ROLLING THE DICE? CASINOS,TAX REVENUES,AND THE SOCIAL COSTS OF GAMING

ABSTRACT: Advocates for casino gambling in urban centers point to the benefits from increased taxes and job opportunities. While there is evidence to sustain those claims, those who oppose legalized gambling point to the personal and social costs that result from increased numbers of addicted gamblers and believe those negative outcomes exceed the fiscal gains. Each time voters and public officials are asked to vote for or against expanded gambling centers to produce more tax revenue, advocates for the opposing positions point to different studies— some illustrating increased social and personal costs, while others extol the fiscal returns to urban areas. Using trend line and regression analyses of outcomes in three states with casinos—Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia—as well as Ohio that borders these states, this study attempts to provide a new perspective. The work reported here finds no significant negative changes in unemployment, bankruptcy, or crime rates after casinos opened. Further, while in some regression models small increments in personal bankruptcy filings were noted, the most stringent model found no significant increases in personal bankruptcies related to a casino's presence. While one study of three social problems will not close the gap between casino advocates and opponents, these results provide voters and public officials with important information from which to weigh the fiscal gains from casinos to determine if the benefits are attractive enough to warrant what is found to be a small risk of very modest (or no) increments in some selected social problems.     

Long-term personal exposure to traffic-related air pollution among school children, a validation study

Several recent studies suggest an association between long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and health. Most studies use indicators of exposure such as outdoor air pollution or traffic density on the street of residence. Little information is available about the validity of these measurements as an estimate of long-term personal exposure to traffic-related air pollution. In this pilot study, we assessed outdoor and personal exposure to traffic-related air pollution in children living in homes on streets with different degree of traffic intensity. The personal exposure of 14 children aged 9-12 years to 'soot', NO(x) (NO and NO(2)) was assessed in Amsterdam between March and June 2003. Each child's personal exposure was monitored during four repeated 48-h periods. Concurrently, in- and outdoor NO(x) measurements were carried out at the school and at the home of each participating child. Measurements were supplemented by a questionnaire on time activity patterns and possible indoor sources. Flow-controlled battery operated pumps in a made-to-fit backpack were used to sample personal exposure to 'soot', determined from the reflectance of PM(2.5) filters. Exposure to NO(x) was assessed using Ogawa passive samplers. Children living near busy roads were found to have a 35% higher personal exposure to 'soot' than children living at an urban background location, despite that all children attended the same school that was located away from busy roads. Smaller contrasts in personal exposure were found for NO (14%), NO(2) (15%) and NO(x) (14%). This finding supports the use of 'living near a busy road' as a measure of exposure in epidemiological studies on the effects of traffic-related air pollution in children.     

Indoor aerosols: from personal exposure to risk assessment

Motivated by growing considerations of the scale, severity, and risks associated with human exposure to indoor particulate matter, this work reviewed existing literature to: (i) identify state‐of‐the‐art experimental techniques used for personal exposure assessment; (ii) compare exposure levels reported for domestic/school settings in different countries (excluding exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and particulate matter from biomass cooking in developing countries); (iii) assess the contribution of outdoor background vs indoor sources to personal exposure; and (iv) examine scientific understanding of the risks posed by personal exposure to indoor aerosols. Limited studies assessing integrated daily residential exposure to just one particle size fraction, ultrafine particles, show that the contribution of indoor sources ranged from 19% to 76%. This indicates a strong dependence on resident activities, source events and site specificity, and highlights the importance of indoor sources for total personal exposure. Further, it was assessed that 10–30% of the total burden of disease from particulate matter exposure was due to indoor‐generated particles, signifying that indoor environments are likely to be a dominant environmental factor affecting human health. However, due to challenges associated with conducting epidemiological assessments, the role of indoor‐generated particles has not been fully acknowledged, and improved exposure/risk assessment methods are still needed, together with a serious focus on exposure control.     

