This paper outlines an approach to develop estimates of individual customer contestability using a combined statistical and engineering analysis. The approach is targeted for use for mid-size commercial and industrial customers who are not being considered for individual flexible pricing contracts. Contestability is defined as the potential lost revenue associated with customers leaving the utility or significantly reducing electricity purchases. Contestability is modeled from the customer`s perspective using a two-stage decision process. In the first stage, the customer decides if he will continue to purchase electricity from the utility (referred to as customer retention), and in the second stage, the customer determines the amount of electricity purchased (referred to as load retention). Measures of individual ...
California utilities have been exploring the use of critical peak prices (CPP) to help reduce needle peaks in customer end-use loads. CPP is a form of price-responsive demand response (DR). Recent experience has shown that customers have limited knowledge of how to operate their facilities in order to reduce their electricity costs under CPP (Quantum 2004). While the lack of knowledge about how to develop and implement DR control strategies is a barrier to participation in DR programs like CPP, another barrier is the lack of automation of DR systems. During 2003 and 2004, the PIER Demand Response Research Center (DRRC) conducted a series of tests of fully automated electric demand response (Auto-DR) at 18 facilities. Overall, the average of the site-specific average coincident demand reductions was 8% from a variety of building types and facilities. Many electricity customers have ...
The added incentive to modify electric use under hourly versus monthly market-based pricing is small for most mass market customers in Upstate New York. If the ultimate policy goal of demand-response programs is to reduce peak load, then promoting conservation measures under monthly market-based pricing holds more promise. (author)
In May 1995, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released two proposals for restructuring the state`s electric power industry. The two proposals follow more than a year of testimony and public comment after the CPUC issued the ``Blue Book`` (CPUC 1994a) on April 20, 1994, which called for retail wheeling to be phased in to all customers over 5 years. The majority proposal, supported by three of the four CPUC commissioners (one seat was vacant when the proposals were released), calls for creating a central pool, or ``poolco``; setting electric prices to reflect true costs of service, or ``real-time pricing``; and allowing parties to negotiate ``contracts for differences`` between the pool price and the contract price. The minority proposal, sponsored by Commissioner Jesse Knight, calls for retail wheeling, or ``direct access,`` and for utilities to divest or spin off their generating assets. This paper presents a summary of the ...
What kind of lesson do we get from California situation? The first is that the sufficient investment to the operational regulation should be prepared as a system. It is necessary to introduce the systems related to capacity, such as the capacity market system that makes retail suppliers secure the fixed rate of their running peak-load as reserve capacity and other system that secure the 5-year supply capacity by a contract, in which suppliers can pay the penalty if they purchase more capacity than in the contract. The second is that the supplementary measures should be systematized for the supply system not to be in a panic in a case of the shortage situation of equipment. The exchange authority should control the regular inspection program on generators to reduce the market control of the supply companies. Through the supplementary system, the increase of electricity price must make the demand decrease. According to the current plan, it will ...
The Petroleum Technology Transfer Council (PTTC) and cooperating Regional Lead Organizations (RLOs) in its South Midcontinent (Oklahoma Geological Survey, Norman, Oklahoma) and West Coast (University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California) regions conducted a ''Mentor-Based Effort to Advance Implementation of Preferred Management Practices (PMPs) For Oil Producers'' (DE-FC26-01BC15272) under an award in Phase I of Department of Energy's (DOE's) PUMP (Preferred Upstream Management Practices) program. The project's objective was to enable producers in California, Oklahoma and Arkansas to increase oil production, moderating or potentially reversing production declines and extending the life of marginal wells in the near term. PTTC identified the primary constraints inhibiting oil production through surveys and PUMPer direct contacts in both regions. The ...
In the San Joaquin River Basin, California, a realtime water quality forecasting model was developed to help improve the management of saline agricultural and wetland drainage to meet water quality objectives. Predicted salt loads from the water quality forecasting model, SJRIODAY, were consistently within +- 11 percent of actual, within +- 14 percent for seven-day forecasts, and with in +- 26 percent for 14-day forecasts for the 16-month trial period. When the 48 days dominated by rainfall/runoff events were eliminated from the data set, the error bar decreased to +- 9 percent for the model and +- 11 percent and +- 17 percent for the seven-day and 14-day forecasts, respectively. Constraints on the use of the model for salinity management on the San Joaquin River include the number of entities that control or influence water quality and the lack of a centralized authority to direct their activities. The lack of real-time monitoring sensors for ...
A method based on cluster analysis techniques is proposed in order to obtain representative local wind patterns. Modeling renewable energy systems, in an accurate way which strongly depends on wind loads, requires reliable data to analyze their response and evaluate their performance. Otherwise poor agreement with the models may be obtained. In a case study for La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, four different wind patterns were obtained from a one-year data set recorded at 10-min intervals. (author)
This report is a scoping study to examine research opportunities to improve the accuracy of the system dynamic load and generator models, data and performance assessment tools used by CAISO operations engineers and planning engineers, as well as those used by their counterparts at the California utilities, to establish safe operating margins. Model-based simulations are commonly used to assess the impact of credible contingencies in order to determine system operating limits (path ratings, etc.) to ensure compliance with NERC and WECC reliability requirements. Improved models and a better understanding of the impact of uncertainties in these models will increase the reliability of grid operations by allowing operators to more accurately study system voltage problems and the dynamic stability response of the system to disturbances.
The Data Acquisition System for the CDMS II dark matter experiment was designed and built when the experiment moved to its new underground installation at the Soudan Lab. The combination of remote operation and increased data load necessitated a completely new design. Elements of the original LabView system remained as stand-alone diagnostic programs, but the main data processing moved to a VME-based system with custom electronics for signal conditioning, trigger formation and buffering. The data rate was increased 100-fold and the automated cryogenic system was linked to the data acquisition. A modular server framework with associated user interfaces was implemented in Java to allow control and monitoring of the entire experiment remotely.
Sweden is facing a re-structured electricity market beginning January 1, 1996, implying full competition in the purchasing and selling of electricity. The transmission and distribution of electricity will remain as a franchised monopoly and this business has to be strictly separated from the electricity trading. In the monopolistic environment, pricing of electricity has been based on more or less relevant costs and a resonable rate of return. The energy charges have reflected the system short range marginal costs while the demand and fixed charges have been adapted to give a total cost level corresponding to the system average cost. Tariffs of this type, known as time-of-use tariffs, have stimulated peak shaving during peak load (high cost hours) and valley filling during low load (low cost hours), increasing the load factor. Restructuring will influence the pricing in several ways. Pricing of transmission and distribution ...
Jet Propulsion Laboratory. California Institute of Technology. Pasadena, California. Energy and Water Conservation. Steve Rigdon. Facilities Energy Manager ...
Heat transfer through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a key process in the design and operation of a PEM fuel cell. The analysis of this process requires determination of the effective thermal conductivity as well as the thermal contact resistance associated with the interface between the GDL and adjacent surfaces/layers. In the present study, a custom-made test bed that allows the separation of effective thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance in GDLs under vacuum and ambient conditions is described. Measurements under varying compressive loads are performed using Toray carbon paper samples with a porosity of 78% for a range of thicknesses. The measurements are complemented by compact analytical models that achieve good agreement with experimental data. A key finding is that ...
Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to draw together the salient issues surrounding customer loyalty and customer relationship management (CRM) into a single coherent discussion. Various schools of academic thought are examined. The paper concludes with practical implications for managers. Design/methodology/approach - The literature surrounding customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, effective CRM and managing loyalty in a profitable manner are all reviewed. The paper allows managers to consider a wide range of material in the context of their business. Findings - The need for businesses to retain customers is an important issue in today's global marketplace. To retain customers, a business must forge loyal and long-term relationships with profitable customers. Reasons why customers le...
The data center in this study had a total floor area of 8,580 square feet (ft{sup 2}) with one-foot raised-floors. It was a rack lab with 440 racks, and was located in a 208,240 ft{sup 2} multi-story office building in San Jose, California. Since the data center was used only for testing equipment, it was not configured as a critical facility in terms of electrical and cooling supply. It did not have a dedicated chiller system but served by the main building chiller plant and make-up air system. Additionally, it was served by a single electrical supply with no provision for backup power. The data center operated on a 24 hour per day, year-round cycle, and users had all hour full access to the data center facility. The study found that data center computer load accounted for 23% of the overall building electrical load, while the total power consumption attributable to the data center including allocated cooling ...
In response to the 1990 Clean Air Act, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) developed a compliance plan known as the Low Emission Vehicle Program. An integral part of that program was a sales mandate to the top seven automobile manufacturers requiring the percentage of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) sold in California to be 2% in 1998, 5% in 2001 and 10% by 2003. Currently available ZEV technology will probably not meet customer demand for range and moderate cost. A potential option to meet the CARB mandate is to use two Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) technologies, namely, zinc-air refuelable batteries (ZARBs) and electromechanical batteries (EMBs, i. e., flywheels) to develop a ZEV with a 384 kilometer (240 mile) urban range. This vehicle uses a 40 kW, 70 kWh ZARB for energy storage combined with a 102 kW, 0.5 kWh EMB for power peaking. These technologies are sufficiently near-term and cost-effective to ...
Cooling of residential California buildings contributes significantly to electrical consumption and peak power demand mainly due to very poor load factors in milder climates. Thermal mass can be utilized to reduce the peak-power demand, downsize the cooling systems, and/or switch to low-energy cooling sources. Large thermal storage devices have been used in the past to overcome the shortcomings of alternative cooling sources, or to avoid high demand charges. The manufacturing of phase change material (PCM) implemented in gypsum board, plaster or other wall-covering material, would permit the thermal storage to become part of the building structure. PCMs have two important advantages as storage media: they can offer an order-of-magnitude increase in thermal storage capacity, and their discharge is almost isothermal. This allows the storage of high amounts of energy without significantly changing the temperature of the room envelope. As heat ...
Fairbanks Fairbanks Alaska University of Arizona College of Public Health Tucson Arizona University of California Los Angeles California RAND Corporation Santa Monica California...
The results of a study assessing natural-gas-fired combined-cycle (GFCC) power generation in the electric-utility sector are presented. This study quantified the economic benefits attributable to GFCC generation and examined the characteristics of GFCC technology that produce these benefits and the ways that these benefits vary among regions in the country. The impacts of changes in important economic parameters (capital cost, fuel price, etc.) as well as the impact of advances in GFCC technology were considered. Use of GFCC technology in the electric-utility sector could play an important role in a least-cost planning strategy and thereby provide significant benefits to the utilities and their customers. Potential benefits include reduced capital and operating costs, more effective matching of load growth and capacity additions, and greater system reliability. 8 refs., 3 tabs.
This paper addresses the problem of partitioning a local service region into nonoverlapping work areas in which pickups and deliveries are made throughout the day. For a fleet of homogeneous vehicles, a given set of customers, and expected demand for service, the objective is to find the least number of work areas or clusters that satisfy a variety of geometric and capacity constraints. Using rectangles as the basic shape, each cluster must have an aspect ratio that falls within certain bounds, as well as meet load and time requirements dictated by the capacity of a vehicle and the working hours in a day, respectively. The latter requirement presents a unique hurdle because travel times are a function of the actual routes followed by the drivers, and are not known, even in a probabilistic ...
This paper presents a new application in dynamic voltage control based on an older method of voltage regulation. The resulting method is suitable for adoption inn multi-unit pumped storage plants. Inherent operation characteristics of pumped storage plants in the pumping mode can created visible load rejection overvoltages on the transmission and the nearby distribution networks and cause customer complaints. This paper proposes a method in which the on-line units' excitation system impedance compensators are utilized to reduce the magnitude of these overvoltages. This paper presents the theoretical background, computer simulation results, and the field test results at the Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Helms Pumped Storage Plant. This paper should be of interest in the areas of power system planning as well as power system operation.
A model is presented for describing the Amputee Independent Prosthesis Properties (AIPP) of complete assemblies of trans-tibial prosthetic components distal to the socket. This new AIPP model includes features of both lumped parameter and roll-over models and describes prosthesis properties that are of importance in stance phase, including prosthetic foot geometry, normal stiffness, shear stiffness, and damping (energy dissipation). Methods are described for measuring the parameters of the AIPP model using a custom test-rig, commercial load-cell, and a motion capture system. Example data are presented for five pylon angles reflecting the shank angles seen in normal gait. Through the inclusion of measured AIPP in future in-vivo studies comparing different prostheses more generic information, as opposed to product specific claims, will become more widely available to inform future designs, prescription, and alignment procedures. PMID:21831379
The data center in this study had a total floor area of 3,024 square feet (ft{sup 2}) with one-foot raised-floors. It was a rack lab with 147 racks, and was located in a 96,000 ft{sup 2} multi-story office building in San Jose, California. Since the data center was used only for testing equipment, it was not configured as a critical facility in terms of electrical and cooling supply. It did not have a dedicated chiller system but was served by the main building chiller plant and make-up air system. Additionally it was served by only a single electrical supply with no provision for backup power in the event of a power outage. The Data Center operated on a 24 hour per day, year-round cycle, and users had full-hour access to the data center facility. The study found that data center computer load accounted for 15% of the overall building electrical load, while the total power consumption attributable to the data center ...
An update of Toronto Hydro's smart metering program was presented. Electricity demand is expected to keep increasing, and there is presently insufficient generation to match supply needs in Ontario. The smart metering program was introduced to aid in the Ontario government's energy conservation strategy, as well as to address peak supply problems that have led to power outages. It is expected that the smart metering program will reduce provincial peak supply by 5 per cent, as the meters support both time-of-use rates and critical peak pricing. Over 800,000 smart meters will be supplied to customers by 2007, and all 4.3 million homes in Toronto will have a smart meter by 2010. In order to meet targets for 2010, the utility will continue to install more 15,000 meters each month for the next 4 years. While the Ontario government has planned and coordinated the rollout and developed smart metering specifications and standards, Toronto Hydro is ...
Customer churn means the loss of existing customers to a competitor. Accurately predicting customer behavior may help firms to minimize this loss by proactively building a lasting relationship with their customers. In this paper, the application of the factor analysis and the Variable Consistency Dominance-based Rough Set Approach (VC-DRSA) in the customer relationship management (CRM) of the airline market is introduced. A set of "ifthen" decision rules are used as the preference model to classify customers by a set of criteria and regular attributes. The proposed method can determine the competitive position of an airline by understanding the behavior of its customers based on their perception of choice, and so develop the appropriate marketing strategies. A large sample of customers fro...
Heat transfer through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a key process in the design and operation of a PEM fuel cell. The analysis of this process requires determination of the effective thermal conductivity as well as the thermal contact resistance associated with the interface between the GDL and adjacent surfaces/layers. In the present study, a custom-made test bed that allows the separation of effective thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance in GDLs under vacuum and ambient conditions is described. Measurements under varying compressive loads are performed using Toray carbon paper samples with a porosity of 78% for a range of thicknesses. The measurements are complemented by compact analytical models that achieve good agreement with experimental data. A key finding is that thermal contact resistance is the dominant component of the total thermal resistance; neglecting this phenomenon may result in significant errors in ...
California s major energy utilities and the California Energy Commission (CEC) are seeking to allocate capital that yields the greatest return on investment for energy infrastructure that meets any part of the need for reliable supplies of energy. The utilities are keenly interested in knowing the amount of electrical energy savings that would occur if cool roof color materials are adopted in the building market. To meet this need the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) have been collaborating on a Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) project to develop an industry-consensus energy-savings calculator. The task was coordinated with an ongoing effort supported by the DOE to develop one calculator to achieve both the DOE and the EPA objectives for deployment of cool roof products. Recent emphasis on domestic building energy use has made the work a top priority by the Department of Energy s (DOE) ...
Customer knowledge has become an important topic for both academicians and practitioners in recent years. However, there has been little academic research on the utilization of customer-specific knowledge. This study adds to our understanding in focusing on the relationships between various intra-organizational factors and customer knowledge utilization in the context of key account management. The results of the study show, that the use of teams, top management involvement, KAM formalization and CRM technology enhance the utilization of customer knowledge in the management of large industrial key account customers.
In today's maturing consumer markets, emphasis is shifting from straightforward sales to a more holistic approach to customer life cycle management, with a stronger emphasis on how sales are generated and service provided all along the customer journey. Effectively managing these different marketing, sales and service channels poses a significant challenge. Companies need new strategies, structures, processes and tools to deliver customer value across all channels. A multi-channel, integrative customer model that delivers customer value and significant return on investment (ROI) requires both a strong understanding of customer preferences and behaviours and a robust IT architecture that supports the overarching customer relationship management (CRM) strategy. Even those organizations that ...
The rapid pace of competitive change in the generation sector has pushed electric utilities to rethink the concept of being obligated to serve all customers and with this change, the notion of measuring customer profitability is also being redefined. Traditionally, uniform services were provided to all customers. Rates were based on each customer classes` contribution to average costs, and consequently return was equally allocated across all customer segments. Profitability was defined strictly on an aggregate basis. The increasing demand for choice by electric customers will require electricity providers to redefine if not who they serve, than certainly how they provide differentiated services tailored to specific customer segments. Utilities are beginning to analyze the value, or profitability, of offering these services. Aggregate data no ...
Sandia is a national security laboratory operated for the U.S. department of Energy by the Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company. Sandia designs all non-nuclear components for the nation's nuclear weapons, performs a wide variety of energy research and development projects, and works on assignments that respond to national security threats - both military and economic. They encourage and seek partnerships with appropriate U.S. industry and government groups to collaborate on emerging technologies that support their mission. Today, Sandia has two primary facilities, one in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and one in Livermore, California. They employ about 7,600 people and manage about $1.4 billion of work per year. In 1995, a decision was made to move from their in-house developed systems to commercial software. This decision was driven partly by Y2K compliance issues associated with the existing operating system and support environment. Peoplesoft was ...
In this paper we present results of our investigation into the relationship between urban microclimate and the local density of tree cover as measured in Sacramento, California. These results were obtained through analysis of data collected in a two-month long monitoring program with automatic weather stations installed at 15 residential locations throughout the city. Measured wind speeds showed a highly negative correlation with respect to tree cover. Daily peak air temperatures showed significant variation often differing from site to site by 2 to 4{degrees}C ({approx}3.5 to 7{degrees}F). A complex interaction between several competing factors is discussed leading to the conclusion that additional tree cover may actually increase urban air temperatures on synoptically cool days. It is suggested that this does not have a significant adverse affect in terms of overall summer urban cooling load. This is supported by an integrated analysis of the ...
Laboratory dose-response experiments with organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides, and dose-response experiments with increasing particle loads were used to determine which of these stressors were likely responsible for the toxicity and macroinvertebrate impacts previously observed in the Salinas River. Experiments were conducted with the amphipod Hyalella azteca, the baetid mayfly Procloeon sp., and the midge Chironomus dilutus (Shobanov, formerly Chironomus tentans). The results indicate the primary stressor impacting H. azteca was pesticides, including chlorpyrifos and permethrin. The mayfly Procloeon sp. was sensitive to chlorpyrifos and permethrin within the range of concentrations of these pesticides measured in the river. Chironomus dilutus were sensitive to chlorpyrifos within the ranges of concentrations measured in the river. None of the species tested were affected by turbidity as high as 1000 NTUs. The current study shows that pesticides are more ...
Inclusion of environmental externality costs in the selection of utility resources has become a reality in New York, Massachusetts, Nevada and California. Soon several other jurisdictions are likely to join these states in using environmental externality costs in decision-making. The consideration of environmental externalities are bound to profoundly affect utility decision-making in the future. So far attention has focused largely on air emission externalities of SO_2, NO_x and CO_2. However, the recent Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) will reduce SO_2 emissions from utilities by about 50 percent. With such a large reduction in SO_2 loading, the question has been raised as to the need to further consider SO_2 externality costs in decision-making. This paper comments on this issue. By using generation and emission data from New York utilities, the paper shows that SO_2 emission externalities exist even after complying with requirements of the ...
Deregulation of utilities will require providers of electric power to put the issue of competition at the top of their strategic planning agenda. The companies that will flourish in this new competitive environment are those that have strongly committed customers and potential to grow. {open_quotes}Commitment{close_quotes} is the complex psychological bond between a customer and a brand (or choice); it is critical to measure because it is the foundation of loyalty and brand equity. The Conversion Model is an established, validated strategic research tool that measures customer commitment and potential to change. It was designed to help marketers devise strategies to strengthen the commitment of current customers and to acquire new customers. The Model helps companies protect and grow their businesss by first quantifying the commitment of current customers and ...
Wasaga Distribution Inc. is located on Georgian Bay in one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. It has a customer base of 10,400 residential customers in a service territory of 61 square kilometres. This presentation outlined Wasaga's experience with the Itron fixed network 2.0 RF Centron IDM meter. It outlined the dataflow features and capabilities of the meter in terms electricity endpoints, repeaters, and neighbourhood collectors. The repeater is designed to capture ERT IDM reads and retransmit at a higher power. The meter is also designed to reduce the number of cell control units (CCU) necessary to cover an area. The meter sleeve design allows for simple and cost effective installation, and has a bandwidth capable of over 3000 reads per second. The Itron CCU4 is a listening receiver that captures ERT reads and transmits the data to the utilities. It has a battery back up that lasts 4 hours in case of a power outage. It ...
Smugglers, who make use of the Ukraine-Slovak border for their business, might be satisfied after last week. The Slovak government ordered the switching off of scanning equipment monitoring the movement of goods by train through the Matovce border line. The modern equipment was substituted by people, who aren't able to check freight cars as effectively as gadgets. Not only in Ukraine are they celebrating this success in corruption, who demanded the shut-off of the scanning equipment The bosses on the Slovak side are also rubbing their hands. As told to TREND by Margareta Grecova, spokeswoman for Cargo Slovakia, 90% of goods that cross through the border at Matovce are unloaded. The most frequently transported commodities are ore, coal, chemical and petroleum products. Smugglers put their consignments among iron ore and coal. They prefer goods with high consumer taxes. Besides alcohol, there are mainly cigarettes. These are put into boxes which are concealed in various parts of the ...
The UNITIL Companies have identified the need to undertake new economic development initiatives and to respond to an increasingly competitive energy marketplace. The economy of UNITIL`s service areas and New England generally have suffered from the perception that energy prices, and electricity prices in particular, are very high and non-competitive. However, opportunities now exist for more competitive priced electricity services to be made available to meet the needs of economic development. The introduction of Energy Bank{trademark} was designed to meet this objective through a competitively priced, market-based option for new or expanding industrial loads. The Energy Bank{trademark} is priced at about 5 cents/kWh, a rate 40% below the regional average industrial rate. As Energy Bank{trademark} grows, it will yield substantial benefits to all customers in UNITIL`s service areas, through increased local economic activity, reduced power costs ...
The Meteorological Service of Canada has made weather datasets available in real-time on the Internet, for use by those with an interest in solar applications. Ensemble weather models can be used to produce medium range forecasts of weather events and to predict the likely available kilowatt-hours (kWhrs) of solar energy. As such, solar sites can maximize their harvest and use of solar energy. This presentation highlighted several different types of renewable energy forecasts obtained from weather models, including forecasts of expected kWhrs from solar panels and wind turbines, daily forecasts of expected solar heated water volumes and forecasts of water collection potential from impending precipitation events. The value of renewable energy forecasts in helping the solar energy sector monitor daily energy loads as well as daily and weekly solar energy supply was emphasized. It was suggested that renewable energy forecasts could raise public awareness of the ...
Use of gas-fired combined-cycle technology (GFCC) in the electric-utility sector could play an important role in a least-cost planning strategy and thereby provide significant benefits to the utilities and their customers. Potential benefits include reduced capital and operating costs, more-effective matching of load growth and capacity additions, greater system reliability, and reduced environmental emissions. GFCC technology was examined in eight utility systems in six geographic regions to estimate the potential benefits of its use. In all systems, GFCC technology was shown to have the potential to reduce the cumulative capital costs for adding new capacity. The overall conclusion of the study is that GFCC technology offers the potential for significant savings in many regions of the United States and that these benefits would appear over a wide range of economic conditions. The study provides insight into the important technological and ...
The trade-off which must be established between the various functions of pumped-storage plants is examined. A compromise between supply security and economic planning can be found only by coordinated planning of pumped-storage units and thermal generation plants. A model used by Electricite de France (EDF) to ensure optimized daily planning of thermal and pumped-storage units is described. The model, called the DEMETER model, ensures the optimization of the daily planning of thermal and pumped-storage plants. The model iterates between two levels: coordination where the prices of the generated energy and the operating reserve are determined to adjust generation to load and keep a sufficient reserve; and decomposition where the schedule of each unit is optimized on the basis of the above prices and taking into account local constraints such as unavailability, and minimum shut down time. The role of EDF is to supply customers with energy while ...
H Power Enterprises of Canada was founded in 1997; currently, it has 40 employees and expect to grow to about 50 by mid-2000. The company is engaged in fuel cell technology development , manufacturing and marketing. The company has the advantage that its technology has been proven, products are already commercialized, and strategic alliances are already in place to make an assault on the market. The concept of proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology is explained in terms of efficiency, response time, power density, stack manufacturing cost, maintenance cost, stack life and compatible thermal loads. Individual products, their energy and operating efficiency, potential applications and potential markets are reviewed. It is estimated that for stationary fuel cells the market will be worth $ 30 billion by 2030. In the United States alone, remote residential cogeneration sites are estimated at 500,000. The estimates for uses in transportation is estimated at $ 1 ...
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 ...
Human hair fibers experience tensile forces during grooming and styling processes. The tensile response of hair is hence of considerable interest to the cosmetics industry. In this study, in situ tensile characterization studies have been carried out in an atomic force microscope (AFM) on different hair under different conditions. A custom-built AFM sample stage allows hair fibers to be loaded in tension. A technique to locate and image the same control area at different strains has been developed to study the changes in morphology that occur with deformation. Virgin Caucasian, Asian and African hair were studied to understand the differences between different ethnic hair types. Also, the tensile response and morphological changes of virgin, chemically damaged and conditioner-treated Caucasian hair after soaking were compared against the corresponding dry tensile response. Finally, virgin, damaged and treated Caucasian hair fibers were ...
