Tolerance of Noise in the University Library

In modern civilization, noise has become a problem in many situations. Traffic noise has been seen to reduce level of health and quality of life (Dratva et. al. 2010). Background noise has been seen to reduce learning ability (Lukits 2012). Even at low levels, noise has been identified as a source of distraction, irritation and low productivity (HR Focus 2006). This study examined the degree to which various sources of noise are a problem to university library users. Preliminary exploratory investigation was conducted with secondary research, as well as informal consultation with library staff, informal discussion with undergraduate classes and first-hand, unstructured observation in the library. With the information gained, a paper questionnaire was constructed consisting of fourteen items representing various sources of noise which were rated on seven-point scales ranging from 1 for least problematic to 7 for most problematic. These were self-completed by 199 library users in various parts of the library over a period of three days at various times of those days. An overall average of the rating was calculated and then the average of the rating from each source was compared with t-tests. Greater tolerance than average was seen for noises that were part of the normal operation of the library. Lower tolerance was seen for sources which were not part of normal operation such as construction, student socializing and cell phones. Interestingly, noises associated with cell phone use, both the ringing of the devices and the talking into them, were less tolerated than average. Also, the level of tolerance of these noises decreased with age of respondent

The Effects of Caffeine on Maximal Anaerobic Exercise

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file

Identifying Potential Student Blood Donors by Personality Traits

A convenience sample of 149 university students was surveyed on their attitudes and behaviors toward blood donation and with a scale of twenty four personality trait items. These items reduced to a seven- factor structure. The data were divided into two groups of high and low-likelihood of blood donation which were compared on factor means. Differences were seen on the “Concern for Others” and the “Down to Earth” factors although not all items in a factor were different and differences were seen in some non- significant factors. Applications of these finding are suggested

A Comparison of Potential Student Blood Donors to Actual Donors

With a growing need for blood and blood products, managers of blood collection agencies are interested in increasing donation rates. A better understanding of how donors are different from the general public might inform decisions on how to promote to make non-donors more like donors. A sample of 74 student blood donors was surveyed at two university blood donor clinics about their attitudes and beliefs about blood donation. A convenience sample of 134 respondents in a university student population was also surveyed for comparison. The latter was later split by level of commitment to blood donation. Differences among these three groups were tested. Applications of these finding are suggested

Magna Carta, the Rule of Law and the Limits on Government

This paper surveys the legal tradition that links Magna Carta with the modern concepts of the rule of law and the limits on government. It documents that the original understanding of the rule of law included substantive commitments to individual freedom and limited government. Then, it attempts at explaining how and why such commitments were lost to a formalist interpretation of the rule of law from 1848 to 1939. The paper concludes by arguing how a revival of the substantive commitments of the rule of law is central in a project of reshaping modern states

BIOMASS ENERGY POTENTIAL FROM LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY WASTES IN THE NORTHEAST

This study estimates the potential energy available from livestock and poultry wastes in the northeastern United States for 1982, with projections for 1990. Anaerobic digestion of dairy cow, hog, and laying hen manures could have produced 16.9 billion cubic feet of methane gas in 1982, with little change for 1990. Direct burning of litter from broilers, turkeys, and pullets could have resulted in 8.9 trillion Btu's in 1982 and 10.3 trillion Btu's in 1990. The total potential farm value of biomass energy ranged from $166 to$255 million in 1982 and $289 million to$458 million in 1990

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL FOR BIOMASS ENERGY FROM LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY WASTES IN THE SOUTH

'Livestock and poultry' wastes could produce significant amounts of bI energy if conventional energy prices continue to rise.. This study ettiros the recover/able energy potentially available from livestock and poultyy wateo in the southern United States in 1980 with projections for 1990 • The pcItentlal . energy from anaerobic digestion (JE dairy cow, hog, fed beef, and laying hen manurcs was 20.6 billion cubic feet of methane gas in 1980 with 20.6. trillion Btu's of enc!rgy; only slight increases are projected for 1990. Diroct burning .of litter from broilers, turkeys, and pullets could have produced 43.7- trirnon, Btu's of energy in 1980 with 58,6 trillion Btu's projected for 1990. The total potential farm value of biomass energy from these enterpries ranged from $141 to$446 million in 1980 and 43/40 million to $1.08 billion in 1990 depewling upon the types of conventional energy displaced. Biomass energy valuas ria highest when substituted for LP gas

Energy Potential from Livestock and Poultry Wastes in the South

Livestock and poultry wastes could produce significant amounts of biomass energy if conventional energy prices continue to rise. This study estimates the economically recoverable energy available through anaerobic digestion or direct burning of animal wastes in the South for the base year 1980 with projections for 1985 and 1990. Potential thermal energy from livestock and poultry wastes in 1990 could total more than 79.5 trillion Btu, or about 30 percent of the energy from such sources nationwide. The total potential farm value of biomass energy from livestock and poultry enterprises in the South could range from $344 million to$1.08 billion in 1990 depending upon the types of conventional energy displaced. Energy products from these wastes attained their highest value when substituted for LP gas

Changes in Student Consumer Behavior and Materialism During a Recession

Terror Management Theory (TMT) would predict increased materialism and an increased “urge to splurge” with increasing threat to self esteem. An economic recession of the size seen in 2008-9 might be enough to trigger such reactions. To test this, data were acquired from students just prior to the onset of the recession in 2008 and again a year later at the lowest point of the recession. As predicted by TMT, materialism was seen to increase, but only on the success dimension. Contrary to TMT, frugality did not decrease