A virtual balancing axis arrangement is described for multi-cylinder reciprocating piston machines for effectively balancing out imbalanced forces and minimizing residual imbalance moments acting on the crankshaft of such machines without requiring the use of additional parallel-arrayed balancing shafts or complex and expensive gear arrangements. The novel virtual balancing axis arrangement is capable of being designed into multi-cylinder reciprocating piston and crankshaft machines for substantially reducing vibrations induced during operation of such machines with only minimal number of additional component parts. Some of the required component parts may be available from parts already required for operation of auxiliary equipment, such as oil and water pumps used in certain types of reciprocating piston and crankshaft machine so that by appropriate location and dimensioning in accordance with the ...
This work provides an overview of existing plants in Europe and describes the substrates being used. It focuses on the individual farm-scale and community plants, as these are the two main types now being built. It also describes plants currently under construction, especially in Germany and Denmark, where the major efforts are focused. A description of how the technique has developed over the past few years, its current state of development, the motivation and economic balance, and the substrate characteristics, is presented.
Sep 1, 2011 ... 2005. Computer simulation modeling of recreation use: current status, case studies, and future directions. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-143. ...
Overview Package Class Use Tree Deprecated Index Help PREV CLASS NEXT CLASS FRAMES NO FRAMES SUMMARY: INNER | FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD DETAIL: FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD gov.nih.nci.dc.database Class SearchCriteria java.lang.Object |
Restructured power markets require concepts not only for extending the lifetime of existing plants, but also concepts for reducing the life-cycle costs of existing older steam power plants in order to remain competitive with the most modern and advanced power generation technology such as combined cycle power plants. Out of the broad range of methods to extend service life and increase availability, and to increase power output and efficiency, this paper focuses on full repowering. Full repowering replaces the old fired boiler with gas turbine(s) and heat-recovery steam generators (HRSG) as heat input to the existing bottoming cycle and reuses the steam turbine (ST) condenser and further balance of plant (BOP) equipment. The potential offered by this concept is demonstrated. Repowering and modernization projects are executed if they result in economic benefits for the operator. Investment decisions need to be prepared based on an estimate or ...
As the IC Information Sharing Executive (IC ISE), my main focus today concerns classified information--and, in particular, information that is derived from intelligence sources and methods, or information that is reflected in the analytic judgments and as...
This paper represents a parametric study of the amplification factor to account for rebound effects in the Energy BalanceMethod. Of the 66 distinct cases we chose for our parametric study, the amplification factor of 1.1 seems sufficient except in four borderline cases where the carbon steel pipes are small or have very small gaps between the pipes and the pipe whip restraints. We conclude that the amplification factor generally decreases as the parameters gap size, hinge-to-break distance and overhang increase.
"1"0"1Mo is one of the key nuclides in diagnosing fission burn-up. However, it's difficult to measure its nuclear decay data due to its short half-life. Present study concerns in the measurements of #gamma#-ray emission probabilities, P_#gamma#, of "1"0"1Mo and "1"0"1Tc using the balance of scheme method and the entire process recording. The P_#gamma# of "1"0"1Mo by the entire process recording is about 5% lower than that by using the balance of scheme method. The P_#gamma# of "1"0"1Tc using the two methods agree each other very well. So, it seems the #gamma#-ray emission probabilities as well as measurement method still need study further for "1"0"1Mo. (authors)
Overview Package Class Use Tree Deprecated Index Help PREV CLASS NEXT CLASS FRAMES NO FRAMES SUMMARY: INNER | FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD DETAIL: FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD gov.nih.nci.dc.builder Interface SAXFilter All Superinterfaces: org.xml.sax.XMLFilter,
Overview Package Class Use Tree Deprecated Index Help PREV CLASS NEXT CLASS FRAMES NO FRAMES SUMMARY: INNER | FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD DETAIL: FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD gov.nih.nci.dc.bean Class ImageIDParseBean java.lang.Object | +--java.util.Dictionary
In this paper we present a new, accurate form of the heat balance integral method, termed the combined integral method (CIM). The application of this method to Stefan problems is discussed. For simple test cases the results are compared with exact and asymptotic limits. In particular, it is shown that the CIM is more accurate than the second order, large Stefan number, perturbation solution for a wide range of Stefan numbers. In the initial examples it is shown that the CIM reduces the standard problem, consisting of a PDE defined over a domain specified by an ODE, to the solution of one or two algebraic equations. The latter examples, where the boundary temperature varies with time, reduce to a set of three first order ODEs.
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The authors solve the two-dimensional stefan problem of solidification in a half-space, where the heat flux at the wall is a slightly varying function of positioning along the wall, by means of a large Stefan number approximation (which turns out to be equivalent to a small time solution), and then by means of the Heat Balance Integral Method, which is valid for all time, and which agrees with the large Stefan number solution for small times. A representative solution is given for a particular form of the heat flux perturbation.
Effective barrier pillar design is essential for safe and productive underground coal mining. This U.S. Bureau of Mines report presents an overview of available barrier pillar design methodologies that incorporate sound engineering principles while remaining practical for everyday usage. Nomographs and examples are presented to assist in the determination of proper barrier pillar sizing. Additionally, performance evaluation techniques and criteria are included to assist in determining the effectiveness of selected barrier pillar configurations.
Brief summaries of research work are presented in the following section: overview of the ORNL Instrumentation and Controls Division activities; new developments and methods; reactor instrumentation and controls; measurement and control engineering; electronic engineering; maintenance; studies; services; and development; and division achievements.
A novel direct calculation method of response matrices on heterogeneous lattices by using the Monte Carlo method is proposed. These direct response matrices (DRMs) can be used in core calculations in place of the conventional homogenized lattice constants. The DRMs are formalized by four sub response matrices (sub-RMs) in order to respond to a core eigenvalue, k; thus the DRMs can be re-evaluated on each outer iteration in the core calculations. The sub-RMs can be evaluated by analyzing each neutron's trajectory from ordinary lattice calculations with the Monte Carlo code. Since these sub-RMs are calculated directly under an actual complex assembly geometry, i,e., without a homogenization process, intra-assembly heterogeneous effects can be reflected on global partial current balance calculations. With using two of the sub-RMs, which deal with neutron production probabilities for each fuel pin, and the obtained ...
Reliable and consistent characterization of the stable isotope composition of atmospheric water vapour and its temporal variability are important prerequisites to the wider application of isotope mass balancemethods in atmospheric and water balance studies. A new approach is proposed which utilizes standard class-A evaporation pans, which have sufficient volume to buffer short-term transient variations in atmospheric conditions, justifying the assumption of constant kinetic isotopic fractionation effects in concert with precisely measured temperature and relative humidity to derive vapour isotopic composition. The results of the studies suggest that isotopic sampling of existing, conventionally operated class-A evaporation pans could offer a straightforward and cost-effective solution to the problem of documenting the shifting isotopic distribution in atmospheric moisture
The general objective of this workshop is to investigate and discuss methods by which uncertainties in mass balance models for toxics in the Great Lakes may be reduced. As described by the workshop prospectus, this paper is focused on problems of reducing (and quantifying) uncertainty as they relate to in situ field observations/system response measurements for the establishment of initial conditions, boundary conditions, calibration/confirmation data sets, and model post-audit data sets.'' I have taken this description to refer not only to the evaluation of uncertainty in the field observations themselves, but also to the uncertainty associated the analyses of in situ observations as they interact in the overall modeling process. Thus, I will be concerned here with quantification and reduction of uncertainty both (1) as they may be applied to descriptions of the system that is being modeled and (2) as they may be associated ...
The assessment and control of fetal exposure to radiation in the workplace is an issue that is complicated by both biological and political/social ramifications. As a result of the dramatic increase in the number of women employed as radiation workers during the past 10 years, many facilities using radioactive materials have instituted fetal protection programs with special requirements for female radiation workers. It is necessary, however, to ensure that any fetal protection program be developed in such a way as to be nondiscriminatory. A study has been initiated whose purpose is to balance the political/social and the biological ramifications associated with occupational protection of the developing embryo/fetus. Several considerations are involved in properly balancing these factors. These considerations include appropriate methods of declaring the pregnancy, training workers, controlling the dose to the embryo/fetus, ...
In this paper, research on pass schedule of tandem cold mill (TCM) is carried out. According to load (reduction, rolling force, motor power) balance, non-linear equations set with variables of inter-stand thickness is constructed. The pass schedule optimization is carried out by solving the non-linear equations set. As the traditional method, the Newton-Raphson method is used for solving the non-linear equations set. In this paper a new simple method is brought up. On basis of the monotone relations between thickness and load, the inter-stands thickness is adjusted dynamically. The solution of non-linear equations set can be converged by iterative calculation. This method can avoid the derivative calculation used by traditional method. So, this method is simple and calculation speed is high. It is suitable for on-line control. (author)
In this paper, research on pass schedule of tandem cold mill (TCM) is carried out. According to load (reduction, rolling force, motor power) balance, non-linear equations set with variables of inter-stand thickness is constructed. The pass schedule optimization is carried out by solving the non-linear equations set. As the traditional method, the Newton-Raphson method is used for solving the non-linear equations set. In this paper a new simple method is brought up. On basis of the monotone relations between thickness and load, the inter-stands thickness is adjusted dynamically. The solution of non-linear equations set can be converged by iterative calculation. This method can avoid the derivative calculation used by traditional method. So, this method is simple and calculation speed is high. It is suitable for on-line control. (author)
We present an updated overview on the phenomenology of one-loop Higgs boson production at Linear Colliders within the general Two-Higgs-Doublet Model (2HDM). First we report on the Higgs boson pair production, and associated Higgs-Z boson production, at O(alpha^3_{ew}) from e+e- collisions. These channels furnish cross-sections in the range of 10-100 fb for Ecm=0.5 TeV and exhibit potentially large radiative corrections (of order 50%), whose origin can be traced back to the genuine enhancement capabilities of the triple Higgs boson self-interactions. Next we consider the loop-induced production of a single Higgs boson from direct gamma-gamma scattering. We single out sizable departures from the corresponding rates in the Standard Model, which are again correlated to trademark dynamical features of the 2HDM -- namely the balance of the non-standard Higgs/gauge, Higgs/fermion and Higgs self-interactions leading to sizable (destructive) ...
Mesh network applications are used by utilities for metering, demand response, and mobile workforce management. This presentation provided an overview of a multi-dimensional mesh application designed to offer improved scalability and higher throughput in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems. Mesh applications can be used in AMI for load balancing and forecasting, as well as for distribution and transmission planning. New revenue opportunities can be realized through the application's ability to improve notification and monitoring services, and customer service communications. Mesh network security features include data encryption, data fragmentation and the automatic re-routing of data. In order to use mesh network applications, networks must have sufficient bandwidth and provide flexibility at the endpoint layer to support multiple devices from multiple vendors, as well as support multiple protocols. It was concluded that ...
This paper overviews the general features of computer program 'HEC-5, Simulation of Flood Control and Conservation Systems', with emphasis on the capabilities of the most recent release of HEC-5, Version 7.2, dated March 1991. HEC-5 can simulate the essential features and operation goals and constraints of simple or complex systems with simulation intervals ranging from minutes to one month. Single event flood analysis and period of record conservation analysis may be accomplished with the model. Flood control analysis includes balanced system operation for downstream damage centers with consideration of forecasted local flows and hydrologic routing. In addition, induced surcharge operation based on spillway gate regulation schedules can be simulated. Hydropower analysis may include run-of-river, peaking, and pumped storage plants as well as system power operation. Water supply simulation can include reservoir and downstream ...
The increasing diffusion of small-scale energy systems within the distributed generation (DG) paradigm is raising the need for studying the environmental impact due to the different DG solutions in order to assess their sustainability. Addressing the environmental impact calls for building specific models for studying both local and global emissions. In this framework, the adoption of natural gas-fueled DG cogeneration technologies may provide, as a consequence of cogeneration enhanced overall energy efficiency and of natural gas relatively low carbon content, a significant reduction of global impact in terms of CO2 emissions with respect to the separate production of electricity and heat. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the DG alternatives should take into account as well the impact due to the presence of plants spread over the territory that could increase the local pollution, in particular due to CO and NOx, and thus could worsen the local air quality. This paper provides an ...
Health physicists from the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) visited the Savannah River Site (SRS) as one of 12 facilities operated by the Department of Energy (DOE) contractors with annual collective dose equivalents greater than 100 person-rem (100 person-cSv). Their charter was to review, evaluate and summarize as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) techniques, methods and practices as implemented. This presentation gives an overview of the two selected ALARA practices implemented at the SRS: Administrative Exposure Limits and Goal Setting. These dose control methods are used to assure that individual and collective occupational doses are ALARA and within regulatory limits.
Health physicists from the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) visited the Savannah River Site (SRS) as one of 12 facilities operated by the Department of Energy (DOE) contractors with annual collective dose equivalents greater than 100 person-rem (100 person-cSv). Their charter was to review, evaluate and summarize as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) techniques, methods and practices as implemented. This presentation gives an overview of the two selected ALARA practices implemented at the SRS: Administrative Exposure Limits and Goal Setting. These dose control methods are used to assure that individual and collective occupational doses are ALARA and within regulatory limits.
Pt-based ternary catalysts have been proposed as electrode materials for low temperature fuel cells. Pt-Ru-based ternary catalysts were tested as anode materials with improved CO tolerance or enhanced activity for methanol or ethanol oxidation. Ternary catalysts based on platinum alloyed with first row transition metals were tested as cathode materials with improved activity for the oxygen reduction. This paper presents an overview of the preparation methods and structural characteristics of these ternary catalysts. (author)
Energy expenditure (EE) of four adult men on a weight-maintenance diet was estimated by use of doubly labeled water, intake balance, and direct and indirect calorimetry. The doubly labeled water (2H218O) method was used to estimate free-living EE for 13 d. Metabolizable energy (ME) intake was used to estimate free-living EE for 1 wk. The subjects' 24-h EE was measured in a dual direct-indirect room calorimeter on 3 alternate days. Estimates of free-living EE as measured by ME intake and doubly labeled water indicate agreement between the two methods (mean difference +/- SEM, -1.04 +/- 0.63%). Measurements of EE with indirect and direct calorimetry are equivalent (mean difference 0.63 +/- 0.44%). The daily EE measured by doubly labeled water in these free-living adults over a 13-d period was 15.01% greater than the 24-h EE measured within the calorimeter.
Purpose To evaluate the methods of applicator reconstruction in 3D MR-based planning for brachytherapy of cervical cancer, and to investigate applicator shifts and changes in DVH parameters during PDR treatment. Methods For each application MR scans with applicator in situ were made: three T2-weighted (4.5mm slices) Turbo Spin Echo (TSE) scans and a balanced Steady State Free Precession scan (1.5mm). Three observers tested two applicator reconstruction methods: (A) directly on the bSSFP scan and (B) on a resampled combination of the three T2-weighted scans. For 10 patients MR imaging was repeated on the second day of each PDR fraction to determine applicator shifts and changes in DVH parameters. Results For both applicator reconstruction methods the interobserver variation for the DVH para...
This report summarises nearly 20 biosphere reports and gives a synthesis of the work performed within the SR-Site Biosphere project, i.e. the biosphere part of SR-Site. SR-Site Biosphere provides the main project with dose conversion factors (LDFs), given a unit release rate, for calculation of human doses under different release scenarios, and assesses if a potential release from the repository would have detrimental effects on the environment. The intention of this report is to give sufficient details for an overview of methods, results and major conclusions, with references to the biosphere reports where methods, data and results are presented and discussed in detail. The philosophy of the biosphere assessment was to make estimations of the radiological risk for humans and the environment as realistic as possible, based on the knowledge of present-day conditions at Forsmark and the past and expected future development of ...
A brief overview is given of the geological characteristics of each region of the state as they relate to potential geothermal development. Those exploration methods which can lead to the siting of a deep exploration well are described. Requirements and techniques needed for drilling deeper higher temperature exploration and production wells are presented. Electrical generation, direct utilization, and indirect utilization are reviewed. Economic factors of direct use projects are presented. A general guide to the regulatory framework affecting geothermal energy development is provided. The general steps necessary to gain access to explore, develop, distribute, and use geothermal resources are outlined. (MHR)
This chapter is an overview of total-ionizing-dose and single-event hardening techniques and should be used as a guide to a range of research publications. It should be stressed that there is no clear and simple route to a radiation-tolerant silicon integrated circuit. What works for one fabrication process may not work for another, and there are many complex interactions within individual processes and designs. The authors have attempted to highlight the most important factors and those process changes which should bring improved hardness. The main point is that radiation-hardening as a procedure must be approached in a methodical fashion and with a good understanding of the response mechanisms involved.
Objective: The aim of this study was to obtain an overview of the methodological quality of studies on the measurement properties of neck pain and disability questionnaires and to describe how well various aspects of the design and statistical analyses of studies on measurement properties are performed. Methods: A systematic review was performed of published studies on the measurement properties of neck pain and disability questionnaires. Two reviewers independently rated the quality of the studies using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. This checklist was developed in an international Delphi consensus study. Results: A total of 47 articles were included on the measurement properties of 8 different questionnaires. The meth...
This talk will present an overview of the use of mathematical programming techniques in manufacturing management practice. The emphasis is on applied contributions in three areas: conceptual and qualitative results, modelling, and algorithms. The discussion will be limited to methods that have found or are likely to find application in practice. Overall the picture is not heartening and many promising directions have not resulted in practical applications. Yet there are several areas where significant opportunities exist, though they seem to be better for heuristics than for highly structured traditional models. Time will be available for discussion of topics that interest the participants.
For users and manufacturers affected by unwanted electrostatic discharges, the publication of standards concerning the control of such discharges is a great improvement and helps to prevent unwanted electrostatic discharges in potentially explosive atmospheres as well as around electrostatically sensitive devices. There are, for instance, handbook-like documents giving recommendations to help set up effective electrostatic suppressing measures and programs. Another group of standards focuses on certain products and processes and is, thus, more specific. A third group deals with test methods and specifications to help manufacturers develop products that are safe. It also helps in comparisons with other products and thus meets the customer's real needs. To assist manufacturers and customers ...
A brief overview is given of the geological characteristics of each region of the state as they relate to potential geothermal development. Those exploration methods which can lead to the siting of a deep exploration well are described. Requirements and techniques needed for drilling deeper higher temperature exploration and production wells are presented. Electrical generation, direct utilization, and indirect utilization are reviewed. Economic factors of direct use projects are presented. A general guide to the regulatory framework affecting geothermal energy development is provided. The general steps necessary to gain access to explore, develop, distribute, and use geothermal resources are outlined. (MHR)
This thesis consists of five chapters, each of which is a self-contained unit. The first chapter overviewsmethods for electronic-structure calculations. Chapter 2 introduces a new method to generate a rapidly converging configuration expansion. The approach iteratively combines (1) a least-squares fitting of a configuration expansion to a many-body wave function with (2) a transfer-matrix method for projecting out the ground state. Results are shown to be equivalent to multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock. Results from test calculations are given for a simple finite difference model of the helium atom. In Chapter 3 the use of the finite-element method in electronic structure calculations is discussed. Chapters 4 and 5 discuss developments in Monte Carlo methods based on Hubbard-Stratonovich transformations. Chapter 4 introduces a canonical ensemble formulation of ...
Magnetic resonance imaging has proven an invaluable method in the diagnosis of joint diseases associated with osteonecrotic, inflammatory, traumatic and degenerative processes. At the clinical level, it has an important role in decisions about the method of treatment and evaluations of the therapeutic success. When the merits of MRT are balanced against those of conventional radiography including tomography and CT, which both ensure better spatial resolution in the visualisation of cortical and spongy bone structures, it becomes quite evident that MRT must not be regarded as an alternative method of imaging but as one that can be used additionally to obtain the most information for the diagnosis of arthropathy. The question as to whether new pulse sequences (snap shots) or invasive techniques like intra-articular injection of paramagnetic substances (MR arthrography) are likely to become routine ...
Ten subjects balanced their own body or a mechanically equivalent unstable inverted pendulum by hand, through a compliant spring linkage. Their balancing process was always characterized by repeated...Full Text Available
This report describes the method of Allan variance and its application to the characterization of a Ring Laser Gyro`s (RLG) performance. Allan variance, a time domain analysis technique, is an accepted IEEE standard for gyro specifications. The method was initially developed by David Allan of the National Bureau of Standards to quantify the error statistics of a Cesium beam frequency standard employed as the US Frequency Standards in 1960`s. The method can, in general, be applied to analyze the error characteristics of any precision measurement instrument. The key attribute of the method is that it allows for a finer, easier characterization and identification of error sources and their contribution to the overall noise statistics. This report presents an overview of the method, explains the relationship between Allan variance and power spectral density ...
Pipeline leak detection technologies can be classified according to their specificity, such as their application to offshore or onshore installations or to multi-phase or single-phase flow regimes. They can also be classified according to the technology on which they are based. Available technologies can be categorized into the following 4 groups: (1) compensated mass balance, solving steady state equations which model a specific pipeline, known as real time mode (RTM), (2) the same as group 1, but solving transient equations, known as real time transient model (RTTM), (3) pressure wave behavior, and (4) statistical modeling. Hybrids schemes can also be found. Effective leak detection systems are needed to address the increasing transformation of very large crude cargo (VLCC) ships into floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) systems. These operations make use of short and large diameters exporting lines, and often involve the use of hoses instead of ...
In the Energy Balance Analysis Model (Standard Review Plan (USNRC, 1981), Section 3.6.2, ''Determination of Rupture Locations and Dynamic Effects Associated with the Postulated Rupture of Piping''), time dependence is not considered, and a constant blowdown thrust force is assumed. This force includes an amplification factor of 1.1 to account for potential effects of rebound. Many of the assumptions used in establishing the acceptance criteria, as stated in the Standard Review Plan, were based on engineering judgment and logic intended to assure upper bound design rather than on a mechanistic assessment of actual pipe rupture phenomena and their effects. As a result of the current practice an exceedingly conservative design may be introduced. This report represents a parametric study of the amplification factor to account for rebound effects in the Energy BalanceMethod. Of the 71 ...
A numerical model was developed to simulate the combined effects of heat transfer, magnetite oxidation, and NO{sub x} formation in a grate-kiln furnace for taconite pellet induration. Heat transfer from the flame in the kiln was described by the net radiation method. The shrinking core model was used to account for magnetite oxidation on the grate. A novel approach to oxidation of tumbling pellets in a kiln was derived. The Zeldovich mechanism was used to predict thermal NO generation. Temperature fluctuations in the gas streams were estimated with a clipped Gaussian probability density function. The thermal energy balances and mass balances resulted in coupled systems of first-order differential equations, which were solved numerically. The model is capable of predicting NO production and magnetite oxidation in agreement with observation of plant performance. Although the design of the grate-kiln system is for efficient ...
The paper studied a possibility of estimating characteristics of coal liquefaction residue from liquefaction conditions in the case of fixing coal kind in the NEDOL process coal liquefaction PSU. Wyoming coal was used for the study, and the already proposed simplified liquefaction reaction models were used. Among material balances explained by the models, those of asphaltene, preasphaltene, THF insoluble matters are concerned with residue composition. Ash content is separately calculated from ash balance. Reaction velocity constants of simplified liquefaction reaction models which influence the residue composition were obtained by the multiple regression method from experimental results in the past. The estimation expression of residue viscosity was introduced from residue ash/composition. When the residue composition is estimated by the model from liquefaction conditions, and the residue viscosity is obtained using it, the ...
Stable and accurate numerical analytical method even at high Rayleigh numbers is desired, and in addition flexibility and economical efficiency are very important for numerical analysis. Unsteady flows of natural convention in a square cavity are investigated using the GSMAC (generalized and simplified marker and cell) finite-element method at high Rayleigh numbers from 10 {sup 6} to 10 {sup 8}. Validities of the multi-pass algorithm and BTD (balancing tensor diffusivity), which are highly accurate solutions for finite-element method, are investigated by introducing them to the GSMAC finite-element method. As the result, it was found that the multi-pass algorithm has little effect for the GSMAC finite-element method. The steady solutions at the Rayleigh numbers of 10 {sup 5} and 10 {sup 7} agreed well with the bench mark solutions and numerical solutions. ...
This presentation gives an overview of IBM's experience with its approach to usability engineering, User-Centered Design (UCD), which has been introduced nearly one decade ago. It discusses the characteristics of User-Centered Design and the critical factors for successful deployment: - Establishing a culture for usability engineering. - Making User-Centered Design an integral part of the development process. - Multi-disciplinary teams for the design and evaluation of the total user experience. - Building up organizational structures and an infrastructure for methods, tools, communication, and education. - Applying UCD to UCD itself to continuously improve its process and methods. (orig.)
A critical and difficult step in the development and implementation of new technologies for environmental monitoring and characterization is successfully transferring these technologies to industry and government users for routine assessment and compliance activities. The Environmental Sciences Section of the DOE Savannah River Technology Center provides a forum for developers, potential users, and regulatory organizations to evaluate new technologies in comparison with baseline technologies in a well characterized field test bed. The principal objective of this project is to conduct comprehensive, objective field tests of monitoring and characterization technologies that are not currently used in EPA standard methods and evaluate their performance during actual operating conditions against baseline methods. This paper provides an overview of the field test site and a description of some of the technologies demonstrated at ...
The final product of the radwaste conditioning process must satisfy certain requirments and physico-chemical properties in order to assure its safe long-term behaviour. Of course, the foreseen quality assurance and quality control should be conducted by means of non-destructive techniques. This work presents an over-view of various applicable non-destructive methods of analysis, showing their fields of investigation in testing waste packages, together with some arising practical problems. The most promising methods, such as eddy current testing, ultrasonic testing, #gamma#-scanning, #gamma#-spectroscopy, neutron counting and computerized tomography, are treated more deeply and some applications are presented. Particular attention is devoted to the development of a device based on computerized tomography; its essential components are reported and some design problems are also discussed.
This dissertation reports on the application of numerical optimization techniques as applied to fuel cell simulation and design. Due to the "multi-physics" inherent in a fuel cell, which results in a highly coupled and non-linear behavior, an experimental program to analyze and improve the performance of fuel cells is extremely difficult. This program applies new optimization techniques with computational methods from the field of aerospace engineering to the fuel cell design problem. After an overview of fuel cell history, importance, and classification, a mathematical model of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) is presented. The governing equations are discretized and solved with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques including unstructured meshes, non-linear solution methods, numerical derivatives with complex variables, and sensitivity analysis with adjoint methods. Following the validation of the ...
The paper presents a computer-aided analysis of the combined use of ventilation and structural heat capacity and insulation as a means of saving air-conditioning power in digital telephone exchanges. It is shown that such savings can be effected by increasing air change with outdoor cool air at night, and when feasible, also in daytime, through the air change unit, in a conventional airconditioning cycle. The total thermal time constant (TTTC) method of calculation used enables the evaluation of daily or seasonal heat-flow balance for a given indoor temperature, considering the tendency of the heat capacity of the building and of envelope components to flatten the fluctuations of this temperature.
The University of Maryland at Baltimore was awarded a grant from the Department of Energy to test a specially modified incinerator to burn biomedical radioactive waste. In preparation for the incinerator, the Radiation Safety Office devised a comprehensive plan for its safe and effective use. The incinerator plan includes a discussion of regulations regarding on-site incineration of radioactive waste, plans for optimum use in burning four principal waste forms, controlled air incineration technology, and standard health physics safety practices; a use plan, including waste categorization and segregation, processing, and ash disposition; safety procedures, including personnel and area monitoring; and methods to evaluate the incinerator's effectiveness by estimating its volume reduction factors, mass and activity balances, and by determining the cost effectiveness of incineration versus commercial shallow land burial.