A major outbreak of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae occurred in California beginning in late 1986. After a state public health emergency was declared in April 1987, a statewide, cooperative...Full Text Available
A duplex TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assay was developed for the detection of California (CAL) serogroup viruses and Cache Valley virus (CVV), for use in human surveillance. The targets selected...Full Text Available
...ER14AU08.000 (6) Unit 2: North Baldwin Meadow, San Bernardino County, California...and ARUR 12. Gold Mountain and North Baldwin Lake, San Bernardino County, California...ER26DE07.007(13) Unit ARUR 15. South Baldwin Ridge/Erwin Lake, San Bernardino...
As competition in the service industry grows, delivering high-quality service to meet customers' needs and expectations becomes paramount. In order to achieve a thorough understanding of customers, companies are increasingly adopting Customer Relationship Management (CRM) initiatives. However, CRM does not have the process vision necessary to cope with complex and cross-functional processes. This problem is better handled by Business Process Management (BPM) initiatives, which, by their turn, struggle to built-in customer intelligence in their systems. Based upon systems theory, we discuss the roles of CRM and BPM in an integrated approach to deliver customer fulfillment. As the evolution of service-oriented approaches requires us to consider both customer interactions and experiences as k...
This analysis of the June 8, 1976 California Nuclear Initiative was prepared by the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. The defeat of Proposition 15 in the California election was successful for several reasons. A record 70 percent of the voters in California went to the polls and 97 percent of those voted on the nuclear issue with the results showing defeat by two-to-one. Apparently, the voters perceived the Nuclear Initiative as being too drastic. The campaign for defeat of the initiative stressed the consequences of closing down existing plants and closing off the nuclear option in California, namely: higher costs, job losses, and less-desirable alternatives. The campaign waged for the Initiative seems to have suffered from weak management and lack of consistent messages.
The Granger instantaneous-causality test is applied to explore the potential causal relationships between wholesale electricity and natural-gas prices in California. The test shows these relationships to be bi-directional, and reveals California's electricity and natural-gas markets to be as inextricably intertwined as casual observation and theoretical considerations would suggest they ought to be. This meshing of markets exacerbated the effects of California's natural-gas crisis on the contemporaneous electricity crisis, while concurrently the electricity crisis may have contributed to the dysfunction in the national-gas market and helped to precipitate the natural-gas crisis. The finding supports an integrated approach, as opposed to a piecemeal approach, for formulating energy policy recommendations, not just in California but in the world at large. (author)
The Granger instantaneous-causality test is applied to explore the potential causal relationships between wholesale electricity and natural-gas prices in California. The test shows these relationships to be bi-directional, and reveals California's electricity and natural-gas markets to be as inextricably intertwined as casual observation and theoretical considerations would suggest they ought to be. This meshing of markets exacerbated the effects of California's natural-gas crisis on the contemporaneous electricity crisis, while concurrently the electricity crisis may have contributed to the dysfunction in the national-gas market and helped to precipitate the natural-gas crisis. The finding supports an integrated approach, as opposed to a piecemeal approach, for formulating energy policy recommendations, not just in California but in the world at large.
California's pacific coast stretches roughly over 11.5 latitudinal degrees, extending from about 32.5{sup o}N to 44{sup o}N. There is nearly 900nm of California coastline offering superior opportunity for wave energy use. The longitudinal position of the coast shifts eastward at two distinct locations: Punta Gorda just south of Cape Mendecino in the north and Point Conception in the south. The change in longitudinal orientation in southern California also coincides with significant change in California's bathymetry. The tilts in the longitudinal coastal lines at the two points also define California wave zones into three areas: the short coastal line north of Punta Gorda, the long north and middle line between the two points, and the short line of the heavily populated southern coast. The northern and central zones are characterized by high waves of relatively low ...
Summarizing the three main reasons why customized programs are commissioned, this book explains and explores the key aspects of successful development programs, with views from corporate sponsors, participants, faculty contributors and case studies of customised programs commissioned by 6 organizations
A CRC cooperative program was conducted to determine the difference in octane requirements between technical raters and 'customers' (the general driving public). The tests were conducted in two phases, with the second being a repeat of the first to verify the results obtained. The trained raters used the CRC E-15 procedure to determine the octane requirement of the vehicles while the customers' perception and objection to knock were determined through the use of a questionnaire. The customers' responses (perception and objection level) were based upon audible knock, acceleration performance, and after-run on a series of full-boiling-range customer/rater unleaded (FBRCU) reference-fuels. Data were analyzed from 168 1988-1991 model-year vehicles, with 126 of these tested in Phase II. The results showed that the customers, objections and perceptions ...
The paper takes as its starting point the diffusion of ICT applications associated with so-called 'customer relationship management' (CRM). CRM encourages organisations to shift their understanding of customers from an episodic and transaction-based perspective to one that emphasises continuous 'relationship management'. CRM applications thus promise to deliver more, real-time accurate information about consumer habits and behaviours therefore allowing organisations to maximise their extraction of business value. This paper explores the ways in which such inscriptive technologies are not merely referential but also constitutive of contemporary re-presentations and ideals of the consuming subject. Focusing on what we might call the 'digital doubles' of customer relationship management the a...
Collaborative Filtering (CF) is a popular method for personalizing product recommendations for e-Commerce and customer relationship management (CRM). CF utilizes the explicit or implicit product evaluation ratings of customers to develop personalized recommendations. However, there has been no in-depth investigation of the parameters of CF in relation to the number of ratings on the part of an individual customer and the total number of ratings for an item. We empirically investigated the relationships between these two parameters and CF performance, using two publicly available data sets, EachMovie and MovieLens. We conducted three experiments. The first two investigated the relationship between a particular customer?s number of ratings and CF recommendation performance. The third experim...
The prevention of subscriber churn through customer retention is a core issue of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). By minimizing customer churn a company maximizes its profit. This paper proposes a hybridized architecture to deal with customer retention problems. It does so not only through predicting churn probability but also by proposing retention policies. The architecture works in two modes: learning and usage.In the learning mode, the churn model learner seeks potential associations from the subscriber database. This historical information is used to form a churn model. This mode also calls for a policy model constructor to use the attributes identified in the churn model to divide all `churners' into distinct groups. The policy model constructor is also responsible for develop...
Mangroves are disappearing rapidly worldwide despite their well documented biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide. Failure to link ecological processes and their societal benefits has...Full Text Available
... of China Lake Naval Weapons Center, California. ... Figure 4: The Space-Based Laser cleaning ... of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Space 2001 ...
... California where he is currently working on an AS in. Data Communication & Network Management as well as Microsoft. MCSE and Cisco CCNA certifications.
Chewing up the Forest: Bark-Eating Beetles Provide Timber for Forest Fires. Droughts in California allow bark beetles to lay eggs into sapless trees, ...
This data layer consists of polygons representing harvest area boundaries from Timber Harvest Plans approved by the California Department of Forestry ... ...
Two additional earthquakes, magnitudes 6.6 and 6.7 occurred the next morning. The first earthquake was located six miles north of Petrolia, California, ...
who was appointed in July to lead the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, made visits last week to UC Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA and the California Institute of...
A Composite Architecture for Network Security at JPL. Robert B. Mead, Tom G. Dearmond, and Joseph S. Sherif. JPL, California Institute of Technology ...
Gaseous Nitrogen Dewar apparatus developed by Dr. Alex McPherson of the University of California, Irvine for use aboard Mir and the International Space ...
The objective of this research project is to demonstrate sensing, communication, information and control technologies to achieve a seamless integration of multivendor distributed energy resource (DER) units at aggregation levels that meet individual user requirements for facility operations (residential, commercial, industrial, manufacturing, etc.) and further serve as resource options for electric and natural gas utilities. The fully demonstrated DER aggregation system with embodiment of communication and control technologies will lead to real-time, interactive, customer-managed service networks to achieve greater customer value. Work on this Advanced Communication and Control Project (ACCP) consists of a two-phase approach for an integrated demonstration of communication and control technologies to achieve a seamless integration of DER units to reach progressive levels of aggregated power output. Phase I involved design and proof-of-design, ...
The Nuclear Assurance Corporation (NAC) owns and operates four NAC-1 truck casks. These casks are used to ship spent reactor fuel assemblies and radioactive reactor-core components. The casks have been loaded or unloaded at a total of fifteen nuclear facilities in the United States. In addition, NAC has used another large, overweight-truck cask to ship radioactive reactor core components from a reactor to a waste burial site. There are many individual differences in the cask handling facilities at each of the reactor stations, nuclear research facilities and the storage and burial sites serviced. Various types of auxiliary lifting and handling devices for on-site cask operations have been required. The quality assurance requirements for the equipment used in interfacing casks with nuclear power plant facilities have become more stringent. This paper presents details on the type of special equipment being employed, the quality assurance requirements that are ...
NuEra Oilfield Services Inc. combines various technologies, including advanced bearing assemblies and compact wireless decoders that interface with downhole directional tools, to engineer unique, purpose-built measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool string packages. The 9-metre-long MWD tool string is lowered into the drill pipe from the surface. The directional module monitors the position of the drill bit, which the driller can monitor using an electronic drilling recorder at the surface. The directional drillstring uses a mud motor with adjustable bent housing to correct the direction of the well, as the system cannot steer while drilling. At bottomhole, mud circulation continues after the rotation of the drillstring has been stopped, driving the mud motor, which in turn drives the drill bit, permitting a new direction to be taken even though the drillstring is not turning. The operator points the bent housing in a new direction and slides the bit along before restarting the rotation ...
The Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine (SBMM) is a 65 ha site located on the eastern shore of the Oaks Arm of Clear Lake, Lake County, California. Between 1864 and 1957, SBMM was the site of underground and open pit mining operations for S and Hg, coinciding with past and present hot spr...
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is committed to conducting its operations in an environmentally safe and sound manner. It is mandatory that activities at SNL/California comply with all applicable environmental statutes, regulations, and standards. Moreover, SNL/California continuously strives to reduce risks to employees, the public, and the environment to the lowest levels reasonably possible. To help verify effective protection of public safety and preservation of the environment, SNL/California maintains an extensive, ongoing environmental monitoring program. This program monitors all significant effluents and the environment at the SNL/California site perimeter. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) performs off-site external radiation monitoring for both sites. These monitoring efforts ensure that emission controls are effective in preventing contamination of the environment. As part of ...
Federal and California regulations governing the disposal of sludges and liquid wastes associated with the production of electricity from geothermal resources were evaluated. Current disposal practices, near/far term disposal requirements, and the potential for alternate disposal methods or beneficial uses for these materials were determined. 36 refs., 3 figs., 15 tabs. (ACR)
While there is growing interest in Real Time Pricing as a competitive tool, its adoption to date has been constrained by wariness on the part of many utilities and many of their customers. That wariness is not misplaced, for Real Time Pricing is not for everyone. In order for both utilities and their customers to benefit, the pricing system must be properly tailored for, and offered to, the appropriate audience. This paper discusses needs for identifying targets, implications of targeting of Real Time Pricing to various types of customers, and implications for design and marketing of such pricing systems. Examples from utility experiences are provided, and recommendations are offered for development of improved targeting of Real Time Pricing.
With increasing liberalization of the energy sector, German suppliers of line-transmitted energy find themselves in an utterly changed sales environment, forcing companies and utilities to elaborate for the first time management policies and strategies that will ensure loyalty of their present customers, and help to solicit new customers. The article here explains some major terms and instruments used in designing key-account management strategies, as well as general procedures for suitability assessment. (orig/CB)
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of how the internet is used as a strategic tool in electronic customer relationship management (e-CRM) in the football sector. In particular, the research questions this paper addresses are: How can the online environment be described? How are the customers served in this online environment? The first research question provides an overview of the online environment and the second research question describes the services offered in this online environment. Design/methodology/approach - The qualitative research is the appropriate approach, in order to collect the required data, as the particular research characterizes a complete and comprehensive view and understanding of a phenomenon in its entity. The research is base...
A geologic sequestration pilot in the Thornton gas field in Northern California, USA involves injection of up to 4000 tons of CO{sub 2} into a stacked gas and saline formation reservoir. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is leading the pilot test in collaboration with Rosetta Resources, Inc. and Calpine Corporation under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy and California Energy Commission's WESTCARB, Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership. The goals of the pilot include: (1) Demonstrate the feasibility of CO{sub 2} storage in saline formations representative of major geologic sinks in California; (2) Test the feasibility of Enhanced Gas Recovery associated with the early stages of a CO{sub 2} storage project in a depleting gas field; (3) Obtain site-specific information to improve capacity estimation, risk assessment, and performance prediction; (4) Demonstrate and test methods for ...
... has confirmed at least one instance of this: in 2005, Tanzanian customs officials intercepted a shipment that contained a yellow cake-filled barrel ...
Flexible delivery reliability (FLP), which is in focus in this report, means that the customer shall be able to choose from a number of different grid tariffs of different qualities. This way he shows his actual willingness to pay for quality. It is an important difference compared with the KILE system, which is based on a surveyed willingness to pay. As it is planned to be implemented, FLP assumes that the customer must choose one of a number of different subscriptions and that he makes his choice based on his own preferences and costs what suits him best. The various subscribers entail different degrees of delivery reliability. For the grid companies, customers and regulatory authorities the FLP represents a challenge. It is assumed that the customers have a conscious attitude or preference with respect to delivery quality. That is not always the case today.
Purpose - To study the optimization of a randomized control problem in an M/G/1 queue in which a removable and unreliable server may provide two phases of heterogeneous service to arriving customers. Design/methodology/approach - Arriving customers follow a Poisson process and require the first essential service (FES). As soon as FES of a customer is completed, the customer may leave the system or opt for the second optional service (SOS). The service times of FES channel and SOS channel are assumed to be general distribution functions. The server requires a startup time with random length before starting service. When the server is working, he may meet unpredictable breakdowns but is immediately repaired. The inter-breakdown time and repair time of the removable server are exponentially r...
Smart metering is required by the EU and will be implemented in Germany during the next few years, but customers are not much interested in ''intelligent meters''. Displays and information services may ensure higher acceptance and additional use and provide an incentive for saving energy. In a pilot programme in BAvaria, Eon tested the customers' reaction to such a system. Smart metering technology and long-wave services were combined into an overall system that helps customers save energy. (orig.)
Speaking to thousands of attendees at Oracle's customer and partner conference, Chairman and CEO Larry Ellison launched Oracle's Grid Computing initiative (1/2 page).
In this paper, the question of whether the new distribution system for the electricity supply industry can deliver a better service to customers, is discussed. In particular it discusses the requirement of customers for low cost and efficiency, with particular reference to Victoria in general and Solaris in particular. Solaris comprises the amalgamation of five ex-Municipal Electricity Undertakings and one distribution part of the former State Electricity Commission. Despite not having a set of objectives, a strategy, a common culture, appropriate processes or systems, key account management skills, marketing and customer service expertise, commercial financial expertise, commercial treasury expertise and strategic skill, it has been able to develop a business plan and strategy to satisfy the shareholder (the government), improve customer communication facilities, set up human resource management ...
In this paper, the performance of customer-owned distributed generation (DG) units is quantified from different perspectives through an uncertainty study. A Monte Carlo-based method is applied to assess the stochastic operation of the customer-owned DG units in the power distribution system. Several cases are studied to analyze the impact on system performance of using such generators, with the emphasis on benefits. The results of the studied cases show that proper operation of customer-owned DG units placed close to significant consumption centers offers several benefits which lead to significant energy savings and improvement in the performance indices while maintaining the cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, based on the energy demand, different electricity price scenarios considering a co...
... on some results we obtained, using stochastic methods as ... choice between two customers in a queue and one ... with the terminal of edge I being the ...
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.
Utilities looking to thrive in increasingly competitive markets are reexamining their approach to pricing. To compete effectively, utilities will need to both control costs and offer customers pricing options that are competitive and reflect the diversity in their customer base. These price structures must reflect two key factors -- marginal costs, which will increasingly reflect market prices, and consumers` responsiveness to those price structures. To accomplish this requires the capability to forecast customers` response to price structures that often provide complex signals to customers about how changes in their energy consumption and maximum power demand affect their bill, and to calculate corresponding changes in utility profits and customer net benefits. Much discussion of competitive pricing focuses on innovative new rate structures. However, significant opportunities are ...
An effort to determine the effect of restructuring on prices finds that, on average, prices for industrial customers in restructured states were lower, relative to predicted prices, than prices for industrial customers in non-restructured states. This preliminary analysis also finds that these price changes are explained primarily by high pre-restructuring prices, not whether or not a state restructured. (author)
Revisions at steam turbines should present a problem-free procedure due to the long use of these machines. Changes in the market result in difficulties during the inspection work. The shortage of qualified personnel and manufacturing capacities are the cause for these difficulties. Important procedures of revisions are described in detail in the VGB regulations. Direct contacts between the customers and the suppliers facilitate the expirations substantially. In the case of good planning and under consideration of the well-known regulations, a revision can be accomplished to the satisfaction of customers and suppliers.
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 article presents a hands-on web-based activity motivated by the relation between human health and ozone pollution in California. This case study is based on multivariate data collected monthly at 20 locations in California between 1980 and 2006. Several strategies and tools for data interrogation and exploratory data analysis, model fitting and statistical inference on these data are presented. All components of this case study (data, tools, activity) are freely available online at: http://wiki.stat.ucla.edu/socr/index.php/SOCR_MotionCharts_CAOzoneData. Several types of exploratory (motion charts, box-and-whisker plots, spider charts) and quantitative (inference, regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA)) data analyses tools are demonstrated. Two specific human health related questions...
The Network for a Healthy California (Network) employs a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify the target audience and plan program activities because GIS is a powerful tool for assisting in data integration and planning. This paper describes common uses of GIS by Network contractors as well as demonstrating the possibilities of GIS as a useful tool for public health programs and audience targeting in general. Narrative examples supported with graphics describe how 1) Network contractors use the GIS to identify eligible census tracts to carry out their work, 2) the GIS can map neighborhood assets in eligible census tracts throughout California, 3) the GIS can map health behavior data to the county level throughout California, and 4) the GIS can map selected indicators of healthy ...
This report summarizes all work of the Limited Energy Study, Energy Engineering Analysis Program (EEAP), Fort Hunter Liggett, California, authorized under Contract Number DACA05-92-C-0155 with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, California. The purpose of this study is to develop projects and actions that will reduce facilities energy consumption and operating costs at Fort Hunter Liggett. Implementation of these projects will contribute to achieving the goal of the Army Facilities Energy Plan of a reduction in energy consumption per square foot of building floor area of 20 percent by FY2000 from FY1985 baseline levels.
...2010-07-01 false Loading and haulage equipment; inspection and maintenance... § 77.1606 Loading and haulage equipment; inspection and maintenance. (a) Mobile loading and haulage equipment shall be inspected by a...
...position to receive material. (2) Self-loading haulage equipment used as a loading machine. In working places in which self-loading haulage equipment is operated to load material, the areas which...
This study was undertaken to determine which rodent species serve as primary reservoirs for the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi in commonly occurring woodland types...Full Text Available
... poly-chaete densities and diversity values, probably the oyster aquaculture in BF although not intensive has produced a ... faster (DÃaz-Castañeda & Rodriguez-Villanueva 1998). However if oyster aquacultu...
The background for the project of a solar-powered aircraft, designed and built by Dr. Paul McCready of California, is reported with details on the aircraft design and its flight across the English Channel.
To determine who resists sexual assault and what happens, data were examined from a probability sample of 3,132 adult community residents of Los Angeles, California. Seventy-five per cent of the respondents...Full Text Available
BackgroundHeterogeneous results for research investigating health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients undergoing sphincter-ablating procedures for rectal cancer...Full Text Available
This Process Waste Assessment was conducted to evaluate the two largest hazardous waste streams generated on-site at Sandia National Laboratory (SNL)/California -- ``Other Inorganic Solid Waste`` and ``Empty Containers <30 Gallons.``
A prospective cohort study was undertaken in two commercial California dairies. The treatment group, 246 cows, received three doses of a whole cell bacterin of J5 Escherichia coli (mutant of E. coli...Full Text Available
This conference was held December 4--8, 1994 in Asilomar, California. The purpose of this meeting was to provide a forum for exchange of state-of-the-art information concerning the prediction of protein structure. Attention if focused on the following: comparative modeling; sequence to fold assignment; and ab initio folding.
Factors potentially contributing to the lower incidence of Lyme borreliosis (LB) in the far-western than in the northeastern United States include tick host-seeking behavior resulting in fewer human...Full Text Available
The methanogenic community in hydrothermally active sediments of Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California, Mexico) was analyzed by PCR amplification, cloning, and sequencing of methyl coenzyme M reductase...Full Text Available
BackgroundIntegration of medical care across clinicians and settings could enhance the quality of care for patients. To date, there is limited data on the levels of integration in...Full Text Available
This course is based upon lectures in physics given by Professor Feynman at the California institute of technology during 1961 and 1962. This volume is dedicated to quantum physics, semiconductors, symmetry and advanced principles of physics.
This article reports of the nickel-metal-hydride battery and its ability to compete with the lead-acid battery in electric-powered vehicles. The topics of the article include development of the battery, the impetus for development in California environmental law, battery performance, packaging for the battery's hazardous materials, and the solid electrolyte battery.
Feb 28, 2001 ... Dr. Ellen Ochoa was born on May 10, 1958 in Los Angeles, CA, but considers Las Mesa, California to be her hometown. She received her ...
Due to the recent catastrophic energy system failures in California along with those in the North-Eastern US and Southern Canada, London, and Italy, the time has come to proclaim the failure of deregulation, privatization or liberalization and propose a new energy system. This book shows in the first section, how five precipitating forces led to the deregulation debacle in California: (1) major technological changes and commercialization, (2) regulatory needs mismatched to societal adjustments, (3) inadequate and flawed economic models, (4) lack of vision, goals, and planning leading to energy failures, and (5) failure and lack of economic regional development. The second half of the book, examines how 'civic market', new economic models, and planning for complexity as sustainable economic development transformed in California, the same five forces to create an 'agile energy system' based ...
particle mass with diameter smaller than 2.5 microns.) Our expectation has been that California's ...... MODIS Aqua and Terra products to visualize the movement of ...... correlation in hydrometeor (cloud and precipitation) occurrence, ...
Intensive measurements of organic acids, inorganic acids, aldehydes and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) in urban air were carried out at a Southern California smog receptor site, Glendora, CA, August 12-22, 1986. The objective of this project was to augment the data base regarding organic acids in urban air and to assess their role with emphasis on ambient levels, diurnal variations, phase distribution, emissions, in-situ formation and removal. The relative abundance of organic acids and inorganic acids was determined for the first time from simultaneous measurements carried out during this study.
The Advanced Power Electronics Interfaces for Distributed Energy Workshop, sponsored by the California Energy Commission Public Interest Energy Research program and organized by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, was held Aug. 24, 2006, in Sacramento, Calif. The workshop provided a forum for industry stakeholders to share their knowledge and experience about technologies, manufacturing approaches, markets, and issues in power electronics for a range of distributed energy resources. It focused on the development of advanced power electronic interfaces for distributed energy applications and included discussions of modular power electronics, component manufacturing, and power electronic applications.
Gone are the days when utilities would boast how many new customers were being added to their system annually-regardless of whether they were in fact profitable to serve or not-as if bigger was always better. In a not too distant future, and with the liberalization of the business environment, some utilities may no longer wish to serve certain customers on their systems, while at the same time aggressively wooing other customers. With the anticipated arrival of competition and erosion of utility franchise service areas, the electric power industry will gradually evolve into a mode where customers will be segmented into finer groups and evaluated based on their expected profit margins-theoretically the difference between the revenues expected from them and the cost of serving them. Understanding this basic concept, and the mastery of the art of arriving at the correct profit margin for each market ...
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can help organizations manage customer interactions more effectively. Like many new technologies, CRM has been accompanied by vendor hype and stories of implementation failure. Work on critical success factors (CSFs) should encourage more appropriate implementation practice; however many CSF studies conclude with a list of factors but provide little further guidance. In particular, there is a need for stronger theoretical models of the entire CRM innovation process which can be used by managers to understand better the underlying causes of success and failure. This paper adopts a novel approach to this problem by firstly developing a conceptual model of CRM innovation and then converting this model into a dynamic simulation model. Some early s...
This article examines the hidden history of criminal justice in late colonial Australia by focussing on Aboriginal inter se offending. Most Aboriginal defendants appearing in late colonial criminal courts were prosecuted for violent crimes against other Aboriginal people. The article explores how common such cases were and the degree to which the acknowledgment of cultural difference affected justice process and outcomes. The frequent invocation of 'custom' commonly led juries to recommend the mercy of the Crown to those Aboriginal defendants found guilty of committing a homicide. I argue that 'custom' was increasingly used by settler judicial processes as a shorthand way of explaining what was otherwise seen as unexplainable. In the twentieth century 'custom' would receive greater attenti...
Purpose - Key account management (KAM) programmes are a way for companies to develop existing relationships and increase sales, thus being proactive and searching for opportunities (which is often expected of KAM). It is also a way to meet changing customer demands arising from changes in purchasing strategy, buyers' mergers and acquisitions and the search for synergies in order to reduce costs. The purpose of this article is to analyse different key account management programmes on how they manage the sales process complexity and customer expectations. Design/methodology/approach - The paper draws on qualitative data collected during a field study of ABB and six of their major customers, based on annual or biannual interviews with 50 individuals within ABB from 1996 to 2006 and three to t...
Customer relationships, product development, data integration and demand-driven supply chains are key concepts for companies that wish to remain competitive in today?s global economy. To address this important information management issue, the present study examines how, within a demand-driven network context, an eCRM can influence the interorganizational product development process between a manufacturer and its key customers. The theoretical model, built on research related to a technology assimilation model based on Fichman?s (2000) work, was tested on data from 104 manufacturers in the wireless equipment sector. The results show that the adoption of an eCRM does not moderate the relationship between collaborative e-product development involving a manufacturer and its key customers and ...
This final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) describes the 23.5 kW photovoltaic installation on the Customs House in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. The objective of the 'Zollhof' photovoltaic solar power plant is to provide the local population with a 'hands-on' solar cell experience, that, according to the authors, should lead to better understanding of renewable energy technology. The commissioning and initial operation of the installation is commented on, as are the above-average production figures of the plant. The power produced is sold by the local utility to its customers as electricity from renewable resources.