Effects of personal particulate matter on peak expiratory flow rate of asthmatic children

Many researches have shown that the particulate matter (PM) of air pollution could affect the pulmonary functions, especially for susceptible groups such as asthmatic children, where PM might decrease the lung function to different extents. To assess the effects of PM on health, most studies use data from ambient air monitoring sites to represent personal exposure levels. However, the data gathered from these fixed sites might introduce certain statistical uncertainties. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effects of various size ranges of PM on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of asthmatic children, and to compare the model performance of using different PM measurements (personal exposures versus fixed-site monitoring) in evaluation. Thirty asthmatic children, aged 6 to 12 years, who live near the fixed monitoring site in Sin-Chung City, Taipei County, Taiwan, were recruited for the study. Personal exposures to PM(1), PM(2.5), and PM(10) were measured continuously using a portable particle monitor (GRIMM Mode 1.108, Germany). In addition, an activity diary and questionnaires were used to investigate possible confounding factors in their home environments. The peak expiratory flow rate of each participant was monitored daily in the morning and in the evening for two weeks. Results showed several trends, although not necessarily statistically significant, between personal PM exposures and PEFR measurements in asthmatic children. In general, notable findings tend to implicate that not only fine particles (PM(2.5)) but also coarse particles (PM(2.5-10)) are likely to contribute to the exacerbation of asthmatic conditions. Stronger lagged effect and cumulative effect of PM on the decrements in morning PEFR were also found in the study. Finally, results of linear mixed-effect model analysis suggested that personal PM data was more suitable for the assessment of change in children's PEFR than ambient monitoring data.     

Exceedance Degree-Hours: A new method for assessing long-term thermal conditions

Several “discomfort indices” have been proposed and codified into building standards, with several needs usually reported for such indices. They should: express the severity of discomfort in time steps while incorporating all environmental and personal factors; be usable with any comfort model (and thus, a variety of interests, for example, traditional thermal comfort, sleep comfort), among other requirements. The existing indices, however, fall short of meeting all these goals, limiting their usefulness in many situations, such as assessing conditions in mixed-mode buildings, especially when used for building performance simulation and design optimization purposes. Here, a new discomfort index called “Exceedance Degree-Hours” is developed, which accounts for all six main environmental and personal factors. By using an equivalent temperature index, “Exceedance Degree-Hours” can capture variations in discomfort severity between different thermal conditions that other indices cannot. In contrast with other indices, “Exceedance Degree-Hours” can be paired with various comfort definitions from literature, and, importantly, it can be used to assess thermal comfort in mixed-mode buildings, providing a single value as a result. Here, the results of the proposed method are compared to those of existing discomfort indices suggested in standards, and the advantages and limitations of the proposed approach are discussed.     

A Prevalence Study Of The Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) And Facial Skin Symptoms In Office Workers

The prevalence of symptoms compatible with the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) was measured in a questionnaire study among 4 943 office workers. An assessment of the relation between SBS symptoms and personal, physical and psychosocial exposure factors was made. In contrast to males, the majority of females were lower-grade staff Females reported annoyance from physical climate factors more often, both at work and at home. Males reported a better psychosocial situation than females. Female gender, asthmalrhinitis, paper and VDT work were related to an increased prevalence of SBS symptoms. The prevalence of facial skin symptoms increased markedly with the amount of VDT work. Psychosocial workload intensifid this relation. Inequalities in physical climate and psychosocial conditions associated with different positions held in the offices can be of importance for the increased occurrence of symptoms among females.     

The role of awareness space in urban residential preferences: A case study of Venezuelan youth

Empirical studies of inter-urban and interregional migration have most often assumed that objective place or personal characteristics affect the migration decision directly. Such studies tend to disregard the roles of awareness of opportunities at potential destinations, and of the preferences for these destinations which are a function of this awareness. In this study, the presence of six different types of direct and indirect contact with three potential destinations (large cities in Venezuela) is shown to be related to a potential migrant's preferences for these destinations. These results- -based on a sample of 260 high school seniors at six different sites in Venezuela in 1974--underline the importance ofawareness space and ofurban residential preferences as intervening variables in the migration process in a developing country.     

