Briefly

Visa restrictions resulting from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks are hampering international scientific and engineering research, say presidents from three professional science organizations in an article from the National Society of Professional Engineers' (NSPE) Engineering Times.

Air Quality Sciences, Inc. (AQS), an indoor-air quality testing and research firm, has developed a test that determines the level of chemicals and particles released from HVAC duct materials when air is delivered to a building's occupied areas. The test measures respirable particles, formaldehyde and other volatile chemicals.

ASHRAE will develop a step-by-step procedure to determine the annual heating and cooling energy use of multiple-HVAC system buildings. At it's winter meeting in Chicago, the organization approved approximately $575,000 in funding for research projects.

The Chinese government has prequalified two consortia formed by CH2M Hill, Denver, in the firm's pursuit of two high profile projects for the 2008 Olympic Games. The consortia hope to gain the right to privately develop, own and operate several buildings, including the 80,000-seat National Stadium—where many major events will take place—and the Olympic Village.