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From constant beeps of machines and the footsteps up and down the hallway to the patient on the other side of the room who refuses to turn his television's volume down, hospitals have a well-deserved bad rap when it comes to getting much-needed rest.

Noise problems in hospitals have received more attention in recent years, including research showing it as more than an inconvenience. A study published online in June in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that hospital noise disrupts patients' sleep and affects their cardiovascular function.

An author of that study, Jo Marie Solet, Ph.D., a clinical instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, said lack of sleep affects people's immune systems that fight infections, their mood, memory and the ability to process information.

"People who have less sleep suffer more from pain," said Dr. Solet.

In addition to affecting patient health, noisy hospitals could also see changes in reimbursements they receive for providing care. The Affordable Care Act links hospital reimbursements for care to patient satisfaction surveys and other hospital quality measures.

Bob Hoffman, chief nursing officer at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, compares hospitals to small cities, where noise is a constant.

"There's a lot of people taking care of you," Mr. Hoffman said. "For every patient, probably at least 15 caregivers interact with them at a given time."

Mr. Hoffman and other health care officials who monitor patient surveys of their experiences know that the question about the area around their room "always" being quiet at night usually has the lowest score.

According to patient surveys from July 2010 to June 2011 from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, which provides survey data reported on most hospitals throughout the country, Pennsylvania's patient surveys report always having a quiet environment around their rooms 51 percent of the time, less than the national average of 59 percent.

Most hospitals in the Scranton area have survey ratings in the 50 percent range.

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In spite of everything, hospitals try to keep down the noise

NEW YORK, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

World Roofing Market

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0923001/World-Roofing-Market.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Home_Building_and_Improvement

World demand to rise 3.7% annually through 2016

World demand for roofing materials is forecast to grow 3.7 percent annually through 2016 to 11.8 billion square meters, a substantial acceleration from the slow growth of the market during the 2006-2011 period. Product sales in dollar terms are projected to grow more quickly, increasing 6.2 percent per year to $108 billion in 2016 as roofing prices rise. Gains in demand will be fueled by a major uptick in residential building construction activity, as construction industries in major developed nations such as the US rebound from their recent weakness. Further growth will be supported by continued gains in developing markets, particularly in the Asia/Pacific region.

US, China to remain key national roofing markets

Two countries, the US and China, will together account for nearly 60 percent of global gains in roofing demand in square meters through 2016. China, the world's largest market for roofing products in 2011, will continue its trend of strong growth and account for more than 30 percent of world market gains. The US, which experienced a collapse in new housing construction that began in 2006, will rebound significantly, but the US roofing market in 2016 will still be slightly below 2006 levels. Strong growth is also expected in a number of smaller developing nations, including India, Indonesia and South Africa. Although some developed countries will see fast rebound-fueled growth similar to the US, market gains will typically be smaller than in developing areas. In fact, Western Europe will be the slowest growing regional roofing market through 2016.

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World Roofing Market

PEABODY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN) ("Beacon") announced today that it has acquired Structural Materials, Co. (Structural), a distributor of residential and commercial roofing products and related accessories headquartered in Santa Ana, CA. Founded in 1948, Structural has six locations in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and in the surrounding areas, with total annual sales of approximately $81 million in 2011.

Paul Byrne, Structurals retiring founder, stated "I am thrilled that Structural is becoming part of the Beacon family. I have known Beacon and its leadership team for many years and they share Structurals belief that success comes from hard work and a full commitment to your customers and employees. Aligning with Beacon presented the best opportunity for Structural to continue its excellent history of customer service, expand its product offering and allow for continued profitable growth. Beacon also presents a great opportunity for our dedicated employees and their families to share in Beacons success as a large and fast-growing public company. I am very excited about Structurals future with Beacon."

