mass of technical literature published on planned maintenance and life expectancies of building materials and components: a guide published by NBA Construction Consultants, the end product of a comprehensive review of over 7000 titles and summaries published over 20 years, selects and abstracts 300 of those titles. This must represent the most thorough analysis of the available technical data on the subject which has yet been made.
The premises audit — facilities management structures
Authors: Williams Bernard
Published: February 2008

The commissioning of a premises audit normally arises in one of two ways — upper management imposition or facilities management decision. Upper management's motives may be mere curiosity or darkest suspicion or they may just feel the need for a premises audit to support their premises policy (if any). Whatever the motive, they will certainly be expecting the management of the facilities function to be scrutinised by the premises auditor for cost effectiveness and efficiency alongside the other cost centres of the premises budget.
Automatic fire extinguishing systems for computer protection
Authors: Todd Colin
Published: February 2008

Early UK philosophy on the subject of fire protection of data processing installations strongly deprecated the use of water‐based extinguishing installations. It was common practice to remove sprinkler heads and pipework from computer areas in otherwise sprinkler‐protected premises and ensure — by, for instance, the use of waterproof ceiling membranes — that any sprinkler protection elsewhere in the premises did not present a risk to the computer installation.
Lift management
Authors: Beebe Jonathan R.
Published: February 2008

With the falling prices and increasing sophistication of small computer systems the use of computers in the management of large numbers of lifts has become a practical reality. This article deals with possible changes within existing lift management situations. The planning of new installations will be covered in a future article bringing us another step closer to the intelligent building. The operation of lifts within one or more buildings can be thought of as a hierarchy of functions. At the bottom of the hierarchy, the most basic function is to move a single lift from floor to floor responding to calls registered by passengers. At the next level, that of Group Control, passenger calls on different landing levels are assigned amongst the individual lifts in a group of lifts according to pre‐programmed rules (known as an Algorithm). Lift management is the long term process by which the operation of all the lifts in several groups is optimised and then maintained at a peak of performance. Lift management is thus the top level of the hierarchy and allows the operation of the lifts to be continually ‘tailored’ to the building in which they are located. Without lift management the occupants of the building must ‘tailor’ their requirements to the service provided by the lifts.
Investment appraisal in educational buildings
Authors: Cassels Sam
Published: February 2008

Last October, a two‐day conference on the application of investment appraisal techniques in educational buildings was held in Paris, organised by the Programme for Educational Buildings division of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD). Public and private sector professionals of different nationalities contributed examples of investment appraisal methods which had been applied to educational projects in their particular country. What the event highlighted was the growing recognition of the need to control unit costs in educational buildings — in the context of declining pupil numbers and increasingly limited resources — and the lack of coherent economic appraisal policy.
Educational requirements and training needs
Authors: Leaman Adrian
Published: February 2008

Several British universities and polytechnics are now actively planning courses in facilities management The first of these, a seminar series at the University of Strathclyde's Building Performance Research Unit (BPRU), was held during March and April this year. The Polytechnic of North London's Faculty of the Environment has drafted courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in facilities management, and is currently adding a facilities management component into a new degree course in management for the catering and leisure industries. Several other universities are also actively considering this as an area for potential development, including the Open University and the University of Nottingham.
THE LAW OF FIRE PRECAUTIONS
Authors: Turton Jonathan
Published: February 2008

Despite the increasingly sophisticated fire precautions required by legislation, and a heightened public awareness of its dangers, fire remains one of the main causes of death and serious injury in the community. Since the majority of these accidents occur in the home, fire service information concentrates very much on the domestic aspect of fire.
BRIEFING FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS PART 2: GREMLINS IN THE POWER SUPPLY
Authors: Dukes Bernard
Published: February 2008

Last month we discussed methods of establishing the total quantum of an electrical supply. Three strategic issues were also introduced — the need to provide for growth, flexibility in operation and a continuous and stable operation. This last point will be the focus of this month's article.
VAT AND THE FACILITIES MANAGER
Authors: Williams Bernard
Published: February 2008

The Finance Bill 1989 introduced a totally new concept in taxation — the right of a citizen to elect to tax another without the government having any say in the matter.
HEALTHY BUILDINGS AND AIR CONDITIONING
Authors: Edwards Stephen , Wyatt Terry
Published: February 2008

Air‐conditioning installations in buildings have been the focus of much criticism, with many commentators going so far as to propose a causal connection between sick buildings and air conditioning.
CORPORATE IDENTITY AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Authors: Lambert Andrew
Published: February 2008

Corporate identity has become highly fashionable in the 1980s. Unfortunately, its usefulness to management both as a concept and as a method of determining managerial responsibilities has been limited by some misunderstandings and misinterpretations about the subject. This article seeks to clarify what corporate identity is, how it relates to the management and design of buildings and how facilities managers can play an important part in interpreting and expressing corporate identity.
The Language of Change
Authors: Leaman Adrian
Published: February 2008

There are no agreed definitions for understanding change in the context of buildings. Here is a framework which unites four of the most important terms in the briefing process — flexibility, adaptability, congestion and constraint. All are properties of different types of time, linear and cyclical.
The Effect of Cleaning
Authors: Leaman Adrian
Published: February 2008

These data come from a survey carried out by Thomson Laboratories and Building Use Studies for the Building Research Establishment. They show the effects of wet cleaning. Cleaning was carried out as inconspicuously as possible over a weekend in one part of an office. The mean number of symptoms refers to the average number of chronic, building‐related symptoms per person (like headaches or dry eyes, which go away again when the person leaves the building) reported by the people in the study area. The control gives the results for another part of the same office which was not cleaned. These data show that wet cleaning (like shampooing the carpets and wiping down surfaces) significantly improves levels of chronic symptoms. Remember, though, that these results are only from one building, so they need to be further verified.