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This paper provides a retrospective view of Childlore and Children’s Folklore, the major themes in its history, developments and concludes with reflections on the current environment in the UK and Armenia. The survey provides a guide for future research on aspects of childlore outlined in this paper. The first part of the paper is presented by Robert McDowall, former president of the Folklore Society (UK). Hasmik Matikyan, researcher at Shirak Center for Armenological Studies of NAS RA, studies Children’s Folklore in Armenia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the extent to which mindfulness skills influence psychological distress and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in men with metastatic or castration-resistant biochemical progression of prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 190 men (46 % response; mean age 71 years, SD = 8.7, range 40-91 years) with advanced prostate cancer, assessed psychological and cancer-specific distress, HRQOL. Mindfulness skills were assessed as potential predictors of adjustment outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 39 % of men reported high psychological distress. One third had accessed psychological support previously although only 10 % were under current psychological care. One quarter had accessed a prostate cancer support group in the past six months. Higher HRQOL and lower cancer-specific and global psychological distress were related to non-judging of inner experience (p < 0.001). Higher HRQOL and lower psychological distress were related to acting with awareness (p < 0.001). Lower distress was also related to higher non-reactivity to inner experience and a lower level of observing (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Men with advanced prostate cancer are at risk of poor psychological outcomes. Psychological flexibility may be a promising target for interventions to improve adjustment outcomes in this patient group. Australian National Health and Medical Research Council APP1024989 to Suzanne K. Chambers.

The greater part of the population used to regard banking, insurance, and investment and financial services as solid, often uninteresting, but necessary services. The global financial crisis and su...

Purpose: To determine whether uniform guidelines and training in the stabilization and formation of thermoplastic shells can improve the reproducibility of set-up for Head and Neck cancer patients. Methods and materials: Image based measurements of the planning and treatment positions for 35 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radical radiotherapy were analysed to provide a baseline of the reproducibility of thermoplastic immobilization. Radiation therapists (RT) were surveyed to establish a perception of their confidence in thermoplastic procedures. An evidence based staff training programme was created and implemented. Set-up reproduction and staff perception were reviewed to measure the impact of the training programme. Results: The mean (SD) 3D vectors of anatomical displacement, measured on the patient images, improved from 4.64 (2.03) for the baseline group compared to 3.02 (1.65) following training (p < 0.01). The proportion of 3D displacements of patient data exceeding 5 mm 3D vector was decreased from 37.1% to 5.7% (p < 0.001) and the 3 mm vector from 85.7% to 42.9% (p < 0.001). The post-training survey scores demonstrated improved confidence in reproducibility of set-up for head and neck patients. Conclusion: The Thermoplastic Shells Training Program has been found to improve the treatment reproducibility for head and neck radiation therapy patients. Uniform guidelines have increased RT confidence in thermoplastic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in developed countries, and in Australia approximately one-fifth of men with prostate cancer have advanced disease. By comparison to men with localised prostate cancer, men with advanced disease report higher levels of psychological distress; poorer quality of life; and have an increased risk of suicide. To date no psychological intervention research specifically targeting men with advanced prostate cancer has been reported. In this paper we present the protocol of a current randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a professionally-led mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) group intervention to improve psychological well-being in men with advanced prostate cancer.Methods/design: Ninety-five men per condition (190 men in total) will be recruited through clinicians in the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group and in major treatment centres in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Patients are randomised to: (1) tele-based MBCT intervention or (2) patient education. A series of previously validated and reliable self-report measures will be administered to men at four time points: baseline/recruitment, and at 3, 6, and 9 months after recruitment and intervention commencement. Engagement with the principles of mindfulness and adherence to practice will be included as potential mediators of intervention effect. Primary outcomes are anxiety, depression and cancer-specific distress. Secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life (QoL) and benefit finding. Disease variables (e.g. cancer grade, stage) will be assessed through medical records. DISCUSSION: This study will address a critical but as yet unanswered research question: to identify an effective way to reduce psychological distress; and improve the quality of life for men with advanced prostate cancer.Trial registration: ACTRN12612000306819