Paul Isabella, Beacons CEO and President, emphasized the strategic fit of the acquisition and the compatibility of the two companies and stated, "We long have believed that Structural would be an excellent complement to our existing Southern California branches, which are operating under the Pacific Supply name, and will make Beacon the leading roofing supply distributor in the important Southern California market. We want to thank Paul Byrne and his family for this opportunity to have Structural, with its experienced team, join forces with Beacon. We look forward to continuing and expanding their reputation for superlative customer service, which has been built through decades of hard work."

About Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.: Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. is a leading distributor of roofing materials and complementary building products operating 206 branches in 38 states in the United States and across Canada. Website: http://www.beaconroofingsupply.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.'s business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.

BECN-F

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Beacon Roofing Supply Acquires Southern California-Based Structural Materials Co.

02-07-2012 11:03 10332 Almond Street, Alta Loma, CA 91737 - 4272 Sqft, 4 BD, 6 BA, Office, Room Addition, Lot 25426 Sqft. Stunning custom estate high on the foothills of Alta Loma with inspiring views of the mountains, valley and city lights. No immediate neighbors to the north. Professionally landscaped front and back yards feature a fountain, pool and spa with cascading water features, a fire pit, BBQ, RV parking and lush flower beds of fragrant roses. Impressive entryway, custom flooring, arched windows, majestic fireplaces - including a dual-sided one in the master suite, shared with the master bathroom. Essentially a single-story floor plan with a spacious second-story quarters featuring amazing views from a private balcony. Enjoy the gourmet kitchen, stately formal dining room, expansive formal living room, large family room, and an elegant office. For more information about buying or selling a custom home in Alta Loma, contact Hajia Zafar today: or 951.538.2488.

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ALTA LOMA, CA - 10332 Almond Street, Custom Estate, SOLD by Hajia Zafar - Video

By Erik Matuszewski - 2012-07-03T04:01:00Z

Dara Torress bid to qualify for her sixth Olympic team at age 45 ended with a fourth-place finish in the 50-meter freestyle at the U.S. swimming trials.

Jessica Hardy earned her second individual win yesterday in Omaha, Nebraska, where she finished in 24.5 seconds to add the 50m to her triumph in the 100m freestyle. Hardy missed the 2008 Beijing Olympics after testing positive for a banned substance later ruled to be caused by a tainted supplement.

Kara Lynn Joyce took the second Olympic berth in the 50 freestyle with a time of 24.73, hitting the wall nine-hundredths of a second ahead of Torres, whose 12 Olympic medals are tied for the most by a U.S. female swimmer.

This is really over, Torres, who took three silver medals in Beijing, said in a televised interview. Im going to enjoy some time with my daughter, have a nice summer and cheer the U.S. team on.

Torress only event came on the final day of the U.S. Olympic trials, where Michael Phelps said hed drop the 200- meter freestyle from his schedule in London, leaving him with a shot at one fewer gold medal than the record eight he won in Beijing four years ago.

Phelps, whose 14 Olympic gold medals are the most in history, had won the 200m freestyle at the trials on June 27, yet said hell skip it to focus on other events.

The biggest thing we wanted to do is make sure that we could compete at a high level with a lot of events, Phelps said in a phone interview. After this week, thinking about everything that will be there in London with possibly adding three relays, we just want the best shot at doing the best that we can with the events that we have.

Phelps will race in four individual events in London -- the 100- and 200-meter butterfly and the 200- and 400-meter individual medley -- and probably compete in three relays.

Hardy, 25, won both the 50- and 100-meter freestyles in Omaha after failing to qualify for the Olympics in her best event, the 100-meter breaststroke.

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Dara Torres Falls Short of Sixth Olympics at 45 as Hardy Wins

01-07-2012 14:32 Outer Molding will be replaced next week to complete the job.

