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2009-11-25
Several Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, Mycobacterium...Full Text Available
2009-11-25
Full Text Available.Several Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, Mycobacterium leprae, and other mycobacterial pathogens produce a group of small-molecule virulence factors called phenolic glycolipids (PGLs). PGLs play key roles in pathogenicity and host−pathogen interaction. Thus, elucidation of the PGL biosynthetic pathway will not only expand our understanding of natural product biosynthesis, but may also illuminate routes to novel therapeutics to afford alternative lines of defense against mycobacterial infections. In this study, we report an investigation of the enzymatic requirements for the production of long-chain p-hydroxyphenylalkanoate intermediates of PGL biosynthesis. We demonstrate a functional cooperation between a coenzyme A-independent stand-alone didomain initiation module (FadD22) and a 6-domain reducing iterative type I polyketide synthase (Pks15/1) for production of p-hydroxyphenylalkanoate intermediates in in vitro and in vivo FadD22-Pks15/1 reconstituted systems. Our results suggest that Pks15/1 is an iterative type I polyketide synthase with a relaxed control of catalytic cycle iterations, a mechanistic property that explains the origin of a characteristic alkyl chain length variability seen in mycobacterial PGLs. The FadD22-Pks15/1 reconstituted systems lay an initial foundation for future efforts to unveil the mechanism of iterative catalysis control by which the structures of the final products of Pks15/1 are defined, and to scrutinize the functional partnerships of the FadD22-Pks15/1 system with downstream enzymes of the PGL biosynthetic pathway.
http://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/490
Over the past century and accelerated since the end of the post WWII manufacturing boom, a number of forces acting upon manufacturing organisations have led to significant changes to underlying manufacturing philosophies used, to the technologies employed and to the manufacturing methods and practices applied. Such forces (Hammer and Champy, 1993, pp. 17) are related to organisational survival factors such as market share and price premiums, cost reductions, quicker response to new market demands, quicker response to competitor practices, operating equipment effectiveness, cycle time reductions and reductions to inefficiencies and material requirements. As a result, manufacturing organisations now have an increased focus on specific competitive advantages, geographic spread and location, management of costs, relations with customers and suppliers and by no means least, the treatment and development of people (Porter, 1990, pp. 40~41). As well, in some industries more than others, there has been a progressive change in focus away for separate, arms-length entities along a common supply chain to a more integrated and collaborative view. (Christopher, 1998, pp. 5). Supply Chain Management (SCM) as such, is by now recognised by many organisations as a means by which they can gain competitive advantage and improve their business results (Spekman et al., 1998, pp. 630). Effective SCM therefore can become a strategic factor in a firm's success (Cohen and Roussel, 2005, pp. 9). This is particularly the case as more companies link their advantages together and start to operate as supply networks of interdependent supply chain partners as opposed to separate, stand-alone entities (Spekman et al., 1998, pp. 632). Associated with such an approach is the integration of intra and inter-businesses processes in order to achieve such business-to-business linkage. As illustrated by companies such as Amazon, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Wal-Mart, Shell Chemical and Georgia-Pacific Corp, an effective supply chain network can competitively outperform the standalone model (Lummus and Alber, 1997, pp. 10, Cohen and Roussel, 2005, pp. 10). This superior performance manifests itself as performance advantages on a number of key supply chain performance measures (Shin et al., 2000, pp. 330). Consistent with the theme of supply chain management, this research deals specifically with the order fulfilment processes operating within a supply chain and in particular the integration of those processes both horizontally and vertically within the chain. The key belief is that higher levels of such integration will assist organisations to improve their supply chain and overall business performance. The major objective of this work therefore was to answer the question: 'How much and in what ways does the integration of supply chain logistics processes in manufacturing organisations impact upon business performance?' The methodology used to address the above research question consisted firstly of conducting an exhaustive literature review. From that review, the main research hypotheses and three theoretical frameworks were proposed. The hypotheses and theoretical frameworks captured the ideas and findings of numerous researchers and writers with respect to variables and relationship structures that may help answer the research question. The main research hypotheses developed and tested therefore were as follows: H1: That the integration of supply chain logistics processes does significantly and positively impact supply chain and business performance. H2: That the application of supply chain management principles does significantly and positively impact supply chain and business performance. H3: That the application of human 'social' principles/approaches does significantly and positively impact supply chain and business performance. Following the literature review, a survey instrument was designed and tested, contact details of target participants were obtained and finally the sequence of questionnaire related letters (including the questionnaire) was mailed out. Responses were assessed for suitability (completeness and reasonableness), entered into Excel and later imported into SPSS ver. 13.0 for analysis. 210 usable responses were obtained from 230 returned questionnaires sent to 1050 supply chain professionals in 990 companies worldwide. The results of the data analysis (principally via the use of structural equation modelling) showed conditional support for each of the research hypotheses and good support for the first of the proposed theoretical frameworks. Because of this, a simulation model of the first theoretical framework was developed such that the research results can: (a) be seen visually and in a dynamic way, (b) be used by others to test their mental models of supply chain 'DNA' against and to improve the robustness of their supply chain improvement plans and initiatives and (c) be used by educators to demonstrate dynamically the relationships between supply chain lever and outcome variables. The second and third theoretical frameworks proposed were not supported. Factor analysis was undertaken in order to reduce highly related variables to fewer underlying constructs. The factor analysis confirmed that such data-reduction was possible for the study's chosen variables such that the 10 dependent variables could be reduced to 5 variates and the study's 32 independent variables could be reduced to 8 variates. The research conclusions are described including identification of conditional support for the three above hypotheses, confirmation of the best-fit theoretical model and affirmation that integration of supply chain logistics processes does positively influence both supply chain and business outcomes. Implications arising from and limitations of the study are discussed, as are recommendations for further research Publisher: Graduate School of Business - Faculty of Commerce Source: University of Wollongong Thesis Collection
http://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/402