This chapter discusses the functions and importance of sensors and auxiliary devices in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Sensors are used to measure the controlled variable. Sensors are also used for monitoring purposes to keep the operator informed about elements in the system that indicate proper operation. Sensors commonly used in HVAC applications include temperature, Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ), Carbon Monoxide (CO), relative humidity, dewpoint, differential pressure, sensors used to estimate indoor air quality (IAQ), and velocity/flow sensors. Sensors can be categorized into temperature sensors, moisture sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors and meters. In order to specify and design sensor systems, evaluation of “first cost” effectiveness such as qualitative items like installation time, accuracy, precision, reliability, repeatability, durability, maintenance, repair/replacement costs, compatibility, and various other factors are considered. In addition to controllers and sensors, most control systems require additional devices to completely implement the desired control sequence, called auxiliary devices. This is true whether the control system is electric, analog electronic, or digital. These devices are absolutely needed for every control system in order to make it work per its sequence.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses force–balance principle and its use in pneumatic controls, how temperature and pressure work in pneumatic control systems, and how spring ranges can be used to sequence valves and dampers. In force–balance principle the enclosure or chamber is provided with three openings or ports, one each for the supply air input, control signal output, and exhaust. A flexible diaphragm allows an external sensor to vary the pressure on a lever arm. When the sensor presses down on the right-hand end of the lever, it lifts the left end upward, allowing the supply air valve to open. This increases the pressure in the chamber and also in the control signal output pipe, causing movement in a controlled device. As the pressure increases, it also forces the diaphragm up against the sensor pressure until the system is again in balance at a higher pressure with the supply air valve closed. The force–balance principle is used to create pneumatic amplifiers, transmitters, and relays. In addition spring (control) ranges are used to sequence devices. Many different spring ranges are available. A full range spring would typically have a 3–13 psig rating. More commonly, partial ranges are used; typically 3–8 psig, 5–10 psig, and 8–13 psig.

Publisher Summary This chapter explains how electric controllers (stats) are used to provide two-position control. It discusses the working of modulating controls using bridge circuits, the difference between floating and modulating actuators, and the use of electric controls in common HVAC applications. Electric controls typically use 24 V ac, as a power source and use only contact closures (open-closed) and varying resistance (100–20,000 Ω), control logic; they do not use analog or digital electronics. The temperature sensors most commonly used with two-position electric controls are the bimetallic strip, mercury switch, and the bulb-and-capillary, or remote bulb sensor. A bellows-style sensor is commonly used for modulating electric controls. Further electric controls are most commonly two-position, using thermostats, humidistats, or pressure-stats wherein the controlled variable is sensed and compared to set point and a contact is opened and closed accordingly. Electric controls are also used for true modulating control using the Wheatstone bridge, often referred to as a bridge circuit. Two-position electric controls are used in almost all control systems to turn on and off equipment. This type of logic is used in conjunction with pneumatic, analog electronic and digital control systems as well.

This chapter explains how control valves and control dampers devices work and how they are selected and sized. Control valves and control dampers are the two primary means to control the flow of water and air in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The control valve is possibly the most important component of a fluid distribution system because it regulates the flow of fluid to the process under control. In HVAC systems, control valves are primarily used to control the flow of chilled water, hot water, and condenser water, the subject of this section. Control of other fluids including steam, refrigerants, gasses, and oil are similar in many aspects but are not specifically addressed here because they have specific requirements for design including issues of safety and material compatibility. Control valves can be either two-way which act as a variable resistance to flow or three-way. With the two-way configuration, flow through the circulation system is variable. In the three-way configurations, flow remains relatively constant through the loop, which includes the pump and varies in the loop containing the coil. Dampers are to air as valves are to water: a means of controlling airflow. Many of the design and selection principles are the same for both. Like valves, dampers must be carefully selected and sized to ensure stable and accurate control.