Personal exposures to particles and microbes in relation to microenvironmental concentrations

The aim of this study was to compare the personal exposures of particles and microbes with the exposure being assessed by stationary samplers in the main microenvironments, i.e. home and the workplace. A random sample of 81 elementary school teachers in eastern Finland were selected to perform the two wintertime 24-h measurement periods. Particle mass concentration, black smoke (BS) concentration and concentrations of viable and total microorganisms on the sampled filters were determined using personal exposure sampling and microenvironmental measurements in homes and workplaces. In this paper, the correlations between different pollutants in each environment and correlations between personal exposures and home and work concentrations are presented. The results show that personal BS exposures correlated with both home and work BS concentrations. Furthermore, the concentrations of viable fungi and bacteria were related between personal and home concentrations. The time weighted microenvironmental model underestimated the personal exposures of particle mass, viable fungi, total fungi and total bacteria concentrations but the model might satisfactorily assess personal exposure to concentrations of BS and viable bacteria. The mass concentration of total fungi and bacteria was <1% of the total particle mass concentration. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Stationary samples are only surrogate measures of personal exposures. Personal exposure measurements conducted on individuals' breathing zone are needed to assess the exposure to particles and microbes. The time weighted microenvironmental model is a useful method to assess personal exposure to combustion related particles and viable bacteria concentrations but the model underestimates personal exposures of particle mass, viable fungi, total fungi and total bacteria concentrations.     

The perceived value of green professional credentials to credential holders in the US building design and construction community

The popularity of green construction professional credentials has increased dramatically in recent years in the United States and abroad, due in part to the mainstream development of sustainable construction in the building design and construction community. The aim was to compare the perceived value of three broad-spectrum green building professional credentials currently available in the North American construction market: Green Globes Professional, LEED Green Associate and Green Advantage Certified Practitioner. Perceived professional and personal value derived from holding credentials, including but not limited to impacts on compensation, promotion, education, industry recognition and self-confidence, were evaluated for a sample of credential holders using an online survey instrument. Invitations were successfully delivered to 6670 certified and non-certified design and construction professionals. Of those surveyed, 730 responded to the Qualtrics survey. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to detect significant differences between the reported perceptions of different credential holders. The results revealed that Green Globes Professionals and LEED Green Associates agree more strongly than Green Advantage Certified Practitioners that earning their credentials resulted in positive professional and personal impacts. No significant differences between the perceptions of Green Globes Professionals and LEED Green Associates were identified.     

Survey of total and respirable suspended particulate matter in an iron foundry. Comparison of stationary sampling and personal monitoring

In the workshop of an iron foundry total and respirable suspended particulate matter was collected. The performances of (1) filtration systems with 47 mm membrane filters, (2) Andersen cascade impactors, and (3) personal total or respirable monitoring, were compared at a position away from intense sources of particulate debris.Using 15 stationary samplers a survey was made of the particulate levels in the workshop, over a period of 2 weeks. Very large concentration gradients and concentration variations as a function of time were measured for total suspended particulate matter.In the three major source areas, i.e. the pouring department, the core-making department and the shake-out department, special studies were performed to compare stationary and personal monitoring.In the immediate vicinity of intense point sources of coarse particles, such as core-making or shake-out, stationary sampling cannot be used to estimate the personal exposure to total suspended particulates. For respirable particles, however, one or two well-situated stationary size-selective samplers can provide a good estimate of the personal exposure as measured with a personal respirable monitor. The differences found are in the order of 10–20%.     

Exposure to ultrafine particles in children until 18 years of age: A systematic review

Airborne ultrafine particles (UFP) have been related to adverse health effects, but exposure in vulnerable population groups such as children is still not well understood. We aim to review the scientific literature regarding personal exposure to UFP in different microenvironments in populations until 18 years of age. The bibliographical search was carried out in July 2019 using the online database PubMed and was completed with references in articles found in the search. We selected the studies that used continuous counters and measured UFP levels in both specific microenvironment (houses, schools, transport, etc) and personal exposure. Finally, 32 studies fulfilled the criteria: of these, 10 analyzed personal exposure and 22 examined UFP levels in the microenvironment (especially in schools or nurseries (18/22)) and five in various microenvironments (including dwellings and means of transport, where exposure levels were higher). The characteristics of the microenvironments with the greatest levels of UFP were being close to heavy traffic or near cooking and cleaning activities. This review revealed the wide differences in exposure assessment methodologies that could lead to a lack of uniform and comparable information about the real UFP exposure in children.     