'Bastard of a Paper' is a political documentary script which is supported by a thesis. It contends that 'the public right to know' requires more support against political expediency. The script depicts the conflict between 'hard-nosed' investigative journalists at the National Times/Times on Sunday and the NSW state and federal governments during the 1980s - an era renowned for its investigative reporting. Institutionalised corruption, which had been tolerated by previous governments despite numerous royal commissions on related issues, was the most contentious issue. The script implicates the ensuing political pressure - to sideline media investigation into corruption - in the demise of the National Times evident in the closure of the Times on Sunday. The thesis, which is the second part of this work, contains the research which determines the construction of the script. The early part of the script establishes that the National Times's adversarial reporting originated in part from the 'era of dissent'. The 1960s and 1970s influenced the relationship between politicians, journalists and the public in favour of 'watchdog' journalism. In the script, the National Times team of journalists share a sense of egalitarianism. Their strong reporting was also due to the relative editorial independence at John Fairfax Limited especially after 1978 when James Fairfax replaced Sir Warwick Fairfax as Chairperson. However, also at this time, the newly elected Wran state government was intent on ensuring the support of big business and especially the media. This agenda was a response to the fall of the Whitlam Federal Labor government in 1975 and the press's history of generally supporting Liberal governments. The Federal Labor government elected in 1983 also pursued unprecedented close relationships with big business which the National Times and the Times on Sunday criticised. The Hawke government's favourable treatment of Fairfax's competitorRupert Murdoch's company News Corporation -led in part to Fairfax's near dissolution and the context in which the Times on Sunday closed. This context was prohibitive for any journalism except that which was friendly to the political establishment which was then the right wing of the Labor Party otherwise known as 'the machine' . The thesis and the script establish that the corruption alleged in National Times stories warranted such 'hard-nosed journalism'. Long-standing practices such as extortion had become institutionalised during the Vietnam War when Kings Cross was a popular 'rest and recreation' destination. Drug trafficking particularly of heroin led to unforeseen profits which were laundered through gambling. Its impact on society eroded traditional tolerance of corruption which had evolved from unenforceable laws. Whistle blowers and reform minded politicians began demanding reform, especially after the corruption related murders of community figures such as Donald Mackay and Juanita Nielsen during the 1970s. By the 1980s, the National Times was far from alone in calling for reform. However, the Wran government was reluctant to initiate reform; the NSW Police Force being one example The traditional 'talking heads' documentary format makes the National Times 'team' of journalists - the main focus. This structure expresses that events described in the script arose out of circumstances just as much if not more so than individuals. Moreover, integration of this traditional form with fiction film motifs for example foregrounds the script's construction rather than the techniques of cinema verite or docu-auteurs which efface their own manipulation of events. The dialogue in 'Bastard of a Paper' is sourced from previously published material, archival footage and to a lesser extent from three personal interviews with former National Times journalists - David Rickie, Wendy Bacon and Evan Whitton. The sources for all dialogue in the script are cited in Chapter Three of the thesis and its footnotes. With few exceptions, the dialogue in the script is from previously published sources. Publisher: School of Journalism and Creative Arts - Faculty of Creative Arts Source: University of Wollongong Thesis Collection
http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/25768
This study employed the theoretical framework of Albert Bandura???s social cognitive theory, to investigate how differing levels of self-efficacy impact on both the type and degree of self-regulatory behaviour employed by the students when composing music in a high school music program. The literature review revealed an abundance of related research suggesting a strong relationship between self-efficacy and self-regulated behaviour in the ???core??? academic domains of education. In contrast, there was no specific research found that had examined self-efficacy and self-regulation in the context of students composing music. An independent school in Sydney served as the research site, with sixty-eight students of varied year levels and musical experience participating in the study. Students used stand alone computers, the software ???Cubase??? and MIDI keyboards as they completed a task that involved creating an original piece of music in a genre of their own choice, over a series of four composition sessions. A mixed methodology was employed to determine if the influence of the students??? self-efficacy beliefs upon their self-regulation in a creative activity were consistent with existing research. Data were collected using a mixture of weekly measures and self-report scales, combined with a variety of questionnaires, logs, tally sheets and interviews. Eight variables, including the self-regulatory sub-processes of goal setting-strategic planning, intrinsic motivation, goal orientation, task expectation, time on task, task completion, monitoring were analysed together with an additional variable, defined as creative ability, to determine if evidence could be found of a relationship between self-efficacy and these specific behaviours while composing. The results suggest that the pre-task (Week 1) measure of self-efficacy was closely associated with the students??? use of the eight self-regulatory dimensions as well as their perceived level of creative ability. Weekly self-efficacy measures also suggested that students??? employ self-regulated sub-processes proportionally to their respective levels of self-efficacy. Importantly, the more efficacious students employed a wider and more sophisticated repertoire of self-regulated behaviour when composing in contrast to the less efficacious students. Self-efficacy was also identified as a key factor amongst students who were initially identified as being naive self-regulators, but who through the duration of the task, modified their behaviour to become more skilful self-regulators. Throughout the study, the consistent level of interaction between self-efficacy and the use of self-regulated behaviours were aligned with findings in the core ???academic??? disciplines of education. Publisher: Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Music and Music Education Language: EN Rights: Copyright Bradley Maxwell Merrick; http://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/copyright
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:158791
The series of experiments which form this thesis investigate the generalisation of visuomotor learning. The thesis consists of seven chapters, with the first chapter providing a general introduction to the research program, and the final chapter a summary of the main research findings. Chapters 2 to 6 each represent stand-alone scientific works. Chapter 2 is a review of previous work examining the constraints imposed by the central nervous system on the generalisation of visuomotor learning in behavioural tasks. Particular consideration is given to tasks which have investigated how adaptation to a visuomotor rotation transfers to new visual target locations and movement directions. The role of contextual information in facilitating dual adaptation to opposing novel environments which are initially prone to interference is also discussed. The study described in Chapter 3 first assessed if movements made with a custom designed two degree of freedom isometric torque manipulandum would manifest a typical pattern of motor adaptation when subjects were exposed to a single visuomotor rotation. Two groups of subjects were trained to a single visuomotor rotation, which were of a different magnitude and in opposite directions for each group. Following a rapid improvement in performance to the rotated environment over the course of the training block, directional after-effects were observed on return to the non-rotated environment. Once it was confirmed that our task produced a typical pattern of adaptation to a single visuomotor rotation, we then examined if colour cues provided a suitable source of contextual information to facilitate dual adaptation to two directionally opposed visuomotor rotations of unequal magnitude, which were