This chapter discusses types and performance of physical input and output points in direct digital control (DDC) systems. There are the four main types of input and output in a control system: on/off input (manual switch, fire/smoke detector), on/off output (power to light), variable input (temperature from sensor), and variable output (power to the valve). DDC are controls operated by digital microprocessors. Digital means that they operate on a series of pulses, as does the typical PC. In the DDC system, all the inputs and outputs remain; however, they are not processed in the controllers, but all control logic is carried out in a computer, based on instructions called the control logic. This chapter also discusses range of possibilities in DDC controllers, types of application software available and some relative merits of each, and the capabilities available in operator workstations

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces how control systems are designed and how the design intent is conveyed using control diagrams (schematics), damper and valve schedules, parts lists, and written control sequences. Designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control systems is a science but allows for different approaches. The critical first step towards success is to be absolutely clear about the objective. Many organizations have developed their own library of graphic symbols and it is wise to include on the controls drawings a key to their meaning to avoid any misunderstandings. The symbols cover four sections: air handling, piping, controls, and equipment. The graphic symbol may have two types of information added about particular variations of device and detail about the device function. The graphic symbols are mostly generic; as they do not define the type of controls hardware and lines are used to indicate an interconnection between devices without defining whether they represent wiring or tubing. Generic control diagrams are generally acceptable for most HVAC designs for bidding purposes because they, along with the written sequence of controls described in the next section, should sufficiently define the requirements of the control system.

This chapter introduces simple electrical circuits and common devices used to provide and control electrical power in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. As all HVAC control systems will have relays, transformers, starters, and other electrical devices have electric systems in them it is necessary to understand the basic of electric circuits and systems. In a simple electrical circuit battery creates an electrical potential, called an electromotive force or voltage. The wires connect the battery to the device called the load, which has a resistance to electrical flow. When the switch is closed also called relay, an electrical circuit is formed direct current (dc) starts flowing. The electrical systems serving our homes and buildings are alternating current (ac) systems. Alternating current is produced by varying the electrical potential in a sinusoidal fashion. Further a power transformer is a device that is used primarily to convert one ac voltage to another. Based on the principle that alternating current in an inductor electromagnetically induces an electrical potential in adjacent conductors, transformers can interconnect two circuits without any electrical connection between them. Relays are used to implement control sequences using Boolean logic. Boolean logic is a way of making decisions using two-position switches or states. A switch may be opened or closed, also expressed as On or Off, 1 or 0. Many control systems are composed almost entirely of relays, so it is important to understand relay logic and how to read ladder diagrams of electrical devices.

This chapter focuses on the issues of specification in direct digital control (DDC). The specification is the document that sdefines for the contractor what is required. It is also the document that is used to check that the contractor has completed its contract and that performance is being met. To effectively achieve these objectives the specification must be clear and unambiguous to write a specification that is clear and unambiguous you need to know your objectives. Establishing the objectives is always dependent on what the client wants and is willing to pay for in both the initial construction and also in the ongoing operation and maintenance. One of the most useful features of DDC systems is the ability to monitor what is happening in the system. Seeing the system working and checking on performance is greatly assisted by recording, or trending, values of points at set intervals. For checking the performance of a control loop a short time interval, say 1 s, may be used. The minimum time interval and number of records will typically be determined by the controller and its memory capacity.

This chapter discusses the function of operational amplifiers (op-amps) in electronic controls and how to use electronic controls in common heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. The term analog electronic control is often abbreviated in practice as simply electronic control, although, technically, digital controls are also electronic. Electronic controls operate at variable voltages and currents, none that are totally standardized. Electronic controllers rely primarily on two fundamental devices: the Wheatstone bridge, and the operational amplifier, or op-amp. The op-amp is a solid-state amplifier that will provide a large gain while handling the varying input signals common to control systems. In the idealized op-amp, the gain is the negative of the ratio of voltage-out to voltage-in. The inherent gain of an op-amp is very high. A small input voltage or current will produce a large negative output voltage. To make use of this device, the gain must be controlled.