Objectives:The supermarket industry now services many customers through online food shopping over the Internet. The Internet shopping process offers a novel opportunity...Full Text Available
Information Extraction (IE) is an emerging NLP technology, whose function is to process unstructured, natural language text, to locate specific pieces of information, or facts, in the text, and to use these facts to fill a database. IE systems today are c...
The 2010 leave year ends with pay period 201101 (ending January 1, 2011). ... The agencies must also ensure that FERS employees receive the appropriate Agency Automatic (1%) ... Voluntary Leave Transfer Program/Advance Sick Leave ...
the network were assembled of custom 450 volt Aluminum electrolytic capacitors provided by the Mallory Capacitor Company. A comparison between theoretical ...
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Standard chemotherapy has been shown to improve quality of life and has a modest influence on overall survival. This modest improvement in...Full Text Available
An image slicing spectrometer (ISS) for microscopy applications is presented. Its principle is based on the redirecting of image zones by specially organized thin mirrors within a custom fabricated...Full Text Available
...Own Rules for Success (Hardcover) The authors have rightly identified that there is a growing demand for, trend towards, and interest in guidance for creating flexible working arrangements. However, for $27.99, you can secure more concrete advice on reaching your \\
BackgroundThe commonest pathogenic DMD changes are intragenic deletions/duplications which make up to 78% of all cases and point mutations (roughly 20%) detectable...Full Text Available
BackgroundHip surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA) can be an alternative for total hip arthroplasty. The short and long-term outcome of hip surface replacement arthroplasty mainly...Full Text Available
(General Stafford) was selected as chair for the Task Force based on his expertise .... a large foreign customer base that includes joint working agreements with Russia, the .... NASA Headquarters management advocates the Jorge Scientific ...
Deregulation of the electric power industry in Alberta holds the prospect of providing greater choice for customers. One such option will be `green power` which is provided by renewable energy technologies. The energy produced would be without environmental impacts such as air emissions, water pollution, flooding, thermal emissions or waste by-products. Wind power, small scale hydro power, photovoltaics and biomass technologies have been termed as `green power`. The choices that customers make will not be focused on price alone. Market forces are emerging to demand reduction in emissions which will result in a market for `green energy` products and facilitate achieving goals for a sustainable future.
Huntsville, Alabama Utilities has successfully provided services for over 53 years. However, the quality of service demands from customers are changing every day! Part of this demand is due to updated digital appliances, home and business computers, and automated systems. A quality program was initiated in 1992 as a result of an internal assessment. The Malcolm Baldrige approach was selected which includes seven areas: (1) Leadership; (2) Information and Analysis; (3) Strategic Planning; (4) Human Resource Utilization; (5) Quality Assurance of Products and Services: (6) Quality Results: (7) Customer Satisfaction. Training for and implementation of the Quality program is discussed in detail.
Strategic management of key accounts has become an important component of many companies' sales efforts. This research introduces a strategic framework of key account performance that integrates theory from relationship marketing, key account management, and customer equity. Using the three drivers of customer equity - value equity, brand equity, and relationship equity - the framework captures both the relational outcomes (relationship commitment and trust) and financial performance outcomes (profitability and share of spend) of strategic decisions made in key account programs. Implications and future research are then discussed.
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 ...
The purpose of this paper is to establish probabilistic models for still-water loads, based on design data, and the combined still-water and wave load effects for semi-probabilistic and probabilistic design of floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSO). A new still-water load model for FPSOs is proposed, based on a Poisson square-wave model, with a modified Weibull distribution for load intensity, which accounts for load control during operation. The long-term variation of wave-induced load effects is modelled by a Poisson square-wave process. A new solution for the combined effect is derived. A procedure for determining characteristic extreme values for individual and combined load effects, and load combination factors, is established. The methodology is used to illustrate...
The Geothermal Energy Association ({open_quotes}GEA{close_quotes}) will create and manage a Geothermal Heat Pump ({open_quotes}GHP{close_quotes}) Training Center to deliver GHP and HVAC courses throughout California in response to imminent demand driven by national promotion. GEA services include providing management structure, cadre, curricula, promotion and physical equipment. The Center is dedicated to infrastructure strengthening goals of the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc. ({open_quotes}GHPC{close_quotes}), the California Energy Commission ({open_quotes}CEC{close_quotes}) and Interagency Geothermal Heat Pump Task Force, and Geothermal Energy Association ({open_quotes}GEA{close_quotes}). Second-half 1996 start-up is co-funded by GHPC, CEC, GEA and three California utilities. Initial support is to five utilities representing 70 percent of California power users. Goals include becoming market ...
Most mechanical forces acting on the skeleton are generated either through impact with the ground (i.e., gravitational loading) or through muscle contractions (i.e., muscle loading). If one...Full Text Available
An estimator for the load share parameters in an equal load-share model is derived based on observing k-component parallel systems of identical components that have a continuous...Full Text Available
A statistical method is developed to determine the locations of major pollutant sources affecting a distant downwind receptor, provided that air trajectories can be estimated. Probability density functions are estimated which indicate the overall residence time of air parcels over a given geographic region as they travel toward a receptor and residence time for the case of high pollutant concentrations at the receptor. These functions are used to estimate a conditional probability function which indicates the potential for a source region to contribute to high air pollution concentrations. Finally, a source contribution function is formulated to indicate the relative contribution of different source regions to high concentrations at the receptor. The method is tested using data collected at Grand Canyon National Park in 1980. The dominant pathway for air masses arriving at Grand Canyon during this period was southern California. A lesser pathway was from the border ...
Developing markets in the Pacific Basin depend heavily on the production and export of consumer goods. The generation of hazardous waste as a by-product of industrial production can be linked to adverse health outcomes, such as childhood leukemia, in ways that are presently unknown. In California, exposures resulting from hazardous waste disposal are of concern in the etiology of childhood cancer. Approximately 63% of the 57 hazardous waste sites that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) included in the national priority list under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) statute were in the six-county San Francisco Bay area. This area includes California`s Silicon Valley, where a disproportionate majority of these sites are located. Although only one study links hazardous waste disposal to childhood leukemia evidence is accumulating that in utero and maternal pesticide exposures as well as ...
In this paper an attempt is made to forecast load using fuzzy neural network (FNN) for an integrated power system. Here, the proposed system uses a two stage FNN for a short term peak and average load forecasting (STPALF). The first stage FNN deals with the load forecasting and the second stage algorithm can be worked independently for network security. This technique is used to forecast load accurately on week days as well as holidays, weekends and some special occasions considering historical data of load and weather information and also take necessary control action for network security.
The further optimisation and improvement of the efficiency of internal combustion engines require the realisation of new technologies leading to a distinctively faster warm-up behaviour of the coolant and lubricants as well as of the engine components after a cold start. In order to achieve reduced fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions with the help of heat management, the design criteria of innovative cooling systems need to be reflected and adapted to future requirements. The use of intelligent components within the cooling system, such as the 'Stand Alone Rotary Valve' as a thermostat's substitute or the use of coolant pumps with a rotary valve integrated into the pump's inlet chamber, offer new ways to realise in a decisively quicker and more flexible way the appropriate heating up and cooling down procedures at varying driving conditions. A description of both of the intelligent components for the cooling system is given in this paper. The ...
... Accession Number : ADD431225. Title : Influence of Fiber Loading on Thermal Ablation of PTFE,. Corporate Author : Personal Author(s) : Letson,KN. ...
This document is the annual update of the FFTF and Advanced Reactors Transition Program Resource Loaded Schedule for FY 2002 using current project direction and authorized funding levels
This study reviews the wireline log responses of some geothermal fields in the Imperial Valley, California. The fields under study include the Heber, the East Mesa, the Brawley, and the Westmoreland. The well logs used in the study did not include all the wireline surveys obtained by the operators. The selected well logs obtained under special arrangements with the operators were chosen to maintain the anonymity of specific well locations but are only representative of each area. Analysis of the well logs indicates that on an individual field basis, the well logs are excellent for correlation purposes. The presence of extremely saline fluids in some fields precludes the monitoring of Q/sub v/ (cation exchange capacity per unit volume) profile for detection of hydrothermally altered zones. The producing sections in all the fields are characterized by low porosity and high resistivity.
Given the concern over the potential for health risks associated with certain ingredients (e.g., phthalates) in personal care products, usage patterns of 30 types of personal care products (e.g., shampoo, sunscreen, fragrance, etc.) were collected in 604 California households through a telephone interview. Preferences in selecting products, e.g., scented or unscented, aerosol, and brand loyalty, were also investigated. Participants were recruited in three age groups, children (mostly preschoolers), their parents, and adults age 55 or older. Use frequencies of various product types varied by sex, age group, race, education, and climatic region. Product use by parent and child from the same household were correlated. Use frequencies of products in the same class (e.g., skincare) were moderat...
This Final Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report (Final EIS/EIR) has been prepared to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Proposed Action includes the construction, operation, and decommissioning of a 48 megawatt (gross) geothermal power plant with ancillary facilities (10-12 production well pads and 3-5 injection well pads, production and injection pipelines), access roads, and a 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in the Modoc National Forest in Siskiyou County, California. Alternative locations for the power plant site within a reasonable distance of the middle of the wellfield were determined to be technically feasible. Three power plant site alternatives are evaluated in the Final EIS/EIR.
Seasonal and habitat calliphorid abundance and distribution were examined weekly for two years (2001-2003) in Santa Clara County, California, using sentinel traps baited with bovine liver. Of the 34,389 flies examined in three defined habitats (rural, urban, and riparian), 38% of the total catch represented Compsomyiops callipes (Bigot) and 23% represented Phormia regina (Meigen). Other flies collected in this survey included Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus), Calliphora latifrons (Hough), Lucilia sericata (Meigen), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann), and Lucilia mexicana (Macquart), which is a new record for the area. Multivariate MANOVA and ANOVA (P 0.05) analysis indicate significant seasonal habitat preference for all fly species examined. This information may be used to identify potentially fo...
This report is the result of field work performed at the former White Point Nike Missile Site, San Pedro, California. The Hazardous Waste Remedial Actions Program tasked the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Pollutant Assessments Group in Grand Junction, Colo., with this project. The objective was to determine whether or not radioisotopes possibly associated with past Department of Defense (DOD) operations were present and within accepted background levels. The radiation survey was accomplished by performing three independent radiation surveys, both outdoors and indoors, and random soil sampling. Initially, the site was land surveyed to develop a grid block system. A background radiation investigation was performed out in the San Pedro area.
Crustal xenoliths (pyroxenites and plagioclase + quartz + pyroxene lithologies) from the Quaternary Big Pine volcanic field on the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada Batholith in California (USA) represent the products of metasomatic reaction between the margins of a Cretaceous granodioritic pluton and Paleozoic marbles, possibly at mid-crustal depths based on the equilibration temperatures recorded by Ti-in-quartz geothermometry. This interpretation is based on the presence of plagioclase showing relict plutonic textures, pyroxenite characterized by nearly pure diopside clinopyroxene, recrystallized plagioclase with anomalously high anorthite content, textures indicating replacement of plagioclase by clinopyroxene (and vice versa), `ghost' plagioclase rare earth element signatures in some...
Availability of a natural gas-powered van that meets California`s ultra low emission vehicle requirements and has a 300-km range was reported. A similar van with an electric system giving a range of 240 km was also within sight. Regarding the limitations of electric batteries it was suggested that a super capacitor may allow systems to achieve higher energy densities; a refuelable zinc-air battery could be considered for vehicle use. While the prospect for emissions improvement of gasoline vehicles has clearly improved in recent years, the relative costs of infrastructure, vehicle and fuel for the the alternative fuels compared with gasoline demonstrate the difficulty the alternative fuels have in taking market share from gasoline. For the next decade, gasoline, propane and CNG are expected to be the dominant fuels for vehicles. After that, the leading fuel will be the one that has been most extensively researched and developed during the decade. 17 refs.
Microreserves may be useful in protecting native arthropod diversity in urbanized landscapes. However, species that do not disperse through the urban matrix may eventually be lost from these fragments. Population extinctions may be precipitated by an increase in genetic differentiation among fragments and loss of genetic diversity within fragments, and these effects should become stronger with time. We analyzed population genetic structure in the dispersal limited Jerusalem cricket Stenopelmatus n. sp. ?santa monica?? in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills north of Los Angeles, California (CA), to determine the impacts of fragmentation over the past 70 years. MtDNA divergence was greater among urban fragments than within contiguous habitat and was positively correlated with fragment ...
One of the more extensive uses of directional drilling anywhere in the world has been in the development of the East Wilmington Oil Field in Long Beach, California. The Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) directional system has been tested on several wells and proven to provide the required accuracy, along with many advantages over past methods, used in the field development. Accurate transmission by MWD of bottom-hole measurements to the surface is provided by mud pressure pulses generated in the drill pipe downhole and detected by a pressure transducer includes the means for detecting, recording and processing these pressure pulses, to translate the information from the pressure pulses to rig floor displays usable by the drilling crew. 2 refs.
The commercialization of geothermal energy resources consists of a sequence of exploration, development, and utilization activities. Each of these activities are beset by both generic and project specific technical, environmental, and institutional constraints which must be adequately resolved before geothermal operations can be conducted. This report presents a summary of selected environmental activities conducted during the early planning stages of geothermal resource commercialization. Three representative activities are elaborated upon. These include preliminary environmental planning for geothermal energy development in the Medicine Lake Highlands of California; potential alternatives for non-electric use of the geothermal resource at East Mesa in Imperial County, California; and site specific studies of the impacts from using East Mesa geothermal fluids to irrigate selected crops and indigenous climax vegetation.
Plants require solar radiation for photosynthesis and their growth is directly related to the amount received, assuming that other environmental parameters are not limiting. Therefore, precise estimation of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is necessary to enhance overall accuracies of plant growth models. This study aimed to explore the PAR radiant flux in the San Francisco Bay Area of northern California. During the growing season (March through August) for 2?years 2007?2008, the on-site magnitudes of photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) were investigated and then processed at both the hourly and daily time scales. Combined with global solar radiation (R S) and simulated extraterrestrial solar radiation, five PAR-related values were developed, i.e., flux density-based PAR ...
A three-component seismic line acquired over the Zamora gas field, northern Sacramento Valley, California, displays conventional (P-P) and converted-wave (P-SV) seismic anomalies. Well log and seismic modeling results indicate that bright-spot reflection strengths are related to variations in fluid saturation and lithology. The P-SV reflection strengths and interval velocities provide valuable information that complements more conventional strategies such as amplitude with offset and polarity analysis. This integrated strategy can improve risk evaluation and well-site selection in areas where rapid changes in reservoir quality impact resource evaluation.
A three-component seismic line acquired over the Zamora gas field, northern Sacramento Valley, California, displays conventional (P-P) and converted-wave (P-SV) seismic anomalies. Well log and seismic modeling results indicate that bright-spot reflection strengths are related to variations in fluid saturation and lithology. The converted-wave reflection strengths and interval velocities provide valuable information that compliments more conventional strategies such as amplitude with offset and polarity analysis. This integrated strategy can improve risk evaluation and well site selection in areas where rapid changes in reservoir quality impact resource evaluation.
The purpose of this presentation is to provide an in-depth discussion of the possible evolution of unbundling of services in a competitive environment. The author discusses unbundling from both a technical/engineering and an economic perspective. The main thrust of the talk is threefold: (a) that in the long run the potential for unbundling of services is extremely large from an engineering perspective; (b) that the form of the initial industry structure will have an important impact on the extent of service unbundling; and (c) that unbundling of wholesale related services is where most of the initial demand will be. (A) Engineering Perspectives on Unbundling: A large proportion of ancillary services can be provided in a competitive framework with current technologies. The author discusses those that current technologies may not facilitate such a decentralized approach. (B) The relation between unbundling and industry structure: Not all industry structures provide the same incentives ...
This document describes a simple and general way to generate House Simulation Protocol (HSP)-consistent internal sensible and latent loads in unoccupied homes. It is newly updated based on recent experience, and provides instructions on how to calculate and set up the operational profiles in unoccupied homes. The document is split into two sections: how to calculate the internal load magnitude and schedule, and then what tools and methods should be used to generate those internal loads to achieve research goals.
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.
Production in economy is a set of firms' activities as suppliers and customers; a firm buys goods from other firms, puts added-values and sells products to others in a giant network of production. Empirical study has been lacking despite of the fact that the structure of production network is important to understand and make models for many aspects of dynamics in economy. We study a nation-wide production network comprising a million of firms and millions of supplier-customer links by using recent statistical methods developed in physics. We show in the empirical analysis scale-free degree distribution, disassortativity, correlation of degree to firm-size, and community structure having sectoral and regional modules. Since suppliers usually provide credit to their customers, who supply to theirs in turn, each link is actually a creditor-debtor relation. We also study chains of failures or bankruptcies that take place along ...
Fault symptoms of running gearboxes must be detected as early as possible to avoid serious accidents. Diverse advanced methods are developed for this challenging task. However, for multiwavelet transforms, the fixed basis functions independent of the input dynamic response signals will possibly reduce the accuracy of fault diagnosis. Meanwhile, for multiwavelet denoising technique, the universal threshold denoising tends to overkill important but weak features in gear fault diagnosis. To overcome the shortcoming, a novel method incorporating customized (i.e., signal-based) multiwavelet lifting schemes with sliding window denoising is proposed in this paper. On the basis of Hermite spline interpolation, various vector prediction and update operators with the desirable properties of biorthogonality, symmetry, short support and vanishing moments are constructed. The customized lifting-based multiwavelets for feature matching are chosen by the ...
We compared experimental wave aberrations in pseudophakic eyes with aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs) to simulate aberrations from numerical ray tracing on customized computer eye models using corneal topography, angle ?, ocular biometry, IOL geometry, and IOL tilt and decentration measured on the same eyes. We found high correlations between real and simulated aberrations even for the eye with only the cornea, and these increased on average when the IOL geometry and position were included. Relevant individual aberrations were well predicted by the complete eye model. Corneal spherical aberration and horizontal coma were compensated by the IOL, and in 58.3% of the cases IOL tilt and decentration contributed to compensation of horizontal coma. We conclude that customized computer eye models are a good representation of real eyes with IOLs and allow understanding of the relative contribution of optical, geometrical and surgically-related factors ...
The study is intended to eventually bring about a number of improvements in the UK electrical system, particularly in regard to Demand Side Management (DSM). Among the benefits envisaged are (a) increased security of supply when the network is under stress; (b) reduction in costs; (c) simpler outage management; (d) carbon saving and (e) increased energy efficiency. So far, these potential benefits have attracted little attention in the residential and small business sectors of the market: suggested reasons for this are listed. Taking into account the experience of other countries, three options are presented for a UK DSM programme: they are (i) customer initiated; (ii) supplier initiated and (iii) distributor initiated. At present, all the suggested options need further study and to aid the development for small customers, five possible initiatives are suggested. This final report (95 pages) includes a detailed description of the research ...
A new test methodology is described which allows access to loading rates that lie between split Hopkinson bar and shock-loading techniques. Gas gun experiments combined with velocity interferometry techniques have been used to experimentally determine the intermediate strain-rate loading behavior of Coors AD995 alumina and Cercom silicon-carbide rods. Graded-density materials have been used as impactors; thereby eliminating the tension states generated by the radial stress components during the loading phase. Results of these experiments demonstrate that the time-dependent stress pulse generated during impact allows an efficient transition from the initial uniaxial strain loading to a uniaxial stress state as the stress pulse propagates through the rod. This allows access to intermediate loading rates over 5 x 10{sup 3}/s to a few times 10{sup 4}/s.
The present invention concerns a high thermal load heat receiving plate such as a divertor plate of a thermonuclear device. The high thermal load heat receiving plate of the present invention has a cooling performance capable of suppressing the temperature of an armour tile to less than a threshold value of the material against high thermal loads applied from plasmas. Spiral polygonal pipes are inserted in cooling pipes at a portion receiving high thermal loads in the high temperature load heat receiving plate of the present invention. Both ends of the polygonal pipes are sealed by lids. An area of the flow channel in the cooling pipes is thus reduced. Heat conductivity on the cooling surface of the cooling pipes is increased in the high thermal load heat receiving plate having such a structure. Accordingly, temperature elevation of the armour tile can be ...
The staff of the Southwest Technology Development Institute (SWTDI), in conjunction with the staff of Industrial Solar Technology (IST), have analyzed the performance, operation, and maintenance of a large solar process heat system in use at the 5,000 inmate California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi, CA. This report summarizes the key design features of the solar plant, its construction and maintenance histories through the end of 1991, and the performance data collected at the plant by a dedicated on-site data acquisition system (DAS).
Reports by U.S. workers on geodetic measurements of recent plate motions or crustal deformation published in 1987-1990 are reviewed. The review begins with global plate motions, proceeds through plate boundaries in California, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest, and finishes with volcanic phenomena, monument stability and longevity, and GPS relative position measurements. 184 refs.
Based upon these processes-phytoextraction, phytovolatization and phytostabilization-a plant management remediation strategy for selenium (Se) has been developed for the Westside of Central California. Multi-year field phytoremediation studies were conducted between 2002-2007 on Se-tainted field si...
The Gulf of California represents one of the most productive and unique marginal seas in the world. The mouth of the Gulf captures warm equatorial water while annual wind patterns assure major upwelling of nutrient-rich water leading to a rich marine biota. These conditions have created a wide array of tropical through warm temperate carbonate environments. The most unusual of these environments is located in the La Paz region of Baja California Sur where tropical-subtropical water temperatures and low rainfall have allowed growth of corals, calcareous red algae, and other shelled invertebrates to form a carbonate bank environment. Sampling and mapping transacts in shallow bays north of La Paz and on the adjacent Espiritu Santo island have revealed a full spectrum of subenvironments including mangrove bordered, terrigenous mud dominated coastal zones, which grade into carbonate tidal flats. In addition, single coral heads as well as incipient ...
... Studies People Projects Opportunities Framework Critical Sectors Development Goals Geographic Region Geographic Scale Research Themes Printer-Friendly Center for Ocean Solutions Early Career Fellowship Program Location: Stanford, California Source: The Center for Ocean Solutions (“Ocean Solutions”) seeks one or more recent graduates who have received a JD, MBA or PhD in the natural, physical or social sciences in the last five years, and who ...
In an effort to accelerate deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) such as wind, solar, and conventional backup generators to our nation's electrical grid, Northern Power Systems (NPS), the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) collaborated to create a prototype universal interconnect device called the DER Switch.
The effects of upwind turbine wakes on the performance of a FloWind 17-m vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) were investigated through a series of field experiments conducted at the FloWind wind farm on Cameron Ridge, Tehachapi, California. From the field m...
From nuclear science symposium; San Francisco, California, USA (14 Nov 1973). A digital Fourier analyzer was programmed to perform reactor neutron noise analysis measurements and on-line processing of the data to obtain the steady-state reactivity. The system is suitable for recovering cross spectral density with low correlatedsignal component and for repetitive measurements with efficient use of reactor time. (auth)
The engineering and economic feasibility of using the geothermal resources in East Mesa, California, in a new corn processing plant is evaluated. Institutional barriers were also identified and evaluated. Several alternative plant designs which used geothermal energy were developed. A capital cost estimate and rate of return type of economic analysis were performed to evaluate each alternative. (MHR)
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)
Qualitative and quantitative techniques, including a telephone survey of 310 Taiwanese business owners, were used to study the unique features of Taiwanese immigrant businesses in Los Angeles (California). When provided with entrepreneurial capital, Taiwanese enterprises grow rapidly in the context of Los Angeles's economic restructuring. (SLD)
... However, Hydrogen Energy is working towards establishing hydrogen-fired power generation facilities in other parts of the world (e.g. California, Abu Dhabi and elsewhere) and the synergies work carried out for the Kwinana proposal would provide a good starting basis for other proposals. ...
Electric cars have long been seen as science fiction. This may be changing. As the 1990s began, several companies chose to launch publicity campaigns for electric vehicles. In California, experimental programmes are gaining momentum, in the context of LA's appalling air pollution problems and tightening clean air standards. Supporters claim that electric motive power is a key to solving several environmental problems involving atmospheric pollution. These claims are examined. (author).
The report presents a long-range plan for a broad-based, coordinated research, development and market transformation program for reducing the lighting energy intensities in commercial and residential buildings in California without compromising lighting quality. An effective program to advance lighting energy efficiency in California must be based on an understanding that lighting is a mature field and the lighting industry has developed many specialized products that meet a wide variety of light needs for different building types. Above all else, the lighting field is diverse and there are applications for a wide range of lighting products, systems, and strategies. Given the range of existing lighting solutions, an effective energy efficient lighting research portfolio must be broad-based and diverse to match the diversity of the lighting market itself. The belief that there is one solution--a magic bullet, such as a better lamp, for ...
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is establishing a local chapter of the University of California Energy Institute (UCEI). In order to most effectively contribute to the Institute, LLNL sponsored a workshop on energy and environmental issues in transportation. This workshop took place in Livermore on August 10 and brought together researchers from throughout the UC systems in order to establish a joint LLNL-UC research program in transportation, with a focus on energy and environmental impacts.
Rising oil prices are a problem for the motor car industry. Now, an ambitious project has been launched in California which may become a serious competitor to gasoline and diesel engines: The Tesla Roadster, which is fuelled from simple wall sockets. (orig.)
A plan has been put forth to strategically thin northern California forests to reduce fire danger and improve forest health. The resulting biomass residue, instead of being open burned, can be converted into ethanol that can be used as a fuel oxygenate or an octane enhancer. Economic potential for a biomass-to-ethanol facility using this softwood biomass was evaluated for two cases: Stand-alone and co-located. The co-located case refers to a specific site with an existing biomass power facility owned by Wheelabrator Environmental Systems Inc. near Martell, California. A two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis process is used for the production of ethanol from softwoods, and the residual lignin is used to generate steam and electricity. For a plant processing 800 dry tonnes per day of feedstock, the co-located case is an economically attractive concept. Total estimated capital investment is approximately $ 70 million for the co-located case. The ...