concurrently presented to the same set of visual targets. A performance improvement over the course of training occurred to only one of the visuomotor rotations, with the possibility of a performance decrement to the other. The absence of after-effects following training indicated that adaptation did not occur in a similar manner to that observed in the single visuomotor rotation groups. The study presented in chapter 4 further investigated constraints on the ability of subjects to dual adapt to opposing visuomotor rotations. We tested if colour cues, a separation in workspace, and presentation schedule, could be used to distinguish between two opposing visuomotor rotations and enable dual adaptation. The opposing visuomotor rotations were either presented in the same region of workspace and each associated with colour cues, presented in different regions of workspace in addition to colour cues, or presented in different regions of workspace only. We also assessed the effectiveness of the workspace separation with both randomised and alternating presentation schedules. The results indicated that colour cues were not effective at enabling dual adaptation when each of the visuomotor rotations was associated with the same region of workspace. When associated with different regions of workspace, however, dual adaptation to the opposing rotations was successful regardless of whether colour cues were present or the type of presentation schedule. The purpose of the study described in chapter 5 was to determine if target amplitude would serve as an appropriate source of contextual information to enable dual adaptation. This was tested by associating two opposing visuomotor rotations with a set of visual targets that were matched in angular direction but of different amplitude. The two sets of visual target amplitudes also resulted in movements of different amplitude. The results indicated that visual target and movement amplitude is not a suitable source of contextual information to enable dual adaptation. Interference was observed in groups who were exposed to opposing visuomotor rotations, or a visuomotor rotation and no rotation, both when the onset of the visuomotor rotations was sudden, or occurred gradually over the course of training. Furthermore, the pattern of interference indicated that the inability to dual adapt was the result of the generalisation of learning between the two visual target and movement amplitudes. Chapter 6 describes a series of experiments in which we used a dual adaptation paradigm to assess if distinct patterns of generalisation for visuomotor learning were manifested in the visual and motor workspaces. By manipulating the position of the visual targets and the magnitude and direction of the visuomotor rotations, we were able to independently determine the extent of generalisation in the visual and motor workspaces during the adaptation phase of the task. When the set of targets associated with each of the opposing visuomotor rotations were near in the visual workspace and separate in the motor workspace, extensive interference was observed. In the reverse scenario when the targets were separate in the visual workspace and near in the motor workspace, only a limited degree of interference was present. The dominance of generalisation in the visual workspace was supported by the result that dual adaptation to opposing visuomotor rotations was found to occur when separate targets in the visual workspace required movements to overlapping targets in the motor workspace.
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:158305
Invasive candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis are both leading causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Pharmacodynamics is the study of concentration-effect relationships. In recent years, there have been significant advances in the pharmacodynamics of antibacterial and antiviral agents. In contrast, less is known about the pharmacodynamics of antifungal agents. This thesis examines the pharmacodynamic relationships of antifungal agents for invasive candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis as a means for studying a range of clinically relevant questions which are difficult to resolve using other experimental platforms. The common themes are as follows: (1) the development of novel experimental pharmacodynamic models are required for an understanding of concentration-effect relationships; (2) innate immunological effectors, in combination with antifungal agents play a crucial role in determining the outcome of invasive fungal infections; (3) a delay in the administration of antifungal agents is potentially detrimental to the host; (4) critical events in the invasion of Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. occur within the initial 24 hour period post infection; (5) mathematical models can be used to further understand and predict system behavior; and (6) population pharmacokinetics and Monte Carlo simulation provide a mechanism to further explore the clinical implications of experimental data. An introduction to the microbiology and pathogenesis of invasive fungal infections, along with the pharmacology of antifungal agents and modeling techniques used are reviewed in Chapter 1. The pharmacodynamic models of invasive candidiasis, developed in Chapter 2, which were then used to study: (1) the antifungal effect of neutrophils, and (2) the effect of a delay in the administration of antifungal agents on the exposure-response relationships. The findings were placed in a pathological context, by defining the histological appearances in the kidney. These studies demonstrated that neutrophils exerted a significant antifungal effect independent of antifungal agents. The antifungal effect of neutrophils was quantified using a mathematical model. A progressive delay in the administration of antifungal agents resulted in a diminishing antifungal effect. The data underscores the importance of adequate numbers of neutrophils and the administration of antifungal agents at the earliest possible point in time to maximize the probability of a favorable therapeutic outcome. Chapter 3 investigates the utility of combining the antifungal agents amphotericin B and 5- fluorocytosine (5FC) for the treatment of invasive candidiasis. Using a surface response methodology, the combination was shown to be additive. The clinical implications of this finding were explored using population pharmacokinetics and Monte Carlo simulation; this approach showed that the currently recommended dosage of 5FC is significantly in excess of that required to produce near maximal effect, and therefore unnecessarily exposes recipients to the risk of drug related toxicity. In Chapter 4, a unique molecular mechanism of resistance of C. albicans to 5FC was defined. In Chapter 5, a definition of a drug-exposure breakpoint for 5FC was sought (i.e. a value which separates individuals into groups with a satisfactory versus a suboptimal outcome), and the clinical implications of this finding were explored. Isolates in which the molecular mechanism of 5FC resistance had been defined in Chapter 4, were used. These experimental data were then bridged to humans to predict a susceptibility breakpoint of 5FC. Chapter 6 represents a synthesis of all of the skills acquired in previous chapters, to develop a novel in vitro model of the human alveolus. This model was used to study the pathogenesis of early invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and the pharmacodynamic relationships of amphotericin B against A. fumigatus. A long standing problem related to the measurement of the residual Aspergillus burden following antifungal therapy was resolved with the use of the Aspergillus cell-wall antigen, galactomannan. The invasion of Aspergillus was studied using confocal microscopy and an A. fumigatus transformant expressing green fluorescent protein. The growth of Aspergillus could not be suppressed with antifungal drugs alone; rather, a combination of amphotericin B and macrophages was required to suppress growth. A large mathematical model was developed to define the concentration of amphotericin B and number of macrophages required to suppress fungal growth. The clinical implications of the experimental data were explored using population pharmacokinetics and Monte Carlo simulation. In the concluding chapter, the advantages of a pharmacodynamic approach and the future challenges are discussed.