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Window Frame and Window Replacement Project - Video

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. (UTX) company, today announced that CBS Studios will install six PureCell stationary fuel cell systems at two production locations in California. Three units will be installed at CBS Studio Center, a production facility with 18 sound stages and office space in Studio City, Calif. Three others will be installed at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, Calif., housing eight sound stages and office space. The studios, which are used by CBS and other media outlets, produce many of today's top shows, including Entertainment Tonight, The Price is Right, CSI: NY, NCIS, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120228/NE60332LOGO )

The PureCell systems to be installed at CBS are a proven solution to today's energy challenges, and will provide the studios with lower energy costs through superior efficiency, security and reduced emissions. In fact, the PureCell systems at Studio Center and Television City will produce a total of 2.4 MW of power, satisfying 40 percent and 60 percent of the studios' electricity requirements, respectively. Thermal energy from the systems will be utilized to provide cooling for both studios and will also be used for space heating and domestic hot water at Television City. Additionally, four of the PureCell systems will be configured to operate independently of the electric grid. This important feature will provide energy security for the studios, serving as critical power backups during blackouts, natural disasters and man-made emergencies.

"Fuel cells are a great fit for our business and sustainability goals," said Michael Klausman, President, CBS Studio Center & Senior VP Operations, CBS Television City. "With the installation of these PureCell systems, we will substantially increase our energy security by being able to continue operations in the event of a grid outage and, equally important, the installation is projected to reduce our impact on the environment and provide significant energy cost savings for our business."

In total, the PureCell systems will prevent the release of more than 2,370 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually the equivalent of planting nearly 550 acres of trees. The reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions, when compared to a conventional power plant, are equal to the environmental benefits of removing more than 357 cars from the road. In addition to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, these PureCell systems, which operate in water balance, will enable CBS to save more than 2.8 million gallons of water annually, enough to fill 41/2 Olympic swimming pools. With the installation of these clean fuel cell systems, CBS builds upon their legacy of strong environmental stewardship by significantly increasing their contribution to a greener, more sustainable community.

"We are thrilled to provide fuel cells for CBS, a world-renowned company with a long and proud history," said Joe Triompo, Vice President and General Manager at UTC Power. "Our efficient PureCell systems are a great fit for these busy studios and will help CBS to lower their energy costs, increase their energy security and reduce their environmental emissions by producing clean, reliable power on-site."

This project is supported by funding from California's Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). The units are scheduled to be delivered later this year.

The PureCell system is a combined heat and power system that represents a game-changing technology. Compared to typical central generation and other fuel cell offerings, the PureCell system offers customers lower energy costs, reduced emissions, an industry-leading 90 percent system efficiency and an industry-best 10-year cell stack life.

About UTC Power

UTC Power is part of United Technologies Corp. (UTC), which provides energy-efficient products and services to the aerospace and building industries. Based in South Windsor, Conn., UTC Power is the world leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate energy for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications. UTC Power has designed, manufactured, and installed more than 300 stationary fuel cells in 19 countries on six continents. For more information, please visit http://www.utcpower.com

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UTC Power PureCell® systems to power the stars - CBS Studios to install 6 fuel cell systems providing 2.4 megawatts of ...

03 Jul 2012

CBS Studios, the American television production and distribution company, is to install a total of six 400 kW UTC PureCell at two production locations in California. Three systems will be installed at CBS Studio Center, a production facility with eighteen sound stages and offices in Studio City; the remaining three will be installed at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, which houses eight soundstages and offices.

The systems will provide the studios with lower energy costs thanks to their high efficiency and low emissions; the fuel cells will meet 40% of the electricity requirement of Studio Center and 60% of the requirement of Television City. High-grade thermal energy from the systems will be used to provide cooling at both locations as well as space heating and domestic hot water at Television City.

Four of the PureCell systems will be configured for grid-independent operation, providing security to the studios in light of possible power outage scenarios. Furthermore, the systems will abate the release of 2,370 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

"Fuel cells are a great fit for our business and sustainability goals," said Michael Klausman, President, CBS Studio Center & Senior VP Operations, CBS Television City. "With the installation of these PureCell systems, we will substantially increase our energy security by being able to continue operations in the event of a grid outage and, equally important, the installation is projected to reduce our impact on the environment and provide significant energy cost savings for our business."

UTC Power expects to install the systems later this year.