A billet of low-density carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF) composite is machined into a desired attenuator or load element shape (usually tapering). The CBCF composite is used as a free-standing load element or, preferably, brazed to the copper, brass or aluminum components of coaxial transmission lines or microwave waveguides. A novel braze method was developed for the brazing step. The resulting attenuator and/or load devices are robust, relatively inexpensive, more easily fabricated, and have improved performance over conventional graded-coating loads.
Purpose - To sustain competitive advantage, it is necessary to understand consumers and their psychological fears and deliver them a service solution which is best under existing conditions so as to ensure consumer loyalty and retention. This paper seeks to conceptualise and operationalise customer relationship management (CRM) through two component model (operational CRM (OCRM) and analytical CRM (ACRM)), particularly in the healthcare sector. Design/methodology/approach - The relationship between OCRM, based on three patient-staff constructs (physicians, nurses and support staff) and ACRM based on four constructs (satisfaction, repatronization, recommendation and organizational performance) was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (AMOS). The data for the model were collected from...
When Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA), it created a number of new reporting requirements for companies that handle toxic chemicals and products containing toxic chemicals. Section 313 of EPCRA requires that certain manufacturers report annual releases to the environment of listed toxic chemicals and chemical categories. Because these manufacturers must know the toxic chemical composition of the products they use to be able to calculate releases accurately, EPA requires some suppliers of mixtures or trade name products containing one or more of the listed section 313 toxic chemicals to notify their customers. The pamphlet explains which suppliers must notify their customers, who must be notified, what form the notice must take, and when it must be sent.
Basic information on photovoltaic conversion technology is provided for those unfamiliar with the field. Various types of photovoltaic products and systems currently available off-the-shelf are described. These include products without batteries, battery chargers, power packages, home electric systems, and partial systems. Procedures are given for designing a photovoltaic system from scratch. A few custom photovoltaic systems are described, and a list is compiled of photovoltaic firms which can provide custom systems. Guidance is offered for deciding whether or not to use photovoltaic products. A variety of installations are described and their performance is appraised by the owners. Information is given on various financial incentives available from state and federal governments. Sources of additional information on photovoltaics are listed. A matrix is provided indicating the sources of various types of photovoltaic products. The addresses of ...
This paper analyzes the F-policy M/M/1/K queueing system with working vacation and an exponential startup time. The F-policy deals with the issue of controlling arrivals to a queueing system, and the server requires a startup time before allowing customers to enter the system. For the queueing systems with working vacation, the server can still provide service to customers rather than completely stop the service during a vacation period. The matrix-analytic method is applied to develop the steady-state probabilities, and then obtain several system characteristics. We construct the expected cost function and formulate an optimization problem to find the minimum cost. The direct search method and Quasi-Newton method are implemented to determine the optimal system capacity K, the optimal thre...
Purpose - The paper aims to outline the managerial challenges faced by the organizations interested in leveraging knowledge and creative talent embedded in online customers' communities to sustain innovation in b-2-c industries. Design/methodology/approach - Through a detailed case study analysis of a leading food producer who launched an online open collaborative platform to gather users' idea for new products the paper aims to highlight the transformational effort that firms have to make in order to leverage knowledge absorption from customers in the context of innovation. Findings - The paper suggests potential strategies for conventional companies to engage consumers in knowledge (co-creation) and collaborative innovation processes, formulating some hypothesis that could support an int...
Purpose - Customer relationship management (CRM) indicates a comprehensive strategy and an interactive process intended to achieve an optimum balance between corporate investment and the satisfaction of customer needs to generate the maximum profit. E-CRM refers to CRM using internet technology plus a database, OLAP, data warehouse, data mining, etc. In order to gain an understanding of the efficiency of implementing an e-CRM system within the library context, to develop theoretically and empirically an evaluation process for the e-CRM system and survey its impact on service quality, a pilot scheme was initiated in 2004. The pilot scheme was to design and implement an e-CRM prototype system for a particular academic library in Taiwan and to survey the system's performances. This paper aims...
Fault symptoms of running gearboxes must be detected as early as possible to avoid serious accidents. Diverse advanced methods are developed for this challenging task. However, for multiwavelet transforms, the fixed basis functions independent of the input dynamic response signals will possibly reduce the accuracy of fault diagnosis. Meanwhile, for multiwavelet denoising technique, the universal threshold denoising tends to overkill important but weak features in gear fault diagnosis. To overcome the shortcoming, a novel method incorporating customized (i.e., signal-based) multiwavelet lifting schemes with sliding window denoising is proposed in this paper. On the basis of Hermite spline interpolation, various vector prediction and update operators with the desirable properties of biorthog...
Purpose - Mobile phones have provided an opportunity for banking institutions to introduce new services to the public. The latest service, which is now available in Malaysian banking institutions, is the mobile phone credit card. The purpose of this paper is to provide a preliminary investigation of the factors that determine whether Malaysia's bank customers will use the new mobile phone credit card technology. Design/methodology/approach - This paper extends the applicability of the technology acceptance model (TAM) to mobile phone credit cards and includes "perceived credibility (PC)", the "amount of information about mobile phone credit cards (AIMCs)" and "perceived expressiveness (PE)", in addition to "perceived usefulness (PU)" and "perceived ease of use (PEOU)". Findings - The resul...
A growing concern about the consumer behavior in Internet economy has spurred the study of Material Flow, resulting in a unique type of consumer behavioral analysis. This research proposes an enhanced conceptual model for Personalized Material Flow Services for consumer behavior. In the era of Internet information technology, customer?s taste tends to be personalized for their market demand. It is observed that there are number of ?Long Tail? phenomena in several successful e-commerce business cases. However, the Long Tail phenomenon is an open question for our research in terms of its role in e-commerce marketing. In the proposed model-X-Party Personalized Material Flow Services, three elements are discussed. They are ?providing?, ?locating? and ?obtaining? based on X-Party Material Flow ...
Grid connected photovoltaic systems is one of the most promising applications of photovoltaic systems. These systems are employed in applications where utility service is already available. In this case, there is no need for battery storage because grid power may be used to supplement photovoltaic systems (PV) when the load exceeds available PV generation. The load receives electricity from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. In this system, the load is the total electrical energy consumption. The main objective of the present work is to optimize the electrical load pattern in Kuwait using grid connected PV systems. In this situation, the electric load demand can be satisfied from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. The performance of grid connected photovoltaic systems in the Kuwait climate has been evaluated. It was found that the peak ...
Some considerations regarding ice load in risk-based dam safety analysis are presented for small concrete dams. The most significant physical mechanisms leading to ice thrust on dams (such as thermal expansion and water level fluctuations) are outlined. Published literature on dam ice loads to examine ice load magnitude-return period relationships, sliding and overstressing failure mechanisms and structural performance criteria to resist ice loads, are also reviewed. Related loading combinations for structural safety evaluations were determined regarding the issue of simultaneity of ice loads with other events such as earthquakes. Parametric analyses were conducted on a small gravity dam section, 3m high, and a taller dam, 17.9 m high, to demonstrate the ultimate ice load carrying capability as a function of dam geometry and shear and ...
An effect of load conditions on Corrosion Fatigue Crack Propagation (CFCP) behavior of High Performance Steel (HPS) under seawater environment was investigated. Fatigue crack propagation tests under several load conditions including stress ratio and load frequency were conducted in air and 3.5% NaCl solution environments. Corrosion/fatigue ratio factor, C/F, particularly was defined to analyze the effect of such conditions. As shown in the results, a decrease of load ratio and frequency leads to an increase of C/F factor. Consequently, under lower loading frequency and stress ratio, the seawater condition causes much more significant effect on CFCP behavior of HPS.
Purpose Nonpoint sources (NPS) pollution has been an important cause for water quality impairment worldwide. To take the temporal variations of both NPS pollution and in-stream attenuation into consideration, an inverse modeling approach and the load duration curve (LDC) method were combined for variable nutrient total maximum daily load (TMDL) development. Methods Water quality and hydrological parameters were monitored monthly along the ChangLe River system in 2004?2008. The catchment NPS export load (EL) and TMDL for total nitrogen (TN) were estimated by the inverse format of an existing stream nutrient transport equation. The LDC method was used to describe the variability of EL, TMDL, requiring load (RLR) and percent (the ratio between the RLR and the EL, RPR) reduction, and then to s...
The WIT telemanagement system simply, reliably and efficient by makes available to us in real time processed, ordered and managed data. Such information has been used to optimise the performance of the drinking water distribution networks on a number of housing estates. This has led to major saving in consumption and on equipment maintenance, thereby improving customer service and obtaining a more rational use of piped water. (Author)
Due to their good hydraulic characteristic semi-axial pump turbines are used in the medium head range of pumped storage plants. This paper describes model tests performed on a semiaxial pump turbine model and shows the results of these tests. The aim of the model tests was the optimization of the hydraulic water passage, the measurement of the hydraulic characteristics over the whole operating range, the investigation of the cavitation behaviour, the investigation of the hydraulic forces and torques as well as the proof of the values guaranteed to the customer.
Recent scholarship has explored the process by which modern commercial and property law came into being in the non western world, and has emphasized the role played by colonialism and conquest in this process. Using a case study from colonial India, this article suggests that the coding of commercial law was influenced more by commercialization than by the nature of the state, and was an endogenous response to the failure of local custom and common law to secure frictionless trade.
The requirements of high-pressure compressors increase. The customers wish still larger quantities of delivery with smaller employment of achievement, minimal oil consumption, service amenability, long intervals of maintenance and so forth. For this, the author of the contribution under consideration presents two series of modular developed high-pressure compressors in compact design for industrial air and technical gases which exactly fulfil these requirements.
Discussion is presented of world crude steel production, the Japanese steel industry and its expectations of the Canadian coal industry. It is concluded that the Canadian coal industry should pay attention to the trend in customer's requirements regarding coal quality, maintain price competitiveness in the international market place, and remain flexible with regard to the market trend.
The article explains why electric and gas utilities in Germany should not forget the domestic customers when deciding their key account management strategies and marketing policy in the competitive electricity and natural gas markets. Competition in the German energy sector has just begun, and so far the industrial customers have been absorbing most of the utilities` attention. The authors show that this is a short-sighted management strategy and present a number of reasons speaking in favour of bulding up structures or preserving the loyalty of domestic cutomers, as this customer group will finally play an important role in the utilities` efforts to keep their competitive edge. (orig./CB) [Deutsch] Wenn heute unter Marketingaspekt ueber Kundenbindung im Energiemarkt gesprochen wird, dann wird haeufig zuerst oder sogar ausschliesslich ueber die umsatzstarken Geschaeftskunden nachgedacht. Der Wettbewerb, vor allem im Bereich ...
This apper discusses whether health risks are associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields that exist beneath high-voltage transmission lines. This is a question receiving increasing attention as the electric utility industry prepares to supply its customers with increased amounts of electric power. 26 refs.
... I don't think the 5 categories are exclusive nor do they represent the universe of ways people best receive love and affection. The author addresses this last point somewhat by saying there are many dialects within the 5 languages. Some might view that as a cop out. My strongest complaint is that the language of the book is dumb downed to reach the lowest grade of reader. Like ...
This paper discusses the characteristics and needed improvements/enhancements required for the expansion of the grid-tied residential power systems market. The purpose of the paper is to help establish a common understanding, between the technical community and the customers of the technology, of value and costs and what is required in the longer term for reaching the full potential of this application.
Research highlights: #-># The building occupancy affecting the cooling load prediction is studied. #-># PENN model is adopted in this study for predicting the building cooling load. #-># Statistical approach is adopted to result a less prejudice prediction performance. #-># Results show that occupancy data can significantly improve the prediction. -- Abstract: Building cooling load prediction is one of the key factors in the success of energy-saving measures. Many computational models available in the industry today have been developed from either forward or inverse modeling approaches. However, most of these models require extensive computer resources and involve lengthy computation. This paper discusses the use of data-driven intelligent approaches, a probabilistic entropy-based neural (PENN) model to predict the cooling load of a building. Although it is common knowledge that the presence ...
The adverse effects and diagnostic accuracy of thallium-201 myocardial SPECT after intravenous infusion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were studied and compared with SPECT examinations with other type of loading. The subjects of the study were 147 patients with or without coronary artery disease, who underwent some type of loading SPECT and coronary arteriography (CAG) within 30 days. Myocardial ischemia was evaluated qualitatively in SPECT and was compared with CAG for the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery disease. The degree of myocardial uptake defect was also calculated semiquantitatively using visual scoring method and compared with coronary artery severity score. The adverse effects occurred in 46.7% of ATP loading SPECT which was more frequent that DIP loading SPECT, but all of them were transient and mild. As for the diagnostic ability the ATP loading SPECT was as ...
VACUTAINER PPT plasma preparation tubes were evaluated to determine the effects of various handling and shipping conditions on plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load determinations. Plasmas...Full Text Available
This paper presents part-load evaluation of a natural gas-fired chemical looping combustion (CLC) combined cycle with CO2 capture. The novel combined cycle employs an air-based gas turbine, a CO2-turbine and a steam turbine cycle. In this combined cycle, the CLC reactors replace combustion chamber of the gas turbine. The proposed combined cycle has a net plant efficiency of about 52.2% at full-load, including CO2 compression to 200 bar. The part-load evaluation shows that reducing the load down to 60% results in an efficiency drop of 2.6%-points. However, the plant shows better relative part-load efficiency compared to conventional combined cycles. The pressure in CLC-reduction and -oxidation reactors is balanced by airflow control, using a compressor equipped with variable guide vanes. A combination of control strategies is discussed for plant start-up and shutdown and for ...
There has been great interest in understanding the methods by which collagen-based load-bearing tissue is constructed, grown and maintained in vertebrate animals. To date, the responsibility for this...Full Text Available
In regions of high bone loading, the mechanoresponsive osteocytes inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption by producing signaling molecules. One possible candidate is matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein...Full Text Available
This document presented the results of a full-scale pile load tests conducted on helix pile foundations supporting power transmission towers in northern Manitoba. The site conditions were described along with pile installation and the performance of the foundations. The pile load tests were carried out in 2 different soil conditions, notably soft to firm clays and stiff high plastic clays with silt varves. The performance of the helix pile foundations were examined under axial compressive and axial tension (uplift) loading conditions. The results of the compressive load tests were presented in the form of load settlement curves while the results of the uplift load tests were presented in the form of load displacement curves. Both types of load tests in soft or stiff clays showed the suitability of helical pile ...
A method for recycling laser flashlamp radiation in selected wavelength ranges to decrease thermal loading of the solid state laser matrix while substantially maintaining the pumping efficiency of the flashlamp.
The association of dietary glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) with cardiovascular diseases has been examined in several populations with varying results. We tested the hypothesis that...Full Text Available
Jun 16, 2011 ... Results indicated that fuel loadings averaged 24.05 Mg ha 1 in 2004–2006. Forest litter decreased from wetter to drier forest life zones. ...
This study compares the attitudes of academic and government wetlands scientists about wetlands science and policy. Analysis of one thousand seven hundred responses to Delphi-type questions posed to twenty California scientists on a wide range of issues about California coastal wetlands found significant differences between academic and government scientists about wetlands definitions, threats to wetlands, wetlands policies, wetlands health, and wetlands mitigation strategies. These differences were consistent with descriptive models of political sociology developed by D. Price and C.P. Snow and with normative models of the philosophy of science developed in the renaissance by F. Bacon and R. Descartes. Characteristics, preferences, and personality attributes consistent with group functions and roles have been described in these models. These findings have serious implications for policy. When academic and government wetlands scientists act as ...
Thermal gradients and thermal conductivities were obtained in real time using an in situ heat-flow technique in 15 shallow (90 to 150 m) wells drilled between Brawley and Glamis in the Imperial Valley, Southern California. The in situ measurements were supplemented by follow-up conventional temperature logs in seven of the wells and by laboratory measurements of thermal conductivity on drill cuttings. The deltaic sedimentary material comprising the upper approx. 100 m of the Salton Trough generally is poorly sorted and high in quartz resulting in quite high thermal conductivities (averaging 2.0 Wm/sup -1/ K/sup -1/ as opposed to 1.2 to 1.7 for typical alluvium). A broad heat-flow anomaly with maximum of about 200 mWm/sup -2/ (approx. 5 HFU) is centered between Glamis and East Brawley and is superimposed on a regional heat-flow high in excess of 100 mWm/sup -2/ (> 2.5 HFU). The heat-flow high corresponds with a gravity maximum and partially with a minimum in ...
Building 922 houses all of SNL/California`s ES and H Departments: Health Protection, Environmental Protection, Safety, and Environmental Operations. It covers approximately 10,000 square feet and houses about 80 people. The office personnel generate nonhazardous solid office wastes in their daily activities. To determine the types and amounts of waste generated, a special PPOA sorting team sorted all of the trash collected from the building for a period of one-week (including paper and aluminum cans in the recycling bins). The team sorted the trash into major categories: paper, plastic, metals, glass, wet garbage, rest room waste, and miscellaneous materials. They then sorted it into subcategories within each major category. Rest room waste was collected but not sorted. The waste in each category was weighed separately. The total amount of trash collected during the week was approximately 168.8 kg (371.4 lbs). The results of this PPOA indicate that ...
Oil and gas resources in the offshore areas of the US constitute a significant portion of US recoverable hydrocarbon resources. The exploration, development and production of these offshore resources in California, however, could have significant air quality implications for coastal air basins. This study was developed to address a problem that frequently arises with offshore air quality assessments. Typically, such assessments are performed for a specific activity scenario (e.g., a Federal OCS Lease Sale involving a projected number of drilling rigs, platforms, pipelines, etc.) and assume a projected (but uncertain) level of recoverable oil and gas resources. This study enables interested parties to estimate air emissions and impacts for a wide range of OCS-related development scenarios. The modular emission calculation procedure and the generic impact assessment provide for maximum flexibility in reassessing the emissions and impacts should changes in production ...
The health politics and policy communities are still struggling with the question of "what went wrong" in the 1993-94 health care reform effort. Here I identify which Americans were politically active and inactive during the health care reform debate to explore the role political participation may have had in determining the outcome of the debate. Using data from a national and California random-sample telephone surveys, and controlling for other demographic attributes, I found that those who engaged in political activity specifically related to health care reform were disproportionately more likely to be self-identified conservatives, less likely to favor an employer mandate plan, more likely to be fifty to sixty-four years old, more likely to be men, and more likely to have greater interest in and knowledge of the health care issue. Even in California, where a single-payer proposal was on the November ballot, self-identified liberals were no ...
Thermodynamic Stable Metal Compositions for Improvement of an Operational Safety of Constructional Materials under Conditions of Multifactor Loadings of an Aggressive Environment
disciplinary methods were used to independently determine the aerodynamic loads, the thermal response, and strardural performance of the hydrogen cooled ...
The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) participated in a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission research program to investigate methods to measure the effect of management and organization on nuclear plant safety. The UCLA research team focused its efforts on understanding {open_quotes}deep technical knowledge,{close_quotes} and its relation to probabilistic risk assessment. As a result, the research team combined deep technical knowledge with a commonly used rating system for understanding the effectiveness of management and organizations.
Computed tomography allows today to reconstruct three-dimensional (eD) images fram axial scans. The authors report their experience in cranio-facial pathology achived in two Departments of Radiology (University of Trieste, Italy and University of Standford, California). 3D images have been realized using two different softwares, one of which allows to reconstruct both soft tissue and bone structures. The application in maxillo-facial traumas, cranio-facial malformations and head tumours are disscussed. 3D images turned out to be very useful for the optimal visualization and for the spatial demostration of the lesion and have potential applications in cranio-facial surgery and radiotherapy.
Aggregation of fine-resolution land-cover maps to coarser scales indicates that estimates of the proportions of land-cover types vary as a function of spatial resolution. The magnitude of these proportional errors in a forested area in northern California increase significantly as resolution exceeds a 90-m threshold. These errors could pose difficulties for the use of land-cover products generated from coarse-resolution sensors such as the NOAA-AVHRR and the MODIS sensor planned for the EOS program. The magnitude of the errors appears to be a function of the spatial resolution of the map, the original size of the land-cover classes, and the spatial patterns of the classes.
This article describes version 3.006 of Nuance, an advanced and freely available neutrino generator written by Dave Casper of University of California, Irvine. Source codes of the program are publicly available. This description is based on Dave Casper's article '' The Nuance Neutrino Physics Simulation and the Future '', http://nuint.ps.uci.edu/nuance/files/ nuancenuint01.pdf , Nuance website at http://nuint.ps.uci.edu/ nuance/ , README.txt file provided in the src folder of Nuance distribution, and my own experience as a Nuance user. (author)
This workshop covered the latest practical engineering and operational management applications and techniques that have been found to enhance operational costs, reliability, and flexibility, with topics such as establishing the optimal refrigeration design cycle and operating design points; utility management; manpower scheduling; plant control philosophy and automation; short and long term maintenance scheduling; refrigerant loss detection and control; system contamination; component reliability; and equipment technical performance issues.
The symposium, Polycrystalline Thin Films - Structure, Texture, Properties, and Applications III, was held at the 1997 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting on March 31--April 4 in San Francisco, California. The topics and investigations were interdisciplinary in nature, and ranged from fundamental to technological. Specifically, the work presented in this volume includes film growth, texture and structural evolution, phase transformation, characterization of grain boundaries and interfaces, stress analysis, and works on polycrystalline Si and SiGe films and devices. Fifty four papers were processed separately for inclusion on the data base.
The symposium, Polycrystalline Thin Films - Structure, Texture, Properties, and Applications III, was held at the 1997 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting on March 31--April 4 in San Francisco, California. The topics and investigations were interdisciplinary in nature, and ranged from fundamental to technological. Specifically, the work presented in this volume includes film growth, texture and structural evolution, phase transformation, characterization of grain boundaries and interfaces, stress analysis, and works on polycrystalline Si and SiGe films and devices. Fifty four papers were processed separately for inclusion on the data base.
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)
This article outlines the use of gasifiers during World War II and how, with soaring fuel prices, producer gas may provide an alternate energy path for agribusiness and farms today. In the last few years, the University of California has become a focus of producer gas research in the US. Biomass fuels used include crushed walnut shells, fruit pits, cereal straw and corn cobs. Particle size, moisture content and slagging create problems and the right kind of gas producer must be used to obtain reliable conversion to producer gas.
...assistantship in Suburban Ecology Location: Bedford, NY Deadline: August 15, 2008 Postdoctoral Fellow in energy Location: University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Deadline: August 11, 2008 Junior Professional Fellowship Sustainable Development Governance Programme Location: UNU, Yokohama, Japan Deadline: August 1, 2008 Center for Ocean Solutions Early Career Fellowship Program Location: Stanford, California Deadline: July 15, 2008 Asian MetaCentre for Population and Sustainable Development Analysis Postdoctoral Research Fellow Location: Singapore Deadline: July 15, ...
FuelCell Energy in Connecticut has sold 4.5 MW worth of power plants to California renewable energy company BioFuels Fuel Cells, part of New Energy Capital and BioFuels Energy. Three molten carbonate fuel cell power plants - a 2.8 MW DFC3000 unit, a 1.4 MW DFC1500 system, and a 300 kW DFC300 unit - will be installed at three locations in the San Diego area, and utilize purified biogas from the Point Loma wastewater treatment plant as their primary fuel source.
Sufficient discussion of the elements of the leasing and permitting programs is included to place the information developed in proper context. A table and process flow diagram developed previously which outline the steps in the non-competitive leasing process, is reprinted. Computer printout profiles are presented on 195 identifiable areas in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Sufficient information on the boundaries of these areas is contained in the report to permit identification of their general location on any map of the appropriate state which shows township and range locations.
The SY-101 Equipment Removal System 100 Ton Hydraulic Trailer was designed and built by KAMP Systems, Inc. Performance of the Acceptance Test Procedure at KAMP`s facility in Ontario, California (termed Phase 1 in this report) was interrupted by discrepancies noted with the main hydraulic cylinder. The main cylinder was removed and sent to REMCO for repair while the trailer was sent to Lampson`s facility in Pasco, Washington. The Acceptance Test Procedure was modified and performance resumed at Lampson (termed Phase 2 in this report) after receipt of the repaired cylinder. At the successful conclusion of Phase 2 testing the trailer was accepted as meeting all the performance criteria specified.
According to the California Earthquake Authority, only about 12% of current California residences are covered by any form of earthquake insurance, down from about 30% in 1996 following the 1994, M6.7 Northridge earthquake. Part of the reason for this decreasing rate of insurance uptake is the high deductible, either 10% or 15% of the value of the structure, and the relatively high cost of the premiums, as much as thousands of dollars per year. The earthquake insurance industry is composed of the CEA, a public-private partnership; modeling companies that produce damage and loss models similar to the FEMA HAZUS model; and financial companies such as the insurance, reinsurance, and investment banking companies in New York, London, the Cayman Islands, Zurich, Dubai, Singapore, and elsewhere. In setting earthquake insurance rates, financial companies rely on models like HAZUS, that calculate on risk and exposure. In California, ...
This document provides structural load requirements and their basis for maintaining the structural integrity of the Hanford Single-Shell Tanks during waste feed delivery and retrieval activities. The requirements are based on a review of previous requirements and their basis documents as well as load histories with particular emphasis on the proposed lead transfer feed tanks for the privatized vitrification plant.
Cyclic strength of #alpha#+#beta#-titanium alloy BT3-1 is studied under load frequencies of 33 and 300 Hz. The increase in the cyclic strength with growing frequency is caused by formation of FCC interphase layers of titanium hydrides. Their formation is one of possible ways of raising the fatigue strength of titanium alloys. Peculiarities of FCC interlayer formation in #alpha#+#beta# phases under loading frequency variation are revealed.
Those areas in California where synthetic fuel-fired power plants could be sited in the 1990 time frame, from an air quality perspective were identified. The synfuel-fired power plants considered in this new study were 500 MW methanol-fired combined cycle (MFCC) and 500 MW integrated gasifier combined-cycle (IGCC) units. For comparison purposes, 500 MW direct coal-fired boilers and 500 MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle units were also considered. The study provides an approximation, for planning purposes, of a reasonable limit of the state's power plant siting capacity, given the plant types and sizes, conditions, and assumptions specified. The study shows that local emission limitations many times preclude certain types of power plants even when they are equipped with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) as required by NSR regulations. This study also shows that 4000 MW of direct-fired coal plants could potentially be sited in ...