http://arrow.monash.edu.au/hdl/1959.1/2690
The purpose of this paper is to examine from a societal perspective, the relative cost-effectiveness of diabetes prevention through promotion of behavioural change by GPs, compared to current GP practice. For policy and practical relevance, the initiative is examined as a stand-alone program, as well as nested within the context of a public health program for the reduction of cardiovascular disease(CVD). The `piggy-backed' design reflects the joint risk factors shared by non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and CVD, together with significant cost savings and, potentially, improved rates of participation and adherence. Results are compared to recent cost-effectiveness findings for NIDDM prevention through media campaigns and other settings (weight loss clinics and the workplace). Methods A hypothetical NIDDM program is evaluated, where estimated costs are based upon recent trials of multiple risk factor reduction programs in Australia. Program effectiveness in reducing Body Mass Index (BMI), the impact of that weight reduction on the incidence of NIDDM, and the associated mortality effects, are drawn from a survey of studies reported in the literature on dietary and lifestyle change. The value of health care savings from a fall in NIDDM is estimated and deducted from program cost to provide an estimate of the net cost of the NIDDM initiative. Central to the methodology is disease modelling incorporating the literature findings. A simple Markov model has been utilised, which includes age specific all-cause mortality estimates adjusted for overweight and metabolic status. Available evidence on current practice suggests that preventive care within GP consultations is provided to approximately 22% of those who are overweight (BMI > 24.9), with verbal advice being the most usual approach. Screening for associated pathology occurs infrequently, either for cholesterol levels (6% of eligible patients) or NIDDM (25% of eligible patients). The benefits of current weight related preventive activity are assumed to be reflected in the current incidence of NIDDM. The annual cost of care for current cases of NIDDM has been estimated at $1,800 per patient. The costs and benefits of current practice are deducted from the costs and benefits of the NIDDM program to provide the incremental impact of the new initiative. Results Using a 5% discount rate, net incremental cost per life year saved is estimated to be approximately $63,000, if implemented as an independent program, or $4,000 if piggy-backed onto a CVD intervention. One of the problems in considering the efficiency of the hypothetical NIDDM program evaluated is the great variability in results. Sensitivity analysis reveals a wide range of outcomes under varied but plausible assumptions. For the NIDDM program run in `stand-alone' mode, cost-effectiveness varies from $96,000 per life year through to $18,500 per life year. In other words, the hypothetical NIDDM program could be excellent value-for-money or a white elephant. Such variability casts particular importance on understanding the nature and predictability of the program's costs and outcomes. While some cost containment measures can improve efficiency (`piggy-backing' the program, reducing set-up costs and overheads, use of nurses in patient recruitment), others can dramatically reduce efficiency (ie decreasing GP participation). Apart from the stand-alone/piggy-backing decision and reduced set-up costs, the major improvements in efficiency all come from improvements in effectiveness. The extent of GP participation, patient recruitment criteria and participation rates, as well as the level and duration of weight loss are all major determinants. Of these factors, GP participation and patient selection criteria seem the most amenable to improvement through program design. The extent and duration of weight loss will be harder to control. The results suggest that irrespective of what improvements are achieved in GP participation and in the economy of program establishment, the share of program funding that is likely to go into program establishment and management, should focus attention on what potential exists for co-ordinating related health promotion campaigns that address shared or related risk factors, and in better utilising existing infrastructure (such as Divisions of General Practice). Comparison with other NIDDM primary prevention programs suggests that some caution is warranted in encouraging general practitioners into behavioural modification programs. The results of our study suggest that an economic case for their involvement is yet to be demonstrated. This is consistent with the findings of other researchers on promoting lifestyle change in general practice (Ashenden et al. 1995; Salkeld et al. 1995). The answer to the question of whether GP-led behavoural change for weight reduction is `value-for-money' is therefore: `possibly, but proceed with caution'. The analysis suggests that smaller health gains achieved over a more broadly defined `at risk' group (ie only requiring one risk factor, such as overweight) is more cost-effective than larger gains achieved for a more selectively defined `at risk' group (ie overweight plus second CVD risk factor). Further, despite the impact of discounting, weight loss maintained over a long period (ie 25 years) is more cost-effective than larger weight loss achieved for shorter periods (ie 5 years). This confirms the view that lifestyle changes that can be sustained over the longer period are better than dramatic changes that cannot be sustained. It also suggests that more effort should be put in to the maintenance of newly acquired healthy behaviours, vis-a-vis effecting the change in the first place. Finally, while recipients of new health promotion initiatives often receive subsidised services and pay a lower percentage of total program costs than under the `status quo', it is often forgotten that in absolute terms they are being asked to give more and maintain it over longer periods. Failure to recognise the absolute/relative cost differential may lead to unrealistic expectations of patient compliance and health cost offsets. Contributor: Monash University. Faculty of Business and Economics. Centre for Health Program Evaluation Format: application/pdf Other identifier: monash:2690 Language: eng
axion: Axion - Java Database - News
The Axion news feed is on hiatus, yet Axion is still being actively developed. ... Better late than never, it's the Axion database project's October 2003 ...
A small, fast, SQL and JDBC compliant relational database engine written in and for the Java programming language. [Open source, BSD License]
arXiv:hep-ph/9506229 v1 02 Jun 95
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTMLThe axion is the quantum of oscillation of the ? parameter of QCD. It is a particle ... ticle physics is the PQ mechanism with an ?invisible? axion. ...
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 26 History of Media-Effects Research ............................................................................................. 27 Levels of Theory and Analysis .................................................................................................... 28 Summary .................................................................................................................................... 44 References ................................................................................................................................... 45 Part 2?Tobacco Marketing...................................................................................51 Chapter 3?Key Principles of Tobacco Promotion and Rationales for Regulation .....................53 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 54 Key Principles of Tobacco Advertising and Promotion.
Cessation is often examined at the individual level in order to deter-mine the effects of cessation interventions or to define individual predictors of who will or will not be successful in their cessation attempts. However, for these individual effects to create a substantive public health benefit, they must sum to create a significant change at the population level.