In this study the soil/vegetation/atmosphere-model based on the formulation of Deardorff was refined to hour basis and applied to a field in Vihti. The effect of model parameters on model results (energy fluxes, temperatures) was also studied as well as the effect of atmospheric conditions. The estimation of atmospheric conditions on the soil-vegetation system as well as an estimation of the effect of vegetation parameters on the atmospheric climate was estimated. Areal surface fluxes, temperatures and moistures were also modelled for some river basins in southern Finland. Land-use and soil parameterisation was developed to include properties and yearly variation of all vegetation and soil types. One classification was selected to describe the hydrothermal properties of the soils. Evapotranspiration was verified against the water balancemethod
Francesco Colonnas Hypnerotomachia Poliphili (The Strife of Love in a Dream) of 1499 is a bizarre architectural-erotic fantasy whose imagery has often perplexed commentators. One particular banquet scene has defied scrutiny. This paper decodes the meal as a typical Renaissance banquet, as harmonious and balanced as any painting or edifice, yet offering an image of divine feeding. The flavors, ingredients and meal structure all reflect current culinary aesthetics as well as Neo-Platonic love theory, occult symbolism and humoral medicine. The banquet scene features foods and cooking methods which were popular in late 15th century Italy and yet includes exotic ingredients such as precious jewels and perfumes which were meant to denote divine feeding. For example, a confection served as a star...
A method of modeling freeze-thaw cycles of naturally deposited snowpacks is presented. The model involves the Stefan condition as an independent governing equation on the exterior moving boundary to calculate snowpack thinning, flow of water through a variably saturated layered porous medium as described by the Richards equation, and heat conduction with a phase change. The heat conduction problem was treated in two ways. Local heat conduction between a snow grain and its surrounding water film was treated by using a simple energy balance. Global heat conduction with a phase change (the Stefan problem) was introduced to calculate the space-time temperature distribution. In order to handle multiple interior moving boundaries, a specific form of the enthalpy formulation was used for heat conduction with a phase change. Changing material properties were considered according to the calculated meltwater refreezing. 48 refs., 11 figs., 2 tabs.
Terrain attributes derived from digital elevation models have been used widely for mapping soil organic matter (SOM). Among these attributes, the topographic wetness index (TWI), an index for quantitatively indicating the balance between water accumulation and drainage conditions at the local scale, has been shown to correlate with SOM. However, TWIs used in most studies are calculated using a single-flow-direction (SFD) algorithm, which assumes that all water from a grid cell flows into only one neighboring cell. This assumption is not always valid, especially in areas with low relief where movement of water may be divergent. To overcome this SFD limitation, a multiple-flow-direction (MFD) algorithm has been developed, which distributes flow from a grid cell to several downslope neighbors...
Chitosan was acetylated during 2, 5 and 10 h and physical gels were obtained at different polymer concentrations in N,N-dimethylacetamide containing 5% of LiCl. Acetylation was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and "1"3C NMR, and degrees of acetylation in the range of 0.82-0.91 were determined by NMR. The O-acetylation degree (0.12-0.15) was exclusively determined by a volumetric method. Rheological studies showed that the storage modulus values were smaller for the more acetylated samples and increased with the temperature and the polymer concentration. All the gels presented storage modulus superior to loss modulus, evidencing more elastic than viscous characteristics. The results obtained in this work suggest a gelation process based on a balance between O and N-acetylation and intermolecular bonds. (author)
In order to quantify the biomass burning emissions, the main atmospheric pollution source of tropical and subtropical regions, we carried out the analysis of ashes that are also formed during these fires. To this end, we developed analytical methods to characterize the composition of savannah grass burning ashes by using X-ray fluorescence for mineral elements and microanalysis for C, H, O and N. Samples used in this work have been collected during laboratory combustion experiments, with chemically well-defined natural savannah grasses from Ivory Coasts and South Africa. The reproducibility and efficiency of different developed procedures have been studies. The analytical relative precision is generally better than 5%. This development has allowed to establish, for the first time, the global mass balance of ashes resulting from savannah grass burning. (authors). 16 refs., 3 figs., 8 tabs.
The black carbon continuum is composed of a series of carbon-rich components derived from combustion or metamorphism and characterized by contrasting environmental behavior and susceptibility to oxidation. In this work, we present a micro-scale density fractionation method that allows isolating the small quantities of soot-like and graphitic material usually found in natural samples. Organic carbon and {delta}{sup 13}C mass balance calculations were used to quantify the relative contributions of the two fractions to thermally-stable organic matter from a series of aquatic sediments. Varying proportions of soot-like and graphitic material were found in these samples, with large variations in {delta}{sup 13}C signatures suggesting important differences in their origin and/or dynamics in the environment.
For the purposes of energy forests, biological pest control should be interpreted as any method of using natural organisms or their products for the regulation of herbivores, below the economic threshold. The organisms include the energy forest crop species and natural enemies of pest herbivores. Examples are provided of three-trophic-level interactions, including some on willows and poplars. Bottom-up effects may be particularly strong in juvenile Salicaceae, which are used in energy forest production, because plants are growing vigorously, and many herbivores respond positively. Some major pests on willows and poplars appear to have weak top-down regulation, and they may be influenced most by bottom-up effects such as plant resistance through genetic variation, ontogenetic aging and physiological aging. Balancing the bottom-up and top-down forces in energy forests may be difficult in short-rotation crops, but harvesting may prove to be ...
Degradation of contacts of the electronic equipment at the raised temperatures is connected with active diffusion redistribution of components contact - metalized systems (CMS) and phase production on interphase borders. One of systems diffusion barriers (DB) are polycrystalline silicide a film, in particular silicides of the titan. Reception disilicide the titan (TiSi_2) which on the parameters is demanded for conditions of microelectronics from known silicides of system Ti-Si, is possible as a result of direct reaction of a film of the titan and a substrate of silicon, and at sedimentation of layer Ti-Si demanded stoichiometric structure. Simultaneously there is specific problem polycrystalline diffusion a barrier (PDB): the polycrystalline provides structural balance and metastability film disilicide, but leaves in it borders of grains - easy local ways of diffusion. In clause the analysis diffusion permeability polycrystalline and polyphase DB is made and ...
This paper deals with a robust H{sub -} power system stabilizer (HPSS) design using reduced-order models to improve the damping oscillation in power systems. The stabilizer is dynamic, low order and robust. In order to obtain a reduced-order controller, the method of balanced truncation is used. Sufficient conditions in the form of two algebraic Riccati equations (AREs) and an upper bound explicitly characterize an H{sub -} controller of lower dimensions. Furthermore, the bilinear transformation has been used to the design to prevent the pole-zero cancellation of the poorly damped poles and to improve the control system performance. The proposed technique is illustrated with applications to the design of stabilizer for a multi-machine power system. Simulation results under various operation conditions are given which show that the proposed HPSS damps the low-frequency oscillation in an efficient manner. (author)
Characteristics of embedded systems are discussed. In particular, the role of the computer in such systems is highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on the different requirements different kinds of systems may place on program execution. From such requirements necessary programming constructs are derived and in an overview of currently used languages it is shown how evolution led to modern languages like Ada and CHILL. With the advent of cheap, fast and small processing units, exploitation of parallelism for enhancing system performance is becoming increasingly tempting. However, few languages support the design of such multi-processor systems. Some methods for dealing with this problem are discussed. Finally, systems architectures and associated languages for the use of techniques originally developed for AI research are adumbrated. (Auth.).
The most important aim of the title program is to investigate the possibility to convert long-lived actinides and mobile fission products in short-lived and stable isotopes by means of nuclear transmutation and recycling. First, an overview is given of the present situation regarding fission material waste, the origin of such waste in light water reactors and the options for interim and ultimate storage. Next, attention is paid to the aim of the the RAS program, the working method and the results so far of national and international research on the transmutation of actinides and fission products. Speculative expectations for the future are briefly outlined. The report also contains four appendices with technical aspects of the title subject: the RAS program of ECN, chemical aspects of reprocessing fission material, transmutation in fission reactors and in accelerators. 12 figs., 7 tabs., 4 appendices, 57 refs.
This executive summary presents an overview of the investigations, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Long Island Regional Planning Board (LIRPB) study of the Potential for Beneficial Use of Waste-to-Energy Facility Ash. The full report consists of the following volumes: Executive Summary; Volume 1: Long Island Ash Management Status; Volume 2: Sampling and Testing Procedures; Volume 3: Environmental Properties; Volume 4: Engineering Properties; Volume 5: Environmental Assessment; Volume 6: Engineering and Economic Evaluation; and Volume 7: Legal and Institutional Issues. Volumes one through seven are briefly summarized in this executive summary with the exception of Volume 2 of the report, which serves as the documentation of the sampling conditions and testing methods used in measuring chemical and physical properties of the ash tested. The study investigated the feasibility of the use of incinerator ash as a substitute for ...
A series of modifications which increased the capacity of Canadian Electrolytic Zinc's Valleyfield plant from 220,000 MT/year to 260,000 MT/year during the last decade is discussed, combined with an an overview of the plant's operations. The modifications included modernisation of the waste disposal methods and facilities, such as a new high-density sludge wastewater treatment process, a new process to remove selenium from weak acid solutions and the jarofix process. Roasting capacity also has been improved by recent investments in new cooling coils, rebricking, oxygen enrichment and process automation. In addition to increases in refining capacity, the improvements also enabled the company to minimize its impact on the environment and the community.
The paper gives a detailed overview of the history of subsidence engineering in South African collieries. Surface displacements resulting from total-seam extraction are discussed, and the important role of local geology is highlighted. It is shown that the differences in subsidence behaviour between South African and European collieries can be attributed to the presence of competent strata in the overburden of South African coal seams. Criteria are given for the prediction of the most important subsidence parameters, and a new model for the simulation of surface subsidence above total-extraction panels is introduced. The final section of the paper deals with the damage to surface structures caused by total-seam extraction. A brief summary of the most important undermining experiments in South African collieries is given, and it is concluded that local experiences of damage compare with those in Europe. 32 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.
BC Hydro has been assessing and upgrading its facilities and implementing response alternatives to potential damage resulting from a major earthquake. This paper reviews the utility`s seismic evaluation of its overhead transmission system, focusing on the Lower Mainland area where most of the tall critical river-crossing towers are located. The paper gives an overview of the geologic environment of the Lower Mainland and outlines the criteria used for assessing existing structures for their ability to withstand design seismic loads. It then describes the investigation and analysis methods used in the assessment, including geotechnical field tests, ground response analysis, determination of soil liquefaction potential, and dynamic analysis of structures and piles. Options for seismic upgrades are discussed and illustrated by the case of the Pitt River crossing, where tower foundations were reinforced with steel pipe piles.
The potential of different multitemporal and multispectral airborne and spaceborne remote sensing methods for assessment and monitoring of the lignite open-cast mining areas are discussed in this chapter. Emphasis is placed on the successful use of different remote sensing data in variable vegetation structures for dumped sediments with different mineralogical and geochemical properties and for hydrochemical properties of the residual lakes. Multiple remote sensing data are a cost and time efficient tool for the assessment of environmental impacts, supervising of reclamation activities as well as for long term monitoring of the mining area. The airborne data are well suited for large scale detailed research and mapping in smaller sites and the satellite data for the overview scale 1:50 000. An integrated remote sensing-GIS-system including all field and lab data, DTM and other graphical data, improve the results of the remote sensing data ...
This report gives a brief introduction to the project `Probabilistic Design Tool for Wind Turbines` - PRODETO - which was carried out during the years 1996-98 with partial funding from the European Commission under the Non-Nuclear Energy Programme JOULE III. The report gives an overview of the objectives and motivation for the project, and the methodology used. In this context, an example of reliability-based wind turbine design against fatigue failure is outlined with emphasis on the various important steps herein, which include probabilistic load and resistance modelling, calculation of failure probability, and calibration of partial safety factors for use with a deterministic design code format. The results of the project are presented with emphasis on a developed computer program and its capabilities, and the various elements of an executed case study are outlined. A list of project reports concludes the report. (au)
The selection and design of an MEOR process for application in a specific field involves geological, reservoir, and biological characterization. Microbially mediated oil recovery mechanisms (bigenic gas, biopolymers, and biosurfactants) are defined by the types of microorganisms used. The engineering and biological character of a given reservoir must be understood to correctly select a microbial system to enhance oil recovery. This paper discusses the methods used to evaluate three fields with distinct characteristics and production problems for the applicability of MEOR would not be applicable in two of the three fields considered. The development of a microbial oil recovery process for the third field appeared promising. Development of a bacterial consortium capable of producing the desired metabolites was initiated, and field isolates were characterized.
This paper gives a concise overview of evolutionary algorithms for multiobjective optimization. A substantial number of evolutionary computation methods for multiobjective problem solving has been proposed so far, and an attempt of unifying existing approaches is here presented. Based on a fine-grained decomposition and following the main issues of fitness assignment, diversity preservation and elitism, a conceptual global model is proposed and is validated by regarding a number of state-of-the-art algorithms as simple variants of the same structure. The presented model is then incorporated into a general-purpose software framework dedicated to the design and the implementation of evolutionary multiobjective optimization techniques: ParadisEO-MOEO. This package has proven its validity and flexibility by enabling the resolution of many real-world and hard multiobjective optimization problems.
The design of the ITER primary first wall incorporates a multi-layered structure consisting of a layer of beryllium bonded to a layer of copper alloy with embedded stainless steel tubes which in turn is bonded to a stainless steel structure. In this configuration, the stainless steel provides structural support, the copper alloy improved resistance to high heat loads, and the beryllium layer a low Z metal interface with plasma. Fabrication, testing and control of this multi-layered structure, and indeed the entire blanket shield module, calls for advanced methods. Several associations in the four home teams and their industrial partners have been involved in various fabrication and joining tasks now grouped under L4 blanket project. In this paper, an overview of the work done so far for joining stainless steel to stainless steel, stainless steel to copper alloy, copper alloy to copper alloy, and copper alloy to beryllium is presented. ...
Proper balance control is a key aspect of acitivities of daily living. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of body weight to predict balance stability. The balance stability of 59 male subjects with BMI ranging from 17.4 to 63.8kg/m2 was assessed using a force platform. The subjects were tested with and without vision. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine the independent effect of body weight, age, body height and foot length on balance stability (i.e., mean speed of the center of foot pressure). With vision, the stepwise multiple regression revealed that body weight accounted for 52% of the variance of balance stability. The addition of age contributed a further 3% to explain balance control. Without vision, body weight accounted for 54% of the...
Shielding calculations for neutron-gamma radiation are usually done by using the full Theory of Transport or the Monte Carlo Techniques. After some works based on the Albedo Method, the shielding calculations for neutron-gamma radiation have a reliable tool with great didactical value which shows its clarity and simplicity for the resolution of cases that involve neutrons and photon shielding in nonmultiplying media. The excellent results of these works have motivated the elaboration and the development of this study that will be presented in this dissertation. The balance of a neutronic current entering a shield of two layers considering the coupling neutron-gamma will be determined by the Albedo Method. The shield will be composed of a layer of iron and another one of manganese with 10 cm of thickness each. The arrays of the materials coefficients will be obtained from the ANISN code. ANISN is a one dimensional ...
Shielding calculations for neutron-gamma radiation are usually done by using the full Theory of Transport or the Monte Carlo Techniques. After some works based on the Albedo Method, the shielding calculations for neutron-gamma radiation have a reliable tool with great didactical value which shows its clarity and simplicity for the resolution of cases that involve neutrons and photon shielding in nonmultiplying media. The excellent results of these works have motivated the elaboration and the development of this study that will be presented in this dissertation. The balance of a neutronic current entering a shield of two layers considering the coupling neutron-gamma will be determined by the Albedo Method. The shield will be composed of a layer of iron and another one of manganese with 10 cm of thickness each. The arrays of the materials coefficients will be obtained from the ANISN code. ANISN is a one dimensional ...
The principal mathematical tools frequently available for calculations in Nuclear Engineering, including coupled neutron-gamma radiations shielding problems, involve the full Transport Theory or the Monte Carlo techniques. The Multigroup Albedo Method applied to shieldings is characterized by following the radiations through distinct layers of materials, allowing the determination of the neutron and gamma fractions reflected from, transmitted through and absorbed in the irradiated media when a neutronic stream hits the first layer of material, independently of flux calculations. Then, the method is a complementary tool of great didactic value due to its clarity and simplicity in solving neutron and/or gamma shielding problems. The outstanding results achieved in previous works motivated the elaboration and the development of this study that is presented in this dissertation. The radiation balance resulting from the ...
The principal mathematical tools frequently available for calculations in Nuclear Engineering, including coupled neutron-gamma radiations shielding problems, involve the full Transport Theory or the Monte Carlo techniques. The Multigroup Albedo Method applied to shieldings is characterized by following the radiations through distinct layers of materials, allowing the determination of the neutron and gamma fractions reflected from, transmitted through and absorbed in the irradiated media when a neutronic stream hits the first layer of material, independently of flux calculations. Then, the method is a complementary tool of great didactic value due to its clarity and simplicity in solving neutron and/or gamma shielding problems. The outstanding results achieved in previous works motivated the elaboration and the development of this study that is presented in this dissertation. The radiation balance resulting from the ...
Disposable nappies (diapers) have been satisfactorily demineralized and used for the collection of excreta from infants and young children during mineral and trace metal balances. It was possible to...Full Text Available
Subjects covered in this section are: (1) PCAST panel promotes energy research cooperation; (2) Letter issued by ANS urges funding balance in FFTF restart consideration and (3) FESAC panel releases report on priorities and balance.
Ghil, M., B. Shkoller, and V. Yangarber, 1977: A balanced diagnostic system compatible with a barotropic prognostic model. M. Weather. Rev. , 105, 1223- 1238, ...
Mass Balance and Present-day Antarctic Rebound and Gravity Change. Erik R. Ivins , Eric Rignot, Xiaoping Wu, Carol A. Raymond (JPLKaltech, 300-233,4800 Oak ...
Provides standardized energy balance sheets expressed in a common unit of tons of oil equivalent for all OECD countries as well as the regions: OECD total, IEA, North America, Pacific, OECD Europe, EEC and Yugoslavia.
Understanding the pathogenesis of obesity is now more important than ever, given the remarkable world-wide epidemic. This paper explores the potential role of core temperature in energy balance, and...Full Text Available
based sensors, and a host of other scientific ... and change the balance between incoming and outgoing energy. ..... have launched on a larger rocket, flown in ...
Because every cell within the body has the same genetic information, a significant problem in biology is to understand how cells within a tissue express genes selectively. A sophisticated network of physical and biochemical signals converge in a highly orchestrated manner to bring about the exquisite regulation that governs gene expression in diverse tissues. Thus, the ultimate decision of a cell to proliferate, express tissue-specific genes, or apoptose must be a coordinated response to its adhesive, growth factor, and hormonal milieu. The unifying hypothesis examined in this overview is that the unit of function in higher organisms is neither the genome nor the cell alone but the complex, three-dimensional tissue. This is because there are bidirectional connections between the components of the cellular microenvironment (growth factors, hormones, and extracellular matrix) and the nucl2048 These connections are made via membrane-bound receptors and transmitted to ...
NASA's Glory spacecraft is equipped to survey and map aerosols in Earth's atmosphere during a mission marking the return to flight of the Taurus XL rocket.
This report is a summary of the contribution of nitrogen and phosphorus in the eutrophication process of inland and coastal waters. Special attention was paid to the mechanisms of these nutrients in regulating biological processes and to the methods available in estimating their effects in the eutrophication of water bodies. The report includes five chapters which are entitled: Introduction, which is a general background to the subject with special attention to the requirements of the Finnish Water Act. Phosphorus and nitrogen as factors regulating biological processes. The topics included are: definition of eutrophication, forms of phosphorus and nitrogen and their sources to inland and coastal waters, effects of these nutrients as growth factors of phytoplankton and macrophytes and consequences of eutrophication. Estimation of the effects of phosphorus and nitrogen. The topics discussed from the point of view of the tasks of the National Board of Waters and the ...
A wind turbine is disclosed which permits high energy production over a wide range of wind forces while being protected against climatic hazards. According to the invention, a mast supports an energy recuperator comprising vane-type rotors by means of a frame which is orientable around a vertical axis. An energy conversion device is connected to the recuperator in order to be driven in rotation by the recuperator. The frame is responsive to the aerodynamic force exerted on the recuperator with respect to the mast and to the ground so as to optimize the power collected by the machine. The frame comprises a turret pivoted to the mast about the vertical axis and a structure pivoted to the turret about a horizontal axis of tilting motion. A balance weight maintains the recuperator in the top position when there is no wind. The aerodynamic drag of the recuperator acts in the opposite direction. In consequence, in the event of a high wind, the recuperator moves down ...
The corrosion resistance of zircaloy is affected by conditions of heat treatment in the manufacturing steps to be formed into a final product as a structural material. In the manufacturing method of the present invention, a Zr alloy controlled to contain Sn: 0.8 to 1.2wt%, Fe: 0.17 to 0.28wt%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.15wt%, Ni: 0.04 to 0.10wt%, Nb: 0.01 to 0.09wt%, oxygen: 1,000 to 1,500ppm and Si, an Si impurity at a concentration of 120ppm or less and balance of Zr is melted into a cast piece, to which #beta# hardening is applied. Then, rolling and annealing treatment are applied so that the total heat input amount to the material: #SIGMA#Ai ranges from 1 x 10"-"1"9 to 1 x 10"-"1"7. With such procedures, a Zr alloy structural material for a reactor core having excellent homogeneous corrosion resistance and hydrogen absorption resistance for a long period of time while having a sufficient strength can be obtained even in a case where Sn content is ...
State-of-the-art approaches for the calculation of gamma heating in LMFBR core, blanket and reflector regions have been evaluated, with particular emphasis on coupled neutron-gamma methods/cross section sets. The major source of calculational error was found to be the apparent failure to impose a mass-energy balance on total gamma energy yield from neutron capture and other interactions in the preparation of representative neutron-gamma cross section sets. The applicability of many simplifying assumptions was demonstrated, including: volume-weighted homogenization, insensitivity to the shape of the gamma-source-spectrum, gamma energy deposition equal to gamma energy source more than 10 cm inside large zones of uniform composition, and the negligible effect of bremsstrahlung. A simple one-group method was developed to permit rapid, accurate estimation of the large (factor of 2) changes in the gamma energy ...
Cu/YSZ cermet (40 and 60 vol.% Cu powder with balance YSZ) is a more economical cathode material than the conventional Ni/YSZ cermet for high temperature electrolysis (HTE) of water vapor and it was successfully fabricated by high-energy ball-milling of Cu and YSZ powders, pressing into pellets (o 13 mm x 2 mm) and subsequent sintering process at 700 deg. C under flowing 5%-H{sub 2}/Ar gas. The Cu/YSZ composite material thus fabricated was characterized using various analytical tools such as XRD, SEM, and laser diffraction and scattering method. Electrical conductivity of sintered Cu/YSZ cermet pellets thus fabricated was measured by using 4-probe technique for comparison with that of conventional Ni/YSZ cermets. The effect of composite composition on the electrical conductivity was investigated and a marked increase in electrical conductivity for copper contents greater than 40 vol.% in the composite was explained by percolation threshold. ...
Location of transmission line faults are traditionally estimated by measuring the apparent impedance from a line terminal to the fault and converting the reactive component of the impedance to line length. None of the methods proposed to date address adequately the problems of fault location on distribution systems that have single or multiphase laterals and/or tapped loads. The research for this dissertation resulted in the development of a technique that estimates the location of a shunt fault on a radial distribution system that has several single and/or multiphase laterals. The technique takes into account load taps and non-homogeneity of the system, and has been tested for its ability to handle single-phase-to-ground, two-phase-to-ground, phase-to-phase and balanced three-phase faults. Computer simulations indicate that the technique is more accurate than the reactive component method. Results from a prototype of the ...
This paper introduces a robust searching hybrid evolutionary algorithm to solve the multi-objective Distribution Feeder Reconfiguration (DFR). The main objective of the DFR is to minimize the real power loss, deviation of the nodes' voltage, the number of switching operations, and balance the loads on the feeders. Because of the fact that the objectives are different and no commensurable, it is difficult to solve the problem by conventional approaches that may optimize a single objective. This paper presents a new approach based on norm3 for the DFR problem. In the proposed method, the objective functions are considered as a vector and the aim is to maximize the distance (norm2) between the objective function vector and the worst objective function vector while the constraints are met. Since the proposed DFR is a multi objective and non-differentiable optimization problem, a new hybrid evolutionary algorithm (EA) based on the combination of the ...
This thesis is divided up into five chapters as outlined below. Chapter 1 gives the background to the techniques used in this thesis including X-ray structure determination and ab initio methods. An overview of some recent studies using ab initio methods to study transition metal complexes is also given. Chapter 2 investigates structural trans influence in a number of transition metal and p-block complexes. The database and ab initio studies showed that the classical trans influence model based on Pt(II) chemistry does not always hold. For some systems (eg. d sup 1 sup 0 s sup 0 for Sb sup V and Sn sup I sup V) the cis influence is of similar magnitude to the trans influence. For other systems (d sup 0), the trans influence is not as powerful as usually assumed. Chapter 3 is an investigation into the bridging chloride unit. A database study was performed on three systems (M-CI-M', M-CI...H and M-CI...Li/Na/K). Reaction ...
SYVAC3 (Systems Variability Analysis Code, generation 3) is a computer program that implements a method called systems variability analysis to analyze the behaviour of a system in the presence of uncertainty. This method is based on simulating the system many times to determine the variation in behaviour it can exhibit. SYVAC3 specializes in systems representing the transport of contaminants, and has several features to simplify the modelling of such systems. It provides a general tool for estimating environmental impacts from the dispersal of contaminants. This report describes the use and structure of SYVAC3. It is intended for modellers, programmers, operators and reviewers who deal with simulation codes based on SYVAC3. From this manual they can learn how to link a model with SYVAC3, how to set up an input file, and how to extract results from output files. The manual lists the subroutines of SYVAC3 that are available for use by models, and ...
The reliability of the surface condenser is a key factor in plant performance level and maintenance cost optimization. This is especially the case for thermal nuclear plants where condenser raw wa-ter ingress can introduce contamination into the chemically-controlled, steam/water loop potentially causing damage to sensitive equipment. Two important parameters must be taken into account when attempting to optimize the quality and the reliability of condenser tubing. They include selecting the appropriate material according to the cooling water corrosion level present. A second and equally important parameter is the manufac-turing of the tubing product itself. This paper will identify methods to optimize manufacturing processes and improve tubing quality, according to VALTIMET's 30 years of condenser welded tubing production experience. Those methods complete the core manufacturing process (forming and welding), through improvement of ...
The Kyoto Protocol is often described as a good first step towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere. The Protocol endorses emissions trading, joint implementation including 'bubbling' between Annex 1 Parties, and a clean development mechanism that allows Annex 1 and non-Annex 1 Parties to act together to reduce emissions. However, the anticipated permit market will not function if uncertainties are not rigorously assessed and considered in any compliance process. With no reliable verification tool, it is impossible to effectively assess the different mechanisms and activities mentioned under the Protocol. Thus, it is very important to study the uncertainties underlying the Kyoto relevant GHGs, here with reference to Poland, because without the consideration of uncertainty robust verification can not occur. This paper presents information about the data used in the calculations as well as the methods favored by the ...
The current status of a computational aeroacoustics (CAA) approach to simulate broadband noise is reviewed. The method rests on the use of steady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulation to describe the time-averaged motion of turbulent flow. By means of synthetic turbulence the steady one-point statistics (e.g. turbulence kinetic energy) and turbulent length- and time-scales of RANS are translated into fluctuations having statistics that very accurately reproduce the initial RANS target-setting. The synthetic fluctuations are used to prescribe sound sources which drive linear perturbation equations. The whole approach represents a methodology to solve statistical noise theory with state-of-the-art CAA tools in the time-domain. A brief overview of the synthetic turbulence model and its numerical discretization in terms of the random particle-mesh (RPM) and fast random particle-mesh (FRPM) method is given. Results ...
Climates at regional scale are strongly dependent on the interaction between atmosphere and its lower boundary, the oceans and the land surface mosaic. Land surfaces influence climate through their albedo, and the aerodynamic roughness, the processes of the biosphere and many soil hydrological properties; all these factors vary considerably geographically. Land surfaces receive a certain portion of the solar irradiance depending on the cloudiness, atmospheric transparency and surface albedo. Short-wave solar irradiance is the source of the heat energy exchange at the earth`s surface and also regulates many biological processes, e.g. photosynthesis. Methods for estimating solar irradiance, atmospheric transparency and surface albedo were reviewed during the course of this project. The solar energy at earth`s surface is consumed for heating the soil and the lower atmosphere. Where moisture is available, evaporation is one of the key components of the surface energy ...
