Search

This paper deals with the application of terrestrial laser scanner technology to the health monitoring of a monument in the World Heritage List. Specifically, this monument is a mediaeval wall located in Avila, Spain. The main aim of the paper is to show the relevance and novelty offered by the laser scanning methodology developed, which incorporates different statistical and modelling approaches not considered until now. In addition, the methods proposed in this paper together with the obtained results allow the measurement of entire structures or deformed shapes in buildings. The accuracy of our methodology compared to surveying methods proved satisfactory. Thus, they have been useful not only to show its viability but also to secure and maintain the safety and serviceability of this emblematic monument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with assessing how valuations for mortgage purposes reflect market evidence. Differences between the value obtained through the analysis of comparables and the final assigned value are analysed. The study is undertaken for the Spanish housing market at the peak of the house price boom. High levels of accuracy are apparent but with a tendency to over- rather than undervalue properties. Physical housing variables are shown to have a relatively homogeneous effect, whereas factors relating to the environment and location lead to wider differences between valuations. The effect of characteristics is shown to vary substantially between cities. There is no evidence from the analysis that the property bubble in Spain was driven by inaccuracy in valuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of heavy metals in big game meat may pose a risk to human health. The main objective of this paper is to carry out a risk assessment study (using a probabilistic and point-estimate approach) of lead intake by consumption of red deer and wild boar meat in Southern Spain based on Spanish data collected in the period 2003–2006. In general, the concentration levels found for wild boar meat (mean = 1291 µg kg−1) were much higher than those observed in red deer meat (mean = 326 µg kg−1). The results from a point-estimate risk assessment showed that the estimated average intake of lead among different exposure scenarios varied from 0.1 to 6.5 and from 0.3 to 38 µg kg−1 week−1 for red deer and wild boar meat, respectively; and from 0.3 to 35 µg kg−1 week−1 for individuals consuming both red deer and wild boar meat, and that the estimated intake of lead by consumption of big game meat differed significantly between hunters and non-hunters, it being higher for hunters. Besides this, results from the probabilistic risk assessment study corroborated the fact that risk is greater in hunter populations, reaching a maximum in individuals consuming only wild boar and both types of meat, with 0.4% and 0.2% of the population above the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), respectively. Likewise, the hunter populations consuming wild boar and both types of big game meat (red deer and wild boar meat) were exposed to the maximum lead level (56 µg kg−1 week−1), which corresponded approximately to 224% of the PTWI. Further data and studies will be needed to give a complete risk estimation in which it will be crucial to consider the contribution to the lead intake level of other foods in the diet of both population groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]