The Job Corps has also been widely successful in certifying hun-dreds of students in various homeland security fields and skills in-cluding first responder training and security training.
The Solar Development Corporation
1997-12-01
This paper describes a proposed stand alone company, the Solar Development Corporation (SDC), to be a business development and financing entity for photovoltaic operations with the potential to be commercially sustainable. SDC will have a fully integrated policy advocacy link to the World Bank. SDC will define target countries where the potential exists for significant early market expansion. In those countries it will provide: market and business development services that will accelerate the growth of private firms and deepen the penetration of Solar Home Systems (SHS) and other rural PV applications in the market; and access to pre-commercial and parallel financing for private firms to (1) expand their capability in PV distribution businesses, and (2) strengthen their ability to provide credit to end users. SDC itself will not engage in direct financing of the final consumer. It is intended that as far as possible SDC`s finance will be provided in parallel with financing from Financial Intermediaries.
Status report of wind energy programs in the Philippines
1996-12-31
This paper discusses the wind resource assessment activities being undertaken by the National Power Corporation at the extreme northern part of Luzon island. Preliminary results from the 10-month wind data are presented. This will give prospective wind developers all idea oil tile vast resources of wind energy available in the northern part of the country. This paper will also discuss briefly the stand-alone 10 kW wind turbine system that was commissioned early this year and the guidelines being drafted for the entry of new and renewable energy sources in the country`s energy generation mix. 4 figs., 1 tab.
Solar hydrogen for urban trucks
1997-12-31
The Clean Air Now (CAN) Solar Hydrogen Project, located at Xerox Corp., El Segundo, California, includes solar photovoltaic powered hydrogen generation, compression, storage and end use. Three modified Ford Ranger trucks use the hydrogen fuel. The stand-alone electrolyzer and hydrogen dispensing system are solely powered by a photovoltaic array. A variable frequency DC-AC converter steps up the voltage to drive the 15 horsepower compressor motor. On site storage is available for up to 14,000 standard cubic feet (SCF) of solar hydrogen, and up to 80,000 SCF of commercial hydrogen. The project is 3 miles from Los Angeles International airport. The engine conversions are bored to 2.9 liter displacement and are supercharged. Performance is similar to that of the Ranger gasoline powered truck. Fuel is stored in carbon composite tanks (just behind the driver`s cab) at pressures up to 3600 psi. Truck range is 144 miles, given 3600 psi of hydrogen. The engine operates in lean burn mode, with nil CO and HC emissions. NO{sub x} emissions vary with load and rpm in the range from 10 to 100 ppm, yielding total emissions at a small fraction of the ULEV standard. Two trucks have been converted for the Xerox fleet, and one for the City of West Hollywood. A public outreach program, done in conjunction with the local public schools and the Department of Energy, introduces the local public to the advantages of hydrogen fuel technologies. The Clean Air Now program demonstrates that hydrogen powered fleet development is an appropriate, safe, and effective strategy for improvement of urban air quality, energy security and avoidance of global warming impact. Continued technology development and cost reduction promises to make such implementation market competitive.
2004-10-07
This document outlines a proposal for extending UPC's point-to-point memcpy library with support for explicitly non-blocking transfers, and non-contiguous (indexed and strided) transfers. Various portions of this proposal could stand alone as independent extensions to the UPC library. The designs presented here are heavily influenced by analogous functionality which exists in other parallel communication systems, such as MPI, ARMCI, Titanium, and network hardware API's such as Quadricselan, Infiniband vapi, IBM LAPI and Cray X-1. Each section contains proposed extensions to the libraries in the UPC Language Specification (section 7) and corresponding extensions to the GASNet communication system API.
2007-03-22
This document outlines a proposal for extending UPC'spoint-to-point memcpy library with support for explicitly non-blockingtransfers, and non-contiguous (indexed and strided) transfers. Variousportions of this proposal could stand alone as independent extensions tothe UPC library. The designs presented here are heavily influenced byanalogous functionality which exists in other parallel communicationsystems, such as MPI, ARMCI, Titanium, and network hardware API's such asQuadrics elan, Infiniband vapi, IBM LAPI and Cray X-1. Each sectioncontains proposed extensions to the libraries in the UPC LanguageSpecification (section 7) and corresponding extensions to the GASNetcommunication system API.
Project Execution Plan Project 98L-EWW-460 Plutonium Stabilization and Handling DOE 98-D-453
2000-06-21
This Project Execution Plan (PEP) describes the management methods and responsibilities of the project participants. Project W-460 is sufficiently large to warrant a stand alone PEP. This project specific PEP describes the relationships and responsibilities of the project team and identifies the technical, schedule, and cost baselines that have been established for the project. The Department of Energy (DOE), Hanford Works (Hanford), at Richland, Wa. currently does not have a system capable of stabilizing or packaging large quantities of plutonium-bearing solids to meet DOE technical standard DOE-STD-3013-99. This project will allow Hanford to meet this standard by installing stabilization and packaging equipment (SPE). The SPE is capable of stabilizing and packaging the current inventory of greater than 30 percent plutonium-bearing materials currently stored in the Plutonium Finishing Plant's (PFP) vaults into 3013 storage containers. The scope of this project is to procure and install the SPE via a Hanford contract and coordination with the Savannah River Site. In addition, the project will modify PFP vaults and upgrade the PFP Laboratory measurement systems. The Facility infrastructure will be modified to support the new SPE system and the new standardized storage container configuration.
Predictive maintenance and inspection through airborne ultrasound technology
1997-12-31
Airborne ultrasound can be considered an ideal integrating technology in that these instruments can stand alone to detect a variety of potential problems or they can be used to support vibration and infrared inspection programs. Usually portable, these instruments detect leaks in both pressurized gas systems or vacuum systems and related equipment such as tanks, pipes, heat exchangers, valves and steam traps. Additional applications include inspection of high voltage apparatus for corona, arcing and tracking. They are used to trend bearing failure as well as to detect conditions such as lack of lubrication and rubbing. A brief overview of the technology, its applications and suggested inspection techniques are explained. (orig.) 2 refs.