During the last few decades, accuracy in photon and electron radiotherapy has increased substantially. This is partly due to enhanced linear accelerator technology, providing more flexibility in field definition (e.g. the usage of computer-controlled dynamic multileaf collimators), which led to intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Important improvements have also been made in the treatment planning process, more specifically in the dose calculations. Originally, dose calculations relied heavily on analytic, semi-analytic and empirical algorithms. The more accurate convolution/superposition codes use pre-calculated Monte Carlo dose 'kernels' partly accounting for tissue density heterogeneities. It is generally recognized that the Monte Carlo method is able to increase accuracy even further. Since the second half of the 1990s, several Monte Carlo dose engines for radiotherapy treatment planning have been introduced. To enable the use of a Monte Carlo treatment ...
Summary: Analysis of biological networks requires assessing the statistical significance of network-based predictions by using a realistic null model. However, the existing network null model, switch randomization, is unsuitable for metabolic networks, as it does not include physical constraints and generates unrealistic reactions. We present JMassBalance, a tool for mass-balanced randomization and analysis of metabolic networks. The tool allows efficient generation of large sets of randomized networks under the physical constraint of mass balance. In addition, various structural properties of the original and randomized networks can be calculated, facilitating the identification of the salient properties of metabolic networks with a biologically meaningful null model. Availability and Imp...
The fundamentals and the technical application methods of the imaging procedures are discussed in detail with regard to their application in medicine. The development of the X-ray contrast media has led to a better tolerance and a significant reduction of risks. Problems relating to radiation protection and radiation exposure are discussed critically. The general point gives an overview of the radiological examination methods and is meant to deepen the understanding of the special techniques and their rationally determined application. The following special part deals with diagnosing of organs in the region of the neck and the thorax. The general basis is the conventional radiological examination. The great increase in information achieved by means of the new imaging methods becomes clear if we look at the diagnostics of the soft tissue of the neck. Computerized tomography and NMR imaging open the view ...
In this paper, we study data structures for use in N-body simulation. We concentrate on the spatial decomposition tree used in particle-cluster force evaluation algorithms such as the Barnes-Hut algorithm. We prove that a k-d tree is asymptotically inferior to a spatially balanced tree. We show that the worst case complexity of the force evaluation algorithm using a k-d tree is {Theta}(n log{sup 3} n log L) compared with {Theta}(n log L) for an oct-tree. (L is the separation ratio of the set of points.) We also investigate improving the constant factor of the algorithm, and present several methods which improve over the standard oct-tree decomposition. Finally, we consider whether or not the bounding box of a point set should be {open_quotes}tight{close_quotes}, and show that it is only safe to use tight bounding boxes for binary decompositions. The results are all directly applicable to practical implementations of N-body algorithms.
In March 2007 in-pile testing of LEU U-Mo full-size IRT type fuel elements was started in the MIR reactor. Four prototype fuel elements for Uzbekistan WWR SM reactor are being tested simultaneously - two of tube type design and two of pin type design. The dismountable irradiation devices were constructed for intermediate reloading and inspection of fuel elements during reactor testing. The objective of the test is to obtain the experimental results for determination of more reliable design and licensing fuel elements for conversion of the WWR SM reactor. The heat power of fuel elements is measured on-line by thermal balancemethod. The distribution of fission density and burn-up of uranium in the volume of elements are calculated by using the MIR reactor MCU code (Monte-Carlo) model. In this paper the design of fuel elements, the technique, main parameters and preliminary results are described. (author)
Results of an investigation aiming to study the effects of the burner cap design factors on flame stability are presented in this paper. Flame stability is an essential part of the operation of all domestic burners, including natural gas-fired cooktops. At high thermal inputs flame lifts are encountered above certain levels of primary aeration, whereas flashback only takes place at low thermal inputs, due to natural gas low flame speed, above certain levels of primary aeration. In this work, flame lift limits were measured at 3.3 kW thermal input and the highest primary aeration above which flame lifts started to become visible was the stability limit at this thermal input. Around 60% primary aeration was desired to minimize pollutant emissions. Turndown tests were done at 40% primary aeration. The `Factorial Experimental Design` method with statistical analysis was used. This enabled detection of interactions between factors as well as the effects of each single ...
Coal ash is a substance that has been mixed into minerals in the earth`s crust during their coalification process. Estimation was made on what kinds of mineral composition have been mixed into coals. Noted first was the kinds of compounds contained in the ash, wherein the ratios of mass in the compounds and minerals were correlated, and selection was made on minerals which are thought correlated. The selection criterion was based on minerals containing silica, alumina, iron oxide, lime and magnesium as compounds. Then, a phase equilibrium line diagram was used to estimate compositions and melting points of minerals which are thought to have been produced from these compounds. By comparing the estimation with the measured melting points of the ashes, mineral compositions thought reasonable were all selected. Assumption was possible on minerals that are thought to have been transferred into coal ash. Compound indications of ashes from 29 kinds of the world`s typical coals were replaced ...
Abstract in english The tegument surface of the adult schistosome, bounded by a normal plasma membrane overlain by a secreted membranocalyx, holds the key to understanding how schistosomes evade host immune responses. Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS), and the sequencing of the Schistosoma mansoni transcriptome/genome, have facilitated schistosome proteomics. We detached the tegument from the worm body and enriched its surface membranes by differential extraction, before subjecting t (more) he preparation to liquid chromatography-based proteomics to identify its constituents. The most exposed proteins on live worms were labelled with impearmeant biotinylation reagents, and we also developed methods to isolate the membranocalyx for analysis. We identified transporters for sugars, amino acids, inorganic ions and water, which confirm the importance of the tegument plasma membrane in nutrient acquisition and solute balance. Enzymes, ...
A model describes the effect of changes to the pore structure on the mechanical properties of semi-coke during coking. The gap tensile experiment makes it possible to determine the mechanical properties of the coke and semi-coke; a theoretical analysis is valid for the deformation of samples in the gap tensile test, by which the gap tensile strength of the coke can be determined, and by which a method for the simultaneous determination of the effective modulus of elasticity was developed. The effect of the pore structure on the mechanical properties is given in semi-empirical equations. The main point here is to check whether a pore in the coke can be regarded as a Griffith crack, and whether the interaction of pores can be neglected. A model which takes the pore distribution into account was also developed and tested. A model for the change of pore structure during coking, which includes the contraction of the semi-coke, and which presupposes a difference in ...
A zirconium alloy comprising from 0.8 to 1.6wt% of Sn, from 0.17 to 0.25wt% of Fe, from 0.15 to 0.25wt% of Cr and from 0.01 to 0.08wt% of Ni and Si at a concentration of 120ppm or lower as an impurity and the balance of Zr is melted into cast pieces and then subjected to an #beta# annealing. It is controlled so as to satisfy Fe + Cr + Ni #<=# 0.52wt%. Then, rolling and annealing are applied so that the total heat injection amount #SIGMA#A_i to the materials is within a range of from 1 x 10"-"1"9 to 1 x 10"-"1"7. #SIGMA#A_i = #SIGMA#t_i #centre dot# exp(-Q/RT_i), in which t_i represents processing time (hour) at an ith heat treatment step after the #beta# annealing, T_i represents a processing temperature (K) in the step i. Q represents an activating energy, R represents a gas constant, and Q/R 40,000. (I.N.).
The lipid obtained by the toluene extraction of a dried raw Atlanta sewage sludge by the Soxhlet method, was pyrolyzed over activated alumina at atmospheric pressure. A range of weight hourly space velocities (WHSV) from 0.22-1.60/h and a range of temperatures from 400-480[degree]C were selected. A 70 wt % yield of light liquid hydrocarbons was obtained at a WHSV of 0.46/h and 450[degree]C. The sulfur and nitrogen contents of the pyrolysis products were much lower than products from direct liquefaction of sludge. Infrared spectra and [sup 13]C nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the absence of carbonyl groups in the products. Gas chromatography showed a uniform hydrocarbon chain length distribution across the C[sub 7] to C[sub 17] mass range. The gas product consisted mainly of carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. Lauric acid was used as a model to study the decarboxylation. The effects of catalyst loading and catalyst moisture content were investigated for the ...
The share of peat in the primary energy supply in Finland in 1996 was about 6.5 % and the area used for peat production was about 535 km"2, corresponding to about 0.5 % of the original peatland area of Finland. Fuel peat production is hence a significant form of using natural resources. About 1.4 % of the total peatland area has been reserved for peat production. Approximately 95 % of the peat excavated in Finland is used as fuel peat, and 5 % as horticultural peat. As raw material and fuel peat can be considered to be slowly renewable material. The environmental impacts of fuel peat production, transportation and peat combustion were evaluated in this research by methods used in life-cycle assessment. Preparation and production phases of peat production areas, fuel peat transportation to power plants, combustion of peat in power plants, and disposal of the ashes formed the basis for the investigation. Data collected in 1994-1996 was used as the basic material in ...
Summaries are presented for those research contracts which expired between December 31, 1960 and December 31, 1981. Topics covered include: factors controlling distribution of fission products in biosphere, non-destructive methods of evaluating the U/sup 235/ and Pu content of irradiated fuel elements, studies of contamination in local marine resources, tracer studies of anemia, non-destructive analysis of irradiated fuel elements using a flux integrating monitor, mechanism of proteolysis of I/sup 131/-labeled fibrinogen, radiosensitivity of spermatogonia of Drosophila melel elements by gamma scanning, uptake and loss of radioactive material by marine bacteria, factors which influence the movement of radioactive strontium from soils to plants, biological concentration of fission products in mollusks from water, decay scheme of Tl/sup 210/, calcium balance in metabolic bone disease, development of radioactive drugs ...
Correct ortopedic therapy for traumas of the cervical rachis requires perfect knowledge of the spatial balance of the fracture focus. The authors belive Computed Tomography (CT) to be the most suitable, and often indispensable, method for this purpose. Twenty-four patients were examined for traumatic pathology of the cervical rachis. In 7 cases with clinically minor traumas, the negative outcome of the traditional traumas, the negative outcome of the traditional exam was considered reliable and sufficient for therapeutic purposes. The extant 17 patients were examined also by means of CT, either to better dermine the characteristics of skeletal lesions already ascertained with traditional techniques or to asses the presence of clinically-suspected osteo-articular lesions, even with negative conventional X-rays. For 9 of these patients orthopedic treatment was considered sufficient, whereas 8 patients underwent surgery and were subsequently ...
The thermal performance monitoring and optimization system TEMPO is developed at the OECD Halden Reactor Project. The system supports staff of nuclear power plants in identification and correction of problems, which cause small decreases in plant efficiency but which may lead to significant economical losses. The system-wide physical model consists of mathematical description of individual components, such as the reactor, the pumps, the heat exchangers, or the turbines, etc. TEMPO code has recently been extended with new steam generator (SG) models. The present paper summarizes the thermal-hydraulic modelling aspects of the vertical and the horizontal SG. The heat balance equations and their solution are shown with the appropriate initial and boundary conditions. The method of the calculation of the pressure losses are also introduced. The vertical SG model is based on a U-tube structure and treated as a 1D flow channel. The horizontal approach ...
In the framework of the development of burnup calculation method for commercial fast reactors, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to clarify the dependence of fuel burnup characteristics on nuclear data libraries (NDLs). The following NDLs were compared: JEF-2.2, ENDF/B-VI Release 5, JENDL-3.2 and JENDL-3.3. The NDL-dependence of material balance for main heavy metal nuclides ("2"3"5U, "2"3"8U, "2"3"9Pu, "2"4"0Pu and "2"4"1Pu) was small, since the number densities at the end of one-cycle burnup did not change over 1 or 2% among the above-mentioned libraries. Relatively large differences were found for minor actinide nuclides, especially for "2"3"6U, "2"3"7Np, "2"4"2"mAm, "2"4"3Am and curium isotopes. The number densities for these nuclides after burning up showed remarkable NDL-dependence over 5% through 50%. A burnup sensitivity analysis system based on the generalized perturbation theory enabled us to find out quantitatively the causative ...
The major driver to enhance the efficiency of the simple gas turbine cycle has been the increase in process conditions through advancements in materials and cooling methods. Thermodynamic cycle developments or cycle integration are among the possible ways to further enhance performance. The current paper presents the possibilities and advantages from the LOTHECO natural gas-fired combined cycle concept. In the LOTHECO cycle, low-temperature waste heat or solar heat is used for the evaporation of injected water droplets in the compressed air entering the gas turbine's combustion chamber. Following a description of this innovative cycle, its advantages are demonstrated by comparison between different gas turbine power generation systems for small and large-scale applications, including thermodynamic and economic analysis. A commercial gas turbine (ALSTOM GT10C) has been selected and computed with the heat mass balance program ENBIPRO. The results ...
The General Spectral Modeling (GSM) code employs the quasi-static approximation, a standard, low-density methodology that assumes the ionization balance is separable from a determination of the excited-state populations that give rise to the spectra. GSM also allows for some states to be treated only as contributions to effective rates. While these two approximations are known to be valid at low densities, this work investigates using such methods to model high-density, non-LTE emission spectra and determines at what point the approximations break down by comparing to spectra produced by the LANL code ATOMIC which makes no such approximations. As both approximations are used by other astrophysical and low-density modeling codes, the results should be of broad interest. He-like K$\\alpha$ emission spectra are presented for Ni, Fe, and Ca, in order to gauge the effect of both approximations employed in GSM. This work confirms that at and above ...
The broad objective of the engineered barriers studies was to demonstrate and qualify the use of different materials and techniques for sealing water flow paths in the Stripa granite, the mine excavations and the excavation disturbed zones. As may be anticipated from the application of the observational method that forms the basis for design of geotechnical structures, the programme evolved with the finding being made at Stripa and other underground laboratories. During phase 1, the engineered barriers investigations focussed on the heat affected zone of the repository. Specifically, the response of clay buffers and the interactions between waste containers, clay buffer materials and the rock were studied. The phase 2 investigations examined the feasibility of sealing boreholes shafts and tunnels with clay sealants. The phase 3, studies of the ability to grout and seal fractured granite including the excavation disturbed zone were effected and specific studies into ...
An overview is given of several computer models in use in the Netherlands to determine and analyze the quality of air and the effect of air pollution abatement measures. [Dutch] Voor het vaststellen van de luchtkwaliteit of het bepalen van het effect van emissiereducerende maatregelen op die luchtkwaliteit zijn in ons land meerdere computermodellen beschikbaar. In het kader van het Vooronderzoek Innovatieprogramma Luchtkwaliteit (VIPL) wilde het ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat meer inzicht in de betrouwbaarheid en specifieke eigenschappen van deze modellen. Deze studie geeft daarom een overzicht en analyse van de verschillen, overeenkomsten en voor- en nadelen van de meest gangbare Nederlandse computermodellen om de luchtkwaliteit rond snelwegen te bepalen. Dit zijn: Het Voorspellingssysteem Luchtkwaliteit Wegtraces (VLW); CAR-II; Het TNO-verkeersmodel; Het Heaven-model van TNO; Urbis (air); en NNM+ (KEMA-STACKS)
Verification of guarantees mostly calls for measurements on the spot. The paper deals with the guarantees that apply to small hydroelectric power stations. Already when planning a plant it should be decided what guarantees are to be demanded and how they can be verified. Specifically, measurements to verify guaranteed performance and efficiency on the spot are dealt with. Details are not given. Rather, the report wants to give an overview of methods and aspects to be taken heed of. For in-depth information, the reader is referred to the corresponding standards and guidelines. (orig.) [Deutsch] Zur Ueberpruefung von Garantien ist meistens die Durchfuehrung von Messungen vorort notwendig. Es werden die Garantien behandelt, die bei Kleinwasserkraftanlagen in Frage kommen. Bereits bei der Planung der Anlage sollte entschieden werden, welche Garantien gefordert werden sollen und wie sie ueberprueft werden koennen. Es wird speziell auf die ...
This is the first volume of a two-volume report. Volume 2 will be published at a later date. This report presents the results of a research project conducted by Brookhaven National Laboratory for the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research. The purpose of the project was to develop a general methodology to be use in the assessment of the organizational factors which affect performance reliability (safety) in a nuclear power plant. The research described in this report includes the development of the Nuclear Organization and Management Analysis Concept (GNOMIC). This concept characterizes the organizational factors that impact safety performance in a nuclear power plant and identifies some methods for systematically measuring and analyzing the influence of these factors on safety performance. This report is divided into two parts; Part 1 presents an overview of the development of the methodology, while ...
Abstract Objective: This study aims to gain an overview of hot topics related to research focused on Chinese herbal drugs by authors inside China and outside of China in the past 10 years. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE was utilized in order to investigate and select research that was published on ?Chinese herbal drugs?? from 1998 to 2007, by authors located both inside and outside of China (MeSH terms were downloaded and ranked). MeSH terms that frequently appeared were identified and co-word analysis was carried out for two groups: (1) authors located in China, and (2) authors based outside of China, respectively. The hot topics concerning research into Chinese herbal drugs were concluded after cluster analysis and related document analysis. Results: For authors in the China group versus those ...
A broad range of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and selected heavy metals has been analysed in sediment cores of North-East Germany. The pollutants analysed include polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), several pesticides (DDT, HCH, CBz) and its metabolites as well as selected heavy metals. The sediment cores were sampled at five locations, reflecting a range of anthropogenic influences and background contamination: Arkona Basin (AK) representing a remote marine site, Lake Bugsin (BS) a background location only with atmospheric deposition, Lake Quenz (QS) close to the industrial city of Brandenburg, Teltowkanal (TK) in the suburban-industrial zone of Berlin and Lake White (WS) in the centre of Berlin. The age of the lower part of the AK, BS and TK cores were dated at 100-150 years. Results of selected pollutants (PCDD/Fs) have been presented earlier, focussing on the depth profile and the pollutant ...
In 2000, the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) laid out a definition of competence that included six specific areas of focus: patient care (including clinical reasoning), medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. The ACGME's intention was to mandate increasingly reliable and valid assessment measures to be used by all training programs over the next decade, with the goal of providing "more credible, accurate, reliable and useful educational outcome data." In this article, the authors will review definitions of competency according to the new ACGME standards and examine the assessment tools currently available, including global evaluations, 360-degree evaluations, checklists, standardized examinations and direct observations. The authors will provide an overview of critical considerations in different assessment ...
As part of the studies on coal utilization basics, considerations were given on quantification of sulfur forms of coal and the pyrolysis behavior of sulfur compounds. With the temperature raising oxidation method, a thermo-balance was connected directly to a mass analyzer, and the coal temperature was raised at a rate of 5{degree}C per minute and gasified. Peak division was performed on SO2 and COS production to derive sulfur forms of coal. Using the slow-speed pyrolysis method, production rates of H2S, COS, SO2 and mercaptans were measured at a temperature raising rate of 20{degree}C per minute. Sulfur content in char was also measured. With the quick pyrolysis method, a Curie point pyrolyzer was connected directly to a gas chromatograph, by which secondary reaction is suppressed, and initial pyrolytic behavior can be tracked. All kinds of coals produce a considerable amount of SO2 in the slow-speed ...
Investigations were conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory to quantify the extent of migration of depleted uranium away from firing sites. Extensive sampling of air particles, soil, sediment, and water was conducted to establish the magnitude of uranium contamination throughout one watershed. The uranium source term was estimated, and mass balance calculations were performed to compare the percentage of migrated uranium with original expenditures. Mass balance calculations can be powerful in identification of the extent of waste migration and used as an aid in planning future waste investigations.
The present volume provides standardized energy balance sheets expressed in a common unit of tons of oil equivalent for all OECD Countries. It covers the years 1970 to 1982 year by year and includes many revisions and additions to data previously published. The balances in the present volume are based on data published in OECD Energy Statistics 1971-1981 and OECD Energy Statistics 1981-1982. Tables for each OECD Country include production, import, export, consumption by the different industries, transportation, agriculture, residential sector of the different energies: solid fuels, petroleum, gas, nuclear power and hydroelectricity.
This work reviews the differences in fuel economy between two direct injection diesel engine versions through the use of a First Law energy balance and a Second Law availability balance. Both experimental data and simulated results are used in the analysis. The use of an engine simulation allowed the important processes in each engine to be analyzed and a Second Law effectiveness calculated. The availability balances and effectiveness values are used to determine the effect of major engine components on the fuel economy. A comparison is also made with an ideal engine with selected perfect or reversible processes.
Patients rely on their primary care physician to manage multiple, often chronic medical conditions that require prescription medications. Balancing the risk to benefit of treatments can be challenging...Full Text Available
... animal through a mask by isoflurane and maintained by a balanced anesthesia, which consisted of an intramuscular injection of Innovar-vet (0.11 ...
Astron. J., 82, 890-901, doi:10.1086/112143. Ghil, M., B. Shkoller, and V. Yangarber, 1977: A balanced diagnostic system compatible with a barotropic prognostic model....
Sep 5, 2008 ... Russia. The six-component balance for blunt models aerodynamic force measurement in shock tunnel. Lu Zhiquo, Liu Hongshan, Zhang Yan ...
A new controlled-clearance pressure balance is under development with the aim of improving the hydraulic high-pressure standard up to 1 GPa. This pressure balance consists of three parts: (i) a pressure generation device up to 1 GPa, (ii) a weight-loading unit which can load/unload weights automatically and independently, (iii) a controlled-clearance piston-cylinder which is designed to allow the jacket pressure to be applied independently. Some adjustments were made for loading heavy weights on/off the piston safely, keeping them in balance, then generating the pressure stably. Stability of the generated pressure was checked for several piston-cylinders, and it was found that pressure fluctuation was less than a few parts per million. The jacket pressure coefficient of a 500 MPa controlled-clearance piston-cylinder was precisely evaluated as a function of both the system pressure and the jacket pressure.
... information about, utilized, or discussed these subjects: basic topics: overview materials and material types: ti-6al-4v, ti1100, ti17 , ti6242, imi 550 ...
The general goals of this research effort is to explore the potential applications and performance of fine grained computer architectures for vision. The body of this report gives a brief overview of the results of the research during the first twelve mon...
Jun 16, 2011 ... Description: Within the Deschutes River basin of central Oregon, the geology, hydrology, and physiography influence geomorphic and ecologic ...
In recent years increasing evidence is pointing toward white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. The present paper will provide an overview over the role of...Full Text Available
... CVn) consisting of a dM3 star and a cool white dwarf that must have evolved through the common-envelope stage of binary star evolution (Else van ...
The National Information Infrastructure (NII) or "information superhighway" is a high-priority federal initiative to combine communications networks, computers, databases, and consumer electronics to...Full Text Available
This presentation details how wind turbine gearboxes fail to meet 20-year design life and how the Gearbox Reliability Collaborative (GRC) is addressing the challenges.
The nitric oxide molecule is being studied in order to understand the energetics and chemistry of initiation and detonation in liquid NO at the molecular level. An overview is presented of the work being done. (DLC)
... from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and ... that a portion of any funds appropriated in ... the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP, also known ...
A brief overview is given of the activities in Italy on the subject of electric-powered vehicles, supported by the Commissione Italiana Veicoli Elettrici Stradali (CIVES) in Milan. 3 tabs., 3 figs., 8 refs.
Cancer, by definition, is a proliferative disease. The fundamental scientific issue explored at the international symposium "Cell Proliferation and Chemical Carcinogenesis" was the impact of chemically...Full Text Available
Malignancies Breast Malignancies Bladder, Prostate, and Testicular Malignancies Uses of Cancer Registry Data Brain Tumor Reporting Training Materials Overview Presentation and...
Malignancies Breast Malignancies Bladder, Prostate, and Testicular Malignancies Uses of Cancer Registry Data Brain Tumor Reporting Training Materials Overview Presentation and...
Malignancies Breast Malignancies Bladder, Prostate, and Testicular Malignancies Uses of Cancer Registry Data Brain Tumor Reporting Training Materials Overview Presentation and...
As medical schools incorporate medical informatics into their curriculum the problems of implementation arise. Because there are no standards regarding a medical informatics curriculum, medical schools...Full Text Available
Following a brief overview of the terrestrial distribution of boron in rocks, soil, and water, the history of the discovery, early utilization, and geologic origin of borate minerals is summarized....Full Text Available
An overview of different Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) techniques is given. Examples of applications of the PIXE techniques to various types of samples are presented. (author)
The hydroelectric industry's recognition of the importance of avoiding unexpected failure, or forced outages, led to the development of probabilistic, or risk-based, methods in order to attempt to quantify exposures. Traditionally, such analysis has been carried out by qualitative assessments, relying on experience and sound engineering judgment to determine the optimum time to maintain, repair or replace a part or system. Depending on the nature of the problem, however, and the level of experience of those included in the decision making process, it is difficult to find a balance between acting proactively and accepting some amount of risk. The development of a practical means for establishing the probability of failure of any part or system, based on the determination of the statistical distribution of engineering properties such as acting stresses, is discussed. The capacity-demand analysis methodology, coupled with probablistic, ...
A modified accumulator was devised to measure surface radon flux from porous media. It consists of a collector hood accumulator with a homogenizer pump and a pressure balancer. The latter was used to compensate for any pressure changes produced during sample withdrawl and hence eliminate additional radon transport from media. Errors resulting from radon back diffusion due to decreasing concentration gradient with time across the interface were eliminated by measuring radon concentrations in the accumulator for two different periods of time and calculating the true radon flux, J(o), from the solution of a time-dependent radon transport equation. Core samples from the observation site were withdrawn for laboratory determination of porosity, moisture content, bulk and grain densities, Ra-226 source concentration and the fraction of Rn-222 produced in the void volume. The data were used to calculate the radon diffusion coefficient for the media. Using the present ...
A modified accumulator was devised to measure surface radon flux from porous media. It consists of a collector hood accumulator with a homogenizer pump and a pressure balancer. The latter was used to compensate for any pressure changes produced during sample withdrawl and hence eliminate additional radon transport from media. Errors resulting from radon back diffusion due to decreasing concentration gradient with time across the interface were eliminated by measuring radon concentrations in the accumulator for two different periods of time and calculating the true radon flux, J(o), from the solution of a time-dependent radon transport equation. Core samples from the observation site were withdrawn for laboratory determination of pkrosity, moisture content, bulk and grain densities, Ra-226 source concentration and the fraction of Rn-222 produced in the void volume. The data were used to calculate the radon diffusion coefficient for the media. Using the present ...
The aims of investigation were to follow the Sr transport in the food chain from the flora to the fauna and humans, and its dependence on the geological origin og the plant site, industrial emissions, the age and site of plants, the part of plant used for nutrition and the strontium content in the drinking water, to determine the Sr intake of humans with the help of the duplicate method, and to estimate the apparent absorption rate and balance of strontium depending on of the form of diet (mixed or ovolactovegetarian), sex, season, age, region (geological origin of the living space) and method of intake measurement (duplicate or basket method). Strontium, an ultra trace element widespread in the earth's crust, is not essential and only mildly toxic for plants, animals and man according to current knowledge. The biological essentiality of Sr has not been investigated yet. Amoeba species living in sea ...
DescriptionChanges in glacier mass balance are critically influenced by the distribution of snow accumulation at the start of the melt season, but models of the winter season lag seriously behind those of the melt season. The overall aim is to test physically-based models of the spatial and temporal evolution of the winter snowpack at a temperate ice cap (Langjokull, Iceland), to assess how effectively and also how efficiently they capture variation in winter accumulation. A three-step modelling approach i [continued...
Ultrafine grained steels with different carbon contents were produced through warm caliber rolling and evaluated for their stress-strain behavior along with the reduction in area. It was found that the reduction in area-tensile strength balance is far better than the conventional ferrite+pearlite steels and even superior to bainitic steels for all materials tested in the present study.
The topics covered in this session include: slimhole testing and data acquisition, theoretical and numerical models for slimholes, and an overview of the analysis of slimhole data acquired by the Japanese. The fundamental issues discussed are concerned with assessing the efficacy of slimhole testing for the evaluation of geothermal reservoirs. the term reservoir evaluation is here taken to mean the assessment of the potential of the geothermal reservoir for the profitable production of electrical power. As an introduction to the subsequent presentations and discussions, a brief summary of the more important aspects of the use of slimholes in reservoir evaluation is given.