A device is described for transporting loads, especially for moving belt driving stations in open pit mining operations with a propelling mechanism which for lifting a respective load is operable to move into a free space formed by the load with the ground. The device comprises a plurality of lifting mechanisms, by means of which, a lifting platform can be brought into engagement with a supporting surface of the load. The device comprises at least one supporting member which is so designed that it prevents the lifting platform from lifting off lifting mechanisms. Furthermore, means are provided which permit a turning of the lifting platform relative to the lifting mechanisms about a vertical axis which is arranged in a certain relationship to the propelling mechanism.
Background, aim, and scope Semi-trailers with load boxes are the most important mode of grain transport by land in the world. Load boxes can be produced with different materials such as: wood, steel, and synthetic material. They are responsible for effectiveness retention and quality of grains during the transport. Among the main aspects to be considered and valued when selecting materials for load boxes are the final mass of the semi-trailer, loss of grains, and mechanical properties. Environmental performance is another important aspect to be taken into account for developing and selecting new materials in this kind of application. This study presents a comparative environmental evaluation of load boxes built from two different materials (a wood panel and a three-layer synthetic (TLS) pa...
Experimental results of quasi-static and dynamic fracture of particle-filled polymer composite (PFPCM) "ALTUGLAS EI CH25" with a matrix of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) are reported in this paper. PMMA matrix is filled with rubber particles, as result a shock-resistant transparent composite is produced. The main task was to investigate experimentally and theoretically the fracture toughness of this composite under static and dynamic loading. A high-rate loading has been created by impulse magnetic field. Analysis of fracture process and its relation with the load parameters and material microstructure have been established. Application of the original testing method enabled determination of fracture toughness at very short loading times and comparison of the results with material dynamic p...
This paper introduces the summary of design guideline (draft) for the limit state design method for foundation structures, and examples of calculations on pile foundations. The limit states were set using the load to transformation curves, and the limit state No. 3 in particular assumed a large earthquake, a state that a foundation is fatally damaged because of rarely acting loads that lead to generation of displacement and loss of stability and functions. Ground survey coefficient, ground resistance coefficient, and ground property coefficient were defined especially as the safety coefficients. With respect to the displacement in the limit state No. 3, a restriction value was set for the plasticity of the foundation. Loads were given considerations of combination of permanent load, variation load, and accidental load, each having been set with a ...
Accurately predicting wind turbine blade loads and response is important for the proper design of wind turbines. The need to accurately predict both deterministic and stochastic blade loads is now widely recognized. Previous rotor code development and validation efforts at NREL have concentrated on prediction of deterministic and stochastic blade loads for rigid hub rotors. During the past year this effort was expanded for predicting blade and shaft loads for two-bladed teetering hub rotors. The NREL (formerly SERI) Teetering Rotor Analysis Program (STRAP), a derivative of the Force and Loads Analysis Program (FLAP), can include the effects of rotor undersling, delta-3 and the effects of a concentrated hub mass. The degrees of freedom include rotor teeter and symmetric and asymmetric rotor flap modes. A time-dependent, prescribed yaw motion can also be input to the code. ...
Taiheiyo coal deashed using acid treatment and loaded with potassium or calcium was hydro-cracked under gaseous phase to discuss effects of these metals on liquefaction reaction. In addition, the loaded coal was added with red mud catalyst to examine effects of the addition. The loaded potassium has a softening power, and particularly the potassium adsorbed into surface and micropores in the coal decomposes selectively HI-BS and BI-PS and generates gas and HS. On the other hand, potassium deposited on coal surface promotes direct gas production from the coal. Irrespective of its loading modes, calcium has a catalytic nature to produce HI-BS selectively. Calcium also acts to impede decomposition of HI-BS into HS. Adding red mud catalyst to potassium loaded coal increases the inversion rate and the liquefaction yield, and most of the increase is accounted for by HI -BS, and BI-PS. ...
The surveillance systems have been widely used in automatic teller machines (ATMs), banks, convenient stores, etc. For example, when a customer uses the ATM, the surveillance systems will record his/her face information. The information will help us understand and trace who withdrew money. However, when criminals use the ATM to withdraw illegal money, they usually block their faces with something (in Taiwan, criminals usually use safety helmets or masks to block their faces). That will degrade the purpose of the surveillance system. In previous work, we already proposed a technology for safety helmet detection. In this paper, we propose a mask detection technology based upon automatic face recognition methods. We use the Gabor filters to generate facial features and utilize geometric analysis algorithms for mask detection. The technology can give an early warning to save-guards when any "customer" or "intruder" blocks his/her face information ...
In two pilot projects Maingas AG has complemented an existing marketing mix with a telephone marketing segment. One of these telephone marketing campaigns was conducted for the purpose of `Intensification`, the other for `Activation of Unused Mains Connections`. The aim was to provide professional support to canvassing campaigns in their various phases in order to minimise diffusion losses and increase the probability of winning new customers. The slogan chosen for the drive was therefore: `Its no good being present unless one`s efficient in the preparation, execution, and revision of a campaign`. (orig.) [Deutsch] Die Maingas AG hat in zwei Pilotprojekten das bestehende Marketing-Mix durch das Segment Telefonmarketing ergaenzt. Es wurde eine Telefonmarketing-Aktion im Bereich `Verdichtung` und eine Telefonmarketing-Aktion im Bereich `Aktivierung Inaktive Hausanschluesse` durchgefuehrt. Ziel war es, durch einen professionellen flankierenden Service in den ...
Financial DisclosurePhacoemulsification and implantation of a hydrophilic acrylic toric intraocular lens (IOL) (T-flex 623T) with customized cylindrical power was performed in 1 eye in 3 consecutive patients with cataract and high postkeratoplasty astigmatism (range 6.75 to 8.75 diopters [D]). Twelve months postoperatively, the uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/30 in Case 1, from 20/400 to 20/40 in Case 2, and from 20/200 to 20/25 in Case 3 and the corrected distance visual acuity was 20/25 or better in all 3 eyes. The spheroequivalent was within +-0.50 D of the intended value and the refractive astigmatism was less than 1.00 D. The corneal grafts were transparent, and the endothelial cell loss range was 6% to 12%. Rotation of the toric IOL was less than 5 degre...
A glovebox was designed, fabricated, and mocked-up for the WIPP Gas Generation Experiments (GGE) being conducted at ANL-W. GGE will determine the gas generation rates from materials in contact handled transuranic waste at likely long term repository temperature and pressure conditions. Since the customer`s schedule did not permit time for performing R&D of the support systems, designing the glovebox, and fabricating the glovebox in a serial fashion, a parallel approach was undertaken. As R&D of the sampling system and other support systems was initiated, a specification was written concurrently for contracting a manufacturer to design and build the glovebox and support equipment. The contractor understood that the R&D being performed at ANL-W would add additional functional requirements to the glovebox design. Initially, the contractor had sufficient information to design the glovebox shell. Once the shell design was approved, ANL-W built a full scale ...
For over 50 years, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has evolved to supply electric power to more than 170 customer utilities and direct service industries across 14,800 miles of high voltage transmission lines. BPA's Office of Engineering provides the planning, development, and engineering for the required expansion, upgrade, and replacement of the transmission system. The purpose of this 10-Year Plan is to present strategies to maintain a reliable energy delivery system within changing public, business, technological, and environmental climates. The issues and trends discussed in this document and our strategies for addressing them provide the background for the Office of Engineering programs and projects. With a budget in the hundreds of millions annually and increasing public concern, we welcome the opportunity to communicate with our customers. In addition to the factors, trends and issues described in this document are ...
For over 50 years, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has evolved to supply electric power to more than 170 customer utilities and direct service industries across 14,800 miles of high voltage transmission lines. BPA`s Office of Engineering provides the planning, development, and engineering for the required expansion, upgrade, and replacement of the transmission system. The purpose of this 10-Year Plan is to present strategies to maintain a reliable energy delivery system within changing public, business, technological, and environmental climates. The issues and trends discussed in this document and our strategies for addressing them provide the background for the Office of Engineering programs and projects. With a budget in the hundreds of millions annually and increasing public concern, we welcome the opportunity to communicate with our customers. In addition to the factors, trends and issues described in this document are two ...
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), acting for the US Department of Energy (DOE), contracts for and administers programs for the purpose of promoting the development and commercialization of large scale, transportable battery energy storage systems. Under DOE Co-Op Agreement No. DE-FC04-94AL99852, SNL has contracted for the development and delivery of an initial prototype 250 kW bridge that becomes an integral subsystem of a 2 MW/10 Second System that can be used by utility customers to protect power sensitive equipment from power disturbances. Development work includes field installation and testing of the prototype unit at a participating utility site for extended product testing with subsequent relocation to an industrial or commercial participating utility customer site for additional evaluation. The program described by the referenced document calls for cost sharing with the successful bidder and eventual title transfer to the ...
Globalization and technological innovation are creating dynamic networks or chains of interconnected players, often known as value delivery networks or supply chains, in which a firm, whether manufacturing or service, holds the key to creating and delivering value in the form of offerings to the customers. This idea of value creation and exchange is the foundation stone of relationship marketing and it is considered successful when closeness is said to have been established in the relationship which subsequently leads toward the achievement of objectives. In order to study and understand the creation of value through relationship closeness in a value delivery network particularly at the backward end, a literature review is conducted. A framework is further developed with the help of Interp...
The reduction of emission from power plants of the public power industry inevitably leads to more and more residual products being obtained which require utilization. Traditionally, the building and building materials industry as well as, for a number of years, the gypsum industry have been the main customers processing these residual materials. To avoid having to tip them at landfills that are in short supply already, further uses are sought; so, for instance, in farming to ameliorate soil and fertilize plants. Relative to this subject, proposals are already available which are presented as lectures at the conference and discussed, together with practical knowledge and new investigation results. (BBR).
According to Schumpeter, the creative process of economic development can be divided into the stages of invention, innovation (commercialization) and imitation. Each stage is associated with specific skills. This paper examines whether Schumpeter?s assertion was correct, i.e. whether the invention and innovation stages should be undertaken by different agents. In addition, we examine whether there is a rationale for the Schumpeterian entrepreneur to include the inventor in the commercialization process. Combining the abilities of the entrepreneur and the inventor may serve to facilitate customer adaptation, strengthen knowledge transfers and reduce uncertainty, thereby expanding market opportunities. Based on a unique database covering Swedish patents granted to individuals and small firms...
Dimensional variability studies and published dimensional variability standards have been used by the foundry industry for years as an indicator of the casting process` ability to produce uniform parts. These studies are an extremely useful tool in the continuous ``dimensional dialogue`` between foundries and customers. The nature of these studies, and of the current tolerancing systems used by casting designers, leaves room for some misinterpretation and misuse of these study results. This paper contains two important discussions. The first part explains exactly what these studies represent. Following this is a brief explanation on dimensional and geometric tolerances and how they communicate dimensional requirements.
The U.S. Support Program to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards (USSP) was established in 1977 to transfer US technology and expertise to assist the IAEA Department of Safeguards because its limited budget and scope would not allow for R&D activities and the procurement of specialized or customized equipment. Over the years, the USSP and the Department of Safeguards have worked together continuously to develop and improve processes for requesting, selecting, and managing projects that support the Safeguards verification mission. This paper will discuss the main USSP processes for accepting and processing Safeguards requests, and managing and reporting task progress.
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to providing high quality products that satisfy customer needs and are the associated with this goal, DOE personnel must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to ensure successful job performance. In addition, there must be recognition that the greatest obstacle to proper project performance is inadequate project definition. Without strong project definition, DOE environmental management efforts are vulnerable to fragmented solutions, duplication of effort, and wastes resources. The primary means of ensuring environmental management projects meet cost and schedule milestones is through a structured and graded approach to project definition, which is the focus of this handbook.
As the cost of developing completely new computer codes becomes prohibitive, designers of nuclear facilities are turning to more cost-effective approaches for meeting increasingly strict regulatory requirements applied to safety-related analysis. For designing and licensing the MAPLE family of research reactors, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) is employing the strategy of adapting major existing codes by linking them together within networks of custom-built interface software. This approach builds on the international investment in developing, maintaining, and verifying existing primary codes and focuses on the less onerous development of interface codes. The resultant code systems are then validated for the new applications of interest.
The Savannah River Site has successfully used robots, teleoperators, and remote video to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation, improve worker safety, and improve the quality of operations. Previous reports have described the use of mobile teleoperators in coping with a high level liquid waste spill, the removal of highly contaminated equipment, and the inspection of nuclear reactor vessels. This report will cover recent applications at the Savannah River, as well as systems which SRS has delivered to other DOE site customers.
Data breaches, regularly in the news thanks to absent-minded employees or malicious hackers, are a real threat about which any company involved in the storing or transfer of data needs to be aware. And this isn't just about reputation and privacy - it has a real financial impact, too. In March 2010 the Ponemon Institute revealed that the cost of a data breach has risen for the third consecutive year. It found that the average data breach incident cost UK organisations @$1.9m or @$71 per record, an increase of 13% on 2009, and 18% on 2008. We all know how important it is to protect our data. Clearly, customers need to be choosy about whom they trust.
This document presents the proceedings of the Areva technical days, presented during the session 5 the 9 and 10 december 2004, at Istanbul. It deals with the operations of the transmission and distribution division. With manufacturing facilities in over 40 countries and a sales network in over 100, Areva offers customers technological solutions for nuclear power generation and electricity transmission and distribution (the Group also provides interconnect systems to the telecommunications, computer and automotive markets). It provides five topics: a general presentation of Areva, the strategic stakes for transmission and distribution by world-zone, economic and strategic stakes of business unit products, business unit systems and business unit automation. (A.L.B.)
This document outlines the significant accomplishments of fiscal year 1998 for the Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS) Project Hanford Management Contract (PHMC) team. Opportunities for improvement to better meet some performance expectations have been identified. The PHMC has performed at an excellent level in administration of leadership, planning, and technical direction. The contractor has met and made notable improvement of attaining customer satisfaction in mission execution. This document includes the team`s recommendation that the PHMC TWRS Performance Expectation Plan evaluation rating for fiscal year 1998 be an Excellent.
The nuclear data activity at AERE, Savar is briefly presented in this paper. Major thrust is on the customization of cross section libraries for general purpose reactor and shielding calculations. The processing codes that are available are NJOY91.91, some AMPX-Modules and the modules in SCALE-PC. Recent measurements on cross section data over the energy range 13-15 MeV at the Institute of Nuclear science and Technology have been reviewed. Measurements and calculations are based on the determination of excitation functions of neutron induced reactions on the elements and isotopes of FRT-relevant structural materials. (author).
In this study we consider relations between companies in Poland taking into account common branches they belong to. It is clear that companies belonging to the same branch compete for similar customers, so the market induces correlations between them. On the other hand two branches can be related by companies acting in both of them. To remove weak, accidental links we shall use a concept of threshold filtering for weighted networks where a link weight corresponds to a number of existing connections (common companies or branches) between a pair of nodes.
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Procedures are described to mechanize partially harvesting, cleaning, and pretreatment of guayule achenes. Achenes are harvested with a vacuum insect net and cleaned by a series of screening, threshing, and forced air separations, then treated to overcome seed coat impermeability in a semiautomatic system that presoaks, treats with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, and rinses. Achenes may be sown immediately or dried for storage. Procedures outlined involve commercially available equipment with a minimum of custom construction and are adaptable to small or large operations. (Refs. 11).
The High Exposure Facility is a collimated high-level gamma irradiator that is located in the basement of the 318 building. It was custom developed by PNNL back in 1982 to meet the needs for high range radiological instrument calibrations and dosimeter irradiations. At the time no commercially available product existed that could create exposure rates up to 20,000 R/h. This document is intended to pass on the design criteria that was employed to create this unique facility, while maintaining compliance with ANSI N543-1974, "General Safety Standard for Installations Using Non-Medical X-Ray and Sealed Gamma-Ray Sources, Energies up to 10 MeV."
Geothermal heat pump systems are a promising new energy technology that has shown rapid increase in usage over the past ten years in the United States. These systems offer substantial benefits to customers and utilities in energy (kWh) and demand (kW) savings. The purpose of this study was to determine what existing monitored data was available mainly from electric utilities on heat pump performance, energy savings and demand reduction for residential, school, and commercial building applications. Information was developed on the status of electric utility marketing programs, barriers to market penetration, incentive programs, and benefits.
This report covers the gamma detectors, measurement instrumentation, and testing results of a system developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. This system monitors the process liquid waste streams at the Plutonium Facility (TA-55) for the presence of radioactive contamination. The detectors are at various points on the acid, caustic, and industrial waste lines. Two of the detectors are on the sanitary sewer lines from the facility. A custom interface unit associated with these two detectors furnishes the facility operation center with a notification of the detection of material. All of the detectors furnish measurement information to a central computer system for storage and trending.
A 1976 decision of the US Supreme Court made it clear that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (then the Federal Power Commission) has a responsibility to consider and determine allegations that proposed wholesale electric rates create a price squeeze against customers who compete with the wholesaler in making retail electric sales. This article reviews how the commission has approached the matter of discharging its newly recognized responsibility since that time, and describes its current position regarding the several issues and questions that price squeeze allegations raise. 35 references.
We explore autofluorescence endomicroscopy as a potential tool for real-time visualization of epithelial tissue microstructure and organization in a clinical setting. The design parameters are explored using two experimental systems--an Olympus Medical Systems Corp. stand-alone clinical prototype probe, and a custom built bench-top rigid fiber conduit prototype. Both systems entail ultraviolet excitation at 266 nm and/or 325 nm using compact laser sources. Preliminary results using ex vivo animal and human tissue specimens suggest that this technology can be translated toward in vivo application to address the need for real-time histology.
Developing in Ext GWT is a fast--paced, practical guide to quickly learning the tasks necessary in building enterprise--class Rich Internet Applications. Based around the exciting new UI library from Ajax leaders Ext JS and the latest GWT release, this book takes the reader through setup, the available widgets, and advanced custom widgets and templates, and concludes with a functional sample client--server application in less than 150 pages. Not your typical beginner's guide to programming, this book provides a rapid approach to becoming effective with leading commercial RIA tools and librarie
Due mainly to competitive pressures, the practice of offering electric and telephone service under contracts or special tariffs negotiated individually between a utility and its customers has increased in importance in recent years. Moreover, the practice is likely to become still more widespread in the future. This creates questions of public policy that are of interest to regulators and ratepayers alike such as how to supervise the practice, how to encourage utilities to compete while preventing cross-subsidization and anticompetitive behavior, and how the practice will ultimately affect utilities and ratepayers. This report sheds light on the topic by describing approaches that have been taken by the various regulatory commissions and by providing a framework for analyzing such contractors.
The congestion cost caused by transmission capacities and voltage limit is an important issue in a competitive electricity market. To allocate the congestion cost equitably, the active constraints in a constrained dispatch and the sequence of these constraints should be considered. A multi-stage method is proposed which reflects the effects of both the active constraints and the sequence. In a multi-stage method, the types of congestion are analysed in order to consider the sequence, and the relationship between congestion and the active constraints is derived in a mathematical way. The case study shows that the proposed method can give more accurate and equitable signals to customers. (Author)
Jim Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Duke Energy Corporation, examines how coal and climate change regulations can co-exist. He addresses the need for economically sound choices for future energy needs, which is complicated by what he refers to as 'the elephant in the room'climate change. He observes that new CO{sub 2} regulations would increase the USA's cost of generating electricity over time and result in higher prices for customers, and he advocates that a gradual, economy-wide, market-based U.S. climate policy is the best option. 1 ref., 1 fig.
The authors evaluated three of the top man-machine interface (MMI) software systems. The main categories upon which they based their evaluation on were the following: operator interface; network and data distribution; input/output (I/O) interface; application development; alarms; real-time and historical trending; support, documentation, and training; processing tools (batch, recipe, logic); reports; custom interfacing; start-up/recovery; external database; and multimedia. They also present their MMI requirements and guidelines for the selection and evaluation of these MMI systems.
In today's business environment, strong forces of competition and globalization have created an urgency to focus how an organization controls and nurtures its intellectual capital. The concept of knowledge and its management has gained currency and momentum as technology has enabled thoughts and ideas to be more easily generated and distributed. With increased application of technologies such as the Internet, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and advanced software capabilities, it has been suggested the time has come for discussion of a new paradigm for knowledge management. Toward that end, this article examines the knowledge literature and reviews the experience of a leading private healthcare group, with the objective of gaining a better understanding of the issues that confront e...
\\lhcb is one of the four major experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (\\lhc) at CERN. It is custom built to look for CP violation and New Physics in rare decays of heavy flavour hadrons, like the B and D systems. Rare decays that occur via loop diagrams provide a way to probe New Physics at energy scales much higher than can be probed by direct production in experiments. In this article, the \\lhcb prospects for such measurements with exclusive decays of the type $B \\to \\Xs \\gamma$ and $B \\to X_{s} l^{+} l^{-}$ are presented.
LHC$b$ is one the four major experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. It is custom built to look for CP violation and New Physics in rare decays of heavy flavor hadrons, like the B and D systems. Rare decays that occur via loop diagrams provide a way to probe New Physics at energy scales much higher than can be probed by direct production in experiment. In this article, the LHC$b$ prospects for such measurement with exclusive decays of the type $B \\to X_s\\gamma$ and $B\\to X_sl^+l^-$ are presented.
This report was prepared in response to a request from the Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee (NERAC) subcommittee on ''Long-Term Isotope Research and Production Plans.'' The NERAC subcommittee has asked for a reply to a number of questions regarding (1) ''How well does the Department of Energy (DOE) infrastructure sme the need for commercial and medical isotopes?'' and (2) ''What should be the long-term role of the federal government in providing commercial and medical isotopes?' Our report addresses the questions raised by the NERAC subcommittee, and especially the 10 issues that were raised under the first of the above questions (see Appendix). These issues are related to the isotope products offered by the DOE Isotope Production Sites, the capabilities and condition of the facilities used to produce these products, the management of the isotope production programs at DOE ...
A 25m wind turbine blade was tested to failure when subjected to a flapwise load. With the test setup, it was possible to test the blade to failure at three diffe-rent locations. The objective of these tests is to learn about how a wind turbine blade fails when exposed to a large flapwise load and how failures propagate. The report shows also results from ultra sonic scan of the surface of the blade and it is seen to be very useful for the detection of defects, especially in the layer between the skin laminate and the load carrying main spar. Acoustic emission was successfully used as sensor for the detection of damages in the blade during the test. The report contains measurements of the total deflection of the blade, the local deflection of the skin and the load carrying main spar and also measurement of strain all as a function of the applied load and up to failure of the blade. ...
The solubilities of plutonium and uranium have been determined for alkaline salt solutions having compositions which bound those which will be processed in the In-Tank Precipitation (ITP) process. Loadings of plutonium and uranium onto monosodium titanate (MST) have been determined at temperatures bounding those expected to occur during ITP and using a salt solution which was determined to have the maximum solubility for uranium and plutonium. Fissile loadings increase with decreasing amounts of MST in contact with the salt solutions saturated in plutonium and uranium. At MST concentrations bounding those which are planned for the ITP process, expressions for the maximum loadings (wt %) are determined to be 0.29 - 0.20x[MST] for plutonium and 1.8 - 0.29x[MST] for uranium, where [MST] is the concentration of MST in grams/liter. These expressions are valid over the range of MST concentrations from 0.05 to 0.51 g/L and ...
The thermal contact resistance between balls and inner and outer rings of thermally steady space-use deep groove ball bearings was studied experimentally to verify the validity of the previously proposed calculation method for the resistance. The 440C stainless steel single row bearing was used for measuring its steady state temperature distributions in a vacuum environment under axial, radial and combined load conditions. As a result, the experimental results of the resistance well agreed with calculated ones under each load condition resulting in the sufficient validity at nearly the same surface roughness. It was necessary to apply a static equivalent radial load to calculation under the combined load that a contact angle is larger than the angle of resultant force dependent on both load components. In experiments under only radial load, measurement of outer ...
The objective of the study was to investigate neuronal processing during the encoding, retention and retrieval phases of a serial visual working memory task. Particularly, we were interested in how these phases are affected by working memory load and how processing is modulated by methylphenidate. Healthy adults were asked to memorize the order of four, five or six pictures under methylphenidate (20mg) and under placebo while brain electrical activity was recorded. On the performance level, the number of correct responses decreased with increasing working memory load. Concerning brain electrical activity, in the encoding phase P3 amplitudes increased at midline electrodes with increasing memory load while load had no effect in the retention and retrieval phase. Medication neither influenced performance nor the different processing stages significantly. Our data provide evidence that during the encoding ...
An experimental apparatus has been built that allows direct measurement of the oil film thickness in a bearing that is subjected to dynamic loads and shaft speeds representative of those occurring in automotive engine connecting rod, big-end bearings. Dynamic motion of the shaft, relative to the bearing, is measured as a function of shaft rotational angle, using non-contact, eddy-current probes. A computer based data acquisition system is used to measure, record, and analyze the journal position in the bearing. The test bearing is 63.5 mm in diameter by 25.4 mm long, and is loaded using a servo-hydraulic actuator rated at 98.3 kN. The journal has an operating speed of 500 to 3800 rpm. The actuator is controlled by a computer-generated waveform that can duplicate load profiles developed by various engines operating at a wide range of conditions. Measurements taken with the shaft statically loaded show ...
Varying load can cause changes in a measured gearbox vibration signal. However, conventional techniques for fault diagnosis are based on the assumption that changes in vibration signal are only caused by deterioration of the gearbox. There is a need to develop a technique to provide accurate state indicator of gearbox under fluctuating load conditions. This paper presents an approach to gear fault diagnosis based on complex Morlet continuous wavelet transform under this condition. Gear motion residual signal, which represents the departure of time synchronously averaged signal from the average tooth-meshing vibration, is analyzed as source data due to its lower sensitiveness to the alternating load condition. A fault growth parameter based on the amplitude of wavelet transform is proposed to evaluate gear fault advancement quantitatively. We found that this parameter is insensitive to varying load and ...
