04041 Abstracts Collection -- Component-Based Modeling and Simulation

From 18.01.04 to 23.01.04, the Dagstuhl Seminar 04041 ``Component-Based Modeling and Simulation\u27\u27 was held in the International Conference and Research Center (IBFI), Schloss Dagstuhl. During the seminar, several participants presented their current research, and ongoing work and open problems were discussed. Abstracts of the presentations given during the seminar as well as abstracts of seminar results and ideas are put together in this paper. The first section describes the seminar topics and goals in general. Links to extended abstracts or full papers are provided, if available

Earth Resources: A continuing bibliography (issue 32)

This bibliography list 580 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system. Emphasis is placed on the use of remote sensing and geophysical instrumentation in spacecraft and aircraft to survey and inventory natural resources and urban areas. Subject matter is grouped according to agriculture and forestry, environmental changes and cultural resources, geodesy and cartography, geology and mineral resources, hydrology and water management, data processing and distribution systems, instrumentation and sensors, and economic analysis

The Influence of Model Features on Goodness-of-Fit Indices: Choosing Indices to Evaluate Your Model

Two studies were conducted to examine the performance of eight goodness-of-fit indices (i.e., the chi-square statistic, Comparative fit index, Critical N; Goodness-of-fit index, Normed fit index, Nonnormed fit index, Root mean square error of approximation, and Relative noncentrality index) used in structural equation applications. Study 1 consisted of (a) an empirical review in four journals (1986-1996) to determine the typical application, (b) a recreation of the goodness-of-fit indices from the published research, (c) a multiple regression analysis of the recreated indices to determine if values were predicted based on model and sample features, and (d) the development of a representative sample for model selection in Study 2. Study 1 identified 366 articles, and recreated indices for 187 of those articles. The regression analysis demonstrated that several indices were predicted by sample size and the hypothesized model\u27s degrees of freedom. Study 2 consisted of (a) three Monte Carlo simulations differing in model complexity which assessed the performance of the indices under conditions of sample size, number of indicators, and model misspecifications, and (b) an evaluation of recommended and alternative cutoff values for the indices. In Study 2, simulated results replicated effects for sample size and number of indicators and extended findings to single indicator models. In agreement with prior research, indices were successful at detecting omitted misspecifications, but unsuccessful at detecting inclusion misspecifications. Most indices favored simple over complex models. Previously recommended values of indices were often inappropriate, but alternative values were suggested to reduce the frequency of accepted models with omission errors. When evaluating model fit with indices, researchers should consider the effects of sample and model features to avoid drawing erroneous conclusions

Promoting Healthy Beverage Consumption Habits Among Elementary School Children: Evaluating the Healthy Kids Community Challenge \u27Water Does Wonders\u27 Interventions in London, Ontario

Childhood obesity is a major public health concern and has been attributed to poor diet, among other factors. Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, in particular, has been linked to excess weight gain in childhood, while water consumption is a protective factor. Taking advantage of the Water Does Wonders theme of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, an initiative by the provincial government to promote water consumption, this thesis uses pre-post surveys of children aged 8-14 years to examine (a) the association between knowledge and beverage consumption habits, and (b) the effectiveness of a school- based education and environment intervention to reduce SSB and/or increase water consumption in elementary school children. Results suggest a significant positive association between knowledge and healthy beverage intake, however no discernable differences in water and SSB consumption or knowledge following the intervention were observed. Future research should explore how best to translate the knowledge-practice link into sustainable behavioural change

Fire Safe Use of Wood in Buildings

This book provides guidance on the design of timber buildings for fire safety, developed within the global network Fire Safe Use of Wood (FSUW) and with reference to Eurocode 5 and other international codes. It introduces the behaviour of fires in timber buildings and describes strategies for providing safety if unwanted fires occur. It provides guidance on building design to prevent any fires from spreading while maintaining the load-bearing capacity of structural timber elements, connections and compartmentation. Also included is information on the reaction-to-fire of wood products according to different classification systems, as well as active measures of fire protection, and quality of workmanship and inspection as means of fulfilling fire safety objectives. Presents global guidance on fire safety in timber buildings Provides a wide perspective, covering the whole field of fire safety design Uses the latest scientific knowledge, based on recent analytical and experimental research results Gives practical examples illustrating the importance of good detailing in building design Fire Safe Use of Wood in Buildings is ideal for all involved in the fire safety of buildings, including architects, engineers, firefighters, educators, regulatory authorities, insurance companies and professionals in the building industry