A myriad of challenges and shifting strategic priorities face today's military leaders. This special issue contains articles that comment on these challenges and provide new insights to advance discussions on these issues and spawn new research. This article summarizes contemporary challenges and opportunities faced by military leaders and provides an overview of the articles included in the special issue.
The pollution of the environment with toxic metals is a result of many human activities, such as mining and metallurgy, and the effects of these metals on the ecosystems are of large economic and public-healthsignificance. This paper presents the features and advantages of the unconventional removal method of heavy metals - biosorption - as a part of bioremediation. Bioremediation consists of a group of applications, which involve the detoxification of hazardous substances instead of transferring them from one medium to another, by means of microbes and plants. This process is characterized as less disruptive and can be often carried out on site, eliminating the need to transport the toxic materials to treatment sites. The biosorption (sorption of metallic ions from solutions by live or dried biomass) offers an alternative to the remediation of industrial effluents as well as the recovery of metals contained in other media. Biosorbents are prepared from naturally ...
In the present paper an attempt is made to describe transverse cracking of cross-ply ([0{sup o}{sub n}/90{sup o}{sub m}]{sub s}) laminates subjected to an external applied load and a temperature change. For this purpose a new method is suggested which was developed on the basis of the energy balance based finite fracture criterion suggested by Hashin (1996) [Hashin, Z., 1996. J. Mech. Phys. Solids 44, 1129]. In this approach the value of the specific surface energy (the critical energy release rate) is assumed to be dependent on a random microdamage distribution in the material. Hence, it is assumed to be a random function of location. A new probabilistic technique is developed to take this randomness into consideration. It is shown that only one unknown probabilistic function is required, namely the probability density function of the specific surface energy. This is determined by fitting the external stress and the corresponding crack density ...
An increase in forest production will be necessary in the future when wood becomes a major renewable source of energy and chemicals along with its traditional role of fibre source. This increase could eventually by achieved be proper selection and breeding of trees. Clonal forestry by vegetative propagation of cuttings is becoming a viable alternative to a seedling-based forestry with many advantages, and cutting could be used to quickly propagate large numbers of clones of control-pollinated seedlings. Most forest trees are propagated sexually and seed orchards were started in the US and Canada in the last 40-50 years for breeding purposes. Forests could ultimately be established with improved seedlings instead of from seed with unknown genetic potential, or by natural regeneration. Micropropagation is the term used to refer to the propagation of plants raised by tissue culture methods rather than from seeds or cuttings. Many clonal plantlets could be regenerated ...
Visual Sample Plan (VSP) is an easy-to-use visual and graphic statistically-based software tool being developed by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to help determine the appropriate number and location of environmental samples so that environmental decisions can be made with the required confidence. The VSP software, which is available free at http://dqo.pnl.gov/vsp, is a significant aid in developing probability-based sampling designs (number and location of samples and measurements) using the Data Quality Objectives (DQO) planning process developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). VSP also has the capability of conducted statistical analyses to provide descriptive statistical summaries of data sets, to test whether data are normally distributed, and to compute upper confidence limits on means. This report is the latest in a series of reports that document the statistical methods used in VSP [Davidson (2001), Gilbert et al. ...
Probabilistic risk analysis has historically been developed for situations in which measured data about the overall reliability of a system are limited and expert knowledge is the best source of information available. There continue to be a number of important problem areas characterized by a lack of hard data. However, in other important problem areas the emergence of information technology has transformed the situation from one characterized by little data to one characterized by data overabundance. Natural disaster risk assessments for events impacting large-scale, critical infrastructure systems such as electric power distribution systems, transportation systems, water supply systems, and natural gas supply systems are important examples of problems characterized by data overabundance. There are often substantial amounts of information collected and archived about the behavior of these systems over time. Yet it can be difficult to effectively utilize these large data sets for risk ...
Successful interface engineering requires compositional and electronic material characterization as a prerequisite for understanding and intentionally generating interfaces in photovoltaic devices. The paper gives an overview with several examples, all referring to Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se){sub 2} ('CIGSSe')-based solar cells, with an emphasis on characterization using highly specialized methods, such as elastic recoil detection analysis, X-ray emission spectroscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy using synchrotron and ultraviolet light for excitation, inverse photoemission spectroscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy. First, the determination of the depth profile of the band gap energy E{sub g} in the absorber layer is demonstrated. The modification of E{sub g} towards both interfaces is discussed in terms of beneficial electronic effects. Next, the interface between absorber and buffer layers with alternative and promising non-toxic ...
The aim of this work was to develop several strategies and software-packages for the evaluation of in-vivo-data of the human brain, which were acquired with high-resolution 1H-MRSI at 1.5 and 3 T. Several studies involving phantoms, volunteers and patients were performed. Quality assurance studies were conducted in order to evaluate the reproducibility of the applied MR-techniques at both field strengths. A qualitative comparison-study between MRSI-data from a 1.5 T clinical MR-scanner and a 3 T research MR-scanner showed the advantages of the more advanced MRSI sequences and higher field strength (3 T). A study involving patients with primary brain tumours (gliomas) was performed in cooperation with the Department of Neurosurgery (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg). The methods developed in the course of this study, such as the integration of MRS-data into a stereotactic-system, the segmentation of metabolic maps and the correlation with histopathological findings ...
In-situ methods are well known as powerful tools in studying catalyst formation processes, their solid state properties under working conditions and the interaction with the feed, intermediates and products to reveal reaction mechanisms. This paper gives a short overview on results of intense studies using in-situ techniques to reveal VPO catalyst generation processes, interaction of educts, intermediates and products with VPO catalyst surfaces and mechanistic insights. Catalytic data of the ammoxidation of toluene on different VPOs complete these findings. The precursor-catalyst transformation processes were preferently investigated by in-situ XRD, in-situ Raman and in-situ ESR spectroscopy. The interaction of aromatic molecules and intermediates, resp., and VPO solid surfaces was followed by in-situ ESR and in-situ FTIR spectroscopy. Mechanistic information was mainly obtained using in-situ FTIR spectroscopy and the ...
In this work the calculation of the average precipitation in the Quito River basin, state of Choco, Colombia, is presents through diverse techniques, among which are those suggested by Thiessen and those based on the isohyets analysis, in order to select the one appropriate to quantification of rainwater available to the basin. Also included is an estimation of the error with which the average precipitation in the zone studied is fraught when measured, by means of the methodology proposed by Gandin (1970) and Kagan (WMO, 1966), which at the same time allows to evaluate the representativeness of each one of the stations that make up the rain gauge network in the area. The study concludes with a calculation of the hydrologic balance for the Quito river basin based on the pilot procedure suggested in the UNESCO publication on the study of the South America hydrologic balance, from which the great contribution of rainfall to a greatly enhanced ...
The article examines the limits and challenges small powers face when they adjust to systemic changes. Specifically, this article discusses the Philippines' conduct of a diplomatic strategy of equi balancing between the USA and China. In this strategy, the Philippines enhances and deepens its security relations with its strategic ally, the USA and at the same time, obtains economic assistance and politico diplomatic concessions from East Asia's emergent power, China. The Philippines' diplomatic gambit, however, is restrained by its formal alliance with the USA and its chronic territorial dispute with China over the Spratly Islands. At present, several developments are undermining Manila's efforts in playing this balancing game with Washington and Beijing. These are: the Philippines' passiv...
The economic benefits of supplemental fuel injections depend, in part, on the coke replacement ratio. An assessment of the accuracy with which blast furnace coke rate may be measured and a determination of the key drivers of coke rate uncertainty are offered, to provide guidance for experiments in high-rate gas injection. Using statistical analysis tools, an expression for the measurement error associated with the various terms of blast furnace carbon balance is developed. Coke rate calculations based on the material balance are most sensitive to coke carbon content and to proper tracking of hot metal tapping schedule.
The UNSAT-H model was developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to assess the water dynamics of arid sites and, in particular, estimate recharge fluxes for scenarios pertinent to waste disposal facilities. During the last 4 years, the UNSAT-H model received support from the Immobilized Waste Program (IWP) of the Hanford Site's River Protection Project. This program is designing and assessing the performance of on-site disposal facilities to receive radioactive wastes that are currently stored in single- and double-shell tanks at the Hanford Site (LMHC 1999). The IWP is interested in estimates of recharge rates for current conditions and long-term scenarios involving the vadose zone disposal of tank wastes. Simulation modeling with UNSAT-H is one of the methods being used to provide those estimates (e.g., Rockhold et al. 1995; Fayer et al. 1999). To achieve the above goals for assessing water dynamics and estimating recharge rates, the ...
The design of separation devices, particularly for solvent-based selective removal of H{sub 2}S from CO{sub 2}, requires an accurate mathematical model. Unfortunately, this requirement for high accuracy is often in conflict with the need for efficient computation. The addition of more and more complicated analyses, such as a move from Henry's law to a method incorporating gas and liquid activities for computing vapor liquid equilibria, may give a more accurate solution, but only at the cost of decreased computational efficiency. The efforts in this work have been directed toward two goals. The first was to develop an accurate mathematical model for the aqueous methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) system. The steady-state packed column model developed in this work has been tested with data from Schubert (1988) to verify its accuracy. The second goal was to modify the model to improve its computational efficiency. Areas such as vapor-liquid equilibrium calculations, ...
In conjunction with the US Enviromental Protection Agency sponsored Shawnee test program, Bechtel National, Inc., and the Tennessee Valley Authority jointly developed a computer model capable of projecting preliminary design and economics for lime- and limestone-scrubbing flue gas desulfurization systems. The model is capable of projecting relative economics for spray tower, turbulent contact absorber, and venturi-spray tower scrubbing options. It may be used to project the effect on system design and economics of variations in required SO/sub 2/ removal, scrubber operating parameters (gas velocity, liquid-to-gas (L/G) ration, alkali stoichiometry, liquor hold time in slurry recirculation tanks), reheat temperature, and scrubber bypass. It may also be used to evaluate alternative waste disposal methods or additives (MgO or adipic acid) on costs for the selected process. Although the model is not intended to project the economics of an individual system to a high ...
Developed under the PN II Project 71-009 - MONA, the pre-operational monitoring program of the LIL waste disposal site presented in this paper covers the main elements requested for a continuous improvement of site characterization and safety assessment, as well as for the set up of the baseline data requested for the future operational and post-operational monitoring and surveillance. These elements are: vadose and saturated zones hydrogeology, surface erosion, meteorology and radionuclides content in waters, soil and biota. Pairs of TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) and pressure sensors, coupled with a meteorological station have been installed on site for the continuously measurement of the water content and matric potential changes due to the climate variations. The data will be used to follow the water balance, the pores water velocity and to calculate the infiltration rate. A new set of erosion rates experimentally determined by Pinhole test on surface soil ...
Oil/electric heating systems and energy measuring instrumentation were installed in 50 houses in Deep River, Ontario. These were operated and monitored for two heating seasons to demonstrate their performance and determine the percentage oil placement as a function of heater capacity and control system. All experimental data was stored and processed by computer. It was found that oil furnace utilization efficiency varied from 48 to 59% for an average of 53.5%. Oil displacement ranged from 49 to 83% for 2.5 and 5.0 kW electric heaters controlled by two-stage indoor thermostats. Fuel costs for oil/electric hybrid heating, with 5.0 kW plenum heaters and indoor two-stage thermostats, were 20% less than for oil heating, based on average furnace efficency and 1983 January retail fuel prices. Annual load factors above 37% were achieved for plenum heaters compared to 11.9% for all-electric systems. Space heating requirements were proportional to heating degree days calculated with a ...
The study of tropospheric kinetics underlies global change because key greenhouse gases are photochemically active. Modeling of tropospheric chemistry on a global scale is essential because some indirect greenhouse gases are short-lived and interact in a non-linear fashion. It is also extremely challenging, however; the global change grid is extensive in both the physical and temporal domains, and critical lower atmospheric species include the organics and their oxidized derivatives, which are numerous. Several types of optimization may be incorporated into kinetics modules to enhance their ability to simulate the complete lower atmospheric gas phase chemical system. (1) The photochemical integrator can be accelerated by avoiding matrix and iterative solutions and by establishing families. Accuracy and mass conservation are sacrificed in the absence of iteration, but atom balancing is restorable post hoc. (2) Chemistry can be arranged upon the massive grid to ...
The liquefaction reaction system of an NEDOL process coal liquefaction 1t/d PSU was opened and checked to investigate the cause of the rise of differential pressure between liquefaction reactors of the PSU. The liquefaction test at a coal concentration of 50 wt% using Tanito Harum coal was conducted, and it was found that the differential pressure between reactors was on the increase. By the two-phase flow pressure loss method, deposition thickness of deposit in pipelines was estimated at 4.4mm at the time of end operation, which agreed with a measuring value obtained from a {gamma} ray. The rise of differential pressure was caused by deposit formation in pipelines connecting reactors. The main component of the deposit is calcite (CaCO3 60-70%) and is the same as the usual one. It is also the same type as the deposit on the reactor wall. Ca in coal ash is concerned with this. To withdraw solid matters deposited in the reactor, there are installed pipelines for the ...
We report here on an experimental system that utilizes ion-selective microelectrodes to measure the electrochemical potential gradients for H"+ and K"+ ions within the unstirred layer near the root surface of both tact 4-day-old corn seedlings and corn root segments. Analysis of the steady state H"+ and K"+ electrochemical potential gradients provided a simultaneous measure of the fluxes crossing a localized region of the root surface. Net K"+ influx values obtained by this method were compared with unidirectional K"+ ("8"6Rb"+) influx kinetic data; at any particular K"+ concentration, similar values were obtained by either technique. The ion-specific microelectrode system was then used to investigate the association between net H"+ efflux and net K"+ influx. Although the computed H"+K"+ stoichiometry is dependent upon the choice of diffusion coefficients, the values obtained were extremely variable, and net K"+ influx rarely appeared to be ...
Context: The Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 allowed some rural hospitals meeting certain requirements to convert to Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and changed their Medicare reimbursement from prospective to cost-based. Some subsequent CAH-related laws reduced restrictions and increased payments, and the number of CAHs grew rapidly. Purpose: To examine factors related to hospitals' decisions to convert and time to CAH conversion. Methods: Eighty-nine rural hospitals in Iowa were characterized and observed from 1998 to 2005. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the determinants of time to CAH conversion. Findings: T-test and one-covariate Cox regression indicated that, in 1998, Iowa rural hospitals with more staffed beds, discharges, and acute inpatient days, higher operating margin, lower skilled swing bed days relative to acute days, and located in relatively high density counties were more likely to convert later or not ...
In this work the development of a third order scheme of finite differences centered in mesh is presented and it is applied in the numerical solution of those diffusion equations in multi groups in stationary state and X Y geometry. Originally this scheme was developed by Hennart and del Valle for the monoenergetic diffusion equation with a well-known source and they show that the one scheme is of third order when comparing the numerical solution with the analytical solution of a model problem using several mesh refinements and boundary conditions. The scheme by them developed it also introduces the application of numeric quadratures to evaluate the rigidity matrices and of mass that its appear when making use of the finite elements method of Galerkin. One of the used quadratures is the open quadrature of 4 points, no-standard, of Newton-Cotes to evaluate in approximate form the elements of the rigidity matrices. The other quadrature is that of 3 points of Radau ...
Shut Down System - 2 (SDS - 2) of TAPP-3 and 4 works on the principle of rapid injection of gadolinium nitrate poison solution into bulk moderator in calandria using high pressure helium to shut down the reactor. This is a new system, in the context of Indian PHWRs, designed, engineered, commissioned and being operated in TAPP-3 and 4. The system design incorporates passive features such as floating polyethylene ball with ball-ball seat arrangement and locked open isolation ball valves with key interlock arrangement. This arrangement eliminates active valves downstream of poison tanks during SDS - 2 actuation. A series parallel arrangement of fast acting pilot controlled air operated valves, which keep the high pressure helium isolated from poison tanks in poised state, are the only active components. During commissioning and initial period of operation of TAPP-4, problems were encountered and were resolved by suitable modifications and the same were incorporated in TAPP-3. Measurement ...
Energy balances are analysed from a life-cycle perspective for biogas systems based on 8 different raw materials. The analysis is based on published data and relates to Swedish conditions. The results show that the energy input into biogas systems (i.e. large-scale biogas plants) overall corresponds to 20-40% (on average approximately 30%) of the energy content in the biogas produced. The net energy output turns negative when transport distances exceed approximately 200 km (manure), or up to 700 km (slaughterhouse waste). Large variations exist in energy efficiency among the biogas systems studied. These variations depend both on the properties of the raw materials studied and on the system design and allocation methods chosen. The net energy output from biogas systems based on raw materials that have high water content and low biogas yield (e.g. manure) is relatively low. When energy-demanding handling of the raw materials is required, the ...
From 1946 - 1990, i.e. from shortly after the end of World War II and the rise of the cold war until the German reunification, there had been extensive uranium mining both in Saxony and Thuringia, which formed the southern parts of the former German Democratic Republic. Mining activities started in Saxony in the Ore Mountains (German: Erzgebirge). Mining was conducted by a Soviet, since 1954 by a Soviet- German Incorporated Company named Wismut. It is estimated that about 400,000 persons may have worked in this time period with the company, most of them underground or in uranium ore processing facilities. In the early years, exposure to radiation and dust was particularly high for underground workers. After introduction of several ventilation measures and wet drilling from 1955 onwards, the levels of exposures to the various agents steadily decreased. After German reunification, it was decided by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment to save health data that were stored in ...
The field of stem cell research was revolutionized with the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells. By reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells, most ethical concerns associated with the use of embryonic stem cells are overcome, such that many hopes from the stem cell field now seem a step closer to reality. Several methods and cell sources have been described to create induced pluripotent stem cells and we discuss their characteristics in terms of feasibility and efficiency. From these cells, cardiac progenitors and cardiomyocytes can be derived by several protocols and most recent advances as well as remaining limitations are being discussed. However in the short time period this technology has been around, evidence emerges that induced pluripotent stem cells may be more prone to genetic defects and maintain an epigenetic memory and thus may not be entirely the same as embryonic stem cells. Despite the lack of a complete fundamental understanding ...
This thesis is concerned with the optimization and development of the production of nanofocusing refractive X-ray lenses. These optics made of either silicon or diamond are well-suited for high resolution X-ray microscopy. The goal of this work is the design of a reproducible manufacturing process which allows the production of silicon lenses with high precision, high quality and high piece number. Furthermore a process for the production of diamond lenses is to be developed and established. In this work, the theoretical basics of X-rays and their interaction with matter are described. Especially, aspects of synchrotron radiation are emphasized. Important in X-ray microscopy are the different optics. The details, advantages and disadvantages, in particular those of refractive lenses are given. To achieve small X-ray beams well beyond the 100 nm range a small focal length is required. This is achieved in refractive lenses by moving to a compact lens design where several single lenses ...
The meeting featured seven sessions with 18 papers abstracted/indexed therein as follows: keynote address: tailings dams safety - implications for the dam safety community; 1 - design and performance: performance monitoring of dams: are we doing what we should be doing?; tailings dams from the perspective of conventional dam engineering; and design overview of Syncrude's Mildred Lake east toe berm; 2 - design and modelling: use of a 2D model for a dam break study on the ALCAN hydroelectric complex in Quebec; and spillway design implications resulting from changes in rainfall extremes; 3 - risk and dam safety I: closing the gaps in the dam safety guidelines; the reality of life safety consequence classification; and surveillance practices for the next millenium; 4 - risk and dam safety II: quantitative risk-assessment using the capacity-demand analysis; and new guidelines for dam safety classification; 5 - millenium issues: expectations of immortality, dam ...
The Hyperion project was developed to determine an algorithm for assessing the risk of hydrate plug formation in the pipeline transport oil-water-gas mixtures at low temperatures. The project is a collaboration between physicists, chemists and engineers within the petroleum industry. This paper provided an overview of the project and outlined results obtained as the project entered its third and final year. The main objective of the project has been to understand the inherent mitigation effects of some oils on gas hydrate formation as well as to develop methods of predicting the risk of hydrate plugging. To date, the project has extracted and studied natural inhibiting components (NICs) in oils. Molecular modelling techniques have been used to study hydrate and fluid interfaces in order to estimate the driving force of agglomeration and growth through mechanical surface stress and measurement of surface wave fluctuations. A scheme is also being ...
The Clean Water Act of 1977 directed EPA to establish standards for use and disposal of sewage sludge (biosolids). The application of biosolids to non-agricultural lands is becoming increasingly important as a method of waste disposal. Ecological endpoints at the population, community, and/or ecosystem level have not previously been emphasized in the development of regulatory standards for municipal sewage sludge. This risk assessment focuses on terrestrial endpoints in four ecosystem types to which substantial quantities of sludge have been applied or are expected to be applied in the future: northwest Douglas-fir forest, southeastern loblolly pine plantation, eastern deciduous forest, and semi-arid rangeland. Conceptual models suitable for all ecosystems were developed that depict the links among assessment endpoints. Estimates of risks to wildlife from contaminants and simulations of impacts of nitrogen in sewage sludge on the structure and function of forest ...
During organogenesis, net growth of tissues is determined by a balance between proliferation, hypertrophy, and apoptotic death. Human fetal bladder outflow obstruction is a major cause of end-stage...Full Text Available
The dwelling is equipped with solar collectors which heat the air circulating in the cavity walls and the space beneath the floors. The thermal aspects of such a building are described. Heat balance, losses, heating by the sun in different seasons are described. Different measures taken to reduce the energy losses are described.
The ability to enter a hypometabolic state upon restriction of caloric intake is pivotal for animal survival: balancing the energy budget in endotherms can be a real struggle when food is not...Full Text Available
The erosion phenomena of coastal regions in Italy and in the world is remarkable from the environmental point of view. Are showed activities of mechanical defense and numerical models to solve complex problem.
The authors introduce the above electric car. They deal particularly with the vehicle concept, the energy consumption and the emission balance. (orig.).
When withdrawing a fluid sample (for additional chromatographic analyses) from an apparatus operated at a reduced pressure, a typical syringe proves to be ineffective (even if it is equipped with a gas tight plunger). It simply does not create enough pressure differential to remove a fluid sample from a reduced pressure environment. We encountered such a situation as part of efforts to extend the operation of the advanced distillation curve protocol to reduced pressures. The problem was solved by the development of a pressure balance syringe that allows reliable and precise sampling from an apparatus operating at sub-ambient pressures. This new device uses an external vacuum source to evacuate a syringe barrel, allowing a user to withdraw fluid samples from environments with pressures as low as 0.5kPa. To demonstrate the operation of the newly developed device, distillate analyses were performed on two fluids at low pressure: a predefined validation mixture, and a ...
Theoretically, the outcome of World War II in Europe hung in the balance as the Allies poured onto the Normandy beachhead. Following the June 6, 1944 invasion, the Allies continue to come ashore, massively building up men and material inside the beachhead...
Adipose tissue is central to the regulation of energy balance. Two functionally different types of fat are present in mammals: white adipose tissue (WAT), the primary site of triglyceride storage,...Full Text Available
BackgroundMaintenance of healthy bone requires the balanced activities of osteoclasts (OCs), which resorb bone, and osteoblasts, which build bone. Disproportionate action of OCs...Full Text Available
Specific criteria have been developed based on computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) to assist clinicians in identifying patients with psychogenic balance problems (Cyr and Cevette, Full Text Available
Diamagnetic samples placed in a strong magnetic field and a magnetic field gradient experience a magnetic force. Stable magnetic levitation occurs when the magnetic force exactly counter balances...Full Text Available
The cytokine interleukin-7 (IL-7) has essential growth activities that maintain the homeostatic balance of the immune system. Little is known of the mechanism by which IL-7 signaling regulates metabolic...Full Text Available
1. Interactions of pyrazole and ethanol were studied in three laboratory test procedures. They included sleeping time in mice, rotor rod balance in rats and lever pressing behaviour of rats. 2....Full Text Available
The importance of a properly functioning and well-balanced immune system for maintaining health has become strikingly evident over the past decades. Roughly since World War II, there has been an apparent...Full Text Available
Background and AimsMany plants reproduce both clonally and sexually, and the balance between the two modes of reproduction will vary among populations. Clonal reproduction was characterized...Full Text Available
We analyze transport through conical channels due to the difference in particle concentration on the two sides of the membrane. Because of the detailed balance, fluxes of non-interacting particles...Full Text Available
A survey on electric power and on energy balance especially primary and final energy (gas oil, kerosene,solar energy...) has been implemented in Lebanon in 1993. Results and economic impact of energy consumption and energy production are given in statistics and tables. 10 figs.
The report deals with the energy consumption of traffic and its emissions of hazardous substances into the air, and stresses the advantages of the electric car with respect to energy consumption and noise generation. 5 figs., 3 refs.
The amount of phosphorus contained in food as food additives is currently increasing and a high intake of phosphorus can cause various diseases. To determine the effects of a prolonged high phosphorus...Full Text Available
Prophylactic knee braces are designed to prevent and reduce the severity of ligamentous injuries to the knee. Conflicting evidence is reported concerning their efficacy. The purpose of this study was...Full Text Available
This report contains the study on the dynamic characteristics of Wolsung fuel rod and on the dynamic balancing of rotating machinery to evaluate the performance of nuclear reactor components. The study on the dynamic characteristics of Wolsung fuel rod wa...
Modifications of the design and calibration procedure of a diffusion porometer permit determinations of stomatal resistance which agree well with results obtained by leaf energy balance. The energy...Full Text Available
Mass balance relations, valid for any counterflow system, are derived and applied to a central core model of the renal medulla, in which descending Henle's limbs (DHL), ascending Henle's limbs (AHL),...Full Text Available
General balance laws and constitutive relations are developed for convective hydrothermal geothermal reservoirs. A fully interacting rock-fluid system is considered; typical rock-fluid interactions involve momentum and energy transfer, and the dependence ...
A balanced application of chemiosmosis to plant mitochondria is presented. Electron transport carriers are sequenced to achieve proton translocation across the inner membrane. The processes of proton translocation, use, and release are integrated to yield a description of the effective proton gradient available for metabolite transport and ATP synthesis. 27 references, 6 figures.
Carbon dioxide is a waste product of aerobic cellular respiration in all aerobic life forms. PaCO2 represents the balance between the carbon dioxide produced and that eliminated. Hypocapnia...Full Text Available
CSV consists of a very complex of molecules and demonstrates significant cellular activities capable of stimulating immune functions in vivo. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of...Full Text Available
Adjuvant therapy aims to prevent outgrowth of residual disease but can induce serious side effects. Weighing conflicting treatment effects and communicating this information with patients is not elementary....Full Text Available
A brief overview if provided of selected reports presented at the International Symposium on Molecular Mechanisms of Radiation- and Chemical Carcinogen-Induced Cell Transformation held at Mackinac Island, Michigan on September 19-23, 1993.
Walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN), formerly known as pancreatic abscess is a late complication of acute pancreatitis. It can be lethal, even though it is rare. This critical review provides an overview...Full Text Available
Tree-level scattering amplitudes of longitudinally polarized electroweak vector bosons in the Standard Model are calculated using Mathematica package Feyncalc. The modifications of low-energy theorems for longitudinally polarized W and Z in the Standard Model are discussed.
The paper is an overview of utility flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology and costs. The two commercially offered throwaway and salable product systems that are considered to be the most important for near-term (through 1990) SO2 control are: throwawa...
Therapeutic embolization is defined as the voluntary occlusion of one or several vessels, and this is achieved by inserting material into the lumen to obtain transient or permanent thrombosis in the...Full Text Available
The article is divided into three sections: (i) an overview of the main ethical models in public health (theoretical foundations); (ii) a summary of several published frameworks for public health ethics...Full Text Available
This book examines the occupational health hazards imposed by neoplasms. Topics considered include: cancer as an occupational hazard; an overview; epidemiological evidence; and interaction of host and lifestyle factors with occupational chemicals in cancer causation.