This chapter explains how self-powered and system-powered control devices work and where they are commonly used. Self-powered and system-powered controls are those that do not require an external power source such as electricity or pneumatic control air. Self-powered controls are those that draw the energy needed for their operation from the systems that they control or operate. They are commonly used on small systems or individual units where they are more convenient and less costly because they do not require an external power source such as electricity or pneumatic control air. The power source in self-powered devices is typically derived from: electrical potential generated by a thermopile; pressure resulting from expansion and contraction of a temperature-sensitive substance; pressure from the fluid being controlled. In addition system-powered control devices use supply air pressure as the power source. They are a variation on self-powered controls used on early constant air volume (CAV) regulators and variable air volume boxes and diffusers. They are famous because they do not require any external power source; system-powered controls often require that duct static pressure be relatively.

As direct digital control (DDC) started in the ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, manufacturers each developed their own unique, proprietary, application software to produce a DDC system for HVAC. These proprietary systems could not communicate with each other unless a “translator,” called a gateway, was developed to translate the messages from one system to another. These proprietary systems, now often called “legacy” systems, caused many challenges for users. Specifically, operators needed to interact separately with each system and to know how each one worked in order to do any maintenance. Theoretically, one could change a site with three legacy systems into a single virtual system for the operator. Each gateway acts as a translator, converting from a legacy language to, in this case, operatworterminal language. Developing each gateway is expensive and requires full details of the legacy proprietary language.

This chapter provides an introduction to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning HVAC systems. The ultimate aim of every HVAC system and its controls is to provide a comfortable environment suitable for the process that is occurring in the facility. In most cases, the HVAC system's purpose is to provide thermal comfort for a building's occupants to create a more productive atmosphere or to make a space more inviting to customers. This chapter also introduces the concept of a control loop, the basic building block of all control systems, and the various control strategies and algorithms used in control loops. In a control loop information flows in a circle from the sensor (the speedometer) measuring the controlled variable to the controller, where the current value of the controlled variable is compared to the desired value or set point. The controller then makes a control decision and passes that on to the controlled device and to the process plant. This then has an effect on the current value or control point of the controlled variable, starting the process all over again.

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces the various ways zoning can be achieved with all-air air-conditioning systems. They are all based on individually varying the air flow and/or temperature supplied to each zone. The chapter shows the most common ways that a single-supply air system can be adapted to provide all-air air conditioning to many zones with differing loads. It identifies, describes, and diagrammatically sketches the most common all-air air-conditioning systems. Air-conditioning systems that use just air for air conditioning are called “all-air systems” and these have a number of advantages. To make these all-air systems work for many zones requires some form of zone control. The chapter considers how zone control can be achieved with all-air air-conditioning systems. The reader will understand the relative efficiency or inefficiency of each type of multiple zone air system. This chapter is all about all-air systems that serve many zones. In many cases systems with separate water heating and/or cooling can be very effective. The chapter also explains why systems that serve many zones, and that have a variable-supply air volume, are more energy-efficient than those with constant-supply volumes.

Publisher Summary This chapter explores in detail about the reasons for choosing zones, making economic considerations, and how zone controls operate. It defines a space and a zone along with examples. The reasons for zoning a building along with examples are listed. The chapter informs readers how to make logical choices about where to locate a thermostat. To maximize thermal comfort, systems can be designed to provide independent control in the different spaces, based on their users and requirements. Each space or group of spaces that has an independent control is called a “zone.” A “space” is a part of a building that is not necessarily separated by walls and floors. A space can be large, like an aircraft hanger, or small, like a personal office. A “zone” is a part of a building whose HVAC system is controlled by a single sensor. The single sensor is usually, but not always, a thermostat. A thermostat controls the temperature at its location. A zone may include several spaces, such as a row of offices whose temperature is controlled by one thermostat in one of the offices. The chapter considers what constitutes a zone, the factors that influence zone choices, and the issues concerning location of the zone thermostat.