This paper presents a systematic approach to the automatic determination of the evolution of the rigid-plastic structural response caused by a proportional or single parameter pressure loading which varies with time in a monotonic non decreasing fashion. The frame structure is envisaged as a network, and the fundamental vectorial conditions characterising its behaviour at any instant of time are combined in a consistent manner. By considering the level of the pressure loading to be a single load parameter ranging monotonically from zero to infinity, the structural governing system may be regarded as a parametric linear complementary problem. (author). 13 refs., 2 figs.
The load-carrying capacity and ultimate deformation capacity of timber-concrete composite systems can be significantly influenced by the ductility of the connection between the two materials. The use of more ductile connections can increase the load-carrying capacity of the composite system as well as its ultimate deformation capacity. In this work, the potential increase that might be expected for these two parameters due to the use of ductile connections will be assessed through numerical simulations, taking the non-linear behaviour of the connections into account. Furthermore, the connection ductility required to achieve the maximum load capacity depends on the mechanical properties of the connection as well as on the geometric and mechanical properties of the composite system. There ar...
ABS>A horizontal steam generator design for the SM-2 was lysis to determine the per formance of such a steam generator under steady state operating conditions and during load transients, The configuration for this design is a two- drum unit consisting of a heat exchanger unit and separator drum interconnected by integral riser and downcomer. An analog computer was used to analyze the steam generator behavior Wring load transients. The effect of various design changes on the response of the steam generator to step chages in load was determined. The horizontal steam generator design was compared to the existing vertical steam generator design for weight, size, price, and performance. (auth)
A study was conducted on diesel engines to find out the effect of induction rate of biogas on engine performance indices. The results of dual fuel engine performance was compared with diesel mode for various levels of biogas induction rate (0.3 to 7.2 l/s) engine load (20% to full load) and injection timing (20.6 to 48 before top dead centre). At full and 80% brake load, the best energy mix between diesel and biogas was 1.5:1 and 4:1 respectively. (author). 7 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.
Long crack fatigue threshold ({delta} K{sub th}) and crack closure behaviour of two thermomechanically processed microalloyed (MA) ferrite-pearlite steels are reported. {delta} K{sub th} and crack closure were measured using a dynamic compliance measurement technique. Crack closure was observed at low load ratios (R < 0.5) and the fatigue thresholds decreased with increasing load ratio. In both steels, the closure-free intrinsic threshold ({delta} K{sub eff} {sub th}) was found to be independent of the load ratio. (orig.)
Several types of X-band high power loads developed for several tens of MW range were designed, fabricated and used for high power tests at X-band facility of KEK. Some of them have been used for many years and few units showed possible deterioration of RF performance. Recently revised-design loads were made by CERN and the high power evaluation was performed at KEK. In this paper, the main requirements are recalled, together with the design features. The high power test results are analysed and presented
The effect of additives on the grafting of a monomer, butylmethacrylate (BA), into simul (a soft wood) has been studied using {sup 60}Co source at 3 Mrad. The enhancement of polymer loading (grafting) by the addition of minute amounts (1%) of oligomers and of polyfunctional monomers into simul + BA system has been further increased in the presence of acid and urea. The synergistic polymer loading yields by acid addition cause substantial decrease of tensile strength values of wood-plastic composite; but urea increases both polymer loading and tensile strength values synergistically in these systems. (author).
The effect of additives on the grafting of a monomer, butylmethacrylate (BA), into simul (a soft wood) has been studied using "6"0Co source at 3 Mrad. The enhancement of polymer loading (grafting) by the addition of minute amounts (1%) of oligomers and of polyfunctional monomers into simul + BA system has been further increased in the presence of acid and urea. The synergistic polymer loading yields by acid addition cause substantial decrease of tensile strength values of wood-plastic composite; but urea increases both polymer loading and tensile strength values synergistically in these systems. (author).
An aspiration cover is proposed for the site of loading a belt conveyer including a housing arranged above the belt conveyer in whose cover there is an aspiration sleeve and a discharge chute from the upper wall and a guide having a cushioning plate on the lower end. It is distinguished by the fact that in order to improve the effectiveness of removing dust by decreasing the volume of aspirated air, the cover between the aspiration sleeve and the upper wall of the loading chute is convex in the inside of the housing and has a smooth connection to the upper wall of the discharge chute turned towards the cushioning plate.
The non linear electrical loads can give rise to a number of disturbances in electrical power networks. Among them, the high consumption of relative power is to be noted and so is the several harmonic components which may be injected in the industry system and very often in the utility system. So, by using appropriate technical considerations, as well as measurements in typical special electrical loads, such negative effects are analyzed and ways of minimizing them are suggested. (author) 3 refs., 11 figs., 6 tabs.
The problem of pile groups subjected to lateral loads is of interest particularly in offshore and coastal regions. An understanding of pile-soil interaction is essential in designing such pile foundations. In this paper, a simplified finite element analysis in conjunction with Yegian and Wright approach has been presented to study the behavior of pile groups under lateral loads. The pile is treated as a shear beam and the soil media is assumed to be linear elastic. The results of the analysis are used to estimate: (1) Lateral Group Efficiency and (2) Extent of stress influence around the pile. The results obtained from the theoretical predictions are found to be reasonably in good agreement with the published literature.
In this work, a mixed cationic--anionic [i.e. cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-sodium octyl sulphate] surfactant system was used to synthesize the magnetite particles. The loading content of iron ions (Fe{sup 3+} and Fe{sup 2+}) into the surfactant system was varied to study its effect on the formation of magnetite, magnetic and morphological properties of the magnetite particles encapsulated by the surfactant vesicles. It has been verified that the vesicle-encapsulated magnetite particles with sizes from 100 to 200 nm were formed, which were almost independent of the loading content of iron ions. However, the morphological structure of the magnetite particles was dependent on the loading content of iron ions and there existed an optimal loading content for a full packing of the surfactant vesicles with the magnetite particles.
In this work, a mixed cationic--anionic [i.e. cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-sodium octyl sulphate] surfactant system was used to synthesize the magnetite particles. The loading content of iron ions (Fe"3"+ and Fe"2"+) into the surfactant system was varied to study its effect on the formation of magnetite, magnetic and morphological properties of the magnetite particles encapsulated by the surfactant vesicles. It has been verified that the vesicle-encapsulated magnetite particles with sizes from 100 to 200 nm were formed, which were almost independent of the loading content of iron ions. However, the morphological structure of the magnetite particles was dependent on the loading content of iron ions and there existed an optimal loading content for a full packing of the surfactant vesicles with the magnetite particles.
This paper presents a detailed characterization and rheometric property study of in-situ sodium activated, organomodified bentonite clay - styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite. It was found that around 10phr loading was the optimum level for maximum effect of the organo clay. The WAXD data indicated that at higher loading there was formation of agglomerations in the matrix. It was found that organo clay compound exhibited lower maximum torque in comparison to equivalent amount of carbon black loaded compound. The nanocomposites were also used for partial replacement of N330 carbon black in a highly black loaded compound. Part replacement of the carbon black with nano-clay reduced the maximum rheometric torque in comparison to the control compound. Detail study revealed that with sl...
Wood-polymer composites (WPC) have been prepared of pinewood with different monomers using Gamma radiation: acrylamide, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylonitrile, and polyester. The polymer loading was determined as a function of monomer concentration and absorbed dose. The data show that polymer loading increases by increasing the monomer concentration. In two cases, BMA and polyester, the polymer loading decreases at high concentrations. This can be explained by the increase of the viscosity. Thus the diffusion of the compound into bulk would be slower. The absorbed dose seems to play a positive role in enhancing the polymer loading by increasing the dose. The mechanical properties, tensile and compression strength, have been improved in the most cases for all monomer concentrations or absorbed doses. Using polyester there was no improvement in the mechanical properties, and using ...
This paper presents a dynamic displacement influence line method for moving load identification on bridge. The finite element model of Poyang Lake continuous truss bridge-train systems is established and the dispersed modal shapes are acquired by modal analysis. Multi-axle moving train loads are identified with simulated annealing genetic algorithm by minimizing the errors between the measured displacements and the reconstructed displacements from the identified moving loads. In the identification process, the dynamic displacement influence line technique is used to calculate the time history displacement responses of the bridge to avoid solving equations of motion of the bridge repetitively. Several important parameters of the bridge-train system are discussed to investigate their effects...
A method for determining the rational capacity of the shield supports under various geological conditions is proposed. Based on the instrumentation of the pressure histories of the shield legs in eight mines, the relation between the final load or the increment of support resistance in a mining cycle and the setting load is established. The relation is represented by a mathematical equation with characteristic constants. Those constants are related to the physical properties of the immediate and main roof strata. Nomographs were constructed for determining the constants under various geological conditions. The paper discusses the principles and step-by-step procedures for determining the rational setting and yield loads for all the shield supports employed in the eight mines. The predicted values are then compared with the actual ones used by the operators. 7 refs., 6 figs., 4 tabs.
This paper describes Automatic Refueling Planning System (ARPS) for a nuclear power station using Genetic Algorithms (GA) and a Simulated Annealing (SA). ARPS has been developed and verified by applying to the Fugen nuclear power station (NPS), which is a 165MWe, heavy water-moderated, boiling light water-cooled, pressure tube-type reactor developed by JNC utilizing mainly uranium and plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. Fuel loading patterns have been managed independently in the Fugen NPS since the initial core. A planning of an adequate fuel loading pattern on each operational cycle needs one to two months even for expert core management engineers, for the reason that it has multi-objective optimization and nonlinear problems. In order to achieve the optimum fuel loading pattern and a fuel cost reduction, ARPS has been developed by JNC and CRC Solutions Corporation for the last five years. ARPS firstly generates several ...
The load-following operation of nuclear power plants will become inevitable due to the increased nuclear share in the total electricity generation. As a groundwork for the load-following capability of the Korean next generation PWRs, the state-of-the-art has been reviewed. The core control principles and methods are the main subject in this review as well as the impact of load-following operations on the fuel performance and on the mechanical integrity of components. To begin with, it was described what the load-following operation is and in what view point the technology should be reviewed. Afterwards the load-following method, performance and problems in domestic 900 MWe class PWRs were discussed, and domestic R and D works were summarized. Foreign technologies were also reviewed. They include Mode G and Mode X of Foratom, D and L bank method of KWU, the method using PSCEA of ...
High-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) has been used to quantify load transfer in bovine plexiform bone. By using both wide-angle and small-angle XRD, strains in the mineral as well as the collagen phase of bone were measured as a function of applied compressive stress. We suggest that a greater proportion of the load is borne by the more mineralized woven bone than the lamellar bone as the applied stress increases. With a further increase in stress, load is shed back to the lamellar regions until macroscopic failure occurs. The reported data fit well with reported mechanisms of microdamage accumulation in bovine plexiform bone.
0pen ended piles develop internal frictional resistance between the internal soil plug end the pile wall during axial loading. Current pipe pile design practice assumes that the ultimate internal skin friction is of the same order of magnitude as the outer skin friction. This paper describes a series of laboratory pile load tests on instrumented model pipe piles, designed to investigate the development of plug stresses and skin friction along the plug length during pile loading. The piles contain sand columns of various relative densities and of different heights. The soil plugs are loaded to failure under fully drained conditions. The test data indicate that internal skin friction in sand can be substantially higher than assumed in conventional design practice. This finding could lead to significant economical savings on future pipe pile foundations in sand.
The fatigue and fracture behavior of hard tissues are topics of considerable interest today. This special group of organic materials comprises the highly mineralized and load-bearing tissues...Full Text Available
The nucleation of microdamage under dynamic loading was investigated through planar impact experiments accomplished with a light gas gun. The microscopic observation of recovered and sectioned specimens showed that microcracks were nucleated only by cracking of brittle particles inside material. However, for comparison the in situ static tensile tests on the same material conducted with a scanning electron microscope showed that the microcracks were nucleated by many forms those were fracture of ductile matrix, debonding particles from matrix and cracking of brittle particles. The quantitative metallographic observations of the specimens subjected to impact loading showed that most of the cracked particles were situated on grain boundaries of the aluminum matrix. These facts suggested the concept of critical size and incubation time of submicroscopic cavities in the dynamic case and the mechanism of embryo-damage induced nucleation by fracture ...
Heat transfer through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a key process in the design and operation of a PEM fuel cell. The analysis of this process requires the determination of the effective thermal conductivity as well as the thermal contact resistance between the GDL and adjacent surfaces/layers. The Part 1 companion paper describes an experimental procedure and a test bed devised to allow separation of the effective thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance, and presents measurements under a range of static compressive loads. In practice, during operation of a fuel cell stack, the compressive load on the GDL changes. In the present study, experiments are performed on Toray carbon papers with 78% porosity and 5% PTFE under a cyclic compressive load. Results show a significant hy...
... In fact, for dynamic loading, the ultimate compressive strength can be more than doubled (Bischoff and Perry 1991), whereas the ultimate uniaxial ...
;Table of Contents: Legal authority; Summary of proposed regulations; Industry definition and waste streams; Industry description; Data and information gathering; Selection of pollutant parameters; Drilling wastes-characterization, control, and treatment technologies; Produced water-characterization, control, and treatment technologies; Miscellaneous waste-characterization, control, and treatment technologies; Cost and pollutant loading determination of drilling fluids and drill cuttings; Compliance cost and pollutant load determination of produced water; Compliance cost and pollutant load determination of well treatment, workover, and completion fluids; Cost and pollutant loading determination of deck drainage; Options selection-rationale and total costs; Pretreatment standards; Non-water quality environmental impacts and other factors; Best Management Practices; and Appendices.
Background Photopolymerizable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels offer a platform to deliver cells in vivo and support three-dimensional cell culture but should be designed to degrade in sync with neotissue development and endure the physiologic environment. Questions/purposes We asked whether (1) incorporation of degradation into PEG hydrogels facilitates tissue development comprised of essential cartilage macromolecules; (2) with early loading before pericellular matrix formation, the duration of load affects matrix production; and (3) dynamic loading in general influences macroscopic tissue development. Methods Primary bovine chondrocytes were encapsulated in hydrogels (n?=?3 for each condition). The independent variables were hydrogel degradation (nondegrading PEG and degrading olig...
... being designed for projected Minotaur IV launch load environments, with design objectives of light weight, integrated vibration isolation, low shock ...
Varying load can cause changes in a measured gearbox vibration signal. However, conventional techniques for fault diagnosis are based on the assumption that changes in vibration signal are only caused by deterioration of the gearbox. There is a need to develop a technique to provide accurate state indicator of gearbox under fluctuating load conditions. This paper presents an approach to gear fault diagnosis based on complex Morlet continuous wavelet transform under this condition. Gear motion residual signal, which represents the departure of time synchronously averaged signal from the average tooth-meshing vibration, is analyzed as source data due to its lower sensitiveness to the alternating load condition. A fault growth parameter based on the amplitude of wavelet transform is proposed ...
This paper presents a design of fuzzy power system stabilizer (FPSS) using adaptive evolutionary computation (AEC). We have proposed an adaptive evolutionary algorithm which uses a genetic algorithm (GA) and an evolution strategy (ES) in an adaptive manner in order to take merits of two different evolutionary computations. FPSS shows better control performances than conventional power system stabilizer (CPSS) in three-phase fault with heavy load which is used when tuning FPSS. To show there robustness of the proposed FPSS, it is applied to damp the low frequency oscillations caused by disturbances such as three-phase fault with normal and light load, the angle deviation of generator with normal and light load and the angle deviation of generator with heavy load. Proposed FPSS shows better robustness than CPSS. (author). 15 refs., 13 figs., 3 tabs.
We have been piloting web-based multimedia learning modules (MLMs), developed by the Physics Education Research Group at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC), as a "prelecture assignment" in several introductory physics courses at California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. In this study, we report the results from a controlled study utilizing modules on electricity and magnetism as a part of a blended hybrid-online course. We asked students in the experimental section to view the MLMs prior to attending the face-to-face class, and to make sure this would not result in additional instructional time, we reduced the weekly class time by one-third. We found that despite reduced class time, student-learning outcomes were not hindered; in fact, the implementation of the UIUC MLMs resulted in a positive effect on student performance on conceptual tests and classroom discussion questions. (Contains 4 figures and 1 table.)
The objective of the three-phase Holly Sugar Geothermal Project was to replace fossil fuels with geothermal energy for sugar beet processing at the Holly Sugar plant located in Brawley, California, in a technically straightforward, economically sound and environmentally acceptable manner. The first phase of the project, discussed in this final report, encompassed the design and analysis of a geothermal industrial heat system for Holly Sugar and addresses: (1) assessment of the geothermal resource; (2) development of a preliminary system design; (3) analysis and publication of an environmental analysis and monitoring report; (4) preliminary economic analyses; (5) dissemination of project related information; and (6) the development of a proposal for the follow-on phases.
The economic feasibility of the residential solar thermal (ST) cooling system designed in the companion article [1] is ascertained by comparing it with a solar electric (SE) cooling system, and also with the baseline (i.e., control case), a grid dependent, highest efficiency COPC=5.66 heat pump. The economic scenario is analyzed for 24 cities across the southern USA, south of the 37degreeN. The SE cooling system provides lifecycle (20 year) savings to the homeowner only where electric rates are high and it is heavily subsidized. The overall societal effect (sum of taxpayer funded rebate and homeowner savings) is actually an increased cost everywhere except the California Central Valley, where the net savings is $1500. In the same valley, The ST cooling system provides greater lifecycle sav...
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have taken the unprecedented step of creating a collaborative, multi-disciplinary graduate education program and associated research agenda called the Engineering Institute. The mission of the Engineering Institute is to develop a comprehensive approach for conducting LANL mission-driven, multidisciplinary engineering research and to improve recruiting, revitalization, and retention of the current and future staff necessary to support the LANL' s national security responsibilities. The components of the Engineering Institute are (1) a joint LANL/UCSD degree program, (2) joint LANL/UCSD research projects, (3) the Los Alamos Dynamic Summer School, (4) an annual workshop, and (5) industry short courses. This program is a possible model for future industry/government interactions with university partners.
Benthic biological samples were taken in 1977 from the vicinity of the Farallon Islands radioactive waste disposal sites for characterization of the infaunal macroinvertebrates and foraminifera. A total of 120 invertebrate species were collected, of which 75 species (63 percent) were polychaetes. Forty-three of these polychaete species have not previously been reported from depths greater than 1000m. A total of 1044 macroinvertebrate specimens were collected of which 54 percent were polychates. Only the nematods were present at all six benthic stations, but the community structure was dominated by the polychaetes Tauberia gracilis, Allia pulchra, Chaetozone setosa, and Cossura candida. Living and dead foraminifera were reported. The possible role of polychaetes in bioturbation and in the marine food chain is briefly discussed with respect to the various polychaete feeding mechanisms.
Radiation from an ultrastable 240 GHz solid state source has been injected, through an isolator, into the cavity of the University of California, Santa Barbara millimeter-wave free-electron laser (FEL). High-power FEL emission, normally distributed among many of the cavity's longitudinal modes, is concentrated into the single mode to which the solid state source has been tuned. The linewidth of the FEL emission is 0.5 MHz, consistent with the Fourier transform limit for the 2 #mu#s pulses. This demonstration of frequency-stable, ultranarrow-band FEL emission is a critical milestone on the road to FEL-based pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Presented are the results from a laboratory test program conducted to identify and evaluate materials for converting hazardous geothermal residues to a non-hazardous and potentially usable form. Results indicate that the residues can be effectively incorporated, as a fine aggregate, into portland cement-based composites. Five geothermal residues obtained from sites in the Salton Sea area of California were evaluated. Three of these were classified as hazardous. After mixing with cement, the leach rates were all well below specified levels. Although structural-grade composites were produced, gradual reductions in properties with time up to 1 yr were noted. This indicates ongoing chemical reactions between the cement paste and the constituents of the residues. Further research is necessary before the composites could be considered for use in structural applications. 3 refs., 8 tabs.
The Advanced Networking Integration Department at Sandia National Laboratories has used the annual Supercomputing conference sponsored by the IEEE and ACM for the past three years as a forum to demonstrate and focus communication and networking developments. For Supercomputing `95, Sandia elected: to demonstrate the functionality and capability of an AT&T Globeview 20Gbps Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switch, which represents the core of Sandia`s corporate network, to build and utilize a three node 622 megabit per second Paragon network, and to extend the DOD`s ACTS ATM Internet from Sandia, New Mexico to the conference`s show floor in San Diego, California, for video demonstrations. This paper documents those accomplishments, discusses the details of their implementation, and describes how these demonstrations supports Sandia`s overall strategies in ATM networking.
Preliminary plans for the 90 to 100-MW coal-fired combined cycle plant due to be built by a team headed by Southern California Edison and Texaco in the mid-1980s are reviewed. The basic operating goals call for having a gasifier with a 1,000 ton coal capacity per day feeding a 70-MW turbine which then provides waste heat to run a 30-MW steam turbine. Texaco will have responsibility for the gasifier part of the facility with the turbine-generator vendor charged with providing both gas and steam turbine equipment. If the 100-MW demonstration plant achieves 32 to 33% design efficiency, then a commercial plant with expansion turbines and steam reheat should hit 38% and require 20 to 30% less water than a conventional coal fired plant.
In the spring of 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 (EPA), launched an investigation into tanker waste disposal practices for vessels discharging ballast water at the Alyeska Pipeline Services Company's Ballast Water Treatment (BWT) facility and marine terminal in Valdez, Alaska. It had been alleged that the Exxon Shipping Company was transferring 'toxic wastes originating in California' to Valdez. In response, EPA decided to examine all waste streams generated on board and determine what the fate of these wastes were in addition to investigating the Exxon specific charges. An extensive Information Request was generated and sent to the shipping companies that operate vessels transporting Alaska North Slope Crude. Findings included information on cargo and fuel tank washings, cleaning agents, and engine room waste.
Lie group methods provide a valuable tool for examininginvariance and non-uniqueness associated with geophysical inverseproblems. The techniques are particularly well suited for the study ofnon-linear inverse problems. Using the infinitesimal generators of thegroup it is possible to move within the null space in an iterativefashion. The key computational step in determining the symmetry groupsassociated with an inverse problem is the singular value decomposition(SVD) of a sparse matrix. I apply the methodology to the eikonal equationand examine the possible solutions associated with a crosswelltomographic experiment. Results from a synthetic test indicate that it ispossible to vary the velocity model significantly and still fit thereference arrival times. the approach is also applied to data fromcorosswell surveys conducted before and after a CO2 injection at the LostHills field in California. The results highlight the fact that a faultcross-cutting the region ...
Southern California Gas Co.`s (SoCalGas) Energy Resource Center (ERC) in Downey, Calif. is a 45,000 ft{sup 2} (4,181 m{sup 21}) conference and education center created to help energy decision-makers find the most energy-efficient, cost-effective and environment-sensitive solutions to their energy requirements. The center has 36,000 ft{sup 2} (3,344 m{sup 2}) of remodeled space and 9,000 ft{sup 2} (836 m{sup 2}) of new space, all designed to showcase the latest energy-efficient and environment-sensitive technologies. The building is one of the 25 buildings in the US to be designated as Energy Star Showcase buildings by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
ABSTRACT. Flight-song displays usually include distinctive vocalizations and behaviors that are probably energetically expensive and also likely to attract the attention of aerial predators. We observed flight songs performed by Dusky Flycatchers (Empidonax oberholseri) in two breeding populations. During 15 yr at Tioga Pass, California, we observed the display twice and, during 9 yr at Steamboat Mountain, British Columbia, we observed 21 flight-song displays. These displays were generally observed later in the breeding season, suggesting that they were not used for courtship, mate attraction, or territory defense. However, for 83% of these displays, a raptor was observed to be present, usually either an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) or a Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus). We h...
California and the Northeast states have passed laws requiring 2% of 1998 cars be `0` emissions vehicles such as electric cars. Electric vehicle technology also can move emissions to less crowd and less polluted locations. However, some other problems remain. The authors focus on the environmental consequences of producing and reprocessing large quantities of batteries to power electric cars, including discussions of both characteristics of Electric Vehicles and batteries and the life cycle of lead and the problems of environmental releases. The authors conclude that electric vehicles will not be in the public interest until they pose no greater threat to public health and the environment than do alternative technologies such as vehicles using low-emission gasoline. 19 refs., 1 tab.
A new technique has been developed for the measurement of steam mass flowrate, water mass flowrate and total enthalpy of two-phase fluids produced from geothermal wells. The method involves precisely metered injection of liquid and vapor phase tracers into the two-phase production pipeline and concurrent sampling of each phase downstream of the injection point. Subsequent chemical analysis of the steam and water samples for tracer content enables the calculation of mass flowrate for each phase given the known mass injection rates of tracer. This technique has now been used extensively at the Coso geothermal project, owned and operated by California Energy Company. Initial validation of the method was performed at the Roosevelt Hot Springs geothermal project on wells producing to individual production separators equipped with orificeplate flowmeters for each phase.
In seeking ways to reduce emissions from two-stroke locomotive type engines, the Navy has evaluated dual-fuel conversions operating on a compression ignition cycle, using up to 94% natural gas and 6% diesel pilot fuel. The Navy has conducted an evaluation and test program under the direction of Dr. Normnn L. Helgeson, at the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center in Port Hueneme, California. Of the Navy`s many diesel engines, those installed in its MUSE (mobile utility support equipment) units for temporary electrical power were the first Navy off-road engines to be affected by emissions regulations. Most of the units are powered by the EMD 645 engine, and when burning diesel fuel do not meet the emission requirements in many areas of the country. This paper discusses the changes and results of the conversion and shakedown tests.
Development drilling from Chevron-operated Platform Hermosa, located on OCS-P 0316 of the Point Arguello field, began on January 30, 1987. To date, seven development wells have been drilled in to the northwest-southeast-trending, doubly plunging anticlinal structure. The results from drilling have confirmed the presence of intense folding and fracturing in the targeted Monterey Formation. Over 700 ft of conventional core were recovered from the B-2 well in the lower Sisquoc and Monterey Formations. Analysis of the core material has yielded important information on lithologic variations and fracture patterns in the productive Monterey Formation. Initial results of core studies, DST data, and wireline studies indicate a correlation between rock type and fracturing. Fracture trends and directional permeability suggested by drill-stem testing may affect future drilling patterns in the field.