All energy scenarios show a shift toward an increased percentage of renewable energy sources, including biomass. This study gives an overview of water footprints (WFs) of bioenergy from 12 crops that...Full Text Available
The realization that there existed a G-protein coupled signal transduction mechanism developed gradually and was initially the result of an ill fated quest for uncovering the mechanism of action...Full Text Available
An overview of the Department of Energy`s Office of Industrial Technologies and its private sector partnerships is presented. Commercial success stories and real-world benefits of the technology partnerships are discussed.
Table of Contents: Overview of Organization and Contents of Document; Analytical Data Collection Efforts and Definition of Options; Description of Data Conventions; Statistical Methodology: Modified Delta-Lognormal Model; Estimation Under the Modified Del...
A brief overview of the conceptual design of a solar central receiver system integrated with an existing cogeneration facility is provided. A synopsis of the performance and economic evaluation, and an assessment of the concept from the site owner's perspective are given.
This third conference on small-satellite applications has combined a number of significant and timely presentations on the status, in the US and on the international front, of this emerging industry. Presentations by all of the major Department of Defense activities in this field, including an overview of the ARPA CAMEO multispectral remote sensing satellite program, space activities at the Air Force Phillips Laboratory, and a space systems capabilities overview of the Naval Research Laboratory, are complemented by presentations from several international activities on their accomplishments and progress in the development of remote sensing satellite programs. For example: Spar Aerospace of Canada presented an overview of the progress they have made in establishing a space program through the use of small satellites, and the University of Surrey and Spar Aerospace provided an overview of the application ...
Sexual conflict is a conflict between the evolutionary interests of individuals of the two sexes. The sexes can have different trait optima but this need not imply conflict if their optima can be attained...Full Text Available
An overview of the operations of Sandia`s Microelectronics Development Lab (MDL) is to develop radiation hardened IC, but techniques used for IC processing have been applied to a variety of related technologies such as micromechanics, smart sensors, and packaging.
SummaryAn overview of recent progress on the total synthesis of acetogenins from Annonaceae during the past 12 years is provided. These include mono-tetrahydrofurans, adjacent bis-tetrahydrofurans,...Full Text Available
This report gives an overview of KIDS (Kestrel Interactive Development System). We describe a program derived with KIDS to solve the Missionaries and Cannibals problem (MC PROBLEM), a classical AI planning problem. Our interest in this problem arose as th...
Overviews, publications, and new directions are presented for the following research topics: geminate charge pairs in hexane, dipoles in nonpolar and polar organic liquids, organic donor-acceptor interfaces, and charge-transfer states (phenanthrene/PMDA).
... Some OA publishers (such as BMC and PLoS) waive the fee for all researchers affiliated with institutions that have purchased an annual membership. A common misunderstanding is that all OA journals use an \\
This chapter provides an overview of the problem of response to a nuclear weapon accident, the fundamentals of response to an accident, and a summary of the NARP Manual. The manual provides a summary of procedural guidance, technical information, and DoD responsibilities, to assist DoD forces in preparing a response to a nuclear weapon accident.
This article presents an overview of the IAEA's technical co-operation activities in the field of nuclear raw materials, particularly looking at recent developments and trends influencing future directions
The Monthly Energy Review provides an overview of the production, distribution, and consumption of energy derived from petroleum natural gas, coal, electricity, and nuclear energy. It also discusses oil and gas resource development, energy prices, and issues relevant to international energy markets.
This is a brief overview of researches of Dmitry Petrovich Zhelobenko (1934--2006). He is the best known for his book "Compact Lie groups and their representations" and for the classification of all irreducible representations of complex semisimple Lie groups. We tell also on other his works, especially on the spectral analysis of representations.
Seq 1 was 8 images spaced 2sec apart, 999 ms man exp, filter 0. ... This region is the 2 sigma ellipsoid. This means, there was 90% chance that ... At this point the ellipse was fat and collapsed as we were still looking more or less ...
Recent topics in the theoretical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) analysis in the heliotron configuration are overviewed. Particularly, properties of three-dimensional equilibria, stability boundary of the interchange mode, effects of the net toroidal current including the bootstrap current and the ballooning mode stability are focused. (author)
This paper summarizes the findings for the African Region of the WPA Task Force on Steps, Obstacles and Mistakes to Avoid in the Implementation of Community Mental Health Care. We present an overview...Full Text Available
This is an overview of the present-day versions of monadology with some applications to vector lattices and linear inequalities. Two approaches to combining nonstandard set-theoretic models are sketched and illustrated by order convergence, principal projection, and polyhedrality.
A publication on Norwegian gas and gas export. The content is wide spread from use of gas in daily life via sub sea pipeline repair systems to an overview over tomorrows gas fields. (AG)
An overview is presented of the FFTF reactor and plant together with descriptions of core components, core internals, core system, primary and secondary control rod system, reactor instrumentation, reactor vessel and closure head, and supporting test programs. (DG)
An overview is presented of the FFTF reactor and plant together with descriptions of core components, core internals, core system, primary and secondary control rod system, reactor instrumentation, reactor vessel and closure head, and supporting test programs.
The following manual chapters are outlined and described: overview, boilers, juice evaporators, feed mills, refrigeration, additional energy savings potentials, emerging technologies, optimization of integrated plant energy systems, and economics. (MHR)
Electron spin resonance spectroscopy can provide a powerful approach to the study of radiation effects in biological materials. This memorandum gives an overview of current and future research. (author).
The report provides and overview of calculation models for the simulation of airflows and deals comprehensively with field and multi-zone models as well as the coupling of individual zone and multi-zone models. Examples of calculations are given. figs., tabs., refs.
... After completing a review into direct coal liquefaction research carried out in Australia and internationally, CSIRO has identified potential new science and technology developments that may improve the cost and viability of CTL in a greenhouse gas-constrained environment. We are conducting research to: determine the optimum ...
The aim of the overview is to give a perspective of global biobank development is given in a view of positioning biobanking as a key resource for healthcare to identify new potential markers that can...Full Text Available
Since the establishment of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), there have been gradual changes in strategies to evaluate the overall toxicity of chemicals as well as their carcinogenic potential....Full Text Available
The heating history of a droplet during its flight can be divided into two phases: (a) the initial phase when evaporation, although it occurs, does not change the heat balance of the droplet much (the case considered in our previous paper and (b) the final phase when the cooling due to evaporation balances the heat flux from the plasma. The later phase is considered in Chen's comment. In our reply, a very straightforward consideration demonstrates that even in the final phase of the droplet flight, the 'rocket' effect can be significant. (reply)
In the 1988 February issue of this magazine the units olf and decipol were introduced. Olf is a measure for the pollution load and decipol for the indoor air quality. This article discusses a new ventilation theory which is quantified by the new indoor air quality thermal comfort balance based on the units olf and decipol. This balance requires more ventilation air than for the present regulations. It takes into account all pollution sources. 2 figs., 9 refs., 3 tabs.
We investigate the parametrization issue for discrete-time stable all-pass multivariable systems by means of a Schur algorithm involving a Nudelman interpolation condition. A recursive construction of balanced realizations is associated with it, that possesses a very good numerical behavior. Several atlases of charts or families of local parametrizations are presented and for each atlas a chart selection strategy is proposed. The last one can be viewed as a nice mutual encoding property of lossless functions and turns out to be very efficient. These parametrizations allow for solving optimization problems within the fields of system identification and optimal control.
Resistance and tolerance are two types of host defense mechanisms that increase fitness in response to fungi. Several genetic polymorphisms in pattern recognition receptors, most remarkably Toll-like receptors (TLRs), have been described to influence resistance and tolerance to aspergillosis in distinct clinical settings. TLRs on dendritic cells pivotally contribute in determining the balance between immunopathology and protective immunity to the fungus. Epithelial cells also contribute to this balance via selected TLRs converging on indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Studies in experimental hematopoietic transplantation confirmed the dichotomy of pathways leading to resistance and tolerance to the fungus providing new insights on the relative contribution of the hematopoietic/nonhematopoi...
An overview of particle and photon beam bunch length measurements is presented in the context of free-electron laser (FEL) challenges. Particle-beam peak current is a critical factor in obtaining adequate FEL gain for both oscillators and self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) devices. Since measurement of charge is a standard measurement, the bunch length becomes the key issue for ultrashort bunches. Both time-domain and frequency-domain techniques are presented in the context of using electromagnetic radiation over eight orders of magnitude in wavelength. In addition, the measurement of microbunching in a micropulse is addressed.
...Investigating Biochar: from Source to Sink (Overview - Research) The Sustainable Agriculture Flagship is leading national collaborative research analysing the properties ...and potential of a variety of biochars to improve soil health and sequester carbon. The Sustainable Agriculture Flagship is leading national collaborative research ...analysing the properties and potential of a variety of biochars to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Biochar, sustainable agriculture, soil,...carbon, SAF, pyrolysis, fertiliser, biochar, soil types, greenhouse gas, herbicide, pesticide, bioenergy, soil science, carbon-rich solid, ...
Here I provide a brief overview of recent experimental gas-phase measurements using the Selected-Ion Flow Tube or SIFT technique at 294#+-#2 K with helium buffer gas at 0.35 Torr for reactions which remove electrons from the C_6_0 molecule or donate electrons to singly and multiply-charged C_6_0 cations. The results of these measurements have provided new insight into physicochemical aspects of electron transfer and have revealed the occurrence of unprecedented electron transfer reactions at thermal energies. (author).
Prior to 1978, the Wilsonville Advanced Coal Liquefaction facility material balance surrounded only the thermal liquefaction unit and involved analyses of only the slurry stream and individual gas streams. The distillate solvent yield was determined by difference. Subsequently, several modifications and additional process units were introduced to this single unit system. With the inclusion of the deashing unit in 1978 and the catalytic hydrogenation unit in 1981, the process has evolved into a sophisticated two-stage coal liquefaction process and has the potential for various modes of integration. This report presents an elemental balancing procedure and a simplified presentation format that is sufficiently flexible to meet current and future needs. The development of the elemental balancing technique and the relevant computer programs to handle the calculations have been addressed. This will be useful in modelling ...
Development and deployment of small-scale nuclear power reactors and their maintenance, monitoring, and control are part of the mission under the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) program. The objectives of this NERI-consortium research project are to investigate, develop, and validate advanced methods for sensing, controlling, monitoring, diagnosis, and prognosis of these reactors, and to demonstrate the methods with application to one of the proposed integral pressurized water reactors (IPWR). For this project, the IPWR design by Westinghouse, the International Reactor Secure and Innovative (IRIS), has been used to demonstrate the techniques developed under this project. The research focuses on three topical areas with the following objectives. Objective 1 - Develop and apply simulation capabilities and sensitivity/uncertainty analysis methods to address sensor deployment analysis and small grid stability issues. Objective 2 - ...
The absolute cross sections of "2"3Na(p,n)"2"3Mg, "2"7Al(p,n)"2"7Si and "3"0Si(#alpha#,n)"3"3S reactions were measured in the incident energy range of 5.05 to 5.80, 5.80 to 6.25 and 3.975 to 6.235 MeV respectively using a spherically shaped 4#pi# neutron detector. In the energy range 5.80 to 7.80 and 6.235 to 11.30 MeV the absolute cross sections of "2"3Na(p,n)"2"3Mg and "3"0Si-(#alpha#,n)"3"3S reactions were determined by optical model calculations. The cross sections of the inverse reactions "2"3Mg(n,p)"2"3Na and "3"3S(n,#alpha#)"3"0Si were also calculated by the same method for the neutron energy range of 10 keV to 7.50 MeV for each reaction. The cross section of the latter reaction in the neutron energy range of 10 keV to 840 keV was also determined from its inverse reaction "3"0Si(#alpha#,n)"3"3S by the application of the detailed balance theorem. The reactions for which the cross sections were determined are of importance in stellar ...
Construction and commissioning period of NPP are reduced world over drastically by stringent schedule for financial and economic reasons. For meeting the schedule, commissioning of components and systems are started immediate after installation, while construction activities are continued in parallel at the same place. Parallel activities' and 'Time Constraint' have brought new challenges to 'Management of Fire and Industrial Safely' during commissioning. An innovative approach was used during such phase of commissioning of TAPP-3 and 4. This paper outlines challenges encountered during this phase and special approach and measures used to meet those challenges. This paper also outlines problems encountered during implementation of these measures and subsequent change in approach to ensure smooth and safe execution of activities. Primarily, challenges were conflicting requirements by various agencies to carryout commissioning in parallel with construction activities concurrently. Main ...
Commercially available melter technologies were tested during 1994-95 as part of a multiphase program to test candidate technologies for vitrification of the low-level waste (LLW) stream to be derived from retrieval and pretreatment of Hanford Site tank wastes. Seven vendors were selected for Phase 1 testing to demonstrate vitrification of a high sodium content liquid LLW simulant. The tested melter technologies included four Joule-heated melters, a carbon electrode melter, a combustion melter, and a plasma melter. Various dry and slurry melter feed preparation processes were also tested. Various feed material samples, product glass samples, and process offgas streams were characterized to provide data for evaluation of process decontamination factors and material mass balances for each vitrification technology. This report describes the melter mass balance evaluations and results for six of the Phase 1 LLW melter vendor demonstration tests.
Pre-stacking depth migration treatment is studied for the estimation of the fold configuration from seismic survey cross sections. The estimation of a velocity structure is necessary for the execution of such treatment, and the utilization of structural-geological knowledge is required for its interpretation. The concept of balanced cross section in relation to the fault-bend fold constructs a stratum structure model under conditions that the deformation during fold and fault formation is a planar strain, that there is no change in volume due to deformation, and that a fold is a parallel fold. In addition to the above geometric and kinetic approach, there is another fold formation process simulation model using a Newtonian fluid for study from the viewpoint of dynamics. This simulation stands on the presumption that the boundary contains a ramp that had been in presence before fold formation and that an incompressible viscous matter is mounted on the top surface. ...
The heavy dependence on nuclear power eventually raise the issues of an efficient utilization of uranium resources, which Korea presently imports from abroad, end of a spent fuel storage. From the viewpoint that sodium-cooled fast Reactors (SFRs) have the potential of an enhanced safety by utilizing inherent safety characteristics, trans-uranics (TRU) reduction and resolving the spent fuel storage problems through a proliferation-resistant actinide recycling. SFRs are sure to be most promising nuclear power operation. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has been developing SFR design technologies since 1997. And nowadays, the preliminary heat balance of the demonstration SFR is calculated. However, in order to verify design condition of the NSSS, it is necessary to set the heat balance and the conceptual design for BOP of the SFR as a part of the SFR design technique development business. Moreover, in order to confirm whether the ...
The working hypothesis of the research was that the soil of boreal forests is a large carbon store and the amount of C is still increasing in young soils, like in the forest soils of Finland, which makes these soils important sinks for atmospheric CO{sub 2}. Since the processes defining the soil C balance, primary production of plants and decomposition, are dependent on environmental factors and site properties, it was assumed that the organic carbon pool in the soil is also dependent on the same factors. The soil C store is therefore likely to change in response to climatic warming. The aim of this research was to estimate the C balance of forest soil in Finland and predict changes in the balance in response to changes in climatic conditions. To achieve the aim (1) intensive empirical experimentation on the density of C in different pools in the soil and on fluxes between the pools was done was done, (2) the effect of site ...
On 30th September 1985, the Federal Government licensed site suitability investigations in three areas with a view to disposal of low-and intermediate-level radioactive waste. This report gives a summary overview of the corresponding research programme at the potential site Oberbauenstock. The first part of the report begins with some comments on the concept of radioactive waste disposal and on some basic aspects of site-specific exploration and investigation. The governmental decision of 30th September and Nagra's two-phase investigation concept are then briefly considered. To close, the objectives of investigation phase I are outlined and possible results are briefly discussed. The research programme developed for investigation of the potential site at Oberbauenstock is presented in the second part of the report. Besides geological and hydrogeological investigations at the surface, the programme mainly comprises investigations and measurements in the underground ...
It has been previously stated that the minimum physiological recommendations for the indispensable amino acids in health adults, as proposed by FAO/WHO/UNU in 1985, are far too low, except for the methionine. An amino acid stable isotopic kinetic study was conducted to seek further experimental support to this hypothesis. Twenty healthy young men received an l-amino acid based diet, supplying 140 mg N.kg"-"1.d"-"1, patterned on egg protein for 1 week, then for 3 weeks either i) a pattern based on current international recommendations (FAO diet, n=7), ii) a the tentative Laboratory of Human Nutrition of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, new amino acid recommendation pattern (MIT diet, n=7) or iii) again the egg hen pattern (EGG diet, n=6). All subjects were again studied for one final, consecutive week of the egg diet. At the end of the initial week, at the first and third week with the three experimental diets,and after three days following the return of the egg diet, an 8 h ...
This presentation deals with innovation in teaching and understanding of thermodynamic principles. Key features of the approach being advocated are: (a) postulation of the existence of entropy, (b) explicitly associating energy transfers with other transports, (c) stating the 2nd Law in terms of Gibbs' available-energy, (d) systematic use of software such as EES. The paper outlines and elaborates upon an introductory course. Major headings in the course are: basic concepts: properties, additive properties and balances, primitive properties, energy, 1st Law. entropy, elementary academic applications of balances, available-energy, second law, exergy, thermostatic property relations, EES. Applications to processes, fluid flow, Heat transfer, thermochemical. Applications to devices, single-pro...
Several researchers have investigated morphological changes on the south-eastern Mediterranean coast during the late Holocene. However, very few of these studies include quantitative data covering the last 200?years. In this study, topographical maps, nautical charts and aerial photographs are used to estimate the shoreline migrations and beach?nearshore sand balance over the last 200?years in Haifa Bay, Israel, the northernmost final depositional sink of the Nile littoral cell. The findings reflect two main periods. During the first period, between 1799 and 1928, human intervention along the bay?s coast was negligible, a significant coastal expansion of ?50 to 150?m (averages of 0.4?1.2?m/year) was measured, and sand accumulation was estimated at ?70,000?m3 annually in the beach?nearshore...
We study the spike statistics of neurons in a network with dynamically balanced excitation and inhibition. Our model, intended to represent a generic cortical column, comprises randomly connected excitatory and inhibitory leaky integrate-and-fire neurons, driven by excitatory input from an external population. The high connectivity permits a mean field description in which synaptic currents can be treated as gaussian noise, the mean and autocorrelation function of which are calculated self-consistently from the firing statistics of single model neurons. Within this description, a wide range of Fano factors is possible. We find that the irregularity of spike trains is controlled mainly by the strength of the synapses relative to the difference between the firing threshold and the postfiring reset level of the membrane potential. For moderately strong synapses, we find spike statistics very similar to those observed in primary visual cortex.
When withdrawing a fluid sample (for additional chromatographic analyses) from an apparatus operated at a reduced pressure, a typical syringe proves to be ineffective (even if it is equipped with a gas tight plunger). It simply does not create enough pressure differential to remove a fluid sample from a reduced pressure environment. We encountered such a situation as part of efforts to extend the operation of the advanced distillation curve protocol to reduced pressures. The problem was solved by the development of a pressure balance syringe that allows reliable and precise sampling from an apparatus operating at sub-ambient pressures. This new device uses an external vacuum source to evacuate a syringe barrel, allowing a user to withdraw fluid samples from environments with pressures as l...
A computer modelling has been developed for the calculation of mass balance of monazite ore break-down by alkali process at Rare Earth Research and Development Center. The process includes the following units : ore digestion by concentrate NaOH, dissolution of digested ore by HCl, uranium and thorium precipitation and crystallization of Na3PO4 which is by-product from this process. The model named RRDCMBP was prepared in Visual Basic language. The modelling program can be run on personal computer and it is interactive and easy to use. User is able to choose any equipment in each unit process and input data to get output of mass balance results. The model could be helpful in the process analysis for the further process adjustment and development.
During the 1990's, natural gas was the energy source with the fastest rate of growth in the world energy balance. Nevertheless, recent evolutions of the energy context, in particular in terms of prices, have had a rather strong impact on the progress of the different energy sources penalizing gas a little. Beyond this competition between energies, which may increase, the medium-term perspectives of natural gas development is in keeping with an environment full of uncertainties. This article presents: the world supply and demand prospects for 2010-2015 (impact of high gas prices on other energy sources, occurrence of production constraints, political decisions of producing countries and world gas industry balance), trends on main markets (North America, Europe, Asia-Oceania), and international trade. (J.S.)
Many of the vulnerabilities to Energy Access, Energy Security, and Environmental Sustainability result from impediments to reaching a global demand-supply balance, as well as local balances, for various energy sources and carriers. Vulnerabilities result from multiple reasons: regional imbalances of energy production and consumption, the bulky character of the majority of energy fuels, the virtual necessity of electricity consumption following its production, among others. To detect and prioritize respective 'bottlenecks' across energy carriers, they have to be measured. In this report, production, consumption, exports, and imports were measured across all major energy carriers for seven key regions of the world for three time frames-2008, 2020, and 2050. Imbalances between production and consumption form bottlenecks in each region.
Ozone plays a critical role in both the chemistry and radiation balance of the troposphere. Understanding the factors controlling tropospheric ozone levels is critical to our understanding of a variety of issues in global chemistry and climate change. Chlorine atoms have the potential to contribute significantly to the ozone balance in the free troposphere. They can react directly with ozone or alternately, with organics and may actually lead to the formation of ozone in the presence of sufficient NO. Reactions of alkali halides in sea salt particles are a potential source of atomic chlorine, hence reactions of these alkali halides, especially those producing precursors to atomic chlorine, are of great interest. Finally, the mechanisms, intermediates and products of the Cl-biogenic reactions are unknown; these could serve as unique markers of chlorine atom chemistry in the troposphere, and hence are important to define.
The characteristics of the local magnetic shear, a quantity associated with high-mode-number ballooning mode stability, are considered in heliotron/torsatron devices that have a large Shafranov shift. The local magnetic shear is shown to vanish even in the stellarator-like region in which the global magnetic shear is positive. The reason for this is that the degree of the local compression of the poloidal magnetic field on the outer side of the torus, which maintains the toroidal force balance, is reduced in the stellarator-like region of global magnetic shear because the global rotational transform in heliotron/torsatron systems is a radially increasing function. This vanishing of the local magnetic shear is a universal property in heliotron/torsatron systems with a large Shafranov shift since it results from toroidal force balance in the stellarator-like global shear regime that is inherent to such systems.
The possible physical linkage between galactic cosmic rays intensity and the Earth's cloud cover is discussed using the analysis of the first indirect aerosol effect (Twomey effect) and its experimental representation as the dependence of average cloud droplet effective radius on aerosol index characterizing the aerosol concentration in the atmospheric air column of unit section. It is shown that the basic kinetic equation of the Earth's climate energy-balance model is described by the bifurcation equation (with respect to the temperature of the Earth's surface) in the form of fold catastrophe with two governing parameters defining the variations of insolation and Earth's magnetic field (or galactic cosmic rays intensity in the atmosphere), respectively. The principle of hierarchical climatic models construction, which consists in the structural invariance of balance equations of these models evolving on the different time scales, is described. ...
Even if there have been efforts to validate remote-sensing-based energy balance models, which provide evapotranspiration (ET) maps over a large spatial scale, few studies have been conducted to validate their performance in Korea. In this study, surface energy balance fluxes including ET were estimated and inter-compared with two different models using the Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) image over a watershed scale in Korea. While there were larger spatial discrepancies for net radiation, soil heat and sensible heat fluxes on a pixel-by-pixel basis between the two models, relatively smaller spatial discrepancies for the latent heat flux and daily ET were detected. The spatial discrepancies for the daily ET were larger in low topography and dense vegetation ranges. Despite the different par...
Of the many energy-conservation options available to the design engineer, a system-management approach is recommended as one that will effect maximum benefits to the owner. Systems management includes energy-conscious consideration of design criteria, design details, installation, testing and balancing, and operation. It requires the informed participation of the design engineer, contractor, testing and balancing (TAB) engineer, and owner/operator. Within limits, almost every component of HVAC systems offers an opportunity to conserve energy. Many of these impact energy determinants such as system static pressure, system total air flow, or the quantity of outside air. A few design considerations for energy conservation in a simple system and the impact that the TAB work has on these are illustrated. Particular attention is devoted to the energy impact of systems management, makeup air, and system static pressure.
Abstract The present study makes use of a detailed water balance to investigate the hydrological status of a peatland with a basal clay-rich layer overlying an aquifer exploited for drinking water. The aim is to determine the influence of climate and groundwater extraction on the water balance and water levels in the peatland. During the two-year period of monitoring, the hydrological functioning of the wetland showed a hydric deficit, associated with a permanent unsaturated layer and a deep water table. At the same time, a stream was observed serving as a recharge inflow instead of draining the peatland, as usually described in natural systems. Such conditions are not favourable for peat accumulation. Field investigations show that the clay layer has a high hydraulic conductivity (from 11...
Abstract A 3-month, open-label, single-center study was conducted to determine whether a uniquely formulated and physiologically balanced topical treatment serum containing multiple growth factors, cytokines, peptides, antioxidants and depigmenting agents could improve the visible signs of facial photodamage. Thirty-seven females, aged 32-55 years, with mild to severe, fine and coarse peri-ocular wrinkles were enrolled and completed the study. Subjects applied the treatment serum to the face twice daily for 3 months in conjunction with a basic skincare regimen. Clinical evaluations of photodamage were performed at baseline and months 1, 2 and 3. Cutometer measurements and subject self-assessment questionnaires were also conducted during the study. Clinical evaluations showed statistically ...
Given a double complex $X$ there are spectral sequences with the $E_2$ terms being either H$_I$ (H$_{II}(X))$ or H$_{II}($H$_I (X))$. But if $H_I(X)=H_{II}(X)=0$ both spectral sequences have all their terms 0. This can happen even though there is nonzero (co)homology of interest associated with $X$. This is frequently the case when dealing with Tate (co)homology. So in this situation the spectral sequences may not give any information about the (co)homology of interest. In this article we give a different way of constructing homology groups of $X$ when H$_I(X)=$H$_{II}(X)=0$. With this result we give a new and elementary proof of balance of Tate homology and cohomology.
This work describes how a general, process-based mass-balance model (CoastMab) for phosphorus for coastal areas may be used as a tool to estimate realistic values of "natural" or preindustrial reference levels of key bioindicators in coastal science, including the Secchi depth, a standard measure of water clarity, the chlorophyll-a concentration, an operational measure of phytoplankton biomass and the concentration of cyanobacteria, a measure of the concentration of harmful algae. The CoastMab-model is an ecosystem model giving monthly predictions to achieve seasonal variations of basin-wide properties. The selected case-study area, the Gulf of Riga, is sensitive to nutrient loading because of its shallowness and low openness towards the Baltic Proper. The morphometry of any coastal area, ...
This paper reports on steam injection cycle which is similar to supplementary fired combined cycle, but for the utilized steam medium produced by HRSG, its temperature is higher and pressure is lower than in the combined cycle. In comparison with the thermodynamic advantage of the two cycles, a clear understanding of physical concept can be gotten simply by energy balance. The difference of total power output between them is subtraction of enthalpy difference of exhaust steam and feed water of HRSG in steam injection cycle from the rejected heat by water coolant of condenser in combined cycle, when using the identical gas turbine and the same amount of total fuel consumption. In general case, formulas and data are given to indicate this comparison by the ratio of steam mass flow supplied by HRSG of the two cycles. The analysis of Cheng Cycle Series 7 is applied as an example to give the practical result.
The first year of this effort was focussed on the following broad objectives: (1) Analyze the molecular types present in shale oil (as a function of molecular weight distribution); (2) Determine the behavior of these molecular types in liquid-liquid extraction; (3) Develop the analytical tools needed to systematize the process development; (4) Survey the markets to assure that these have high value uses for the types found in shale oil; (5) Explore selective process means for extracting/converting shale oil components into concentrates of potentially marketable components; (6) Compile overview of the venture development strategy and begin implementation of that strategy. Each of these tasks has been completed in sufficient detail that we can now focus on filling in the knowledge gaps evident from the overview.
This book gives an overview of the entire field of radiation protection with the subject areas radioactivity, X-rays, UV radiation, laser beams and high-frequency electromagnetic fields. It deals graphically with the most important physical notions, the incidence, origin, properties and biological effects of types of radiation, administrative and practical protection measures and the code of rules governing them. Apart from fundamentals of radiation protection the emphasis on the following: natural radiation exposure, radiation exposure to radon, disaster relief plans in the environment of nuclear plant, the precautionary radiation protection system evolved after Chernobyl, radiation exposure through UV radiation devices, radio, RF communication, radar, microwave ovens and high-voltage transmission lines as well as computer work-places. (orig.).