We are beginning to understand cancer not by what we can see and touch?or by what is revealed under a microscope?but at the molecular level.
PART 1: Description of the Program and Its Policies
III. Goals of Group Research _____________________________________________________________ 13 A. Improve Therapy ___________________________________________________________ 13 B. Adjunct Studies ____________________________________________________________ 13 C. Cancer Control and Prevention ________________________________________________ 13 D.
2003-09-01
This remedial action work plan identifies the approach and requirements for implementing the medical zone remedial action for Test Area North, Operable Unit 1-07B, at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). This plan details management approach for the construction and operation of the New Pump and Treat Facility. As identified in the remedial design/remedial action scope of work, a separate remedial design/remedial action work plan will be prepared for each remedial component of the Operable Unit 1-07B remedial action. This work plan was originally prepared as an early implementation of the final Phase C remediation. At that time, The Phase C implementation strategy was to use this document as the overall Phase C Work Plan and was to be revised to include the remedial actions for the other remedial zones (hotspot and distal zones). After the completion of Record of Decision Amendment: Technical Support Facility Injection Well (TSF-05) and Surrounding Groundwater Contamination (TSF-23) and Miscellaneous No Action Sites, Final Remedial Action, it was determined that each remedial zone would have it own stand-alone remedial action work plan. Revision 1 of this document converts this document to a stand-alone remedial action plan specific to the implementation of the New Pump and Treat Facility used for plume remediation within the medical zone of the OU 1-07B contaminated plume.
Montreal Axion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Montreal Axion are a National Women's Hockey League team located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. v ? d ? e · Sports teams based in the province of Quebec, ...
Mini-biomass electric generation
1997-12-01
Awareness of the living standards achieved by others has resulted in a Russian population which is yearning for a higher standard of living. Such a situation demands access to affordable electricity in remote areas. Remote energy requirements creates the need to transport power or fossil fuels over long distances. Application of local renewable energy resources could eliminate the need for and costs of long distance power supply. Vast forest resources spread over most of Russia make biomass an ideal renewable energy candidate for many off-grid villages. The primary objective for this preliminary evaluation is to examine the economic feasibility of replacing distillate and gasoline fuels with local waste biomass as the primary fuel for village energy in outlying regions of Russia. Approximately 20 million people live in regions where Russia`s Unified Electric System grid does not penetrate. Most of these people are connected to smaller independent power grids, but approximately 8 million Russians live in off-grid villages and small towns served by stand-alone generation systems using either diesel fuel or gasoline. The off-grid villages depend on expensive distillate fuels and gasoline for combustion in small boilers and engines. These fuels are used for both electricity generation and district heating. Typically, diesel generator systems with a capacity of up to 1 MW serve a collective farm, settlement and their rural enterprises (there are an estimated 10,000 such systems in Russia). Smaller gasoline-fueled generator systems with capacities in the range of 0.5 - 5 kW serve smaller farms or rural enterprises (there are about 60,000 such systems in Russia).
Paul Bunn, Jr., M.D. Neil Caporaso, M.D. University of Colorado Cancer Center National Cancer Institute Neil Clendeninn, M.D., Ph.D. Walter J. Curran, Jr., M.D. Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Virginia L. Ernster, Ph.D. Bodine Center for Cancer Treatment, Philadelphia William Evans, M.D. University of California, San Francisco Cancer Care Ontario School of Medicine Dorothy Hatsukami, Ph.D. Stephen S.
Kathy Giusti, M.B.A. James Griffin, M.D. Sandra Horning, M.D. Elliott D. Kieff, M.D., Ph.D. Michael Kuehl, M.D. A. Thomas Look, M.D. Lee Nadler, M.D. Michael R. Grever, M.D. Antonio Grillo-Lopez, M.D. Elaine Jaffe, M.D. Thomas Kipps, M.D., Ph.D. Alexandra Levine, M.D. Sharon B.
Interim test methods and procedures for determining the performance of small photovoltaic systems
1998-07-01
This document provides test methods and procedures for determining the performance of small stand-alone and utility-grid connected PV systems. The procedures in this document provide a common approach for evaluating whether a given PV system is suitable to perform the function it was designed and manufactured to accomplish and meet the application load. This test document fills a testing void and provides the catalyst and focus for establishing the technical foundation and bridging the institutional barriers needed to reduce uncertainty that a system`s performance will be what its designers and builders claim. The need for this document was recently made more apparent with the initiation of a PV Global Approval Program (PVGAP) at the international level and is in response to concerns that PV systems being fielded must meet performance standards and that these standards include system-level performance type tests. The title of these test procedures is prefaced with the word interim because experience in using the procedures is needed before a consensus standard is developed and accepted by the PV community through its activities with the IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 21 (SCC21) and International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Committee 82 (IEC TC82) national and international standards-making bodies. Both entities have initiated projects to develop test standards and will need the technical basis and validation of test procedures such as those presented in this document before a consensus is achieved by the PV community.
Intelligent devices simplify remote SCADA installations in substations
1994-12-31
Utilities are increasingly relying on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems for the effective and economical management of electric transmission and distribution systems. Now, advances in equipment and design technologies have created opportunities for an increased level of monitoring and control at electric power substations. In the past, prohibitive factors, including complicated equipment and wiring retrofits, protocol compatibility, and hardware installation and maintenance costs have impeded electric utilities in their attempt at broad based application of SCADA systems in electric substations, particularly at distribution voltage levels. These advances in equipment technologies have provided utilities with the opportunity to install and operate SCADA systems at lower cost, while providing flexibility for system expansion over longer periods. The development of intelligent microprocessor controlled devices and integrated communications has facilitated the use of a distributed design approach to installing SCADA monitoring and control in substations. This approach offers greater hardware flexibility and reduced installation costs while increasing reliability, making the addition of monitoring and control to electric substations increasingly practical. This paper will examine current trends in the application of intelligent microprocessor controlled and electronic devices, in stand alone and distributed applications, and the simplification of techniques for installing SCADA systems in substations. It will also consider the potential advantages to be realized in cost and reliability, and examine the necessary changes in design and operation philosophies required to effectively implement the new technology.