The effect of personal factors on the relationship between carbon disulfide exposure and urinary 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid levels in rayon manufacturing workers

BACKGROUND: Few studies have been conducted to explore how personal factors-personal hygiene, personal protective equipment, and skin exposure affect the exposure-dose relationship in workers exposed to carbon disulfide (CS(2)). METHODS: Personal environmental monitoring of airborne CS(2) and 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) levels in post-shift urine were determined for sixty-five rayon workers. The personal factors affecting the CS(2)-TTCA relationship were measured by questionnaire and dermatological diagnosis. RESULTS: In simple linear regression analyses, we found shower right after work, respirator, gloves, apron, and skin disease were significantly associated with U-TTCA levels among all personal factors. Skin disease was, however, the only personal factor that remained significant throughout multivariate linear regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the personal factor like host's skin disease was found to possibly affect the relations of U-TTCA to the occupational exposure to CS(2). The skin exposure to CS(2) for those who have skin problems on the sites possibly or potentially exposed to CS(2) in the occupational environment such as in the rayon manufacturing process is noteworthy. Workers with susceptible skins should either be assigned to work in areas without contacting hazardous materials directly or required to wear appropriately protective clothing.     

上海浅层地基土的前期固结压力及有关压缩性参数的试验研究

地基土的前期固结压力是判断土体应力历史的一个指标,在不同应力历史状况的土体变形分析中它也是一个重要的计算参数。本文根据试验结果确定了上海浅层地基土的前期固结压力P.及其沿深度的分布,并对由Garlanger给出的考虑到应力历史影响的应力一应变关系式中有关的压缩性参数(膨胀指数C_(?)压缩指数C_c和次固结指数C_α)作了计算确定,同时,考虑到由于土体的次固结作用会产生所谓“准前期固结压力”,本文亦就上海软土重塑土膏固结试验结果的分析,提出估算准前期固结压力的公式。上述研究的初步结果可为今后上海软土的变形、强度研究提供参考。     

Personal exposure to benzene, toluene and xylene in different microenvironments at the Mexico City metropolitan zone

The Mexico City Metropolitan Zone (ZMCM) population's exposure to benzene, toluene and xylene was measured at different microenvironments to establish basic indicators of the presence and effects of these characteristic volatile organic compounds (VOC). In particular, VOC personal exposures were measured in different microenvironments during a 5-day working week, with 12-h daily periods. We have found a good agreement of our results with the registered VOC levels of the Metropolitan Automated Monitor System (RAMA) for the corresponding period. From our results, we expect to generate useful information to evaluate the health effects of these VOCs on exposed people.     

Housing as a Reflection of Culture: Privatised Living and Privacy in England and Japan

This paper reports data from contemporary England and Japan to see whether, as a number of sociological studies have argued, causal relations exist between cultural values and the physical form of housing. The results provide empirical evidence that increasing privatised living and privacy has an impact on house form (i.e. an increase in the capacity to permit greater privacy in the home). However, the present analysis reveals that, in England, this has been directed to home-centred living and personal privacy more than in Japan, where the main focus continued to be on family-centred living and familial privacy. While supporting the premise that cultural values influence house forms, then, the evidence suggests that this framework requires development to accommodate different types of privatised living.     