The objective of this paper is to give an overview on the seismic evaluation and retrofitting procedures of reinforced concrete buildings within JICA technical cooperation project in Romania. The content of the paper covers a) an outline of the seismic evaluation; history and comparison of Romanian seismic design codes with the Japanese seismic evaluation guidelines, b) an outline of the retrofitting techniques which were transferred from Japan to Romania and structural tests for retrofitting techniques employed in Romania and c) retrofitting details that were used by JICA/NCSRR in the retrofitting design of two vulnerable buildings in Bucharest. The above-mentioned retrofitting projects are now under development of detailed design and therefore, in the near future, refining and improvement of solutions will be performed. (authors)
This report presents a view of and commentary on the current status of equipment qualification (EQ) in nuclear industries of the major western nations. The introductory chapters discuss the concepts of EQ, the elements of EQ process and highlight some of the key issues in EQ. A brief review of industry practices and some of the prevalent industrial standards is presented, followed by an overview of current regulatory positions in the USA, France, Germany and Sweden. A summary and commentary on the latest research findings on issues relating to accident simulation, to aging simulation and some special topics related to EQ, has been contributed by Franklin Research Centre of Philadelphia. The last part of the report deals with equipment qualification in Canada and gives recommendations on EQ for new plants as well as currently operational CANDU nuclear power plants.
A new protocol technology is just starting to emerge from the laboratory environment. Its stated purpose is to provide an additional means in which networks, and the services that reside on them, can be protected from adversarial compromise. This report has a two-fold objective. First is to provide the reader with an overview of this emerging Dynamic Defenses technology using Dynamic Network Address Translation (Dynat). This ''structure overview'' is concentrated in the body of the report, and describes the important attributes of the technology. The second objective is to provide a framework that can be used to help in the classification and assessment of the different types of dynamic defense technologies along with some related capabilities and limitations. This information is primarily contained in the appendices.
...The RSPB: Great crested grebe A delightfully elegant waterbird with ornate head plumes which led to its being hunted for its feathers, almost leading to its extermination from the UK. E-mail to a friendE-newsletterContact us Home England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales About Overview Awards & recognition Contact us Facts and figures History How we are run Inspiring work Job vacancies Looking to the future Media centre Offices The RSPB view ...status: Green Listen Get Flash player Play sound 1 videoLatin name Podiceps cristatusFamily Grebes (Podicipedidae)Overview A delightfully elegant waterbird with ornate head plumes which led to its being hunted for its feathers, almost leading to its extermination from the UK. They dive to feed and also to escape, preferring this to flying. On land they are clumsy because their feet are placed so far back on their bodies. ...
This paper provides an overview of a multi-year research project being conducted at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. The objective of the research is to evaluate the role of financial structure in promoting the development of innovative and sustainable energy technologies and its current relationship to innovation and entrepreneurial activity in this important economic sector. In this paper, emphasis is placed on the venture capital segment of the capital market and the electricity segment of the energy industry. We first provide a short overview of the electricity sector. We then briefly discuss the concept of innovation and entrepreneurship and its relationship to our research effort. Finally, the bulk of the paper outlines the conceptual framework for the venture capital element of the research project. We conclude the paper with a summary of our preliminary observations. (Author)
A historical overview is given on the basic results which appeared by the year 1926 concerning Einstein's fluctuation formula of black-body radiation, in the context of light-quanta and wave-particle duality. On the basis of the original publications (from Planck's derivation of the black-body spectrum and Einstein's introduction of the photons up to the results of Born, Heisenberg and Jordan on the quantization of a continuum) a comparative study is presented on the first line of thoughts that led to the concept of quanta. The nature of the particle-like fluctuations and the wave-like fluctuations are analysed by using several approaches. With the help of the classical probability theory, it is shown that the infinite divisibility of the Bose distribution leads to the new concept of classical poissonian photo-multiplets or to the binary photo-multiplets of fermionic character. As an application, Einstein's fluctuation formula is derived as a sum of fermion type ...
Stemming from their unique combination of elevated strength, low density, and good overall corrosion resistance, beta titanium alloys have become attractive candidate materials for critical, high-stress, components in corrosive services. An overview of the comparative corrosion resistance of beta alloys to conventional alpha and alpha/beta titanium alloys in common industrial and aerospace service environments generally reveals attractive behavior depending on the environment and alloy composition and, in some cases, alloy condition. Expanded performance windows are especially noted for the molybdenum-rich beta alloys, particularly in regard to resisting reducing acids, stress corrosion, and high temperature localized chloride attack, along with hydrogen and oxidation resistance. Where applicable, implications of this enhanced corrosion performance on current and perspective beta alloy applications are also noted.
... (I still say no to bags though if I can, even if it means the bus driver looks at me funny when I get on balancing a pie and bread roll on top of 18 better-than-half-price recycled toilet rolls - as happened on Tuesday night.) I know some cloth/nylon bags are designed to fold up tightly - either with poppers or a bag to keep them neat - so ...
Volume four contains calculations for: Borrow areas--site evaluation; temporary facilities--material quantities; embankment quantities--excavation and cover materials; Burro Canyon site excavation quantities--rippable and unrippable materials; site restoration--earthwork quantities and seeding; and bid schedule quantities and material balance.
The maximum fissile fuel production capacity of three conceptual fusion breeder systems is examined on the basis of the dominant isotopic-balance processes. Compact relationships involving system power output, plasma and energy multiplication, and parameters which describe the fuel cycle and neutron spectrum in the blanket are established. It is found that the fusion breeder, as characterized herein, possesses a substantial fissile fuel breeding capacity the extent of which is governed primarily by the neutron spectrum in the conversion blanket and the break-even condition of the plasma.
This paper presents the Asian landscape with its regional balances and imbalances and its changes after September 11 and subsequent events. The nuclear posture and the role of nuclear weapons inside the China-India-Pakistan triangle is analyzed with respect to the US non-proliferation policy and its expanding military presence over the Asian continent. (J.S.)
Land plants must balance CO2 assimilation with transpiration in order to minimize drought stress and maximize their reproductive success. The ratio of assimilation to transpiration is called...Full Text Available
The fundamental principles of coal gasification are discussed including the reactions, their course and influencing parameters. Said principles are illustrated considering heat balance as well as process performance. Coal gasification processes are presented which are under development on a pilot plant scale or which are approved on an industrial scale.
Global angular momentum balance suggests that the neutron stars in Be/X-ray binaries are not spinning in equilibrium. This requires an X-ray lifetime ''approx <'' 10"5 yr, and suggests that there are many 'dead' Be/X-ray binaries in the Galaxy. Some of these may be turned up as millisecond radio pulsars with Be star companions. (author).
This EPRI sponsored report describes factors that influence the selection of drives in process industry. These factors include economics, safety aspects, speed control and the plant steam balance. Since the economics play a key-role in the decision, this report provides a quick way of estimating the economics of replacing steam turbines with electric motors. The tools to carry out economic analyses have been provided in the form of graphs and nomographs for quick estimation.
Although the U.S. aerospace industry continues to be the leading positive contributor to the balance of trade among all merchandise industries, it is experiencing significant changes whose implications may not be well understood. Increasing U.S. collabora...
... News In Practice UK work Key facts & information Mass Balance Projects Resources & Library Technical Area Contacts Site Map Benchmarking solvent waste in the UK furniture manufacturing industry OrganisationBritish Furniture Manufacturers Ltd Project ReportSolvent Waste in Furniture Manufacturing Website: www.bfmenvironment.co.uk Return to list RSWT | Website Design Quiet Storm Solutions Ltd Please consider upgrading your browser! If you can see this ...
Substantial damages at main components of steam turbines do not have to result inevitably in an exchange of the components concerned. Rather a preliminary or final repair is possible which also considers the cause of the damage. An important condition with the technically complex questions is an appropriate qualification and experience of all involved persons. The common task of operators, manufacturers and insurance companies is to preserve the balance from costs, expenditure of time and risk.
The purpose of this paper is to describe instrumentation and control (I C) system improvements at Experimental Breeder Reactor 11 (EBR-11). The improvements are focused on three objectives; to keep the reactor and balance of plant (BOP) I C systems at a high level of reliability, to provide diagnostic systems that can provide accurate information needed for analysis of fuel performance, and to provide systems that will be prototypic of I C systems of the next generation of liquid metal reactor (LMR) plants.
The purpose of this paper is to describe instrumentation and control (I&C) system improvements at Experimental Breeder Reactor 11 (EBR-11). The improvements are focused on three objectives; to keep the reactor and balance of plant (BOP) I&C systems at a high level of reliability, to provide diagnostic systems that can provide accurate information needed for analysis of fuel performance, and to provide systems that will be prototypic of I&C systems of the next generation of liquid metal reactor (LMR) plants.
Water transport in the ionomeric membrane, typically Nafion{reg_sign}, has profound influence on the performance of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, in terms of internal resistance and overall water balance. In this work, high resolution neutron imaging of the Nafion{reg_sign} membrane is presented in order to measure water content and through-plane gradients in situ under disparate temperature and humidification conditions.
This publication presents 5 years (1990--94) of summary financial data and current year detailed financial data on the major publicly owned electric utilities. Generator and nongenerator summaries are presented. Composite tables present: Aggregates of income statement and balance sheet data, financial indicators, electric operation and maintenance expenses, electric utility plant, number of consumers, sales of electricity, and operating revenue, and electric energy account data.
In November 1998, President Clinton charged the National Bioethics Advisory Commission with the task of conducting a thorough review of the issues associated with human stem cell research, balancing all ethical and medical considerations. The President's ...
The creation of a methodology about the Ecobalance of the main plastic materials manufactured in Europe is very helpful for many questions relating with these matters. This methodology is necessary for the EC and most of its members. It is important that these analysis have available, precise and up-to-date information. In order that these dates are well-known, the european industry of plastics recognised and started an ambitious project two years ago and now we can see the first results.
An austenitic alloy having good thermal stability and resistance to sodium corrosion at 700.degree. C. consists essentially of 35-45% nickel 7.5-14% chromium 0.8-3.2% molybdenum 0.3-1.0% silicon 0.2-1.0% manganese 0-0.1% zirconium 2.0-3.5% titanium 1.0-2.0% aluminum 0.02-0.1% carbon 0-0.01% boron and the balance iron.
This is a patent for a device to increase compaction of the loaded batch in a coking chamber that assures a balanced compaction of the batch from the upper to the bottom layer. The leveling rod has a device on the external end that causes the rod to shift vertically and bring pressure on the material and the pressing attachment. Opposite the loading hoppers of the coking chambers there are guides that ensure the rod will be sunk perpendicularly into the loaded material.
The metabolism of organic matter in the coastal regions of the ocean may significantly affect the oceanic carbon budget. This paper describes the high percentage (30%) of oceanic oxidation that occurs in coastal areas and the impact of this metabolism on the carbon cycle and climate of earth. Organic metabolism in the ocean appears to be a source of carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere. Oxidation in the coastal zone is of special interest, as it is likely influenced by anthropogenic activity. Recommendations for future research on this topic are proposed. 129 refs., 2 figs., 6 tabs.
Three book reviews and five essays address the problems of governing coastal regions. The books reviewed and the articles covered the institutions and programs involved in resource management, the balance of local and state interests in coastal conservation and developments, a consensus on coastal planning issues, and a growing trend in state-local collaborative planning. Four of the articles pertain to California, and one focuses on programs in Maine, Rhode Island, and Washington. 135 references. (DCK)
''Climates of the Oceans'' deals with the atmosphere over the world oceans and provides a treatment not only of the climatic elements such as temperature, pressure, wind, precipitation etc., but also of the circulation of the atmosphere and its changes throughout the year. The connection between sea and overlying air is examined through studies of the water and heat balance. Numerous maps and tables illustrate the elements and their fluctuations over the water and on islands and coasts.
Equations are compiled for thermal balance in which for simplification, no consideration is made for heat conductivity along the axis of the cable and dependence of losses, heat capacitance and heat conductivity on temperature. Equations are modeled on a transistor analog calculator 42 TA. The solution to the task on the computer produced values of maximum temperature on the cable and coordinates of the point of maximum overheating. Using the analog model, one can study other parameters of the thermal mode.
Absorption of the excimer laser radiations of 193-nm argon fluorine and 308-nm xenon chloride in balanced salt solution, sodium hyaluronate, and human cadaver eyes was measured. The absorption of these materials as considerably different for the two wavelengths; we found that 308-nm light experienced much less absorption than the 193-nm light. The extinction coefficient (k) for 308 nm was k = 0.19/cm for balanced salt solution and k = 0.22/cm for sodium hyaluronate. In contrast to this, the extinction coefficient for 193 nm was k = 140/cm for balanced salt solution and k = 540/cm for sodium hyaluronate. Two 1-day-old human phakic cadaver eyes showed complete absorption with both wavelengths. Using aphakic eyes, incomplete absorption was noted at the posterior pole with 308 nm and complete absorption was noted with 193 nm. The extinction in the anterior part of aphakic eyes (the first 6 mm) was 4.2/cm for 308 nm, meaning ...
Barsebaeck 1 was closed on 30 November 1999. Barsebaeck's output of approximately 4 TWh per year will primarily be replaced by imports from coal-fired plants in Denmark and Germany. During the year, the closure of Swedish fossil-fired condensing power stations continued. With that, over 3,000 MW of peak-load power has been shut down during recent years. Consequently, situations entailing shortages of power can arise. On the deregulated electricity market, it is only the system operators that have a satisfactory overview of the overall electricity balance. The Swedish Power Association has thus lobbied the government as regards the need to elucidate Svenska Kraftnaet's responsibility. In a governmental decision from December, Svenska Kraftnaet was given the task of, among other things, monitoring the available capacity during peak loads and developing market instruments that can contribute to safeguarding the availability of ...
This paper examines why ship shaped floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) systems have been selected for the first two developments on Foinaven and Schiehallion fields in West of Shetland operated by BP Exploration. An overview of the concepts considered for the deepwater harsh environment is made against the business objectives and reservoir conditions which are the primary drivers behind development concept selection. Discussion of technical issues for a range of concepts are held on schedule, construction, installation, safety, flexibility to production throughput, capital and operating costs.
This report consists of a broad overview of activities at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The following topics are discussed: The growth of the waste management group; what we do today; the mission of the waste management group; the liquid waste treatment section; the radioactive liquid waste project office; the chemical waste section; the radioactive waste section; and the technical support section.
To foster rural economic development and growth, Congress passed the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program as Section 9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill. This program provides financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. The Rural Business and Cooperative Services of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers this program. This conference poster provides an overview of Section 9006.
Aircraft constitute a unique environment which places stringent requirements on the instruments used to measure the concentrations of atmospheric trace gases and aerosols. Some of these requirements such as minimization of size, weight, and power consumption are general; others are specific to individual techniques. This review presents the basic principles and considerations governing the deployment of trace gas and aerosol instrumentation on an aircraft. An overview of common instruments illustrates these points and provides guidelines for designing and using instruments on aircraft-based measurement programs.
Ts presentation, available online as a printable PDF, discusses the global effects of deforestation. It contains the following three pages:an overview of the reasons people have cut forests and how the direct destruction of forests is the primary reason for today's massive extinction of speciesa world map that shows the global forest cover 8,000 years agoa world map that shows the significantly smaller remaining frontier forests as of 1997?intact natural forest ecosystems that are relatively undisturbed and large enough to maintain all of their biodiversity.
Neutral beam systems for the next generation of magnetic fusion devices will be based on negative ions. Development are progressing steadily, and large negative ion-based systems are prepared for JT60-U and LHD, and are being considered for ITER. An overview of the physics of the production, acceleration and neutralization of large negative ion beams is given. the present state of the art in Research and Development is also surveyed. (author). 55 refs., 10 figs., 1 tab.
Neutral beam systems for the next generation of magnetic fusion devices will be based on negative ions. Developments are progressing steadily, and large negative ion-based systems are under preparation for JT60-U and LHD, and are being considered for ITER. An overview of the physics of the production, acceleration and neutralization of large negative ion beams is given. The present state of the art in R and D is also surveyed. (Author).
A brief overview, from an experimentalist`s point of view, of the possibilities and difficulties involved in building a photon-photon collider using beams produced in Compton backscattering from a linear e{sup +}e{sup -} or e{sup -}e{sup -}collider. Some hindsight is included from the successful March 1994 Berkeley workshop on gamma-gamma colliders. (author). 13 refs., 2 figs.
A brief overview, from an experimentalist's point of view, of the possibilities and difficulties involved in building a photon-photon collider using beams produced in Compton backscattering from a linear e"+e"- or e"-e"-collider. Some hindsight is included from the successful March 1994 Berkeley workshop on gamma-gamma colliders. (author). 13 refs., 2 figs.
An overview of the developments and designs of electric cars is given. It can be concluded that the numbers of electric-powered vehicles in the world, presented by different companies, are confusing and that it is very difficult to categorize the electric cars because of the many different prototypes under development sofar. Also an introduction is given on the engine technology of such cars. Attention is paid to the direct current (DC) motor, the induction motor, the brushless DC-motor, and the synchronous motor. 2 figs., 4 ills., 35 refs.
Selected papers from the conference are presented under seven sections covering: an overview of the environmental and health implications of low-grade fuel use; fuel resources and recovery; exploitation of peat and wood as a fuel; oil shale resources, processing and use; technological approaches to the reduction of environmental impacts associated with oil shale processing and use; technological approaches to reducing the environmental impacts of low-grade coal use; and environmentally sound technical options for low-grade fuel use.
An extension of data mining, text mining involves the extraction of information and knowledge from unstructured text. This constantly evolving field is increasingly used by major corporations, such as Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft. Featuring contributions from leading researchers in the field, this book provides a detailed overview of text mining theory, applications, and visualization. The theory section discusses text mining, information retrieval, latent semantic analysis, pagerank, latent Dirichlet allocation, and probabilistic relational models. In the section on text mining applications,
The production, principal applications, characteristics and properties, advantages of the gas natural is showed. A sectorial overview of the ceramic industry and the utilization of the natural gas in the ceramic industry is presented. The expectations are systematized and the impact of the natural gas utilization in the ceramic industry is evaluated. Some conclusions are withdrawn and recommendations suggested.
In this paper structure and mechanical properties of PBZT and PBO fibers are briefly discussed. One limitation of the high-modulus polymeric fibers and ultrahigh-modulus carbon fibers in reinforced composites is their poor compressive strength. Issues related to the compressive strength of polymeric and carbon fibers are considered. 62 references, 7 figures, 4 tables.
The aim of this work is to suggest steps and policies to increase the introduction of cost-effective energy in conservation measures in Brazil. This report first addresses the motivations for a policy of energy efficiency and summarizes experiences in Brazil. It then considers the roles and perspectives of the diverse agents and review the instruments of policy. It concludes with an overview of strategic needs and lines of action.
The use of robots in powerplants is an option that can no longer be ignored. Robots can reduce worker exposure to harmful environments and minimize downtime. As a result, electric utilities are using them more than ever. As robots become more widely accepted, more are being developed to handle an expanding variety of applications. This report begins with an overview of the use of robotics in the electric-utility industry; following that are sections detailing applications for nuclear plants, fossil-fired stations, and transmission and distribution facilities.
As competition dramatically reshapes power markets, electric utilities strive to increase flexibility in their commitments and limit exposure to market risks. This paper provides an overview of a promising tool called option valuation which is useful for analyzing and managing risks. The paper demonstrates an application of these techniques for developing new pricing products tailored to meet customers` risk preference.
The report is an overview on the production of the nuclear energy all over the world. The amount of production at present and in future, availability of the nuclear fuel, development of nuclear technology, environmental and safety issues, radioactive waste management and commissioning of the plants and also the competitivity of nuclear energy compared with other energy forms are considered. (91 refs.).
This report provides a regional overview of the hydrologic regimes of the Northeast Coal Study Area in British Columbia; illustrates the range of possible peak discharge values which may be predicted for streams adjacent to the Tumbler Ridge townsite; and, provides recommendations pertaining to future hydrologic analysis within the Northeast Coal Block.
Building materials contain low concentrations of natural radioactive materials, causing a radiation dose for occupants of houses. Governmental policies and regulations with respect to radon emission are or will be implemented. An overview is given of recent developments. 3 refs.
Measurement results are interpreted as (sets of) values attributed to measurands, i.e., quantities (intended to be measured), i.e., properties (having a magnitude that can be expressed as a number and a reference). This relatively simple conceptual structure hides some important issues for measurement science, that the lecture will tentatively explore with a systematic reference to the International vocabulary of metrology - Basic and general concepts and associated terms (VIM) and its possible future developments.
Sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency the Image Understanding Workshop is a forum for the presentation of new research in vision, image analysis, and geometric modeling. Leading scientists present overviews of projects underway at major universities and corporate research sites, as well as results of individual work. The 1987 volume contains 94 articles and technical reports in two volumes.
This book contains the proceedings of the International Topical Meeting on Remote Systems and Robotics in Hostile Environments. It is organized under the following sessions: Worldwide Applications Overview; Operating Mobile Systems; Sensors and Control Systems; Space Applications; Reactor Operations and Surveillance; Remote Equipment for Hazardous Operations; Future Mobile System; Mining and Construction Operations; Special Applications; Hot Cell Applications; Processing; Reactor Operations and Maintenance; Decontamination and Waste Handling; Remote Handling Development and Demonstration.
Pitting corrosion is localized accelerated dissolution of metal that occurs as a result of a breakdown of the otherwise protective passive film on the metal surface. This paper provides an overview of the critical factors influencing the pitting corrosion of metals. The phenomenology of pitting corrosion is discussed, including the effects of alloy composition, environment, potential, and temperature. A summary is then given of studies that have focused on various stages of the pitting process, including breakdown of the passive film, metastable pitting, and pit growth. 120 refs.
The US DOE`s Photovoltaics program has helped photovoltaic technologies evolve from materials and concepts in the laboratories to competitive products rolling off automated assembly lines. This document is divided into the following sections: 1992 PV program accomplishments, expanding markets for photovoltaic systems, developing today`s systems with utilities and industry, working with industry to advance the technology, cooperative research to improve materials and devices, selected achievements in cooperative R and D, and PV program services. Figs, tabs.
An overview of emissive display technologies is presented. Display types briefly described include: cathode ray tubes (CRTs), field emission displays (FEDs), electroluminescent displays (ELDs), and plasma display panels (PDPs). The critical role of phosphors in further development of the latter three flat panel emissive display technologies is outlined. The need for stable, efficient red, green, and blue phosphors for RGB fall color displays is emphasized.
The Subseabed Disposal Project (SDP) was part of an international program that investigated the feasibility of high-level radioactive waste disposal in the deep ocean sediments. This report briefly describes the seven-step iterative performance assessment procedures used in this study and presents representative results of the last iteration. The results of the performance are compared to interim standards developed for the SDP, to other conceptual repositories, and to related metrics. The attributes, limitations, uncertainties, and remaining tasks in the SDP feasibility phase are discussed.
This annual report presents an overview of the work performed by the PSI research departments including information on new developments connected with the various accelerators and on the status of the Swiss Light Source project (SLS). Details on the organizational and financial structure of the Institute are also provided This annual report is also available in German under the title `PSI Jahresbericht 1998; Allgemeiner Teil`.figs.
The use of nuclear reactors to provide electrical energy has shown considerable growth since the first nuclear plant started commercial operation in the mid 1950s. Although the main purpose of this paper is to review the fuel cycle capabilities in the United States, the introduction is a brief review of the types of nuclear reactors in use and the world-wide nuclear capacity.
The properties of a nonviable, aqueous ether-extracted Brucela abortus preparation, Bru-Pel, are described. In addition to inducing a "virus-type" interferon response and protecting mice against challenge with otherwise lethal doses of Semliki Forest virus, Bru-Pel is demonstrated to have potent antitumor properties in mice. These antitumor effects appear to be mediated by an increase in nonspecific resistance similar to that seen with other experimental antitumor agents. PMID:728911
Vietnam is beginning its industrialization process, and it currently lacks the capital necessary for expensive pollution control and treatment systems. Pollution strategies are critical for the country. This study evaluates the present status of industry and the pollution problems associated with industrial development in Vietnam. The purpose of the study is to identify sectors that may have potential for promoting cleaner production practices. 4 refs.
The IAEA Department of Safeguards established a project in 1996 for the year 2000 (Y2K) conversion activities. This project covered assessment, conversion and testing of the software applications, instrument evaluation software, embedded systems and Personal Computer (PC) hardware attached to various equipment. Significant progress has been made in converting the applications and instruments to be year 2000 compliant. At the same time Member states have made an effort as well in converting the systems used jointly at the facilities
The goal of this lecture is to give an overview of important concepts connected to organisational factors and to provide an understanding of mechanisms by which they can contribute to safe or unsafe behaviour of people. The lecture gives examples of ways to organise work, organisational deficiencies and good practices applied in safety oriented organisations. The lecture also gives an introduction to international work and Finnish national regulation connected to organisation and management. (orig.)
This overview of research conducted at ORNL in 1991 presents information on the subjects of biology, physics, and the environment. Specific topics include gene mutations in kidney disease, technology assessments in thermonuclear fusion, submarine hunting technology, ozone-safe refrigerants, optical data storage via surface enhanced raman spectroscopy, and waste mitigating microbes. (GHH)
This overview of research conducted at ORNL in 1991 presents information on the subjects of biology, physics, and the environment. Specific topics include gene mutations in kidney disease, technology assessments in thermonuclear fusion, submarine hunting technology, ozone-safe refrigerants, optical data storage via surface enhanced raman spectroscopy, and waste mitigating microbes. (GHH)
An ``energy snapshot`` article is included on housing characteristics in 1993 (survey of 7,111 households). The rest of the document is divided into: energy overview, energy consumption, petroleum, natural gas, oil and gas resource development, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, energy prices, international energy, and appendices (conversion factors, CO2 emission factors from coal, index, glossary).
The Monthly Energy Review (MER) presents an overview of the Energy Information Administration`s recent monthly energy statistics. The statistics cover the major activities of US production, consumption, trade, stocks, and prices for petroleum, natural gas, coal, electricity, and nuclear energy. Also included are international energy and thermal and metric conversion factors. 37 figs., 61 tabs.
This is the June report by the Energy Information Administration. The contents of the report include an energy overview, energy consumption, petroleum, natural gas, oil and gas resource development, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, energy prices, and international energy. Included are appendices containing thermal conversion factors, metric and other physical conversion factors, and carbon dioxide emission factors for coal.
This publication presents an overview of the Energy information Administration`s recent monthly energy statistics. The statistics cover the major activities of US production, consumption, trade, stocks, and prices for petroleum, natural gas, coal, electricity, and nuclear energy. Also included are international energy and thermal and metric conversion factors. Two brief ``energy plugs`` (reviews of EIA publications) are included, as well.
The Commission of the European Communities has submitted a directive for the protection against microwaves. According to this directive, exposures above the upper limit established for the protection of individuals and the general population are permissible only if the respective individuals are required to submit to occupational medical control. An introductory overview is presented giving information on microwaves, applied techniques and available protective means.
This report summarizes the research and development activities of Los Alamos National Laboratory's Life Sciences Division for the calendar year 1988. Technical reports related to the current status of projects are presented in sufficient detail to permit the informed reader to assess their scope and significance. Summaries useful to the casual reader desiring general information have been prepared by the Group Leaders and appear in each group overview. Investigators on the staff of the Life Sciences Division will be pleased to provide further information.
Information technology plays an important role in medicine because of the advanced decision support systems (DSS) it can provide. We provide an overview of the building blocks necessary for a medical decision support system and introduce seven research articles in this special issue that describe the development and evaluation of individual medical DSS building blocks or complete medical DSS.