Fluid dynamics of double diffusive systems
1990-04-03
The major accomplishments of our initial research period (August 1, 1987, to March 1, 1990) are as follows; we completed construction of the experimental facility. Originally, it had been our intent to modify an existing facility in our laboratory. When this became impractical we constructed a new stand-alone facility. Modified an existing three-dimensional numerical code developed in our laboratory, SEAFLOS1, by incorporating a salinity transport equation. Developed experimental and analytical techniques, and performed both physical and numerical experiments for a wide range of initial and boundary conditions. Focused our overall research effort to answer the following four questions pertaining to the formation of convective intrusions due to lateral temperature gradients established by sidewall heating. (1) What is the internal structure of the convective intrusions as a function of the initial stratification and sidewall heating rates (2) What is the correct scaling for the initial vertical dimension of the intrusions (3) How does the merging process vary as a function of initial stratification and sidewall heating rate (4) Is the sidewall heating critical for continued propagation of the intrusions, or is it merely a trigger which releases the internal instability in the fluid
2005-03-01
This report presents the results of a study which explored the use of six different regulatory strategies for oversight of commercial nuclear power facilities: prescriptive, case-based, outcome-based, risk-based, process-based, and self-assessment strategies. Information was collected on experiences with the use of these different regulatory strategies from experts from nuclear regulatory agencies in Canada, Finland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Systematic, structured open-ended interviews with expert regulators with extensive experience were used in order to understand how regulatory strategies are applied in practice. Common patterns were identified regarding: Experts' perspectives on the major benefits and difficulties of using specific regulatory strategies; Experts' experiences with using regulatory strategies for three areas of oversight-design and modifications, quality systems, and training and qualifications; Expert views of the consequences of different regulatory strategies; Issues that emerged in the interviews regarding regulatory strategies. The major benefit of a prescriptive strategy was that it is clear about requirements and expectations. The major difficulties were that it takes responsibility away from the licensee, it requires a high use of regulator resources and is rigid and difficult to change. A case-based strategy had the key benefit of flexibility for adapting regulatory responses to unique situations, but the difficulties of being considered arbitrary, inconsistent, and unfair and requiring heavy resource use. An outcome-based strategy had the main benefit of allowing licensees to decide the best way to operate m order to meet safety goals, but the major difficulty of identifying appropriate ways to measure safety performance. The major benefit of a risk strategy was its use co prioritize safety issues and allocate resources. However, it was considered inappropriate to use as a stand alone strategy and a strategy that had serious methodological and data problems. A process based strategy had a major benefit of providing in depth understanding of a licensee's performance. The main difficulties were that it was not considered effective unless the processes were linked to outcomes, and that it was complex to define and evaluate processes. The major benefit of a self assessment strategy was that it put responsibility for safety on the licensee, while the major difficulties were that it should not be used as a stand alone strategy and that it often does not have credibility with the general public. A few of the main findings regarding the experiences of using regulatory strategies for the areas of plant design and modifications, quality systems and training and qualifications included: Use of combinations of at least two, often three and at times four different strategies for specific examples of oversight issues; Less reliance on a prescriptive strategy in recent years, often moving toward more use of a process-based strategy, but return to a prescriptive strategy for action and closure when necessary; Use of a risk strategy to prioritize safety issues, activities and regulatory findings for oversight of both quality systems and plant design and modifications; Disagreements over the incorporation of a risk strategy into regulatory decision-making for plant design and modifications and attempts to balance the use of a combination of risk and prescriptive strategies for this area of oversight. Regulatory strategies were viewed as affecting: Whether the licensee or regulator takes primary responsibility for safety; How clear requirements and expectations are to licensees; Significance of safety issues identified; Expertise needed by regulators and licensees; Resources used by regulators and licensees; Flexibility given to licensees; Public credibility. Issues that emerged from examples regarding regulatory strategies: Resistance to changing regulatory strategies; Tension concerning the use of risk analysis for regulatory decisions; Differences in interpretations of regulatory strategy definitions; Importance of combinations of strategies for regulatory effectiveness.
Electroosmosis remediation of DNAPLS in low permeability soils
1996-08-01
Electroosmosis is the movement of water through a soil matrix induced by a direct current (DC) electric field. The technique has been used since the 1930s for dewatering and stabilizing fine-grained soils. More recently, electroosmosis has been considered as an in-situ method for soil remediation in which water is injected into the soil at the anode region to flush the contaminants to the cathode side for further treatment or disposal. The major advantage of electroosmosis is its inherent ability to move water uniformly through clayey, silty soils at 100 to 1000 times faster than attainable by hydraulic means, and with very low energy usage. Drawbacks of electroosmosis as a stand-alone technology include slow speed, reliance on solubilizing the contaminants into the groundwater for removal, potentially an unstable process for long term operation, and necessary additional treatment and disposal of the collected liquid. Possible remediation applications of electroosmosis for DNAPLs would be primarily in the removal of residual DNAPLs in the soil pores by electroosmotic flushing. The future of electroosmosis as a broad remedial method lies in how well it can be coupled with complementary technologies. Examples include combining electroosmosis with vacuum extraction, with surfactant usage to deal with non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) through enhanced solubilization or mobilization, with permeability enhancing methods (hydrofracturing, pneumatic fracturing, etc.) to create recovery zones, and with in-situ degradation zones to eliminate aboveground treatment. 33 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Design of a repeating pneumatic pellet injector for the Joint European Torus
1987-01-01
A three-barrel pneumatic pellet injector has been developed for plasma fueling of the Joint European Torus (JET). The versatile device consists of three independent machine-gun-like mechanisms that operate at cryogenic temperatures (14/sup 0/K to 20/sup 0/K). Individual high speed extruders provide a continuous supply of solid deuterium to each gun assembly, where a reciprocating breech-side cutting mechanism forms and chambers cylindrical pellets from the extrusion; deuterium pellets are then accelerated in the gun barrels with controlled amounts of compressed hydrogen gas (pressures up to 100 bars) to velocities less than or equal to 1.5 km/s. The injector features three nominal pellet sizes (2.7 mm, 4.0 mm, and 6.0 mm) and has been tested at repetition rates of 5 Hz, 2.5 Hz, and 1 Hz, respectively. Each gun is capable of operating (individually or simultaneously) at the design repetition rate for 15-second duration pulses (limited only by the capacity of the extruder feed system). A remote, stand-alone control and data acquisition system is used for injector operation. 7 refs.