Image: CBS Television City lit up blue (Credit: CBS)

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FuelCellToday - The leading authority on fuel cells

By Leslie Krowchenko Correspondent

The Marple Zoning Board voted unanimously, June 20, to grant a variance to RKA Builders to open a business office in the main building of 30 North Sproul Road. The parcel is zoned R-3 Residential.

The property, with a two-story apartment and detached garage, has served for many years as the office and home of Victor Zelkovitz M.D. The sale was contingent upon the boards approval.

RKA, which renovates older properties in the West Chester Pike and Route 30 corridors, currently rents office space in Bryn Mawr. The company plans to expand the professional facility to the entire first floor to accommodate the two or three employees on site each day. The firm has little walk-in traffic and the three parking spots in front of the building, and additional space in the driveway, should satisfy its needs, said RKA principal Andrew Kerns.

The second story, entered through an auxiliary front door, will be rented as a two-bedroom apartment. Equipment and construction materials related to the firm will not be stored on the property, said Kerns.

Although the tract is zoned residential, attorney George Broseman noted it is surrounded by numerous commercial uses, such as an auto body shop, dental office, bakery, dance studio, and hair salon, and multi-family homes.

The zoners stipulated the property be classified as two separate uses for the office and apartment.

The property, with a two-story apartment and detached garage, has served for many years as the office and home of Victor Zelkovitz M.D. The sale was contingent upon the boards approval.

RKA, which renovates older properties in the West Chester Pike and Route 30 corridors, currently rents office space in Bryn Mawr. The company plans to expand the professional facility to the entire first floor to accommodate the two or three employees on site each day. The firm has little walk-in traffic and the three parking spots in front of the building, and additional space in the driveway, should satisfy its needs, said RKA principal Andrew Kerns.

The second story, entered through an auxiliary front door, will be rented as a two-bedroom apartment. Equipment and construction materials related to the firm will not be stored on the property, said Kerns.

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RKA Builders get okay for office

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) introduced today the Trimble 773 Robotic Total Station with VISION(TM) technology as part of the Trimble Field Link for MEP and Trimble Field Link for Structures construction layout solutions. The new layout solutions allow general contractors, steel contractors, concrete contractors and mechanical, engineering and plumbing (MEP) trades to easily interpret the measurement of surfaces and positions using live video for increased accuracy and productivity as it relates to the layout of field points.

The Trimble 773 Total Station with VISION Technology enables building construction contractors to remotely see and measure through a live video feed from the instrument on their Trimble Tablet within the Trimble Field Link software. By integrating 2D line-work, point symbols, point names, descriptions and/or point elevations with the live video in the field, contractors can easily locate and stake points as defined in the data file for the project.

"By adding VISION technology to our Trimble Field Link construction layout solutions, we further connect the design aspects of building construction to field based processes," said Pat Bohle, general manager of Trimble's Building Construction Division. "Overlaying 2D line-work and point data from Trimble Field Link job files onto live video from a Trimble total station is the next step in the evolution of our layout portfolio to help provide greater productivity and accuracy for the building construction contractor."

The Trimble 773 Robotic Total Station with VISION technology for Trimble Field Link is available now through Trimble's Authorized Distributors of construction layout solutions for MEP and structures contractors.

About Trimble's Building Construction Business

Trimble's Building Construction Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the building construction contractor. Trimble's solutions target general, concrete, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors on large and small commercial, industrial and residential jobsites. Trimble is focused on delivering solutions that tightly link office based process and information with the field crew--including taking Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other design data to the field for highly accurate positioning and layout of foundations and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Trimble solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project--delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the building construction lifecycle.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring positioning or location, including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user in the field and to ensure communication between the field and the office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit: http://www.trimble.com.

CONTACT: Willa McManmon, Investors, +1-408-481-7838, willa_mcmanmon@trimble.com, or Lea Ann McNabb, Media, +1-408-481-7808, leaann_mcnabb@trimble.com

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Software for MEP Trades aids in-field construction layout tasks.