In 1992, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) established a task force to develop a procedure for measuring electric energy consumption, all-electric range, fuel economy, and exhaust emissions for hybrid vehicles; the procedure will be submitted to regulatory agencies as representing the automotive industry`s recommendations. The draft procedure is currently being tested on hybrid vehicles. The University of Maryland`s parallel hybrid was tested in September 1994, and the University of California-Davis` parallel hybrid and the University of Illinois` series hybrid will be tested in November 1994 and January 1995, respectively. The procedure is being modified to incorporate any lessons learned, and the task force hopes to recommend the final procedure to the SAE by mid 1995.
As a contribution to the US/Japan cooperative program in fusion neutronics, we have prepared a library of multigroup neutron cross sections, scattering matrices, and covariances (uncertainties and their correlations). This 74-group library, called COVFILS-2, is being used at Los Alamos and at the University of California at Los Angeles in the sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of the Li_2O integral experiment recently performed at the Fast Neutron Source (FNS) in Japan. Another intended use of this library is in the estimation of the uncertainty in key performance parameters (such as breeding ratio) of conceptual fusion reactors. The 14 materials included in the first version of COVFILS-2 are H, "6Li, "7Li, Be, C, N, O, Na, Al, Si, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Pb.
Abstract Question: How do the diversity, size structure, and spatial pattern of woody species in a temperate (Mediterranean climate) forest compare to temperate and tropical forests? Location: Mixed evergreen coastal forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA. Methods: We mapped, tagged, identified, and measured all woody stems (?1 cm diameter) in a 6-ha forest plot, following Center for Tropical Forest Science protocols. We compared patterns to those found in 14 tropical and 12 temperate forest plots. Results: The forest is dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and three species of Fagaceae (Quercus agrifolia, Q. parvula var. shrevei, and Lithocarpus densiflorus), and includes 31 woody species and 8180 individuals. Much of the diversity was in small-diameter shrubs,...
The results of radon concentration measurements in the near surface air at San Nicolas Island, California, are presented for five different measurement sessions between May 1978 and July 1980. Emphasis is on the previously unreported results for January and July 1980. For six of eight days during the January session the measured radon concentration was greater than 40 picocuries per cm, corresponding to a continental air mass. Only the first day involved a maritime air mass with radon concentration less than about 6 picocuries per cm. In contrast to all the previous sessions, maritime air dominated the ten day session in July 1980, with radon concentrations generally less than about 5 picocuries per cm.
Variations in thermal energy costs of single module solar central receiver systems using one, two, three, and four aperture cavity receivers at a location corresponding to Barstow, California are investigated for nominal power ratings ranging from 100 MWt to 900 MWt. Also considered are the effects on energy costs of changes in plant latitude, and the energy cost impact of the replacement of the single module design with multiple connected modules producing the same thermal power. The results, obtained with the aid of the DELSOL2 computer program, indicate that solar central receiver plant energy costs are insensitive functions of power level, latitude, and configuration. No clear cost of energy advantage between single and multiple modules is seen.
This paper provides both a detailed history of environmental change in the Sierra Nevada over the past 1,800?years and evidence for climate teleconnections between the Sierra Nevada and Greenland during the late Holocene. A review of Greenland ice core data suggests that the magnitudes of abrupt changes in temperature and precipitation increased beginning c. 3,700 and 3,000?years ago, respectively. Precipitation increased abruptly 1,300?years ago. Comparing paleotemperature data from Cirque Peak, CA with paleoprecipitation data from Pyramid Lake, NV suggests that hot temperatures occurred at the beginnings of most severe droughts in the Sierra Nevada over the past 1,800?years. Severe fires and erosion also occurred at Coburn Lake, CA at the beginning of all severe droughts in the Sierra Ne...
may be possible to meet those loads with renewable energy systems &mdashachieving zero-net- energy performance.Solar-thermal heating systems, ...p/p Spencer and others argue that renewable energy systems should be considered only after the building envelope ...energy loads are brought low enough, however, a renewable energy system may make sense financially. p
The experimental superconducting magnetic system of 0.5 MJ energy storage is described. The step variation of the winding inductance provides a control by the discharge current at the energy output on a high-ohmic load. The voltage on a load is 45 kV at the current 1100 A under the controllable discharge conditions. The energy transfer coefficient constitutes 0,76 under the maximum-to-minimal current ratio equal to 1.3. 7 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.
Wood/polymer composites (WPC) have been prepared from pinewood with different compounds using gamma irradiation: butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, and unsaturated polyester styrene resin. The polymer loading was determined with respect to the compound concentration and the irradiation dose. The polymer loading increases generally with increase in the monomer or polymer concentration. Tensile and compression strength have been improved in the four cases, but no improvement was observed using unsaturated polyester styrene resin or acrylamide.
Pile foundations are extensively used to support off-shore and on-shore structures. Under dynamic loads, the behavior of single pile is well understood. However the soil-pile-soil interaction studies are confusing, on which account the analyses do not necessarily predict response of the systems which may match satisfactorily with the performances. In this paper, the nature of dynamic loads is described, and solutions for soil-pile and pile-soil-pile interaction solutions by several authors are presented and a critical evaluation is made.
With the frequent load changes to which a hard coal power station is subjected in the middle and peak load range, great demands are linked with the transient behaviour of the steam generator. Due to the serial connection of the crusher and boiler, the strongly delaying transient behaviour of the crusher compounds entirely with the transient behaviour of the steam generator. Therefore, a suggestion is to be made here as to the improvement of the dynamics of the crusher.
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)
Load-deflection characteristics of alumina and alumino-silicate fibrous blankets were experimentally determined. Load retention and springback capability of combinations of these materials were measured in a 10,000-hour test at surface temperatures of 650 to 1000"0C (1200 to 1832"0F). Experimental results are presented and future testing plans are discussed.
An analysis of the diagnosis of loading and service dependability of a rail-mounted excavator used in surface lignite mining is described. Wheel power vibrations in electric motor bearings and electric motor input bearings to the gearbox were measured in situ, in horizontal, vertical, and axial directions. The data were analyzed using a mathematical relationship. The results are presented in a loading diagram that shows the deterioration and the acceptable lower bound of machine conditions over time. Work is continuing. 5 refs., 1 fig.
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) bottom-loading transfer cask (BLTC) system is designed to provide ex-vessel fuel transfers of irradiated reactor components between the reactor containment building and the LMFBR shipping cask in the reactor service building. This system is being procured from National Lead Industries, Wilmington, Delaware, under management of Aerojet Manufacturing Company.
The applicability of conventional strength hypotheses in the long-term creep range was examined by means of multiaxial loaded small and large-scale specimens of 1% CrMoNiV-steel at 550deg C. The experimentally determined deformation behaviour in the primary and secondary creep range was simulated by means of a finite element analysis. The creep deformation capacity is influenced by the degree of multiaxiality. The validity of a strength hypothesis depends on the type of load and on deformation resp. failure criteria. (orig.).
Aluminum hydroxide coating thicknesses were measured on fuel elements stored in aluminum canisters in K West Basin using specially developed eddy current probes . The results were used to estimate coating inventories for MCO fuel,loading. Brushing tests successfully demonstrated the ability to remove the coating if deemed necessary prior to MCO loading.
A novel CFD/structural analysis was performed to predict functionality of a cross parachute under loadings near the structural limits of the parachute. The determination of parachute functionality was based on the computed structural integrity of the canopy and suspension lines. In addition to the standard aerodynamic pressure loading on the canopy, the structural analysis considered the reduction in fabric strength due to the computed aerodynamic heating. The intent was to illustrate the feasibility of such an analysis with the commercially available software PATRAN.
The threshold values of indicator species and ratios delineating the transition between NO_x and VOC sensitivity of ozone formation are assumed to be universal by various investigators. However, our previous studies suggested that threshold values might vary according to the locations and conditions. In this study, threshold values derived from various model simulations at two different locations (the area of Switzerland by UAM Model and San Joaquin Valley of Central California by SAQM Model) are examined using a new approach for defining NO_x and VOC sensitive regimes. Possible definitions for the distinction of NO_x and VOC sensitive ozone production regimes are given. The dependence of the threshold values for indicators and indicator ratios such as NO_y, O_3/NO_z, HCHO/NO_y, and H_2O_2/HNO_3 on the definition of NO_x and VOC sensitivity is discussed. Then the variations of threshold values under low emission conditions and in two different days are examined in ...
A common practice of electric utilities experiencing transmission and distribution (T and D) system overloads is to expand the substation, add lines, or upgrade equipment, all of which are capital intensive options. In 1988, it was hypothesized that strategically sited photovoltaics (PV) could benefit parts of T and D systems near or at overloaded conditions. An evaluation methodology was developed and applied to a test case (Kerman Substation near Fresno, California). Analytical results suggested that the value of PV to the T and D system could substantially exceed its energy and generation capacity value. The importance of this finding indicated the need for empirical validation. This led to the construction of a 0.5 MW PV demonstration plant by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG and E) at Kerman, California as part of the PVUSA (PV for Utility Scale Applications) project. PVUSA is a national public-private partnership that is assessing and ...
Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 1 (NPR-1) in California and Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 3 (NPR-3) in Wyoming continued to be operated at their maximum efficient rates of production during FY 1983. The Government-owned portion of Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 2 in California continued to be leased to private operators as it has been for over 50 years, with the Government receiving a royalty share of production from the leases. All of the Government's share of crude oil produced at the Petroleum Reserves during FY 1983 was sold to the Department of Defense, while natural gas and natural gas liquids were sold competitively on the open market. FY 1983 revenues from the three Naval Petroleum Reserves totaled over $1.5 billion in general receipts and Windfall Profit Taxes. Program expenditures totaled approximately $220 million. The drilling of new wells continued to be an important factor in maintaining the production of NPR-1 and NPR-3 at ...
The effect of liquefied natural gas on pollutant emissions was evaluated experimentally with used and new appliances in the laboratory and with appliances installed in residences, targeting information gaps from previous studies. Burner selection targeted available technologies that are projected to comprise the majority of installed appliances over the next decade. Experiments were conducted on 13 cooktop sets, 12 ovens, 5 broiler burners, 5 storage water heaters, 4 forced air furnaces, 1 wall furnace, and 6 tankless water heaters. Air-free concentrations and fuel-based emission factors were determined for carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide, and the number of (predominantly ultrafine) particles over complete burns?including transient effects (device warm-up and intermittent firing of burners) following ignition--and during more stable end-of-burn conditions. Formaldehyde was measured over multi-burn cycles. The baseline fuel was Northern California ...
The objective of this 3.5 year project is to develop a commercially competitive vehicle powered by ethanol (or ethanol blend) that can meet California`s ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards and equivalent corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) energy efficiency for a light-duty passenger car application. The definition of commercially competitive is independent of fuel cost, but does include technical requirements for competitive power, performance, refueling times, vehicle range, driveability, fuel handling safety, and overall emissions performance. This report summarizes a system design study completed after six months of effort on this project. The design study resulted in recommendations for ethanol-fuel blends that shall be tested for engine low-temperature cold-start performance and other criteria. The study also describes three changes to the engine, and two other changes to the vehicle to improve low-temperature starting, efficiency, and emissions. ...
The object of this study was to identify those areas in California where synthetic fuel-fired power plants could be sited in the 1990 time frame, from an air quality perspective. The synfuel-fired power plants considered in this new study were 500 Mw methanol-fired combined cycle (MFCC) and 500 Mw integrated gasifier combined-cycle (IGCC) units. For comparison purposes, 500 Mw direct coal-fired boilers and 500 Mw natural gas-fired combined-cycle units were also considered. Staff did not attempt to locate plants at any specific sites, but relied primarily upon a regional countywide analysis. The study provides an approximation, for planning purposes, of a reasonable limit of the state's power plant siting capacity, given the plant types and sizes, conditions, and assumptions specified. The study shows that local emission limitations often preclude certain types of power plants (particularly direct-fired coal plants) even when they are equipped with Best ...
This paper presents actual time/motion data for an oversize truck spent-fuel shipment from its origin, Surry, Virginia to its destination, Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). These data include the receipt of the empty cask at the reactor, wet-loading the cask, over-the-road or in-transit data, and receipt and dry unloading of the shipping cask at the receiving facility. Occupational doses were recorded at the Surry Power Plant as well as at INEL, and public doses were calculated for the in-transit dose analysis. This shipment was one of a series performed in support of a demonstration and evaluation of dry storage at INEL. The oversized shipment consisted of a TN-8L shipping cask loaded with three 10-yr-old pressurized water reactor assemblies. The total distance traveled was #approx#2800 miles, requiring 62 h including stops. The time required to receive and inspect the empty shipping cask and wet-load and ...
Chitosan-filled rubber compounds were prepared using a laboratory sized two-roll mill. The effect of chitosan loading on three different types of rubber (STR 5L, ENR-25 and SBR) was investigated. The results indicate that, overall, the scorch time (t"S"2), cure time (t"9"0), tensile strength and elongation at break (Eb) decrease with chitosan loading, whereas an increment was observed in the maximum torque (MH) and the tensile modulus (M100 and M300) of all three types of rubber. At a similar chitosan loading, the cure characteristics of SBR were found to be longer (for t"S"2 and t"9"0) and higher (for MH) than those of STR 5L and ENR-25. The tensile properties of SBR were found to be the lowest of the three rubbers at a similar chitosan loading. The rubber-filler interaction for all three...
One of the most loaded parts of a steam generator of VVER 440 MW type are the bolts and thread holes of the primary collector cover sealing set. The strength calculations and tensometric measurings performed during operation proved the high degree of a load on the bolts. The conditions of the stress limitation are not met in some cases according to the pertinent standards. The untightnesses at nickel rings occurred during putting the units of Jaslovske Bohunice and Dukovany nuclear power stations into operation. With regard to improve the reliability, the producer has taken measures to improve the quality of the rings and users have introduced more strict regulations for bolts tightening. Due to these measures the high reliability of the set has been obtained from point of view of the tightness, but substantial reduction of bolts and holes threads loading have not been obtained. Several years operation experience proved ...
Five cycles of loading, elution, and regeneration were performed to remove technetium from a Hanford waste sample retrieved from Tank 241-AW-101 using SuperLig 639 resin. The waste sample was diluted to 4.95 M Na plus and then was processed to remove 137Cs through dual ion exchange columns each containing 15 mL of SuperLig 644. To remove 99Tc, the cesium decontaminated solution was processed downwards through two ion exchange columns, each containing 12 mL of SuperLig 639 resin. The columns, designated as lead and lag, each had an inside diameter of 1.45 cm and a height of 30 cm. The columns were loaded in series, but were eluted and then regenerated separately. The average technetium loading for the cycles was 250 BV at 10 percent breakthrough. There was no significant difference in the loading performances among the five cycles. The percent removal of 99Tc was greater than 99.94 percent and the ...
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) was designed to test fast-reactor fuels and other nonfuel materials. In its 37 reactor cycles of operations, the FFTF reactor has performed very well and successfully completed all the irradiation testings with an operating efficiency factor as high as 98%. Since FFTF is an experimental reactor, its core loading changed from cycle to cycle. Depending on the number of test assemblies in the core and their location, the core loading can change significantly from an essentially homogeneous core loading to a relatively nonhomogeneous or even highly localized heterogeneous loading. Consequently, the core reload design and initial criticality analyses were required for each operating cycle. The zero power initial critical control rod bank height was predicted before each reactor startup. The initial critical prediction depends on the reactivity conditions at the end of the ...
Vegetation is a key compartment of ecosystems. It contains a large part of the biodiversity at the species level. For the evaluation of critical loads, we have to separate different receptors: lower plants (algae, fungi, lichens and mosses) and vascular plants. Trees must be distinguished due to their economic value. We analyze the different changes that pollution produces on vegetation: the state of health of individuals, changes in the biology and genetics at the population level, changes in the biodiversity or the specific composition at the community level. Calculation of critical loads is based on observational or experimental studies, in more or less controlled environments. However, they cannot yet be obtained through models of vegetation changes. Some results have been acquired at the European level, mainly for critical loads for nitrogen, but these results have come mostly from Northern Europe. Moreover, only ...
Zone modeling permits taking account of the effect of load-relieving air conduction systems in the planning of HVAC plants. Although this only supplies average values for the degree of load and height of the fresh air layer rather than a detailed description of concentration and temperature distributions in the room, it is quite sufficient for the planning of load-relieving air conduction systems. Moreover, the cost of zone modeling in the planning of HVAC plants remains within reasonable limits. Upscale planning, instruments can thus be reserved for more exacting problems. (orig.) [Deutsch] Zonenmodelle erlauben die Wirkung lastmindernder Luftfuehrungen bei der Planung von RLT-Anlagen zu beruecksichtigen. Sie liefern zwar nur Mittelwerte fuer den Belastungsgrad und die Hoehe der Zuluftschicht und keine detaillierte Konzentrations- und Temperaturverteilungen im Raum. Diese Werte reichen jedoch fuer die Planung ...
In comparison to deterministic criteria, probabilistic reliability indices like interruption frequency and unavailability give a more differentiated insight into reliability in an electrical energy network. One possibility for network planning based on these indices is the definition of limits for customer nodes, another is the monetarisation of reliability in terms of interruption costs. Because of numerous disadvantages, interruption cost methods could not up to now win broad recognition in network planning in Western Europe. A more recent method for the monetarisation of reliability circumventing most of these disadvantages is the insurance system. In this system the customer selects a tariff class in an insurance system, and the utility reimburses its customers in the case of an interruption. In its first section, the paper describes a method for the flexible and realistic optimisation of MV networks. This method based ...
Studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF)on human health have been conducted for more than 20 years. None have categorically established or eliminated any connection between EMF and adverse health effects. Nonetheless, 96% of the risk managers working in the utility sector view EMF as an over-riding concern. Public concern over EMF has erupted into legal, as well as regulatory, actions. To date, some utilities have had lawsuits brought against them by customers who claim they developed cancer as a result of nearby high-voltage transmission lines. What`s more, a small handfull of cities have adopted ordinances that specifically limit where and how utilities handle the placement of their transmission lines.
In the insurance industry, spreadsheets have emerged as an invaluable tool to for product pricing, because it is relatively straightforward to create and maintain complex pricing models using Excel. In fact, Excel is often preferred to "hard-code" whenever there are frequent changes to the calculations and business logic which under-pin the pricing of an insurance product. However, problems arise as soon as spreadsheets are deployed to end-users: version control, security of intellectual property, and ensuring correct usage are obvious issues; frequently, integration with other systems is also a requirement. Zurich Financial Services Group is a leading financial services provider; several possible solutions to these problems have been evaluated, and EASA has been selected as the preferred technology. Other spreadsheet collaboration approaches which were considered include Excel Services, and/or custom-built software; however, EASA has provided clear benefits over ...
Traffic characterization is an important means for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to adapt and to optimize their networks to the requirements of the customers. Most network measurements are performed in the backbone of these ISPs, showing both, residential and business Internet traffic. However, the traffic characteristics of business and home users differ significantly. Therefore, we have performed measurements of home users at a broadband wireless access service provider in order to reflect only home user traffic characteristics. In this paper, we present the results of these measurements, showing daily traffic fluctuations, flow statistics as well as application distributions. The results show a difference to backbone traffic characteristics. Furthermore, we observed a shift from web...
Although past research has reported the benefits of intuition in new product decision-making (i.e., higher quality product; enhanced customer satisfaction), intuition has largely been studied as an individual phenomenon and little work has examined the role of intuition on new product development (NPD) project teams. Furthermore, in a turbulent environment, NPD project teams may rely more on intuitive judgments, and other factors such as experience and stress may also influence the relationship between team intuition and team decision making. Drawing from the organizational design literature on creativity in decision making, this study builds a conceptual model of NPD team intuition and its effect on the team's ability to generate creative new products. We then derive hypotheses regarding ...
Summary The aim of this cross-sectional study was to find possible relationships between insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), adipocytokines (leptin and adiponectin) and twitch contraction (TC) characteristics of the knee extensor (KE) muscles in healthy physically active postmenopausal women (n = 28, 64-78 years old). We hypothesized that IGF-1 is related at least to isometric TC peak torque (Pt) as the highest value of isometric torque production and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque, and there will not be any relationships between TC characteristics and leptin and adiponectin. During the measurement of MVC torque and twitch contractile properties of KE muscles, the subjects sat in a custom-made dynamometric chair with the knee and hip angles equal to 90degree and 100degree, re...
For companies, relationships with external actors may constitute intangible assets. Many firms have put in place key account management programs in order to pay sufficient attention to strategically important customers and the marketing literature has studied such programs. However, a company's relationship portfolio also comprises relationships with other types of actors. The objective of this paper is to show that ? across the different types of external relationships a company may develop ? some relationships have more importance than others and, hence, are key. The authors argue that, as a consequence, the keyness of certain relationships has led to the emergence of approaches which can be referred to as key relationship management. For this purpose, the authors first present empirical...
The strategy for the Korean nuclear power plant lifetime management (PLIM) program, which has been developed over the last 3 years, is introduced, together with descriptions of recent events and related maintenance activities. This leading Korean PLIM project has been focused on such areas as a plant data survey, screening and prioritization of systems, structures and components (SSCs), aging evaluation of major components, economic analysis and regulatory issues. The current status is outlined in terms of major tasks including aging evaluation of 13 major components. The future long-term plan which eventually aims at maximizing the economic benefit for both the utility and its customers is presented. Also described is the technical development required for plant life extension. (orig.).
The goal of this three-year project was to improve the production systems in use by steel foundries in the United States. Improvements in the production systems result in less rework, less scrap, and less material handling, all of which would significantly reduce the energy demands of the process. Furthermore, these improvements would allow the companies to be more competitive, more responsive to customers' needs, deliver products with less lead time and require less capital. The ultimate result is a stronger domestic steel casting industry, which uses less energy. A major portion of this research involved the deployment of student researchers at steel foundries, to study their production systems and collect data.
Abstract Voltage sag caused by faults on an electric power transmission line is one of the most intractable power quality issues for both utility companies and customers. The fault in power system randomly exists along transmission lines due to the combination of many uncertain factors. To predict and assess the annual expected sag frequency (ESF) deriving from the faults along lines, a stochastic based method that employs maximum entropy principle, namely the maximum entropy probability method (MEPM), has been introduced in this paper. Moreover, various types of faults have been considered systematically. With the fault line intervals and the sample moments taken into account, the discrete values of distribution probability of fault locations along the transmission lines have been estimat...
Many organizations are challenged with the tasks of identifying customer needs and expectations for their products, anticipating future product needs, communicating a future product vision to clients, and designing with today's technology to bring a future vision to successful realization. The design evolution of plant control centres is one aspect of CANDU development that faces such challenges. The Disney Corporation is an example of an organization that has been successful in consistently meeting these challenges for over fifty years; and some of the design practices proven in moviemaking, theme park and resort layout, and vacation experience organization may be helpful and effective when applied in other domains. This paper summarizes the findings from an examination of Disney Corporation design practices, and suggests how some practices could be used to simplify and enhance the design of future CANDU control centres. (author)
To meet BPA`s contractual obligation to supply electrical power to its customers, BPA proposes to acquire power generated by Klickitat Cogeneration Project. BPA has prepared an environmental assessment evaluating the proposed project. Based on the EA analysis, BPA`s proposed action is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for the following reasons: (1)it will not have a significant impact land use, upland vegetation, wetlands, water quality, geology, soils, public health and safety, visual quality, historical and cultural resources, recreation and socioeconomics, and (2) impacts to fisheries, wildlife resources, air quality, and noise will be temporary, minor, or sufficiently offset by mitigation. Therefore, the preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required and BPA is issuing this FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact).
To document the range of activity and patterns of normal surface kinesiological electromyography in normal children, 87 children ranging from age 3 to 18 years who were developing normally were evaluated at free walking speed. Analysis was performed on 6307 gait cycles from 11 different muscles with custom software. We devised an algorithm to do a computer-based KEMG curve pattern analysis to sort out curves that did not match the physiologic muscle activity pattern, We also devised a combined preset amplitude and statistics-based criteria to satisfactorily determine the onset/cessation of KEMG activity. The measurements of timing and duration of activity, body height and weight, body mass index, cadence, stride length, and age were obtained for statistical analysis. From the pattern recog...
The technical complexity of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) requires modification of the standard physical and dosimetric methods used in external electron beam therapy. At the National Cancer Institute, a number of technical innovations have been integrated into ongoing clinical studies of IORT. These include: (1) an electron beam applicator system that is significantly different from other IORT systems and includes customized squircle applicators; (2) peripheral dose shields; (3) a modified surgical table replacing the standard radiation treatment couch; and (4) routine use of multiple IORT fields that necessitates field matching. The IORT applicator system and related devices and techniques are dosimetrically characterized in detail both for use in the IORT program and in order to illustrate many useful facets of electron dosimetry.
Global supply chain practices and their effects have received considerable attention over the last two decades. In the recent past, the need for integration across supply chains has been identified as a key for effective and efficient operations of supply chains. This is observed with the increasing trend of collaborative partnerships among supply chain partners. This paper presents an integrated approach for manufacturing and distribution networks within the supply chain system of a global car company. The paper shows that the integration of manufacturing and distribution networks creates the environment for effective planning of many components and execution/follow-up of those plans. These components include materials, resources, operations/activities, suppliers and customers. The main f...
Increasing environmental awareness and new legislation in Europe and, in particular, America have accelerated the development of marketable electric cars which satisfy customer demands in terms of performance, range capability, safety and comfort. Tomorrow's electric cars will therefore require powerful heating and cooling systems for the passenger compartment which meet the conditions specific to this particular mode of transport and which do not overly affect the range capability of such vehicles. At Behr GmbH suitable system concepts were developed at a very early stage which were based on a high proportion of recirculated air, the use of the A/C unit as a heat pump, and heat recovery. This paper will examine two typical A/C systems which combine good heating and cooling characteristics with the low electric power requirement of only 1,5-2 kW. (orig.).