面向行业新需求的工程管理专业人才培养探索与实践

在“一带一路”、技术创新等发展背景下,中国建设工程领域逐步扩张,行业大规模发展,呈现工业化、国际化、智能化的新趋势,行业对工程管理专业人才提出了新需求,工程管理专业人才培养亟待改革。通过文献研究法,结合半结构化访谈对行业人士进行调查,并采用因子分析法进行分析,得出当前行业对人才素质需求的5个方面——个人品质素养、专业技能、个人职业发展能力、专业学科知识及应用、基础学科知识及应用。以该结果作为工程管理专业人才培养的重要方向,在此基础上提出五大重点课程群、三大教学平台及相关的核心培养内容,为工程管理人才培养提供参考。     

Testing development of different surface treatments on pervious concrete

Pervious concrete systems are developing stormwater management technologies which also have wintertime benefits as melting snow may percolate into the system instead of refreezing on the surface. Enhancing the surface microtexture of pervious concrete may also be beneficial in preventing icing or slipping by pedestrians. This research explored different surface treatments on pervious concrete specimens both qualitatively from personal judgements, and quantitatively through static friction measurements with a spring balance with respect to “slipperiness”. The tests were performed on both dry and wet specimens. One aim was to determine whether the spring balance method may be a simple test for comparing surface treatments on pavement samples with little surface area such as laboratory specimens or sidewalk sections. The other purpose was to make a preliminary decision of which surface treatments to use for a sidewalk installation for future studies on wintertime performance. The reliability analysis of the spring balance results showed that there was high operator consistency. In addition, there was a high level of consistency on average results between the quantitative and qualitative methods. This implies that the spring balance test may be an acceptable methodology for comparative analyses with respect to static friction.     

建环专业工程应用能力培养体系改革与实践

文章从研究高校建环专业人才培养现状出发,围绕工程应用能力培养,从培养方案、实践教学、课程设置等方面着手构建了一套适合工程能力培养的综合教学体系。实践结果表明,学生的实践创新能力和综合素质有了明显提高,毕业生深受用人单位欢迎。     

A case study of personal exposure to nitrogen dioxide using a new high sensitive diffusive sampler

Personal NO(2) exposure measurements were achieved during two campaigns in a large northern France city. These campaigns were following an innovating approach based on sequential exposure measurements by diffusive samplers distinguishing four categories of microenvironments ("home", "other indoor places", "transport" and "outdoors"). The objective of these campaigns was to obtain NO(2) personal exposure data in different microenvironments and to examine the determinants of personal exposure to this pollutant. Each campaign comprised two 24-h sampling periods: one during a working day and the second during the weekend. The average total NO(2) personal exposure ranged from 17 microg m(-3) for the summer weekend samplings to 38 microg m(-3) for the winter weekday samplings. The highest levels were found in transports and outdoors, the intermediate ones in other indoor places and the lowest in homes. Despite their weak levels, indoor environments contributed for more than 78% to total NO(2) personal exposure because of more time spent in these living places. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) highlighted the determinants of NO(2) personal exposure in the "home" and "transport" microenvironments. This led to a classification of NO(2) personal exposure levels according to different means of transport: from the lowest to the highest exposure levels, train, tramway or underground, bicycle, car or motorcycle. In homes, the rise of NO(2) personal exposures is mainly due to the use of gas stoves and gas heating and the absence of automatic airing system. A classification of NO(2) personal exposure levels was set up according to the characteristics of homes. An analysis of correlations between the home NO(2) personal exposures and outdoor concentrations measured by fixed ambient air monitoring stations showed weak relations suggesting that the data of these stations are poor predictors of NO(2) personal exposures in homes.     

On the behaviour and adaptation of office occupants

During the warm summer of 2006 a comprehensive longitudinal field survey of the adaptive actions of occupants, their thermal satisfaction and the coincident environmental conditions was conducted in eight Swiss office buildings. We have applied logistic regression techniques to these results to predict the probability of occupants’ actions to adapt both personal (clothing, activity and drinking) and environmental (windows, doors, fans and blinds) characteristics. We have also identified, for each type of control action exercised, the increases in temperature at which thermal sensation votes are reported. These “empirical adaptive increments” have also been defined for combinations of control action. In this paper we present the field survey methodology as well as the results relating to the above, which we discuss along with scope for further related work.