Data validation and security for reprocessing.
2008-10-01
Next generation nuclear fuel cycle facilities will face strict requirements on security and safeguards of nuclear material. These requirements can result in expensive facilities. The purpose of this project was to investigate how to incorporate safeguards and security into one plant monitoring system early in the design process to take better advantage of all plant process data, to improve confidence in the operation of the plant, and to optimize costs. An existing reprocessing plant materials accountancy model was examined for use in evaluating integration of safeguards (both domestic and international) and security. International safeguards require independent, secure, and authenticated measurements for materials accountability--it may be best to design stand-alone systems in addition to domestic safeguards instrumentation to minimize impact on operations. In some cases, joint-use equipment may be appropriate. Existing domestic materials accountancy instrumentation can be used in conjunction with other monitoring equipment for plant security as well as through the use of material assurance indicators, a new metric for material control that is under development. Future efforts will take the results of this work to demonstrate integration on the reprocessing plant model.
Cyborg Scripting Language Advanced Customization
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 11 The Solution Series files.............................................................................................. 13 Reading random files................................................................................................... 17 Reading files sequentially ........................................................................................... 31 Section 2 exercise 1..................................................................................................... 35 Unlocking files ............................................................................................................ 37 Writing and rewriting records ..................................................................................... 39 Deleting records .......................................................................................................... 45 Section summary ......................................................................................................... 49 Section 2 exercise 2.
1993-01-29
The primary objective of the proposed work is to design, install and operate an advanced fine coal processing circuit combining Microcel and MGS technologies. Both of these processes have specific advantages as stand-alone units. For example, the Microcel column is effective in removing ash-bearing mineral matter, while the MGS is capable of efficiently removing coal-pyrite composites. Therefore, by combining both of these unit operations into a single processing circuit, synergistic advantages can be gained. As a result, this circuit arrangement has the potential of improving coal quality beyond that which could be achieved using either one of the technologies individually. In addition to the primary objective, secondary objectives of the proposed test program will include: (1) Circuit Optimization: The performance of each unit operation, individually and combined, will be optimized by conducting parametric studies as a function of key operating variables. The goal of this work will be to maximize the rejections of pyritic sulfur and ash while maintaining a high energy recovery; and (2) Process Variability: The steady-state performance of the optimized processing circuit will be studied (i) by conducting several long-duration test runs over a period of several days and (ii) by testing coal samples from other sources specified by the participating coal companies.
Bench-scale testing of the multi-gravity separator in combination with Microcel
1993-01-29
The primary objective of the proposed work is to design, install and operate an advanced fine coal processing circuit combining Microcel and MGS technologies. Both of these processes have specific advantages as stand-alone units. For example, the Microcel column is effective in removing ash-bearing mineral matter, while the MGS is capable of efficiently removing coal-pyrite composites. Therefore, by combining both of these unit operations into a single processing circuit, synergistic advantages can be gained. As a result, this circuit arrangement has the potential of improving coal quality beyond that which could be achieved using either one of the technologies individually. In addition to the primary objective, secondary objectives of the proposed test program will include: (1) Circuit Optimization: The performance of each unit operation, individually and combined, will be optimized by conducting parametric studies as a function of key operating variables. The goal of this work will be to maximize the rejections of pyritic sulfur and ash while maintaining a high energy recovery; and (2) Process Variability: The steady-state performance of the optimized processing circuit will be studied (i) by conducting several long-duration test runs over a period of several days and (ii) by testing coal samples from other sources specified by the participating coal companies.
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Axion Project Incubation Status - Apache Incubator
For general project status, see the Axion project website. ... The axion project never moved to the ASF from tigris.org. 2003-12-19: The Apache Incubator ...
We believe our PcB technology represents the first major advance in lead-acid battery technology in 30 years.
Axion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The axion is a hypothetical elementary particle postulated by Peccei-Quinn theory in 1977 to resolve the strong-CP problem in quantum chromodynamics (QCD). ...
Ammonia synthesis and ER-MCFC-technology - a profitable combination?
1996-12-31
Similar to stand-alone ER-MCFC power systems industrial ammonia production facilities include hydrogen-rich synthesis-gas production. Therefore, integration of ER-MCFC stacks in a conventional industrial ammonia plant was investigated. By preliminary process design calculations three promising process structures were evaluated: (1) ER-MCFC is fed by the ammonia plant`s steam-reformer; anode off-gas to firing (2) similar to structure 1; in this case the anode off-gas is redirected to the ammonia process (3) ER-MCFC is fed by ammonia-synthesis purge gas The results indicate that for options 1 and 3 a return-on-investment for the ER-MCFC of around 8% is achievable at a stack cost of $250/kW and a revenue of 7c/kWh. Option 2 is not profitable, because of the associated reduction in ammonia production. The degree of hydrogen-utilization in the ER-MCFC to be selected for maximum profit varies with the process structure and indicates that there is scope for ER-MCFC stacks which operate at low hydrogen-utilization.
A method for automating calibration and records management for instrumentation and dosimetry
1993-12-31
Current industry requirements are becoming more stringent on quality assurance records and documentation for calibration of instruments and dosimetry. A novel method is presented here that will allow a progressive automation scheme to be used in pursuit of that goal. This concept is based on computer-controlled irradiators that can act as stand-alone devices or be interfaced to other components via a computer local area network. In this way, complete systems can be built with modules to create a records management system to meet the needs of small laboratories or large multi-building calibration groups. Different database engines or formats can be used simply by replacing a module. Modules for temperature and pressure monitoring or shipping and receiving can be added, as well as equipment modules for direct IEEE-488 interface to electrometers and other instrumentation.
Robert T. Croyle, Ph.D. Director, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences References 1. Anthonisen, N. R., M. A. Skeans, R. A. Wise, J. Manfreda, R. E. Kanner, and J. E. Connett.
M o n o g r a p h 1 6. A S S I S T action. The court dismissed this lawsuit in 1995 for lack of evidence.
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