Publisher Summary In various air-conditioning systems, heating and cooling can be provided from a central plant by means of hot water, steam, and chilled water. The chapter starts with some general considerations about what the central parts produce, their advantages and disadvantages. It identifies the main types of boiler and sketches a twin boiler circuit and describes the operation of chillers, and provides a sketch of a dual chiller installation with primary only, and primary-secondary chilled water circuits. In a central plant, the boilers and chillers are located in a single space in the building, and their output is piped to all the various air-conditioning units and systems in the building. Central plants generally require less maintenance than numerous smaller package systems and the equipment usually has a longer life. The chapter considers the main items of equipment found in central plants. These are boilers that produce steam or hot water, chillers that produce chilled water, and cooling towers that cool the chillers.

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces the history, uses, and main processes of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. There are no calculations to be done. It defines heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. The chapter also describes the purposes of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. The seven major air-conditioning processes are named and described here. The five main aspects of a space that influence an occupant's comfort are listed here. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is a huge field. HVAC systems include a range from the simplest hand-stoked stove, used for comfort heating, to the extremely reliable total air-conditioning systems found in submarines and space shuttles. Cooling equipment varies from the small domestic unit to refrigeration machines that are 10,000 times the size, which are used in industrial processes. Depending on the complexity of the requirements, the HVAC designer must consider many more issues than simply keeping temperatures comfortable. This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts that are used by designers to make decisions about system design, operation, and maintenance. It introduces some of the terminology and main processes that are involved in air conditioning.

Publisher Summary Hydronic systems are systems that use water or steam as the heat transfer medium. This chapter discusses the systems where water-heated and/or water-cooled equipment provide most of the heating and/or cooling. In some buildings, these systems use low-pressure steam instead of hot water for heating. The performance is similar to hot water systems with higher outputs due to the higher temperature of the steam. However, control in these steam systems is generally inferior, due to the fixed temperature of steam. Because of their ability to produce high output on an “as-needed basis,” hydronic systems are most commonly used where high and variable sensible heating and/or cooling loads occur. The very simplest water heating systems consist of pipes with hot water flowing through them. The output from a bare pipe is generally too low to be effective, so an extended surface is used to dissipate more heat. The radiator emits heat by both radiation and convection. These water heaters can be controlled by varying the water flow or by varying the water supply temperature. These hydronic heating systems do not provide any ventilation air from outside. When water systems are in use, ventilation requirements can be met by opening windows, window air conditioners, or separate ventilation systems with optional cooling.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the basics of control and introduces some of the terminology of HVAC controls. The controls for a system may differ from project to project for a number of reasons. The chapter starts with some general discussion on control types: self-powered, electric controls, pneumatic controls, electronic, and direct digital controls. Each of these types has a niche where it is a very good choice but there is a general trend toward DDC controls. It then considers a simple electric control of a two-element hot water heater to show how controls can be considered in a logical way. Next, it introduces the control loop and the difference between open loop control and closed loop control. Having introduced the four main point types, the chapter explores the concept of using a point identification scheme. Then it considers a very simple example of a sequence of operations that are the logical instructions for the DDC controller to execute, to provide the required control. The required information to specify a DDC system control is then illustrated with a single air handler. Finally, it discusses DDC architecture, introduces BACnet and interoperability, and lists the pros and cons of DDC.

Publisher Summary This chapter considers packaged single-zone air-conditioning equipment, examines issues of system choice, and provides a general description of system control issues. The single-zone air-conditioning equipment discussed here is the piece of equipment, which is typically referred to as the single zone air handler, or air-handling unit, often abbreviated to AHU. The chapter refers to it as the air handler or the unit. The air handler draws in and mixes outside air with air that is being recirculated, or returned from the building, called return air. Once the outside air and the return air are mixed, the unit conditions the mixed air, blows the conditioned air into the space, and exhausts any excess air to outside, using the return-air fan. The chapter identifies the main components of a single zone air handler and describes their operation. It also discusses the parameters that have to be known to choose an air-conditioning air-handling unit and how the vapor compression refrigeration cycle works. The reader gets to identify the significant issues in choosing a single-zone rooftop air-conditioning unit and understand the virtues of a split system. The issues of system choice are described and a general description of system control issues is outlined.

