734 research outputs found

    Afropolitanism; making sense of contemporary African diasporic identities

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    Infiltration Testing of Homes in the Houston Gulf Coast Area

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    Air Changes per Hour (ACH) are determined by construction and weather conditions. In this test, it was found that the ACH is equal to .59 plus .07 for every year of age the home has. The higher ACH values for age are due to deterioration and construction techniques. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has a methodology for determining' ACH based on component leakage areas. The results found using this method are close to the results found in testing new home construction. Weatherization and retrofitting can decrease the ACH in an older home, however, a significant decrease would generally require significant retrofitting and expense

    The acceptability and impact of a randomised controlled trial of welfare rights advice accessed via primary health care: qualitative study

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    BACKGROUND: Qualitative research is increasingly used alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to study a range of factors including participants' experiences of a trial. The need for a sound evidence base within public health will increase the need for RCTs of non-clinical interventions. Welfare rights advice has been proposed as an intervention with potential to reduce health inequalities. This qualitative study, nested within an RCT of the impact of welfare rights advice, examined the acceptability of the intervention, the acceptability of the research process and the perceived impact of the intervention. METHODS: 25 men and women aged 60 years or over were recruited from four general practices in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK), a sub-sample of those who consented to be contacted (n = 96) during the RCT baseline interview. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken and analysed using the Framework Method. RESULTS: Participants viewed the trial positively although, despite agreeing that the information leaflet was clear, some had agreed to participate without being fully aware of what was involved. Some participants were unaware of the implications of randomisation. Most thought it fair, but a few concerns were raised about the control condition. The intervention was acceptable and made participants feel confident about applying for benefit entitlements. 14 out of 25 participants received some financial award; median weekly income gain was £57 (€84, $101). The perceived impact of additional finances was considerable and included: increased affordability of necessities and occasional expenses; increased capacity to deal with emergencies; and a reduction in stress related to financial worries. Overall, perceived independence and ability to participate in society increased. Most participants perceived benefits to their mental well-being, but no-one reported an improvement in physical health. The RCT showed little or no effect on a wide range of outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Participation in the trial and the intervention was acceptable to participants. Welfare rights advice targeted at people aged 60 years or over and accessed via primary care had a positive impact on quality of life and resulted in increased social participation. The divergence of qualitative and quantitative findings suggests that both methods make important contributions to the evaluation of complex social interventions

    Infiltration Testing of Homes in the Houston Gulf Coast Area

    Get PDF
    Air Changes per Hour (ACH) are determined by construction and weather conditions. In this test, it was found that the ACH is equal to .59 plus .07 for every year of age the home has. The higher ACH values for age are due to deterioration and construction techniques. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has a methodology for determining' ACH based on component leakage areas. The results found using this method are close to the results found in testing new home construction. Weatherization and retrofitting can decrease the ACH in an older home, however, a significant decrease would generally require significant retrofitting and expense
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