The relative influence of wind,sunlight and temperature on user comfort in urban outdoor spaces

This paper presents the development of a comfort index that measures adaptivity in outdoor spaces. Over a 9-month period 649 people were surveyed in three locations, in temperatures between 10 and 28 °C. An exploratory factor analysis develops a 15-item scale of comfort that includes measures of adaptivity: clothing, exposure time and seating location. The scale is regressed on physical measures: average instantaneous wind speed; maximum wind speed; mean-exposed radiant temperature; mean-shaded radiant temperature and ambient temperature. The results model the relative contributions of the microclimatic factors for the comfort in the outdoor space. Analyses suggest gustiness and wind speed are most important in determining user satisfaction. There is strong support for the theory that people actively adapt to microclimatic conditions.     

景观建筑学

景观是我们生活的地区的基本结构，成熟的景观是文明社会发展最完善、最复杂的人工艺术，涵盖了相当数量的知识、经济和物质资源，它表达了人们对世界的期望，即使人在物质和精神方面都受益。对于一个成功的景观工程而言，统筹安排如何将道路、排水系统、资源和自然保护、野生动物栖息、社会空间以及建筑位置等进行控制协调是至关重要的。按照欧林事务所的经验，景观建筑师更容易具有整合各要素的能力。     

Interstitial inorganic phosphorus concentrations in lakes Mendota and Wingra

Interstitial P levels in Lake Mendota and Lake Wingra were evaluated as a function of season and water column and sediment depth. Interstitial water was obtained by the centrifugation-filtration method. Temporal variations were observed over the entire 15 cm sediment depth interval examined in all four locations evaluated. Interstitial reactive P (IRP) levels in Lake Mendota ranged from 0.014–1.67 mg l⁻¹ at the 5–6 m water column depth and from 1.20–5.75 mg l⁻¹ at the 18–19.5 m depth. IRP levels in Lake Wingra ranged from 0.029–2.15 mg l⁻¹ at 3.5 m and from 0.191–3.96 mg l⁻¹ at 2 m. Variations in interstitial P were attributed to variations in oxidation state of Fe as influenced by oxygen transport and reduction rates.     

Oscillations of Foundations Installed on the Ground and Cast-in-Place Piles Subject to Kinematic Effects

Results are presented for experimental investigations on the traffic-induced oscillations of two full-scale foundations of a metallic tunnel, one of which is installed directly on the ground, and the other on cast-in-place piles. The foundations are close to one another with respect to mass and the load applied to them. Differences are revealed between the parameters of the actual oscillations of these foundations and their computed values.     

Coping with COPA II: Actions to Improve Effluent Quality

The paper outlines some of the actions taken by Severn Trent Water to achieve compliance with consent limits since the implementation of the Control of Pollution Act (Part II) in 1985.
Prior to and since 1985, Severn Trent Water has undertaken an extensive programme to analyse the reasons for failure and carry out remedial work. A major feature of this programme, which has been further stimulated by privatization, has been the need to reduce the lead time for carrying out improvements.
The paper discusses the means by which this has been achieved, including the introduction of the 'fast-track'initiative and the 'process matrix'.
Other aspects are outlined including initiatives to develop more robust processes, computerized work scheduling, extensive training programmes and best practice studies.     

Structural analysis of assemblages of thin-walled members

A matrix method for the analysis of structural systems composed of thin-walled members is presented. The matrix displacement analysis includes the effects of thin-walled non-uniform torsion theory, cross-section asymmetry, eccentric restraint as well as joint types peculiar to thin-walled members. The method is used for a prediction of the elastic behaviour of a set of representative test frames. The test frames were pitched-roof portals constructed from channel sections bent about their major-axis and supported by eccentric restraints simulating purlins and girts.     

Upgrading the Activated-Sludge Process for Total Nitrogen Removal in Hong Kong

In order to protect the sensitive waters in Tolo harbour (Hong Kong), Sha Tin and Tai Po sewage-treatment works were first designed to remove 70% of the nitrogen load from the sewage. Since then, due to continuing serious eutrophication problems in the harbour, both plants have been modified to increase the removal efficiency to 90%.
The modifications were based on the Bardenpho process. However, the designers of the two plants adopted different approaches to process intensity, complexity and control of bacterial foam. At Sha Tin, the average monthly results have shown an increase of total nitrogen removal from 60–70% to about 80% since its completion. The addition of methanol was found to be ineffective on further enhancement of the denitrification rate due to difficulties in the apportioning of the second anoxic zone. The overall monthly results for Tai Po have also shown an increase in the removal rate to about 80%, even though 90% was achieved for a short period of time. The major problem encountered at the latter plant was that the process design did not provide an effective control on bacterial foaming, which had affected the smooth operation of the process.     

The Hydro-Ecology of Limestone Springs in the Wye Valley, Derbyshire

Springs are unique freshwater habitats and represent ideal sites in which to examine the relationship between environmental variables and macro-invertebrate communities. The results of three case studies infer that species assemblages are determined by the physical habitat conditions within a spring and the ecological requirements of the component species. The composition of the macro-invertebrate community changes significantly along the longitudinal gradient of a spring-brook, as predicted by ecological theory. The results of the case studies are examined in relation to the conservation and protection of these little-studied habitats, and suggestions are made as to how to achieve this in the Wye Valley.     

A method for the analysis of environmental factors controlling patterns of species composition in aquatic communities

In aquatic environmental studies, data from biological samples and from associated observations on environmental variables are often analyzed to determine whether environmental factors are controlling patterns of species composition. Analysis methods which reduce biological data such as species abundances to a more useable form, including ordination, classification and diversity index methods, are critically reviewed. Methods which relate these reduced data to environmental data are also reviewed. Classification (or cluster) analysis of the biological data followed by multiple discriminant analysis of the species-assemblage groups on the environmental variables is the recommended procedure, which is illustrated by an example. Application of these methods to pollution studies is discussed. Possible modifications and extensions are considered.