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the energy conservation measures. It has three primary objectives. First it introduces some basic ideas about energy conservation. The purpose of energy conservation is to use less energy. This is accomplished by various methods, including recycling energy where useful. Energy conservation should be part of the entire life cycle of a building. Thus, it should be a consideration during the initial conception of a building, through its construction, during the operation and maintenance of the building throughout its life, and even in deconstruction. The chapter introduces ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings1 (Standard 90.1). This standard, produced cooperatively by ASHRAE and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, is becoming the minimum standard for new buildings in the United States. There are four ways in which HVAC systems can be designed to use less energy. It explains energy conservation and some basic ways of thinking about it and outlines the contents of Standard 90.1. The equipment and operation of the heat wheel, heat pipe, and runaround methods of heat recovery are described along with the process of evaporative cooling. The chapter also emphasizes and explains the significance of building pressure.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the HVAC systems. It begins with an introduction to a graphical representation of air-conditioning processes called the psychrometric chart. Next, an air conditioning system is introduced followed by a discussion about how it can be adapted to serve many spaces. It is broad in scope and introduces the content and value of other, more in depth, ASHRAE Self-Study Courses. It understands and describes the major concepts of the psychrometric chart. The main issues to be considered when designing a system are defined. The chapter names the four major system types and explains their differences. The main factors to be considered in a matrix selection process are also described. It discusses how the seven main air-conditioning processes are described graphically in the psychrometric chart. It also details how these processes are combined to form an air-conditioning system. The readers get to know about the range of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, and the process of making system choices.. The chapter ends with a brief introduction to the idea of using a factor matrix to help choose an air-conditioning system.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the zone control operations, the factors that influence zone choices, and economic considerations. A “zone” is a part of a building whose heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is controlled by a single sensor, which is usually a thermostat. A zone may include spaces such as a row of offices whose temperature is controlled by one thermostat in one of the offices. The zone may be supplied by its own separate HVAC system, or the zone may be supplied from a central system that has a separate control for each zone. A thermostat controls the temperature at its location and it should be placed where it is most representative of the occupants' thermal experience. A thermostat is usually mounted on the wall and is designed to keep a constant temperature. In order to maintain a set point for the zone, the thermostat must be located away from temperature affecting sources such as drafts, windows, and equipment.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes radiant heating and cooling systems, thermal storage systems, and ventilation applications. Radiant heaters are defined as units that have more than 50% of their heating output achieved through radiation. A Radiant cooling system is achieved by using a “large area” panel system. Issues for consideration include: space moisture level, location of insulation on the panels, and the response time of the system. Thermal storage is a method of reducing the need for large equipment and reducing energy expenses. Thermal storage is achieved by having the heating or cooling equipment operate during low load periods, to charge a thermal storage system. The ground can be treated as a large heat source or as a heat sink that can extract heat from the ground or reject heat to the ground. There are three general methods of using the ground as a source or sink—the well, the horizontal field, and the vertical field. The chapter also discusses the various standard ways of ventilation or delivering air to rooms and their relative merits and popularity.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the basics of control and several control types, such as self-powered controls, electric controls, pneumatic controls, electronic controls (analog electronic), and direct digital controls. Well-designed controls are a critical part of any heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, whether the controls are a factory package or built-up on site. The controls for a system may differ from project to project for a number of reasons. Design considerations for controls choices include availability of expertise in maintenance and operations of the controls, repair and maintenance expense budgets, and capital costs of control equipment. The chapter also discusses the physical structure and software of direct digital control (DDC) systems in detail, and some of the control possibilities that are available with DDC. The architecture of DDC systems and their advantages are also presented in the chapter.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the hydronic system architecture. It considers the pumping, piping, balancing and control of water systems. It introduces the reader to the various hydronic distribution systems and some of their characteristics. The steam systems are explained here and the general operation and some of the advantages and disadvantages of steam distribution systems are detailed. The hot water heating systems are explored with the details of the main piping-layout options, pumping requirements and characteristics. The chapter presents detailed information on chilled water systems including details on the popular piping arrangements and characteristics. Lastly, the open water systems are discussed and the reader gets to know the behavior of a condenser, condenser requirements, and cooling tower operation. The chapter introduces the basic layout options for heating and cooling piping arrangements that distribute water or steam, hydronic circuits. It also provides a brief discussion of the differences in their hydronic characteristics. In each case, a flow of steam or water is distributed from either a central boiler or a chiller, the refrigeration equipment used to produce chilled water, to the hydronic circuits. The hydronic circuits circulate the steam or water through the building, where it loses or gains heat before returning to be re-heated or re-cooled.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the ventilation and indoor air quality. It deals with the reasons for ventilating buildings and the process of choosing ventilation rates for specific situations. The chapter lists and gives examples of the four types of indoor air contaminants and describes the three methods of maintaining indoor air quality. The reader is sure to understand the criteria for filter selection along with the main concepts of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004 ventilation rate procedure and how it differs from ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2001. It discusses the factor of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) that affects comfort and activity. The maintenance of indoor air quality is one of the major objectives of air-conditioning systems because IAQ problems are a significant threat to health and productivity. The primary factors that influence and degrade IAQ are particles, gases, and vapors in the air. Maintenance of good indoor air quality is a significant issue to both the HVAC design engineer and to those who maintain the system subsequent to its design and installation. It deals with the reasons for ventilating buildings, how ventilation rates are chosen for specific situations, and the how to determine and maintain good indoor air quality, IAQ.