Described are the changes to ICD-10-CM and PCS and potential challenges regarding their use in the US for financial and administrative transaction coding under HIPAA in 2013. Using author constructed...Full Text Available
This issue of the newsletter on Engineering Design Activities (EDA) for the ITER Tokamak project contains a report on Second International Industries' Liaison meeting which was held in Tokyo on 2-4 April 1997 (by Y. Kaneki, JAIF, Japan); an overview report on the Blanket project (by A. Cardella, I.Ioki (ITER Central Team), W. Daenner (EU Home Team)); and a progress report on microwave reflectometry (by J. Sanchez, Madrid, Spain).
This one-day TOPTEC session began with an overview of hybrid electric vehicle technology. Updates were given on alternative types of energy storage, APU control for low emissions, simulation programs, and industry and government activities. The keynote speech was about battery technology, a key element to the success of hybrids. The TOPEC concluded with a panel discussion on the mission of hybrid electric vehicles, with a perspective from industry and government experts from United States and Canada on their view of the role of this technology.
This opinion presents an overview of recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan. The use of Ethiodol (iodized ethyl ester of the fatty acid of poppyseed oil) for hepatic angiography in diagnosing and treating (combined with chemotherapeutic agents) HCC has been reported. Ethiodol has been found to localize in HCC and remain there for long periods. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The polymer industry is a young industry that has undergone tremendous growth and change over the last sixty years. Many important discoveries in polymer science have been accidental. Most of the learning has been by trial and error and most of the understanding is still basically empirical--make a polymer material or compound and then put it to the test to study what it is and how it performs. This article provides an overview of what polymers and polymer compounds are, why they behave as they do, and it discusses several examples of failures of rubber and plastic components.
The concept of frailty offers a convenient way to introduce unobserved heterogeneity and associations into models for survival data. In its simplest form, frailty is an unobserved random proportionality factor that modifies the hazard function of an individual or a group of related individuals. "Frailty Models in Survival Analysis" presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamental approaches in the area of frailty models. The book extensively explores how univariate frailty models can represent unobserved heterogeneity. It also emphasizes correlated frailty models as extensions of
These ten chapters present an overview of floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, and examines deep water developments; hydrostatic stability; production, storage and offloading systems; the configuration and structure of flexible risers and umbilicals; the structural and global dynamic analysis of flexible riser and umbilicals; verification of FPSO structural integrity; vessel global loading and rigid body response; environmental loading and vessel response; and mooring systems. (UK)
The report describes the following: overview of the Russian power industry; electric power equipment of Russia; power industry development forecast for Russia; clean coal technology demonstration program of the US Department of Energy; reduction of coal TPS (thermal power station) environmental impacts in Russia; and base options of advanced coal thermal power plants. Terms of the application of clean coal technology at Russian TPS are discussed in the Conclusions.
This paper presents a brief overview of refuse derived fuel (RDF) processing systems, and the different types of RDF. The quality of RDF, combustion of RDF in fluidized beds, and moving grate reactors, operating conditions, emissions (sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride) and thermal efficiency are discussed. (UK).
The advent of sophisticated automation equipment and computer hardware and software is changing the way manufacturing is carried out. To compete in the global marketplace, manufacturing companies must integrate these new technologies into their factories. In addition, they must integrate the planning, control, and data management methodologies needed to make effective use of these technologies. This paper provides an overview of recent approaches to achieving this enterprise integration. It then describes, using simulation as a particular example, a new tool`s perspective of enterprise integration.
An overview of the present status of energy sector in Lebanon and requirements of its future development is presented. The study is based on an economic analysis of needs and energy consumption among the population and on a comparison with other developing countries. Tables and graphs on energy distribution, needs and demands per habitant and national income are included. 3 figs. 3 tabs.
A brief overview is given of the developments in the Dutch offshore industry where new offshore sites appear to be retrofitted or recycled platforms and contractors take over the work from petroleum companies (e.g. as so-called Floating Production Storage Offloading or FPSO). It is expected that in ten years from now a large number of oil platforms will be disappeared or transported to the Chinese Bohai Sea where a new oil field will be explored.
A historical overview of corrosion problems found in power plant condensers and mitigation procedures is presented. The paper is organized according to alloy type and failure mode. Alloys considered are copper-base alloys, stainless steels and titanium. Failure modes discussed include erosion-corrosion, sulfide attack, environmentally assisted cracking, galvanic corrosion, steam condensate corrosion, pitting corrosion, and dealloying. Mitigation procedures discussed include cathodic protection, ferrous ion injection, as well as tube cleaning and layup practices.
In the Arabian Gulf region in general, and in Saudi Arabia in particular, demand for water in the agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors has increased dramatically as a result of rapid development, and improved standard of living, and diversification of economic activity in agriculture and industry. This article presents an overview of supply and demand situations prevailing in the Arabian Gulf region and discusses various conventional and unconventional alternatives for meeting the growing demand for water. It also describes conservation measures and their socioeconomic effects.
The US Department of Energy, Office of Technical and Financial Assistance (OTFA) promotes the application of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices by working cooperatively with state and local governments and private and nonprofit organizations, providing technical and financial assistance and serving as network for sharing information. This report is an overview of some of the programs designed to aid in solving our national energy problems.
An overview is given of techniques to analyze all kinds of complaints from occupants of office buildings about their working environment: headaches, lethargy, eye irritation, respiratory problems, and complaints about the temperature and draught. Special attention is paid to the sensory evaluation of air quality. 4 figs., 7 refs.
Divided into diagnostic and treatment sections, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the most common medical procedures performed in modern clinical settings. Each section presents common names for the procedure; an outline of the disease or injury for which the procedure is performed; a brief review of the anatomical structures and physiological processes that are involved; staffing, equipment, and pre-procedure requirements; a detailed description of the procedure itself; and, a discussion of expected outcomes as well as potential complications. Each chapter includes a summary and
DescriptionCEH - Quest CCMAP see http://quest.bris.ac.uk/research/themes/CCMAP.html CCMAP (Climate-carbon modelling, assimilation and prediction) Leader: Dr. Eleanor Blyth (CEH, Wallingford) Overview and Goals CCMAP is one of QUEST's Theme 1 projects and is about to be commissioned to the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology at Wallingford. The Principal Investigator will be Dr. Eleanor Blyth, with subcontracts to the Universities of Bristol (Dr. Wolfgang Knorr, Earth Sciences and QUEST; Andy Ridgw [continued...
This report describes outer continental shelf oil and gas activities in the Atlantic Region. This edition of the Atlantic Update includes an overview of the Mid-Atlantic Planning Area and a summary of the Manteo Prospect off-shore North Carolina. 6 figs., 8 tabs.
REXFOR is a development corporation involved in the creation of sustainable economic development for Quebec`s forest sector. Through partnerships, it intervenes in the development and processing of forest resources. This annual report provides an overview of industrial, sylvicultural and forest activities for the current year. A financial review of the current year is given along with a retrospective of the last five years. Financial statements are included.
The Chernobyl reactor accident has pronupted all European countries to rehabilitate their existing measurement and monitoring systems and to design and erect new ones. These systems are meant to ensure a rapid overview on the situation in case of an accident to adopt suitable actions for protection or prevention. 6 papers report on the state of such measurement systems in Europe, inparticular those in France (TELERAY), in Germany (IMIS) and in Switzerland (RADAIR). The IMIS-system is discussed for its extension to Eastern Germany. (HP).
This paper surveys the growing number of industrial applications of data mining and knowledge discovery. We look at the existing tools, describe some representative applications, and discuss the major issues and problems for building and deploying successful applications and their adoption by business users. Finally, we examine how to assess the potential of a knowledge discovery application.
A survey is presented of studies dealing with radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) of impurities in the air, water, soil, sediments and biological materials, mainly blood, urine, hair, soft tissues and bones. Tabulated are lists of published works on RXFA of the air, water and biological materials. (ES).
Purpose: Patients with mycosis fungoides [cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)] may benefit from adjuvant therapy after completing total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT). We report the results for (T1(T2)) CTCL patients treated with adjuvant oral psoralen plus ultraviolet light (PUVA) with respect to overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), salvage of recurrence, and toxicity. Methods and Materials: Between 1974 and 1993, TSEBT was administered to a total of 213 patients with CTCL. Records were reviewed retrospectively, and a total of 114 patients were identified as having T1 or T2 disease. Radiotherapy was provided via a 6-MeV linac to a total of 36 Gy, 1 Gy/day, 4 days/week, for 9 weeks. Beginning in 1988, patients were offered adjuvant PUVA within 2 months of completing TSEBT. This was started at 0.5-2 J/m"2, 1-2 treatments/week, with a taper over 3-6 months. Therapy then continued once per month. There were 39 T1 and 75 T2 patients. Six T1 (15%) and ...
Total river discharge in Pakistan in summer season vary from 3 thousand to 34 thousand cusses (100 thousand Cusses to 1,200 thousand Cusses) and can cause tremendous loss to human lives, crops and property, this causes the loss of most of the flood water in the lower Indus plains to the sea. Due to limited capacity of storage at Tarbela and Mangla Dams on river Indus and Jhelum, with virtually no control on Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej, devastating problems are faced between July and October in the event of excessive rainfall in the catchments. Due to enormous amounts of sediments brought in by the feeding rivers, the three major reservoirs -Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma will lose their storage capacity, by 25 % by the end of the year 2010, which will further aggravate the water-availability situation in Pakistan. The quality of water is also deteriorating due to urbanization and industrialization and agricultural developments. On the Environmental Front the main problems are water-logging ...
This dissertation is concerned with the development, experimental diagnostics and mathematical modelling and simulation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). The central themes throughout this thesis are the closely interlinked phenomena of mass and charge transfer. In the face of developing a PEFC system for vehicle propulsion these phenomena are scrutinized on a broad range of relevant scales. Starting from the material related level of the membrane and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) we turn to length scales, where structural features of the cell additionally come into play. These are the scale of flow channels and ribs, the single cell and the cell stack followed by the cell, stack, and system development for an automotive power train. In Chapter 3 selected fundamental material models and properties, respectively, are explored that are crucial for the mathematical modelling and simulation of PEFC, as needed in some succeeding parts of this work. First, established mathematical ...
A novel two-phase flow management process useful for active thermal power rejection in space is introduced. The process serves as a condenser in a Rankine cycle and is applicable for thermal energy management needs in low gravity environments. Benefit is derived from the ability to utilize the high specific energy transport capability of two-phase flow, while not requiring mass-intensive solutions nor complex control strategies to maintain design energy balance integrity. Initial design calculations for a hypothetical space vapor cycle demonstration experiment were done and a steady-state computer model of the novel condensing process was created and used to evaluate its potential to maintain the design energy balance of the experiment. The experiment (approximately 28 kg) was a supercritical organic thermal loop operating between 500 and 400 Kelvin at a mass flow of 1 grain per second; using R-113 as the working fluid and rejecting all of its ...
In this study the greenhouse impact of the total Finnish forest sector was considered, which means that the estimated emissions and sink effects from exported forest products were also included. The forest biomass is and seems to be in the next decades the most important factor in the carbon balance of the total forest sector. The development alternatives of forest industries and waste management practices has still a remarkable influence on the greenhouse impact of the Finnish forest sector. The waste management practices in the future has an important influence on the emissions but the exact net greenhouse impact of the landfills is still uncertain. However, the methane emissions from existing landfills can be reduced essentially by gas recovery. Increased incineration and energy recovery of wood waste (and replacing fossil fuel use by it) is also a future alternative for reducing the greenhouse effects in the forest sector. The sequestration of carbon by ...
A study has been made of the reactor blockages occurring in the course of direct hydroliquefaction of Miike coal, Taiheiyo coal and Yallourn coal briquets in a tubular reactor. The liquefaction tests were carried out at 450 C under 24.6 MPa hydrogen pressure, with red mud and sulfur catalyst. From the observed balances for catalyst and coal ash, it was inferred that reactor blockages are due to sedimentation of catalyst and ash. The conditions for catalyst and coal ash run-off were determined after solvent and slurry flow rates had been altered to suit the type of coal being tested. It was found that ash run-off occurred more readily as the difference between the slurry flow velocity and the natural sedimentation velocity of red mud in the coal liquids increased. Even when ash run-off was occurring, however, the ash concentration of the slurry in the reactor was higher than the concentration in the feed slurry. This is taken as indicating that some of the solvent ...
At least quinary alloys form metallic glass upon cooling below the glass transition temperature at a rate less than 10.sup.3 K/s. Such alloys comprise zirconium and/or hafnium in the range of 45 to 65 atomic percent, titanium and/or niobium in the range of 4 to 7.5 atomic percent, and aluminum and/or zinc in the range of 5 to 15 atomic percent. The balance of the alloy compositions comprise copper, iron, and cobalt and/or nickel. The composition is constrained such that the atomic percentage of iron is less than 10 percent. Further, the ratio of copper to nickel and/or cobalt is in the range of from 1:2 to 2:1. The alloy composition formula is: (Zr,Hf).sub.a (Al,Zn).sub.b (Ti,Nb).sub.c (Cu.sub.x Fe.sub.y (Ni,Co).sub.z).sub.d wherein the constraints upon the formula are: a ranges from 45 to 65 atomic percent, b ranges from 5 to 15 atomic percent, c ranges from 4 to 7.5 atomic percent, d comprises the balance, d.multidot.y is less than 10 atomic ...
When oxygen is limiting, animals can ferment glucose via several metabolic pathways varying in energetic efficiency and leading to various end products (such as lactate, succinate, or propionate). Because the pH dependence of H/sup +/ production by fermentation is opposite to that by hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate formed in the fermentation, the total number of moles of protons generated is always two per mole of fermentable substrate. However, two and three times more adenosine triphosphate can be turned over per mole of protons produced in succinate and propionate fermentations, respectively, than in lactate fermentation. At its limit, this advantage would achieve the same balance between H/sup +/ production and H/sup +/ consumption during ATP cycling that is observed in aerobic metabolism, a situation observed in certain alcohol fermentations. Since proton balance during anaerobiosis is clearly adaptable, we consider possible impact ...
The following parameters merit examination in determining the viability of process combinations: conceptual and technical soundness, environmental acceptability, energy balance, flexibility, costs, economic risk potential. The present contribution on this subject is not intended to take the place of or cover the scope of single-case studies. In practice, viability studies on process combinations have to deal with concrete plans involving precisely defined material flow balances, emissions, costs etc. The present paper therefore only presents the basic principles of this type of study. [Deutsch] Folgende Randbedingungen fuer sinnvolle Verfahrenskombinationen sind zu untersuchen: - konzeptionelle und technische Stimmigkeit, - Umweltvertraeglichkeit, - energetische Bilanz, - Flexibilitaet, - Kosten, - oekonomisches Risikopotential. Nun kann dieser Beitrag zum Thema keine Einzelfallbetrachtung ersetzen bzw. abdecken. Im Rahmen einer echten Pruefung ...
On June 19, 1998, after the first annual outage, Wolsung Unit 2 was shutdown at a controlled rate due to the continuous instability of Liquid Zone Control level. Investigation revealed that the Liquid Zone Control level instability was caused by water condensed inside the helium lines, generated from the moistened helium flow, especially, inside the helium balance header feed and bleed valve lines. It was found that improper installation of the diaphragm type isolation valves and the drain valve tap could easily contain the water inside the lines and be destined to form water traps causing the balance header pressure oscillation. After the lines were dried, Liquid Zone Control level instability was almost vanished, and approached the allowable equilibrium state. As the reactor power was increased, however, the zone level instability increased again. In order to compensate for the excessive, the Bulk Power Control Gain (Kp) was reduced to ...
Under typical conditions found in Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion (PFBC), the calcination reaction of limestones is thermodynamically inhibited, and the sorbent reacts with SO{sub 2} by a direct mechanism. Direct sulfation reactivity of different Spanish sorbents was studied by high-pressure thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the physical structure of the surface of the particles influence the sulfation behaviour of the sorbents. Total pore volume and pore surface area correlated well with the reactivity of the sorbents. Temperatures between 800 and 925{degree}C, and pressure between 12 and 25 bar, promoted an increase in reactivity, while the gas composition had no effect when changed from 15% CO{sub 2}, 3% O{sub 2}, 0.5% SO{sub 2}, balance N{sub 2} to 12% CO{sub 2}, 7% O{sub 2}, 0.5% SO{sub 2}, balance N{sub 2}. It was found that the unreacted shrinking core model could not satisfactorily describe the sulfation reaction under ...
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) operates a number of research and development (R and D) facilities for the Department of Energy on the Hanford Site. According to DOE Order 5400.1, a Facility Effluent Monitoring Plan is required for each site, facility, or process that uses, generates, releases, or manages significant pollutants or hazardous materials. Three of the R and D facilities: the 325, 331, and 3720 Buildings, are considered major emission points for radionuclide air sampling and thus individual Facility Effluent Monitoring Plans (FEMPs) have been developed for them. Because no definition of ''significant'' is provided in DOE Order 5400.1 or the accompanying regulatory guide DOE/EH-0173T, this FEMP was developed to describe monitoring requirements in the DOE-owned, PNNL-operated facilities that do not have individual FEMPs. The remainder of the DOE-owned, PNNL-operated facilities are referred to as ...
Recognizing the importance of energy as a vital component in economic development, the Taiwanese government has been continuously revising its energy policy, seeking to balance economic development, energy supply, and environmental protection (3E). Some measures, in an attempt to achieve the 3E balance, were previously implemented in Taiwan; nevertheless, some unresolved issues departing from certain core principles of Taiwan's sustainable energy policy and an international initiative for a low carbon society remain. The aim of this paper is to examine the energy supply and demand structure of Taiwan and the present status of individual energy carriers (including coal, petroleum, natural gas and electricity). In addition, it investigates the current energy policy framework and its implementation in Taiwan, identifies unresolved issues regarding sustainable energy development, and formulates key policy solutions for certain identifiable problems ...
All first-stage experimental tests were completed for Task 4 (and the Contract). The first-stage one-liter autoclave tests that were made were duplicates of Run 41-LA. The conditions used were chosen last quarter to reduce the cost of the first-stage of the process from those used at the conclusion of Task 3. Filtration and second-stage tests were made using the products of the first-stage tests. Post-second-stage filtration, tested as an alternative to interstage (pre-second- stage) filtration, resulted in low filtration rates. Different catalyst loadings and type and residence time for second-stage hydrotreating were explored. Longer residence times did not result in significantly more resid conversion. Higher catalyst loadings were more effective in converting the resid at the same residence time. The material and elemental balances for the first-stage were completed. The material and elemental balances for the second-stage were initiated.
In the development of the specific mathematical modeling for heavy and ultra heavy petroleum fractions in a molecular distiller is very important the definition of physical and chemical parameters as density and specific heat of the mixture, the enthalpy of vaporization, among others, since they are used in the energy balance. Information on these properties and their variation with temperature are found in the open literature for mixture with few components (simple mixtures). However, for multicomponent solutions consisting of complex mixtures such as oil and its heavy and ultraheavy fractions, available data are few, or are limited to low temperatures. The specific heat is an important property in the energy balance. This property can be measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), which gives results with great sensitivity and accuracy. This paper presents the variation of specific heat with the temperature of ultra-heavy oil ...
Melting in a cokeless cupola furnace fuelled with natural gas is a novel, energy-saving and environment-friendly process. In order to be able to monitor the processes inside the furnace with detailed mass and heat balances, an experimental furnace with an efficient measuring system was constructed in the framework of a research project financed by the BMFT and Messrs. Eisenwerke Dueker GmbH und Co. KG, Laufach, Germany. (orig./HS) [Deutsch] Das Schmelzen im kokslosen erdgasgefeuerten Kupolofen ist ein neues, energiesparendes und umweltfreundliches Verfahren. Um die Vorgaenge im Ofen mit umfassenden Stoff- und Waermebilanzen erfassen zu koennen, ist im Rahmen eines vom BMFT und der Firma Eisenwerke Dueker GmbH und Co. KG, Laufach, finanzierten Forschungsvorhabens, ein Versuchsofen mit umfangreicher Messeinrichtung gebaut worden. (orig./HS)
A balanced braking system comprising a plurality of braking assemblies located about a member to be braked. Each of the braking assemblies consists of a spring biased piston of a first material fitted into a body of a different material which has a greater contraction upon cooling than the piston material. The piston is provided with a recessed head portion over which is positioned a diaphragm and forming a space therebetween to which is connected a pressurized fluid supply. The diaphragm is controlled by the fluid in the space to contact or withdraw from the member to be braked. A cooling device causes the body within which the piston is fitted to contract more than the piston, producing a tight shrink fit therebetween. The braking system is particularly applicable for selectively braking an arbor of an electron microscope which immobilizes, for example, a vertically adjustable low temperature specimen holder during observation. The system provides ...
In this paper, a mathematical model for a counterflow wet cooling tower is derived, which is based on one-dimensional heat and mass balance equations using the measured heat transfer coefficient. The balance equations are solved numerically to predict the temperature change of air and water, as well as the humidity as a function of the cooling tower high. Experimental measurements on two pilot-scale cooling towers were carried out in order to analyze the performance of different cooling tower filling materials. Also, the performance of other cooling tower elements, such as droplet separators and water spray nozzles, was investigated in the pilot experiments. The flow distribution, i.e. the velocity field, upstream to the filling material was predicted using the three-dimensional version of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code Fluent/UNS, version 4.2. The calculated flow fields are presented for different distances between the inlet of ...
Up to now the long range filaments have been considered as a balance between Kerr focusing and defocusing by plasma generation in the nonlinear focus. However, it is difficult to apply the above explanation of filamentation in far-field zone. There are basically two main characteristics which remain the same at these distances - the super broad spectrum and the width of the core, while the power in a stable filament drops to the critical value for self-focusing. At such power the plasma and higher-order Kerr terms are too small to prevent self-focusing. We suggest here a new mechanism for stable soliton pulse propagation in far-away zone, where the power of the laser pulse is slightly above the critical one, and the pulse comprises super-broad spectra. For such pulses the diffraction is not paraxial and an initially symmetric Gaussian pulse takes parabolic form at several diffraction lengths . The stable soliton propagation appears as a balance ...
This paper presents (a) an overview of the Inmos transputer and its use in parallel arrays for image processing, (b) a functional block-level description of IBM-AT-compatible boards for signal/image processing research using transputers with reconfigurable interconnection topologies, and (c) an overview of the OCCAM and C programming tools for placing parallel algorithms onto such a processor. The hardware consists of two custom printed-circuit boards (and two commercially available boards) within an IBM-AT host. The first provides a flexible input/output interface between a general-purpose high-speed input-data bus and the transputer array. The second contains 32 transputers and 4 programmable crossbar-switch interconnection chips. Several copies of the second board can be cascaded (or even partially-unpopulated) to provide for an arbitrary number of transputer chips. Each one of these boards will perform about 128 million Whetstones or, for ...
This document is intended to provide an overview of the workshop entitled 'The Coming Nuclear Renaissance for the Next Generation Safeguards Experts-Maximizing Benefits While Minimizing Proliferation Risks', conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in partnership with the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12) and the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). This document presents workshop objectives; lists the numerous participant universities and individuals, the nuclear nonproliferation lecture topics covered, and the facilities tours taken as part of the workshop; and discusses the university partnership sessions and proposed areas for collaboration between the universities and ORNL for 2009. Appendix A contains the agenda for the workshop; Appendix B lists the workshop attendees and presenters with contact information; Appendix C contains graphics of the evaluation form results and survey areas; and Appendix D summarizes the ...
The International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) was launched in the year 2000, based on a resolution by the IAEA General Conference (GC(44)/RES/21). INPRO intends to help to ensure that nuclear energy is available in the 21st century in a sustainable manner, and seeks to bring together all interested Member States, both technology holders and technology users, to consider, jointly, actions to achieve desired innovations. INPRO is taking care of the specific needs of developing countries. This IAEA publication is part of Phase 1 of INPRO. It intends to provide an overview on history, present situation and future perspectives of nuclear fuel cycle technologies. While this overview focuses on technical issues, nevertheless, the aspects of economics, environment, and safety and proliferation resistance are important background issues for this study. After a brief description about the INPRO project and an evaluation ...
Annex XIII on 'Fuel Cell Vehicles' of the Implementing Agreement Hybrid and Electric Vehicles of the International Energy Agency has been operating since 2006, complementing the ongoing activities on battery and hybrid electric vehicles within this group. This paper provides an overview of the Annex XIII final report for 2010, compiling an up-to-date, neutral, and comprehensive assessment of current trends in fuel cell vehicle technology and related policy. The technological description includes trends in system configuration as well as a review of the most relevant components including the fuel cell stack, batteries, and hydrogen storage. Results from fuel cell vehicle demonstration projects around the world and an overview of the successful implementation of fuel cells in specific transport niche markets will also be discussed. The final section of this report provides a detailed description of national research, ...
(Al{sub y}Ga{sub 1{minus}y}){sup 1{minus}x}In{sub x}P semiconductor alloys lattice-matched to GaAs are widely used in visible optoelectronic devices. One of the most recent developments in this area is the AlGaInP-based red vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). These lasers, which employ AlGaInP active regions and AlGaAs distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs), have demonstrated continuous-wave (CW) lasing over the 630--690 nm region of the spectrum. Applications for these lasers include plastic fiber data communications, laser printing and bar code scanning. In this paper, the authors present an overview of recent developments in the processing and performance of AlGaInP based VCSELs. This overview will include a review of the general heterostructure designs that have been employed, as well as the performance of lasers fabricated by both ion implantation and selective oxidation.
The new guidelines for indoor air hygiene in school buildings are intended as a response to current requirements in school practice. The recommendations aim to help to avoid mistakes in modernising school buildings and to provide hygiene-specific support in planning of new school buildings. The guidelines are laid out as follows: (a) In the general section the targets of the guidelines and the target groups are addressed. The current indoor hygiene situation in German schools is described, followed by the parameters with regard to peripheral issues which will not be dealt with further; (b) Part A deals with the hygiene requirements in the practical running of schools. Besides general requirements for maintenance and operation the important issues of cleaning and ventilation are considered, as well as minor building works; (c) Part B provides an overview of important chemical and biological contaminants in schools; (d) Part C looks at building and air conditioning ...
The evolution of the technology of waste combustion, energy recovery and flue gas treatment allows to redefine the role of the incineration plant as a basic component of integrated waste management systems. Starting with an overview of the evaluation of emission limits and of the new Best Available Techniques (BAT) approach, strongly recommended by the European Union, the paper reports an overview of the stack emission concentrations measured in recent plants in Italy compared to older ones, with special attention to the dioxin issue. Concerning this topic, it is demonstrated that BAT-equipped plants can act as actual dioxin destroyer rather than producers, even when all the fluxes released in the environment (gaseous, solid and liquid residues) are taken into account. The second part of the paper deals with the evolution of the flue gas control technologies of the last 20 years, pointing out the major trends and the future perspectives for ...
This paper provides an overview of environmental cleanup at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and some of the unique aspects and challenges. Cleanup of the 65-year old Department of Energy Laboratory is being conducted under a RCRA Consent Order with the State of New Mexico. This agreement is one of the most recent cleanup agreements signed in the DOE complex and was based on lessons learned at other DOE sites. A number of attributes create unique challenges for LANL cleanup -- the proximity to the community and pueblos, the site's topography and geology, and the nature of LANL's on-going missions. This overview paper will set the stage for other papers in this session, including papers that present: Plans to retrieve buried waste at Material Disposal Area B, across the street from oen of Los Alamos' commercial districts and the local newspaper; Progress to date and joint plans with WIPP for disposal of the ...
This publication provides a broad overview of the research programs and efforts being conducted, built, designed, and planned at Brookhaven National Laboratory. This work covers a broad range of scientific disciplines. Major facilities include the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS), with its newly completed booster, the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), the High Flux Beam Reactor (HFBR), and the RHIC, which is under construction. Departments within the laboratory include the AGS department, accelerator development, physics, chemistry, biology, NSLS, medical, nuclear energy, and interdepartmental research efforts. Research ranges from the pure sciences, in nuclear physics and high energy physics as one example, to environmental work in applied science to study climatic effects, from efforts in biology which are a component of the human genome project to the study, production, and characterization of new materials. The paper provides an ...
