Development of a Web-based software tool for predicting the occurrence and effect of air pollutants inside museum buildings

22-27 September 200

Dependency Modelling for Cultural Heritage

May 31st - June 3rd, 200

Air pollutant levels in air-conditioned and naturally ventilated museums: a pilot study

An air-conditioned and a naturally ventilated museum in a highly polluted part of London were compared for effectiveness of pollution control. Nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide concentrations were measured inside and outside using diffusion tubes. Airborne particles were measured using a Grimm laser counting device. It was found that the benefits normally attributed to air-conditioning with filtration were not as great as might be thought. Only nitrogen dioxide and particle levels were significantly lower in the air-conditioned museum than in the naturally ventilated museum

Bisphosphonate-related bilateral atypical femoral fractures : be aware and beware

Although bisphosphonates have a well established therapeutic role in the prevention of osteoporosis-related fractures, several reports published over the past 5-6 years suggest a possible causative relationship between long-term use of bisphosphonates and development of ‘atypical’ subtrochanteric and femoral diaphyseal fractures. A high level of clinical suspicion and prompt imaging when these patients present with groin/thigh pain should lead to a timely diagnosis. Appropriate elective management to mitigate against the increased risks of these fractures becoming complete could then be instituted. We present a case of complete bilateral atypical subtrochanteric fractures in a patient on long-term bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. Our objective is to highlight the fracture risk of this patient population; present the current knowledge; and discuss the dilemmas in management of both femora.peer-reviewe

Preventive conservation strategies for sustainable urban pollution control in museums

The last 40 years have seen major changes in the sources and concentrations of urban pollution (nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and particulates). During this time, research has advanced our understanding of the impact of pollutants on objects in urban museums. As a consequence, pollutant control has become an important aspect of preventive conservation. There is also increased awareness of the need for pollution control strategies that are sustainable at an organizational and global level. This report, prepared by a chemist, a conservator, and two building scientists, reviews strategies for minimizing the impact of urban pollution on museum collections. The results of new research funded by the UK government identify current (1999) internal pollution levels in both naturally ventilated and air-conditioned museums with particle and gaseous filtration, in relation to external concentrations, ventilation strategies, and the characteristics of the internal fabric and finishes of these buildings. The last 40 years have seen major changes in the sources and concentrations of urban pollution (nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and particulates). During this time, research has advanced our understanding of the impact of pollutants on objects in urban museums. As a consequence, pollutant control has become an important aspect of preventive conservation. There is also increased awareness of the need for pollution control strategies that are sustainable at an organizational and global level. This report, prepared by a chemist, a conservator, and two building scientists, reviews strategies for minimizing the impact of urban pollution on museum collections. The results of new research funded by the UK government identify current (1999) internal pollution levels in both naturally ventilated and air-conditioned museums with particle and gaseous filtration, in relation to external concentrations, ventilation strategies, and the characteristics of the internal fabric and finishes of these buildings

Reviewing past environments in a historic house using building simulation

This paper reviews different heatingregimes applied to the same space,using building simulation. Theconstruction of a computer simulationmodel to investigate past and presentenvironments in a historic house libraryis described. The model simulated fourhypothetical scenarios, based on realdata. The simulation outputs werereviewed in terms of the risk ofphysical and chemical deterioration,and their relationship with an existingnational standard for archives. Thepossibility of simulating pastenvironments to investigate naturalageing is also discussed

A case of metastatic Wilms’ tumour with reversible distortion of mediastinal anatomy : a diagnostic challenge for the echocardiographer

Delineation and documentation of anatomy in the presence of significant mass pathology presents a diagnostic challenge. This often necessitates the implementation of more than one imaging modality in order to perform an adequate assessment. We present a three-year old boy with extensive distortion of mediastinal anatomy secondary to pleural metastases from a Wilms tumour. This limited the ability to accurately assess mediastinal anatomy and cardiac function at baseline. Reassessment following initiation of chemotherapy showed a significant reduction in size of metastases with complete resolution of the mediastinal distortion.peer-reviewe