Publisher Summary Thermal comfort is primarily controlled by a building's heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, though the architectural design of the building may also have significant influences on thermal comfort. This chapter discusses the seven factors that influence thermal comfort and why thermal comfort depends on the individual as well as the thermal conditions. These seven factors include activity level, clothing, occupant's expectations, air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, and air speed. It also explains how to choose acceptable thermal design conditions. Standard 55 deals with indoor thermal comfort in normal living environments and office-type environments. It does not deal with occupancy periods of less than 15 minutes. Various situations and examples are quoted for better illustration. It focuses on those specific factors that affect thermal comfort. This chapter is largely based on ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. This chapter considers the many facets of thermal comfort. It is important that one should be aware that the air temperature at the thermostat is not always a good indicator of thermal comfort. The design of the space and individual clothing choices can have major influences on thermal comfort.

Despite radical treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, advanced gliomas recur within months. Geographic misses in radiotherapy planning may play a role in this seemingly ineluctable recurrence. Planning is typically performed on post-contrast MRIs, which are known to underreport tumour volume relative to FDOPA PET scans. FDOPA PET fused with contrast enhanced MRI has demonstrated greater sensitivity and specificity than MRI alone. One sign of potential misses would be differences between gross target volumes (GTVs) defined using MRI alone and when fused with PET. This work examined whether such a discrepancy may occur. Materials and Methods: For six patients, a 75 minute PET scan using 3,4-dihydroxy-6-18F-fluoro-L-phynel-alanine (18F-FDOPA) was taken within 2 days of gadolinium enhanced MRI scans. In addition to standard radiotherapy planning by an experienced radiotherapy oncologist, a second gross target volume (GTV) was defined by an experienced nuclear medicine specialist for fused PET and MRI, while blinded to the radiotherapy plans. The volumes from standard radiotherapy planning were compared to the PET defined GTV. Results: The comparison indicated radiotherapy planning would change in several cases if FDOPA PET data was available. PET-defined contours were external to 95% prescribed dose for several patients. However, due to the radiotherapy margins, the discrepancies were relatively small in size and all received a dose of 50 Gray or more. Conclusions: Given the limited size of the discrepancies it is uncertain that geographic misses played a major role in patient outcome. Even so, the existence of discrepancies indicates that FDOPA PET could assist in better defining margins when planning radiotherapy for advanced glioma, which could be important for highly conformal radiotherapy plans.