This publication provides a broad overview of the research programs and efforts being conducted, built, designed, and planned at Brookhaven National Laboratory. This work covers a broad range of scientific disciplines. Major facilities include the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS), with its newly completed booster, the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), the High Flux Beam Reactor (HFBR), and the RHIC, which is under construction. Departments within the laboratory include the AGS department, accelerator development, physics, chemistry, biology, NSLS, medical, nuclear energy, and interdepartmental research efforts. Research ranges from the pure sciences, in nuclear physics and high energy physics as one example, to environmental work in applied science to study climatic effects, from efforts in biology which are a component of the human genome project to the study, production, and characterization of new materials. The paper provides an ...
This article, overviewing the past and future of the Mexican battery manufacturing industry, was originally presented at the 1994 IBMA Convention. The past history of Mexican battery manufacturing remains factual and unchanged. However, the present is still developing in ways unforeseen at this time, especially with the acceptance of Mexico into the the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Previous to NAFTA, the Mexican battery market was protected by import duties approaching one hundred percent. This protection made the battery industry in Mexico inefficient against international competition. Mexico was accepted into the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1985 which made the economy start to open, with import duties reduced and import licenses required for only a few items. The NAFTA agreement, phased in over fifteen years beginning in 1994, reduces tariffs to zero for trade between Canada, the USA, and Mexico. The articles focuses on trends ...
In this study, e-waste flows of five large home appliances (color televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, personal computers, and air conditioners) in Vietnam are investigated. A social survey was performed to investigate the situation on using appliances in households as well as on the disposal of appliances by the first users. Future quantities of e-waste were estimated using a model that combines use of the Weibull distribution, the logistic function, and the population balance model. It was forecast that about 3.86 million appliances, or 114 000 tons, will be discarded in 2010, and about 17.2 million appliances, or 567 000 tons, in 2025, showing a rapid increase of e-waste in the near future.
The maximum fissile fuel production capacity of three conceptual fusion breeder systems is examined on the basis of the dominant isotopic-balance processes. Compact relationships involving system power output, plasma and energy multiplication, and parameters which describe the fuel cycle and neutron spectrum in the blanket are established. It is found that the fusion breeder, as characterized herein, possesses a substantial fissile fuel breeding capacity the extent of which is governed primarily by the neutron spectrum in the conversion blanket and the break-even condition of the plasma. (author).
This paper consists of two parts. Part 1 deals with the thermodynamic and thermoeconomic methodology of a trigeneration (TRIGEN) system with a rated output of 6.5 MW gas-diesel engine while the application of the methodology is presented in Part 2. The system has been installed in the Eskisehir Industry Estate Zone in Turkey. Thermodynamic methodology includes the relations and performance parameters for energy and exergy analysis, while thermoeconomic methodology covers the cost balance relations, cost of products and thermodynamic inefficiencies, relative cost difference and exergoeconomic factor. (author)
A thermodynamic analysis of a hybrid geothermal heat pump system is carried out. Mass, energy, and exergy balances are applied to the system, which has a cooling tower as a heat rejection unit, and system performance is evaluated in terms of coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency. The heating coefficient of performance for the overall system is found to be 5.34, while the corresponding exergy efficiency is 63.4%. The effect of ambient temperature on the exergy destruction and exergy efficiency is investigated for the system components. The results indicate that the performance of hybrid geothermal heat pump systems is superior to air-source heat pumps.
As one of the evolutionary oldest parts of the brain, the diencephalon evolved to harmonize changing environmental conditions with the internal state for survival of the individual and the species. The pioneering work of physiologists and psychologists around the middle of the last century clearly demonstrated that the hypothalamus is crucial for the display of motivated behaviors, culminating in the discovery of electrical self-stimulation behavior and providing the first neurological hint accounting for the concepts of reinforcement and reward. Here we review recent progress in understanding the role of the lateral hypothalamic area in the control of ingestive behavior and the regulation of energy balance. With its vast array of interoceptive and exteroceptive afferent inputs and its equ...
This paper summarizes the U.S. Department of Energy R&D program in crystalline-silicon photovoltaic technology, which is jointly managed by Sandia National Laboratories and National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This program features a balance of basic an d applied R&D, and of university, industry, and national laboratory R&D. The goal of the crystalline-silicon R&D program is to accelerate the commercial growth of crystalline-silicon photovoltaic technology, and four strategic objectives were identified to address this program goal. Technical progress towards meeting these objectives is reviewed.
A simple theory for predicting the convective energy loss from side-facing cavity receivers in windless environments has been developed. The approach used is to determine the velocity distribution of the incoming air in the aperture plane (and thereby the rate of mass entrainment); and then to estimate the bulk temperature of the heated emerging air. The convective loss is then calculated from an energy balance. To illustrate this theory, numerical results applicable to the 2.15 meter cubic cavity being tested in the laboratory are provided.
In order to ensure a power balance in an electrical network a spinning reserve has to be capable of activation within seconds. However, because of the need to vary the fuel flow in the steam generator, the run-up of output takes minutes. The required capacity response is therefore achieved by storage of steam from the steam generator. In this process the turbine control valves come into action in a specific manner. The paper describes the importance of the initial reserve for unit capacity control. (orig.).
An important aspect, which has to be considered in terms of municipal solid waste (MSW) management, is the stage of collection. The emissions generated from these systems can arrive to values that are of the same order of magnitude of emissions from combustion of waste in waste-to-energy plants. The present work faces the problem of transport, from intermediate station to the center of final combustion, placing attention to the emissions from scenarios that has been selected between real systems of management. This analysis can lead to highlight some important elements that can be useful to minimize the impacts.
Abstract This study presents a review of distributed model predictive control (DMPC) strategies followed by recent studies conducted by the authors on the robustness of these strategies to model errors and a summary of future challenges in this area. The review identifies three key challenges for the successful application of DMPC: (i) the selection of optimal control structure for DMPC; (ii) the choice of a suitable coordination strategy among the controllers; and (iii) the robustness of DMPC strategies to model errors. Then, the study summarises recent developments related to the robustness of unconstrained and constrained DMPC algorithms. For the unconstrained case, a methodology that is based on the calculation of a performance index is proposed to balance the trade-off between perform...
Transplantation has emerged as the therapy of choice for many patients with end organ failure. One of the major goals is to tailor immunosuppressive therapy to the individual needs of every patient to balance the risk for rejection and over-immunosuppression. This will require diagnostic tools that can detect harmful processes in the allograft early, and that can be measured repeatedly. This review will consider recent advances in our understanding of the molecular nature of these processes and how this information is being utilized to design novel diagnostic assays to non-invasively monitor allografts. Highlighted is the need for large-scale prospective multi-centre studies to validate assays that show early promise in single centre studies.
The paper presents the integration of the SIMBAD space charge module in the UAL framework. SIMBAD is a Particle-in-Cell (PIC) code. Its 3-D Parallel approach features an optimized load balancing scheme based on a genetic algorithm. The UAL framework enhances the SIMBAD standalone version with the interactive ROOT-based analysis environment and an open catalog of accelerator algorithms. The composite package addresses complex high intensity beam dynamics and has been developed as part of the FAIR SIS 100 project.
Oman is an attractive and welcoming country, well-ordered and unpretentious. It has benefited from remarkable achievements of economic and social development since 1970. It now has a resource base that should be sufficient to keep it on continuing path of further development. However, the second 20-years of modern Oman will inevitable contain some testing challenges. These are centred in two main areas - the economic, where expenditure has already outstripped revenue and where firm controls are needed to maintain a reasonable balance; and the social, where the pressures from an increasingly literate and numerous population will demand changes to the autocratic traditional system of government. (author)
Nonlinear distortion added by the loudspeaker in a hearing aid lowers the signal-to-noise ratio and may degrade the hearing aid user's ability to understand speech. The balancedarmature- type loudspeakers, predominantly used in hearing aids, are inherently nonlinear devices, as any displacement of the loudspeaker diaphragm inevitably changes the magnetic and electrical characteristics of the loudspeaker. A numerical time-domain model capable of describing these nonlinearities is presented. By simulation it is demonstrated how the output distortion could potentially be reduced significantly through careful design of the mechanical properties of the armature.
A thermodynamic model was used to estimate enthalpy of solution of carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) in methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) aqueous solutions. The model was based on a set of equations for chemical equilibria, phase equilibria, charge, and mass balances. Non-ideality in the liquid phase was taken into account by interaction parameters fitted to (vapor + liquid) equilibrium data. The enthalpies of solution of CO{sub 2} were derived from the model using classical thermodynamic relations and were compared to experimental values obtained in previous works.
A thermodynamic model was used to estimate enthalpy of solution of carbon dioxide (CO_2) in methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) aqueous solutions. The model was based on a set of equations for chemical equilibria, phase equilibria, charge, and mass balances. Non-ideality in the liquid phase was taken into account by interaction parameters fitted to (vapor + liquid) equilibrium data. The enthalpies of solution of CO_2 were derived from the model using classical thermodynamic relations and were compared to experimental values obtained in previous works.
Menopause is characterized by the progressive reduction of estrogens resulting to cessation of menses. It is associated with an increase of cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia and of abdominal and/or selective visceral fat mass deposition. Obesity, a modern day epidemic, is promoted by an obesogenic environment that interacts with the genetic background. The result is a positive energy balance materialized by the accumulation of the adipose tissue. This process is marked by great individual variation. Obesity is also associated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. In this review, the main pathophysiologic processes for the increase of obesity in menopause and the possible effects of pre-menopausal obesity regarding the cessation of ova...
Gasification and hydrogenation are the two basic routes for coal processing. Accounts are given of various low-temperature processes in coal gasification route A: air separation, removal of sour gas by the Rectisol process, liquid nitrogen washing, the material balance and utility consumption of these processes, plus low-temperature gas separation, partial condensation and methane washing. There are also accounts of the low-temperature processes involved in gasification route B: i.e., in the indirect coal liquefaction and direct liquefaction carried out in the Sasol II and III processes. (3 refs.) (In Japanese)
The vacuum system of the XVTS (X-Ray Vacuum Transport System) for the LCLS (Linac Coherent Light Source) XTOD (X-ray Transport, Optics and Diagnostics) system has been analyzed and configured by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's NTED (New Technologies Engineering Division) as requested by the SLAC/LCLS program. The system layout, detailed analyses and selection of the vacuum components for the XTOD tunnel section are presented in this preliminary design report. The vacuum system was analyzed and optimized using a coupled gas load balance model of sub-volumes of the components to be evacuated. Also included are the plans for procurement, mechanical integration, and the cost estimates.
Sessions covered economic and management, advance control technologies (including pulverized coal dynamic balancing-activator and control strategy by B. DeMarcy and X.Ollat), nuclear technologies, environmental (including purge considerations for seasonal SCR systems by D.P. Evely, NOx and heat rate supervisory control at NRG-Huntley operations by G Lange, comparison of gypsum dewatering technologies at flue gas desulfurization plants by B.A. Perlmutter, beta gauge particulate monitoring by J.L. Arnold), improving performance at nuclear power plants, network security, and emerging applications.
This is the first report about a relevant and compiled information on the Mexican Energy Sector. It was realized in one volume by the University Energy Program of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and it comprises information for the period 1996-1997. In the chapter 1 there are presented the numbers of hydrocarbon reserves. Chapter 2 treats about production, events and its results. Likewise chapter 3 shows information about the typical Installations for petroleum, gas and electricity including through of the nuclear energy. In the chapter 4, named Energy Consumption, is presented a National energy balance for 1996 and, finally there are a sections about the prices, the rates and a glossary to facilitate its understanding. (Author)
When energetic heavy ions traverse a medium, the amount of energy deposited by the ions is closely related to their effective charges. The charge-state fractions of these beams are obtained by solving rate equations for the electron loss and capture processes. By assuming local balance between electron loss and capture, the charge-state distributions, the averge equilibrium charge q, and other properties are obtained as functions of the incident beam velocity. The LET (linear energy transfer) of Ne and Ar ions with energies between 0.01 and 100 MeV/amu is calculatedted using their average equilibrium charge.
Big Bang nucleosynthesis requires a fine balance between equations of state for photons and relativistic fermions. Several corrections to equation of state parameters arise from classical and quantum physics, which are derived here from a canonical perspective. In particular, loop quantum gravity allows one to compute quantum gravity corrections for Maxwell and Dirac fields. Although the classical actions are very different, quantum corrections to the equation of state are remarkably similar. To lowest order, these corrections take the form of an overall expansion-dependent multiplicative factor in the total density. We use these results, along with the predictions of Big Bang nucleosynthesis, to place bounds on these corrections.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has developed a gas turbine combined cycle and cogeneration plant computer aided engineering (CAE) system, which creates cycle heat balance automatically on given configurations of gas turbines, heat recovery boilers, steam turbines and auxiliaries. The system can predict the performance of the plant as a function of control set points, loads, process steam requirements and ambient conditions, which enables accurate and fast design of gas turbine combined cycle and cogeneration plants. (author)
With the help of heat balance equation and high temperature thermodynamic function, the calibration relation of jet temperature with discharge power, gas flow rate was obtained for nitrogen thermal plasma. It was shown that the results were agreed with the principle of similarity. The jet temperature was a function of Peff/f, instead of a general two variables function of Peff and f, which were effective discharge power and working gas flow rate, respectively. A related discussion has been given; it will be referable to thermal plasma applications. (authors)
In Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging, contrast is dependent on the emission of radiofrequency waves by atomic nuclei, balanced by several parameters. The high information content of NMR images is due to the multiplicity of its parameters. However, this advantage introduces a difficulty in the interpretation of the contrast. There are three contrast parameters for each tissue: hydrogen nuclei density; relaxation time T1; relaxation time T2. Contrast may be enhanced towards any of these parameters by increasing the emission of radiowaves by atomic nuclei using particular pulse sequences.
Completion of the Phase III evaluation and comparison of salt disposition alternatives was supported with enhanced computer models and analysis for each case on the ''short list'' of four options. SPEEDUP(TM) models and special purpose models describing mass and energy balances and flow rates were developed and used to predict performance and production characteristics for each of the options. Results from the computational analysis were a key part of the input used to select a primary and an alternate salt disposition alternative.
Phelps N. A. Cluster or capture? Manufacturing foreign direct investment, external economies and agglomeration, Regional Studies.?This paper reviews the nature and significance of external economies associated with multinational enterprise (MNE) participation in the manufacturing industries of host economies. It argues that the balance of forces of internalization and externalization is currently skewed towards the former and the interests of MNEs rather than the latter and the interests of local and national communities and governments. A stylized comparison of developmental and competition state interventions in relation to MNEs and their foreign direct investment (FDI) suggests that in the absence of co-ordinated interventions by governments, there will commonly be a failure of t...
Air pollution abatement measures are being intensified at the moment: Power plants and district heating systems are being retrofitted with high-efficiency desulphurisation and NO/sub 2/ reduction systems, the 3rd amendment of the Clean Air Technical Guide sets more rigid emission limits, and unleaded petrol and catalysts will significantly reduce car exhaust emissions. The author presents pollutant balances from 1966 to 1982 to contradict the popular notion that pollutant emitters formerly failed to take preventive measures.
DescriptionRates of ice accumulation in Antarctica are not known well, yet they are fundamental to assessing the ice sheet mass balance. Past accumulation rates are less well defined. We are in a unique position to provide detailed accounts of accumulation in Antarctica. We will measure isochronous internal layering across the ice sheet, which can be readily identified in radar data that we hold. Internal layers will be traced to ice-cores (allowing dating) and across wide regions of the ice sheets. A nume [continued...
Lung transplantation has become an accepted option for many patients with end-stage pulmonary diseases. Anesthesia and surgery following lung transplantation may be required for various diseases that may affect both systemic organs and the transplanted graft. When a patient with a lung transplant undergoes surgery, there is the potential for interference with lung function, depending on the type of intervention and its anatomical site. Accurate preoperative evaluation, an understanding of the physiology of the transplanted lung, proper airway instrumentation, individualized management of intraoperative ventilation, and fluid balance are essential for a positive perioperative outcome.
The steady state ampacity is calculated for mixed electric power underground cable circuits in a single trench or ductbank. The methodology presented in this paper can be applied to any practical number of balanced, three phase circuits (each in trefoil, pipe or conduit) of different voltage classes, cable sizes, load currents and cable systems to located anywhere within a single trench or ductbank. The different thermal resistivities of the backfill or ductbank and the surrounding soil are taken into consideration. A practical example for 10 circuits in a trench is provided.
The humidification?dehumidification process is an interesting technique that has been adapted for water desalination. Previous works experimentally investigated desalination processes in the shell and tube columns, where the humidification and dehumidification were thermally coupled and simultaneously performed at the tube and shell sides, respectively. In this work, a comprehensive steady-state mathematical model was developed for such a humidification?dehumidification desalination process by taking into account the heat and mass balances on both sides of the desalting column, the mass transfer rate at the humidification side, and the heat transfer rate between the dehumidification side and humidification side. Meanwhile, the mass transfer coefficient at the humidification side and the to...
With the prevalence and development of GNSS technologies, location-based vehicle services (LBVS) have experienced a rapid growth in recent years. However, location is a sensitive and private piece of information, so the design and development of such services just take the clients' privacy concerns into account. In this paper, we propose a new electronic toll pricing system based on group signatures, which provides a strong guarantee for the clients' anonymity within groups. Our system achieves a balance between privacy and the communication overhead imposed upon the users.
An overview of the Canadian mining industry`s state of preparedness for the Year 2000 is presented. Committees within the mining industry are working on scheduling and implementing activities, defining criticality, monitoring remedial action, and contingency planning. The Mining Association of Canada is working with the Federal Government`s National Contingency Planning Group to deal with potential threats to health and security. Survey results suggest that mining poses a low to medium risk based on the state of planning for Y2K. The results of a survey of member preparedness is tabulated. 1 tab.
As radiation detection in the interest of national security becomes increasingly commonplace, inevitable questions arise concerning the interpretation of data from handheld radioisotope identifiers (RIIDs). Field elements typically require fast answers to provide an effective defense and to minimize the impact on legitimate movement of people and goods. To support this need, on-call experts at Sandia, Los Alamos, and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories cooperate in resolving radiation alarms rapidly and accurately. We present an overview, describe the work in progress to improve capabilities, and report on some of the lessons learned.
The Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment is designed to determine the yet unknown neutrino mixing angle theta_13 by measuring the disappearance of electron antineutrinos from several nuclear reactor cores, using multiple underground detectors at different baselines to minimize systematic errors and to suppress the cosmogenic background. The civil construction has begun since October 2007, enabling first commissioning data in 2009, and full data taking will begin in late 2010. The planned sensitivity in sin^2 (2theta_13) of better than 0.01 at 90% CL will be achieved in three years of data-taking. I will present an overview and current status of the experiment.
Macroautophagy is a multistep, vacuolar, degradation pathway terminating in the lysosomal compartment, and it is of fundamental importance in tissue homeostasis. In this review, we consider macroautophagy in the light of recent advances in our understanding of the formation of autophagosomes, which are double-membrane-bound vacuoles that sequester cytoplasmic cargos and deliver them to lysosomes. In most cases, this final step is preceded by a maturation step during which autophagosomes interact with the endocytic pathway. The discovery of AuTophaGy-related genes has greatly increased our knowledge about the mechanism responsible for autophagosome formation, and there has also been progress in the understanding of molecular aspects of autophagosome maturation. Finally, the regulation of au...
This article introduces the actual artistic state in energy performance terns of the primary aluminium production in Brazil and in the world. Besides, it is evaluated the future evolution perspectives of the electrical specific consumption in the industrial sector, due to the technological innovation and determined capacity eventual expansions in the productive process. 6 refs., 2 figs, 4 tabs
The effects of automation and optimization on the day-to-day activities of oil field operators are sketched in this lead-in editorial comment on a series of articles designed to provide an overview of the revolution that computers have brought to the petroleum industry. The articles that follow detail the role of databases in tracking production information, new system architectures based on common integrated data repositories that provide corporation-wide access, the way video and single-site supervisory control and data acquisition are combined to control wellsite production, and a case study about the integrated processes introduced by Wascana Energy to automate its fields.
Noncommutative tori are among historically the oldest and by now the most developed examples of noncommutative spaces. Noncommutative Yang-Mills theory can be obtained from string theory. This connection led to a cross-fertilization of research in physics and mathematics on Yang-Mills theory on noncommutative tori. One important result stemming from that work is the link between T-duality in string theory and Morita equivalence of associative algebras. In this article we give an overview of the basic results in differential geometry of noncommutative tori. Yang-Mills theory on noncommutative tori, the duality induced by Morita equivalence and its link with the T-duality are discussed. Noncommutative Nahm transform for instantons is introduced.
An overview of current concepts on neuroinflammation and on the dialogue between neurons and non-neuronal cells in three important infections of the central nervous systems (rabies, cerebral malaria, and human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness) is here presented. Large numbers of cases affected by these diseases are currently reported. In the context of an issue dedicated to Camillo Golgi, historical notes on seminal discoveries on these diseases are also presented. Neuroinflammation is currently closely associated with pathogenetic mechanisms of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammatory signaling in brain infections is instead relatively neglected in the neuroscience community, despite the fact that the above infections provide paradigmatic examples of alterations o...
Late 1994, the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC) was launched as a non-profit collaborative effort between the United States Department of Energy, US electric utilities and the GeoExchange (geothermal heat pump) industry to make ''geothermal heat pumps'' a significant component of the HVAC industry and avoid 1.5 million metric tons of carbon equivalent per year. The goal was to create a self-sustainable GeoExchange market. This report offers a summary of some of the lessons learned and an overview of some of the programs major accomplishments.
...The RSPB: Birds by family: Owls E-mail to a friendE-newsletterContact us Home England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales About Overview Awards & recognition Contact ...Birds by family PrintHome Birds and wildlife Bird guide Birds by family Owls Owls Owls are specialised birds with round heads and rather flat ...or dished faces, with forward-facing eyes and a short, hooked bill. Most are nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk)... Owls are found all over the temperate and tropical parts of the world. Barn owl With heart shaped face, buff back ...
Energy production during Feb 95 totaled 5.4 quadrillion Btu (Q), 3.1% over Feb 94. Energy consumption totaled 7.4 Q, 0.7% below Feb 94. Net imports of energy totaled 1.3 Q, 5.6% below Feb 94. This publication is divided into energy overview, energy consumption, petroleum, natural gas, oil and gas resource development, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, energy prices, and international energy.
Several aspects of low temperature systems (LTS) are discussed in five articles. In the first article the role of municipalities in the Netherlands in the implementation of LTS is outlined. In the second article a brief overview is given of a brochure in which 9 projects with LTS are described. In article three the results of a literature study on qualitative aspects (thermal comfort, air quality, energy consumption, safety and cost) of LTS are presented. In the fourth article it is outlined why one should apply LTS, and the fifth article is a reflection of the discussion that took place at the TVVL symposium on sustainable concepts and sustainable installation
The projects described in this report represent the Laboratory's investment in its future and are vital to maintaining the ability to develop creative solutions for the scientific and technical challenges faced by DOE and the nation. In accordance with DOE guidelines, the report provides, a) a director's statement, b) an overview of the laboratory's LDRD program, including PNNL's management process and a self-assessment of the program, c) a five-year project funding table, and d) project summaries for each LDRD project.
This paper describes the LYCOS system, an experimental co-synthes is environment. We present the motivation and philosophy of LYCOS and after an overview of the entire system, the individual parts are described. We use a single CPU, single ASIC target architecture and we describe the techniques we use to estimate metrics concerning hardware, software and communication in this architecture. Finally we present a novel partitioning technique called PACE, which has shown to produce excellent results, and we demonstrate how partitioning is used to do design space exploration.
This report presents an overview of research activity currently being funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE) on solid wastes from coal gasification, coal liquefaction, and oil shale technologies, Projects conducted in the DOE energy technology centers and national laboratories, and in cooperative projects with other government agencies, private industry, and universities are developing the basic and applied technology and data on which present and future fuel-conversion and utilization processes depend. The report identifies data gaps and recommends research needs where warranted.
A growing number of pumped storage plants installed within the US brings attention to the increasing significance of pumped storage as a source of electrical generation capacity. Because of the special benefits this technology has to offer, hydroelectric pumped storage is an option that many utilities should consider for the supply of new capacity requirements. This article surveys the development and use of pumped storage in the US, and considers the potential for the future development of this technology. Although some of the problems that have occurred on recent projects highlight the role of pumped storage as a technological proving ground, the article puts forth the view that pumped storage is maturing to play a significant role in US electricity supply.
The purposed project is a commercial-scale ethanol-fuel facility with a capacity of twenty million gallons per year of fuel-grade ethanol. In addition, 70,000 tons per year of distillers dried grains will be produced. The following tasks and issues are addressed: process engineering - process descriptions, plant layout, and design; economics and finance - overview of capital and operating costs; environmental analysis - preliminary project description; and permit processing and legal issues. (MHR)
An overview of the past, present and future research activities at the CERN neutron time of flight facility n_TOF is given, with special focus on the astrophysical aspects. During the first campaign (Phase I), neutron capture cross sections of relevance for several aspects of the s-process nucleosynthesis have been measured. A second campaign has recently started (Phase II), aiming at the study of the weak s-process component via accurate (n,#gamma#) measurements of the Fe and Ni isotopes. Some changes in the facility will allow us to perform these measurements with improved experimental conditions.
The carbon cycle is an important part of major biogeochemical cycles. Many techniques may be used to characterize carbon amounts and sources in the environment. Here we first review the most popular techniques for the determination of organic and inorganic carbon concentrations. Decarbonatation techniques are also reviewed in details since it is often an important part of organic carbon analysis. The second part of this paper addresses the use of carbon stable isotopes to characterize organic carbon sources and processes in the environment. An overview of general stable isotopes background and terminology is given as well as the most popular analytical techniques.
Growing ecological awareness in the car industry resulted in further developments of the otto and diesel engines, and of alternative fuels like cars with electric drive. This article gives an overview on a number of pertinent developments. The possible uses of electric cars are still limited by the battery in terms of storage capacity, output, service life and weight so that for the time being their use can be expected to be restricted to public and local-authority antreprises or to companies driving within city areas preferably. A break-through is expected by the industry in the field of high-temperature batteries although there are still a number of problems unsolved. (BWI).
Primary design criterion for this division`s education activities is directly related to meeting the goal of environmental compliance on an accelerated basis and cleanup of the 1989 inventory of inactive sites and facilities by the year 2019. Therefore, the division`s efforts are directed toward stimulating knowledge and capability to achieve the goals while contributing to DOE`s overall goal of increasing scientific, mathematical, and technical literacy and competency. This annual report is divided into: overview, workforce development, academic partnerships, scholarships/fellowships, environmental restoration and waste management employment program, community colleges, outreach, evaluation, and principal DOE contacts.
Conformal radiation therapy represents a considerable and attractive challenge in oncology. Its aim is mainly to improve local control by increasing the dose with an acceptable rate of complications. This work overviews the world literature on this subject. The technical and theoretical requirements are highlighted. These requirements include a precise definition of the target volume by digital imaging (essentially CT scan), but also clear view of the target volume and the organs at risk, a specific collimation of the beam, 3-D dose calculations, optimization procedures, and a rigid immobilization of the patient with verification of his position. Moreover, the clinical applications of conformal radiation therapy are reviewed and discussed. (authors). 80 refs., 1 tab.
Asymptotic estimates for the typical number of irreducible coverings and the typical length of an irreducible covering of a Boolean matrix are obtained in the case when the number of rows is no less than the number of columns. As a consequence, asymptotic estimates are obtained for the typical number of maximal conjunctions and the typical rank of a maximal conjunction of a monotone Boolean function of variables defined by a conjunctive normal form of clauses. Similar estimates are given for the number of irredundant coverings and the length of an irredundant covering of an integer matrix (for the number of maximal conjunctions and the rank of a maximal conjunction of a two-valued logical function defined by its zero set). Results obtained previously in this area are overviewed.
This is the introductory paper for eight papers that follow in this issue of Natural Resources Journal that were presented at a symposium on the titled subject. The editor notes that two movements in recent decades have been identified with coastal regions - efforts to conserve natural resources and energy source development - and that profound social, economic, and political ramifications have attended these movements. He further notes that the tensions and demands created by the above two developments proved too much for state and local mechanisms, eventually culminating in the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. He then briefly evaluates the focus and success of CZMA and reviews the other papers. 58 references.