An image-analysis system, based on commercially available data visualization software (IDL [1]), allows convenient interaction with image data while still providing calculated beam parameters at a rate of up to 2 Hz. Image data are transferred from the IOC to the workstation via EPICS [2] channel access. A custom EPICS record was created in order to overcome the channel access limit of 16k bytes per array. The user can conveniently calibrate optical transition radiation (OTR) and fluorescent screens, capture background images, acquire and average a series of images, and specify several other filtering and viewing options. The images can be saved in either IDL format or APS-standard format (SDDS [3]), allowing for rapid postprocessing of image data by numerous other software tools.
To more accurately measure fluorescent signals from microarrays, we calibrated our acquisition and analysis systems by using groundtruth samples comprised of known quantities of red and green gene-specific DNA probes hybridized to cDNA targets. We imaged the slides with a full-field, white light CCD imager and analyzed them with our custom analysis software. Here we compare, for multiple genes, results obtained with and without preprocessing (alignment, color crosstalk compensation, dark field subtraction, and integration time). We also evaluate the accuracy of various image processing and analysis techniques (background subtraction, segmentation, quantitation and normalization). This methodology calibrates and validates our system for accurate quantitative measurement of microarrays. Specifically, we show that preprocessing the images produces results significantly closer to the known ground-truth for these samples.
In order to reduce the number of surface mining accidents related to low visibility conditions and blind spots of trucks and to provide 3D information for truck drivers and real time monitored truck information for the remote dispatcher, a 3D assisted driving system (3D-ADS) based on the GPS, mesh-wireless networks and the Google-Earth engine as the graphic interface and mine-mapping server, was developed at Virginia Tech. The research results indicate that this 3D-ADS system has the potential to increase reliability and reduce uncertainty in open pit mining operations by customizing the local 3D digital mining map, constructing 3D truck models, tracking vehicles in real time using a 3D interface and indicating available escape routes for driver safety.
Virtualized infrastructure providers demand new methods to increase the accuracy of the accounting models used to charge their customers. Future data centers will be composed of many-core systems that will host a large number of virtual machines (VMs) each. While resource utilization accounting can be achieved with existing system tools, energy accounting is a complex task when per-VM granularity is the goal. In this paper, we propose a methodology that brings new opportunities to energy accounting by adding an unprecedented degree of accuracy on the per-VM measurements. We present a system - which leverages CPU and memory power models based in performance monitoring counters (PMCs) - to perform energy accounting in virtualized systems. The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, w...
Proposed features of the competitive electricity market in Ontario were reviewed. The speaker predicted that demand for renewable energy in Ontario`s competitive electricity market will be affected by green power, emissions trading, labelling, and renewables portfolio standard. Under current regulations retailers can charge customers a premium for purchasing electricity generated by `green` sources. The existing limits on emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxides will remain in place, but an emissions cap and trading program for all Ontario-based generation is an option to consider. Ontario`s Market Design Committee (MDC) has recommended the implementation of emissions trading for electricity-related air pollutants for all generators located in Ontario. The complex mechanics of emission trading are explained. The MDC recommendation of the use of standard labels to disclose the mix of energy sources used by sellers of electricity and their ...
Abstract While the techniques and technologies associated with contaminated sediment remediation are relatively mature, there are several issues associated with these practices that make them unattractive. The inability of currently used mechanical mixing implements to place amendments in aqueous environments and their intrusive behavior toward benthic communities are just two examples of a necessity for an improved delivery method. Waterjets may be a viable option for placement of particulate remediation amendments, such as activated carbon and granular iron, at depth. A custom waterjet nozzle and injection system has been fabricated by the authors to examine this delivery concept. The developed injection system's performance was tested by characterizing the waterjet-delivered amendment (...
Sandia National Laboratories has developed a family of airfoils specifically designed for use in the equatorial portion of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) blade. An airfoil of that family has been incorporated into the rotor blades of the DOE/Sandia 34-m diameter VAWT Test Bed. The airfoil and rotor design process is reviewed. Comparisons with data recently acquired from flow visualization tests and from the DOE/Sandia 34-m diameter VAWT Test Bed illustrate the success that was achieved in the design. The economic optimization model used in the design is described and used to evaluate the effect of modifications to the current Test Bed blade. 1 tab., 11 figs., 13 refs.
Nonfunctioning pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are rare and generally asymptomatic. A 68-year-old woman who had refused treatment for a pancreatic mass, revealed by ultrasonography to be 55 mm in diameter, was referred to us again 29 months later with jaundice. Investigations showed an 82-mm tumor in the head of pancreas, exposed from the papilla of Vater to the duodenal lumen. After biliary decompression and drainage, we performed pancreatoduodenectomy with resection of the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein, followed by reconstruction using a cylindrically customized autologous graft harvested from the right ovarian vein. The tumor was resected curatively. Microscopically, it consisted of trabecular and ribbon-like arrangement of neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemical staining wa...
Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate how a combination of different scaffold architectures and rotational culture would influence the functional properties of thick cartilaginous tissues engineered using either chondrocytes or bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). Expanded porcine chondrocytes and BM-MSCs were suspended in 2% agarose and cast in custom-designed moulds to produce either regular solid or channelled construct cylinders. The study consisted of three seperate experimental arms. First, chondrocyte and BM-MSC constructs were cultured in free swelling conditions for 9 weeks. Second, constructs were subjected to rotational culture for a period of 3 weeks. Finally, BM-MSC-seeded constructs were subjected to delayed rotational culture, in which cons...
Abstract Characteristics of batch rotor-stator mixer performance are elucidated by shaft torque and angle resolved 2D PIV measurements obtained in a full-scale, custom build, bottom-mounted, rotor-stator mixer unit operating in the turbulent regime with water as working fluid. Measurements have been acquired at various rotor speeds corresponding to impeller based Reynolds numbers between 2.0--105 and 8.5--105. The use of a transparent Plexiglas stator facilitated PIV measurements inside and outside the stator as well as into the stator slots themselves. The governing mechanisms controlling the complex flow structures, flow rates, power dissipation, velocity fields, strain rate fields and turbulence intensity fields are explained, highlighting the influence on rotor-stator mixer performance...
This article discusses the use of five-core cables to provide utility customers with the best possible prerequisites for trouble-free operation of electrical installations and equipment. The TN-S system in buildings and the new TN-S-five-core house-connection cable for connections between the mains distribution point and buildings is introduced. The long-term target of providing TN-S-systems in power distribution even as far as the local transformer is also discussed. The advantages of the system are discussed and various configurations for different types of supply are described.
Analyses of food-borne pathogens are of great importance in order to minimize the health risk for customers. Thus, very sensitive and rapid detection methods are required. Current conventional culture techniques are very time consuming. Modern immunoassays and biochemical analysis also require pre-enrichment steps resulting in a turnaround time of at least 24 h. Biomagnetic separation (BMS) is a promising more rapid method. In this study we describe the isolation of high affine and specific peptides from a phage-peptide library, which combined with BMS allows the detection of Salmonella spp. with a similar sensitivity as that of immunomagnetic separation using antibodies.
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine potential new uses of return on investment (ROI) in alternative methods for library assessment and valuation. Design/methodology/approach - Uses examples of recent uses of ROI by libraries to identify potential new applications of ROI in library assessment and valuation. Findings - ROI investment has historically been used by libraries for the assessment of past performance of library organizations in a reactive/defensive nature or for assessing the value of customer services. ROI has not been widely used as a proactive assessment tool, to introspectively assess administrative or other internal services, or as an offensive assessment and valuation tool, especially for intangible performance assessment and valuation. Originality/value - New ...
A new direction for the national laboratories is to assist US business with research and development, primarily through cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs). Technology transfer to the private sector has been very successful as over 200 CRADAs are in place at Sandia. Because of these cooperative efforts, technology has evolved into some new areas not commonly associated with the former mission of the national laboratories. An example of this is the analysis of fabric structures. Explicit analyses and expertise in constructing parachutes led to the development of a next generation automobile airbag; which led to the construction, testing, and analysis of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Mars Environmental Survey Lander; and finally led to the development of CAD based custom garment designs using 3D scanned images of the human body. The structural analysis of these fabric structures is described as well as a more traditional example Sandia with the ...
In the present scenario of market driven business, power supply has become more like a commodity. Reliable and quality power need to be ensured to meet customer requirements. In such a situation, it is extremely important that transmission line faults be identified accurately, reliably and in quick time. Advanced signal processing tools such as discrete wavelet transform (DWT) can be used very effectively for parameterisation and characterization of the fault signals. On the other hand, properly configured neural network (NN) can be utilized for classification of the faults based on the DWT signal. The present contribution uses electromagnetic transient program (EMTP) for modeling of a real transmission system and MATLAB for DWT and NN. Various types of faults have been simulated at different locations along the transmission line and an attempt has been made to correctly identify and locate the fault. (author)
In the present scenario of market driven business, power supply has become more like a commodity. Reliable and quality power need to be ensured to meet customer requirements. In such a situation, it is extremely important that transmission line faults be identified accurately, reliably and in quick time. Advanced signal processing tools such as discrete wavelet transform (DWT) can be used very effectively for parameterisation and characterization of the fault signals. On the other hand, properly configured neural network (NN) can be utilized for classification of the faults based on the DWT signal. The present contribution uses electromagnetic transient program (EMTP) for modeling of a real transmission system and MATLAB for DWT and NN. Various types of faults have been simulated at differ...
This paper presents a new mathematical model for designing distribution networks in a supply chain system considering service level constraint optimizing strategic decisions (location), tactical decisions (inventory), and assigning decisions. In real-world cases, demand, traveling time or any parameters in classical models may change over the period of time. So, considering uncertainty yields more flexibility for the results and the proposed model. In our study, environmental uncertainty is described by discrete scenarios. In this model, we have service level constraint in order to prevent inventory lost in distribution centers (DCs). Also, we assume that customer's demand is stochastic with Poisson distribution function and DCs have coverage radius constraints thus any DC cannot service a...
Managing service quality is vital to retain customer satisfaction and augment revenues for any business organization. Often it is difficult to assess service quality due to lack of quantifiable measures and limited data. In this paper, we present a hybrid approach based on SERVQUAL and fuzzy TOPSIS for evaluating service quality of urban transportation systems. The proposed approach consists of three steps. The first step involves development of a SERVQUAL based questionnaire to collect data for measuring transportation service quality. The participants provide linguistic assessments to rate the service quality criteria and the alternatives. In step 2, the linguistic ratings are combined through fuzzy TOPSIS to generate an overall performance score for each alternative. The alternative wit...
One of the limiting contributors to the heat load constraint for a long term spent fuel repository is the decay of americium-241. A possible option to reduce the heat load produced by Am-241 is to eliminate it via transmutation in a light water reactor thermal neutron environment, in particular, by taking advantage of the large thermal fission cross section of Am-242 and Am-242m. In this study we employ lattice loading optimization techniques to define the loadings and arrangements of fuel pins with blended americium and uranium oxide in boiling water reactor bundles, specifically, by defining the incineration of pre-loaded americium as an objective function to maximize americium transmutation. Subsequently, the viability of these optimized lattices is tested by assembling them into bundles with Am-spiked fuel pins and by loading these bundles into realistic ...
Due to the cyclical human life, utility loads appear to be cyclical too. During daytime when most factories are in operation, the electricity demand is very high. On the contrary, when most people are sleeping from midnight to daybreak, the electric load is very low, usually only half of the peak load amount. To meet this large gap between peak load and light load, utilities must idle many generation plants during light load period while operating all generation plants during peak load period no matter how expensive they are. This low utilization factor of generation plants and uneconomical operation have sparked utilities to invest in energy storage devices such as pumped storage plants, compressed air energy storage plants, battery energy storage systems (BES) and superconducting magnetic energy storage systems (SMES) etc. Among these, ...
A simple approach to controlling the loading percentage and size of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (ZVI NPs) immobilized within polyacrylic acid (PAA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous mats for dye remediation applications is described. A functional "nanoreactor" comprised by electrospun PAA/PVA nanofibers served to bind ferric ions with the carboxyl groups of PAA, prior to their reduction to ZVI NPs. The resulting ZVI NP-immobilized hybrid polymer nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The morphology of the polymer nanofibers exhibited no appreciable change even after eight cycles of ferric ion binding/reduction, and the loading percentage and size of the ZVI NPs were controlled simply by varying the number of ferric ion binding/reduction cycles. Dye remediation experiments revealed that the decoloration effect of ZVI NPs immobilized within the ...
Nitrate microelectrodes and ORP microelectrodes were fabricated to study the denitrification characteristics of dynamic membrane at different COD loadings. The denitrification process was found at 0.6-1 mm depth beneath the interface of biofilm/bulk. The results of ORP microelectrode also demonstrated that the ORP value in the range of denitrification area was between 88.6 approximately -128.4 mV which was appropriate to denitrification. When the COD loading was 0.45 kg/(m3 x d), the denitrification rate (NO3- -N) was the maximum of 0.6347 x 10(-6 mol/(L x s). With the increase of COD loading, the denitrification area was increasing and two layers with different denitrification rates emerged in the dynamic membrane. The phenomenon implied the effect of organic concentration, oxygen concentration and bacterial competition on the denitrification rate. PMID:17117632
In general, the tickover speed of a car engine is made sufficiently high, in order to permit an assumed maximum load to be taken from the engine at tickover. This setting of the tickover speed is usually done by stops in the fuel supply. Matching the actual load would lead to lower fuel consumption, without any danger of the engine stalling. The purpose of the invention is to provide a tickover speed controller, so that the tickover speed is adjusted by electronic control equipment, independently of the machine load. The fuel consumption on tickover is reduced and the emission of noxious substances is decreased. The electro-magnetic control of the throttle valve tickover setting is explained by extensive section drawings of the system. This process dispenses with the special tickover cams for a cold start.
Power loadings experienced by tokamak plasma-facing components during normal operation and during off-normal events are discussed. A model for power and particle flow in the tokamak boundary layer is presented and model predictions are compared to infrared measurements of component heating. The inclusion of the full three-dimensional geometry of the components and of the magnetic flux surface is very important in the modeling. Experimental measurements show that misalignment of component armour tile surfaces by only a millimeter can lead to significant localized heating. An application to the design of plasma-facing components for future machines is presented. Finally, thermal loads expected during tokamak disruptions are discussed. The primary problems are surface melting and vaporization due to localized intense heating during the disruption thermal quench and volumetric heating of the component armour and structure due to localised impact of ...
In order to match the output capacity of a geothermal heat pump system (GHPS) with the actual load requirement, research has been conducted in searching for suitable adjusting methods for the GHPS and on the subsequent effects on the working parameters of the GHPS. Firstly, several methods are compared, and it is found that the method of adjusting the compressor's rotation speed using a transducer is better than the others. Secondly, this method is experimented on a small scale GHPS at frequencies ranging from 30 to 55 Hz. The analysis of the experimental data reveals the relationships between the compressor frequency and other important parameters, such as coefficient of performance, heat capacity, cool capacity and compressor power input. The conclusions in the paper can serve as some guidance to the load adjustment of GHPS. (Author)
This paper is concerned with the fracture analysis of thin cylindrical shells subject to secondary bending stresses with some degree of elastic follow-up. A P.Y.F.M. failure assessment route is utilised for an initial investigation. Results are presented graphically and indicate the differences obtained by considering the stresses as primary or secondary in nature. The Jsup(*) contour integral is computed from the results of a non-linear finite element analysis of a thermally loaded cracked cylinder. Comparison is made between Jsup(*) and the P.Y.F.M. failure criteria demonstrating the degree of conservatism in the latter. It is observed that LEFM may be appropriate for moderate load levels but that the elastic follow-up of the structure causes enhancement of Jsup(*) for higher loads, at which stage LEFM becomes non-conservative. (orig.).
In order to perform the structural analysis and stress evaluation for frame structures in the nuclear power plants, ADAMS (AIJ Design Analysis and Modules System) has been developed by the addition of the following functions to the ICES-STRUDL system. 1. Load combination and stress evaluation on the basis of specifications for designing steel structure (issued by the Architecture Institute of Japan). 2. Combination of load and stress evaluation of piping support on the basis of the regulations of Ministry of International Trade and Industry. 3. Addition of other functions than that described above. ADAMS enables structural analysis and stress evaluation exactly and efficiently not only for a large scale structure such as the pipe whip protection structure installed inside of the primary containment vessel for many loading cases but also for a large number of structures such as piping support. This system can be applied not ...
A distributed watershed hydrologic model soil and water assessment tool (SWAT, 2000 Version) was applied to simulate stream flow and nutrient loadings (including total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP)) in Gucheng Lake Basin, which is located in the lower reach of Yangtze River Basin. Model parameters related to stream flow and nutrient loadings were calibrated and validated by the observed value, and the simulation showed that the simulated values were reasonably comparable to the observed data, suggesting the validity of SWAT model. The simulated surface runoff and nutrient yield between two stages, viz. 1981-2000 and 1951-1960, were compared, basically considering land reclamation in the mid-1970s. The result indicated that, the average annual runoff and output of TN and TP in 198...
The paper discusses the aspects of repair and retrofitting technique adopted for a damaged reinforced concrete beam-column joint specimen under cyclic loading. A specimen designed based on Indian Standard specifications with consideration of seismic load but without adopting ductile detailing (NonDuctile) was investigated under reverse cyclic loading. Then, the damaged nonductile specimen was repaired with epoxy mortar and grouted using low viscous polymer, and retrofitted using fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) wrapping in beam and column components and steel plate jacketing in joint region. The experimental results showed that the retrofitted specimen not only regained its original strength and stiffness but also has overcome the deficiencies of nonductile detailing. The present study shows...
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.
The ability of the /sup 252/Cf-source-driven neutron noise analysis method to measure subcriticality has been demonstrated in a variety of experimental configurations of fissile materials. Calculations for an approximately 4-m-dia configuration of light water reactor (LWR) fuel elements indicated the feasibility of measuring the subcriticality of large, loosely coupled arrays of LWR fuel elements by this same method. These analysis suggested application to the initial loading of both pressurized and boiling water reactors, zero-power testing of reactors (such as shutdown margin measurements after initial loading), light water reactor refueling, and safe storage of LWR spent fuel. In the fuel storage application, direct measurement of subcriticality in the actual fuel storage facilities provides the parameter which is directly related to criticality safety.
The influence of engine operating variables on the performance, emissions and heat release in a compression ignition engine operating in normal diesel and dual-fuel modes (with natural gas fuelling) was investigated. Substantial reductions in NO{sub x} emissions were obtained with dual-fuel engine operation. There was a corresponding increase in unburned hydrocarbon emissions as the substitution of natural gas was increased. Brake specific energy consumption decreased with natural gas substitution at high loads but increased at low loads. Experimental results at fixed pilot injection timing have also established the importance of intake manifold pressure and temperature in improving dual-fuel performance and emissions at part load. (Author)
A compression ignition engine was operated on dual fuel principle inducting two commercial fuels and four pure hydrocarbon fuels in turn through intake manifold along with air and injecting diesel fuel to initiate the combustion in the conventional manner. The engine was operated at different loads and at each load the quantity of inducted fuel was increased gradually till knocking set in. The engine performance and exhaust pollutant emissions were recorded at different operating conditions. It was observed that the extent of induction and the effect on the performance depend on the properties of the inducted fuel such as volatility, self ignition temperature and oxidation characteristics. The energy release during the cycle was also observed to shift depending on the properties of inducted fuel. With the dual fuel operation, the thermal efficiency at part loads was observed to be less compared to neat diesel operation. The ...
Summary. Ratiometric fluorescent dyes are often used to monitor free ion concentrations in vivo, especially in cells that are recalcitrant to transformation with genetically encoded fluorescent markers. Although intracellular dye distributions are often found to be cytosolic, dye localisation has often not been examined in detail. We began exploring the use of BCECF (2?,7?-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) to monitor pH in the giant alga Chara australis and discovered that younger leaf cells could be loaded using the acetoxymethyl ester of BCECF. However, we were puzzled to find in microphotometric measurements that the fluorescence ratio appeared insensitive to manipulations affecting cytosolic pH. Confocal imaging of C. australis cells loaded with BCECF showed an accumulation ...
The Department of Energy has proposed a rulemaking process to set minimum standards for the efficiency of gas ranges under the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA). The Gas Research Institute is compiling information on annual household range gas usage in order to prepare a response to the proposed rulemaking. The data base from the Northern Illinois Gas residential load study provides recent information (data taken from 1990 through 1992) over a comprehensive study of household types and appliance and user characteristics (150 variables noted for each household). The stated Objective is to study the Northern Illinois Gas residential load study data base and to evaluate its effectiveness in predicting annual household gas usage.
The mechanical stability of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films coated on nitinol vascular stents was investigated under cyclic loading condition by employing a stent crimping system. DLC films were coated on the vascular stent of a three dimensional structure by using a hybrid ion beam system with rotating jig. The cracking or delamination of the DLC coating occurred dominantly near the hinge connecting the V-shaped segments of the stent where the maximum strain was induced by a cyclic loading of contraction and extension. However the failures were significantly suppressed as the amorphous Si (a-Si) buffer layer thickness increased. Interfacial adhesion strength was estimated from the spalled crack size in the DLC coating for various values of the a-Si buffer layer thickness.
Bags of explosive are loaded rapidly into deep wellbores by suspending a rigid positioning tube partway into the wellbore, and loading the bags into the tube, the bags being prevented from dropping through the open bottom end of the tube by a cord attached to the lowermost bag and secured at the upper end of the tube when the tube-suspending cable is in tension by a cordsecuring/releasing means, E.G., a pivotable bar having a hook on one end. When the bag-laden tube is lowered to the bottom of the wellbore, or to a column of bags previously placed therein, the tension on the cable is relaxed and the cord is released, allowing the positioning tube thereafter to be raised to the surface for re-use, leaving the cord and bags in the wellbore. Freedom of the bag-supporting cord to move with respect to the positioning tube when the latter is raised to the surface is assured by threading the cord through plastic tubing mounted to the wall of the ...
In the WWER-440 reactor the primary piping consists of six horizontal loops going radially from the pressure vessel, each loop having a horizontal steam generator. In this reactor type the relatively long primary piping with many curved sections requires special attention in order to successfully eliminate the consequences of the design basis accident. Emergency supports are located in appropriate places to restrict the movements of the pipe. Under normal conditions there is a gap of some centimeters between the pipe and a support so that in the pipe can be deformed freely under changing loads. This paper deals with those energy-absorbing structures used at the Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant for protection against impact loading. Places and circumstances where energy-absorbing structures are employed are specified. Development and design of impact absorber elements are discussed and impact tests are described. (Auth.).
Investigations were conducted on the range of emission rates of NO, NO[sub 2], CO and hydrocarbons, and the thermal efficiencies produced by each burner on three production cookers, supplied by different Australian manufacturers. It was found that the emissions and efficiencies were markedly affected by (1) the thermal input, both with and without a load on the burner, and (2) the load-height to flame-length ratio, with a load on the burner. The effect of hydrocarbon leakage into the secondary/dilution air was investigated, to explain the observed correlation of hydrocarbon emission rate with dilution air flow. The hydrocarbons were found to arise from two sources: -leakage from the stabilisation ports at the base of the burner, which was found to be significant at the higher thermal input; -incomplete combustion of the fuel in the premix, which was the dominant source of hydrocarbons emissions at the lower thermal input. ...
The authors obtain the critical load levels corresponding to the onset of spalling microdamage for Armco iron and steels St.3 and 12Kh18N10T in a broad temperature range (-196-800 degrees C. The results of the investigation of the effect of the temperature on spalling fracture are presented. The effect of the loading time on the strength of the investigated materials is also given. The authors assume that at -196 degrees C impact-wave strain-hardening may also be characterized by the value of H obtained for the center of the specimen since measurements on great thicknesses, including those reaching as far as the opposite surface, did not reveal any substantial change of microhardness.
ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this two-center study was to evaluate screw-type titanium implants with a chemically modified, sandblasted and acid-etched surface when placed in the posterior maxilla or mandible, and loaded 21 days after placement. Material and Methods: All 56 patients met strict inclusion criteria and provided informed consent. Each patient displayed either a single-tooth gap, an extended edentulous space, or a distal extension situation in the posterior mandible or maxilla. Eighty-nine dental implants (SLActive, Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) were inserted according to an established nonsubmerged protocol and underwent undisturbed healing for a period of 21 days. Where appropriate, the implants were loaded after 21 days of healing with provisional restorations i...
Process engineers can predict quickly and accurately the equilibrium behavior of simultaneous H/sub 2/S and CO/sub 2/ absorptions in monoethanolamine and diethanolamine systems by using the nomographs developed by H.K. Ferguson Co. Correlation lines for temperature and amine concentration provided with the loading curves make the nomographs useful for any combination of temperature, concentration, and liquid loadings. The accuracy of the nomographs is within the acceptable range for normal engineering applications when the operating parameters lie in the region of practical gas-treating conditions. Correction curves given for each nomograph to improve the accuracy are generally not needed except for cases where the gas loadings are higher than 0.5 mole/mole of amine.
Microstructural observations of damage around indentations in Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} are presented. The Vickers hardness decreased with increasing load and asymptotically approached 4 GPa at the highest loads. No indentation cracks were observed even at loads as high as 300 N. Preliminary strength versus indentation plots indicate that, at least for the large-grained material ({approx}100 {micro}m) studied here, Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} is a damage-tolerant material able to contain the extent of microdamage to a small area around the indent. The following multiple energy-absorbing mechanisms have been identified from scanning electron micrographs of areas in the vicinity of the indentation: diffuse microcracking, delamination, crack deflection, grain push-out, grain pull-out, and the buckling of individual grains.
The operation of pumped-storage plants (PSP) is based on the daily load variations of power demand. It performs power generation at peak load times during the day, and pumps water up into the reservoir during the off-peak times at night. In the Taipower system in Taiwan, there are two pumped storage plants with ten units. These had a total installed capacity of 2,602 MW or a 12 percent capacity at the end of 1995. The plants were able to reduce system generation costs and improve reliability. A Pumped-Storage Plant Benefit Analysis (PSPBA) program was established using the principle of economic dispatch in 1985. This paper explains the rules of the program, the analysis results of the past 10 years, and a a cost benefit evaluation. It was found that the advantages of PSP are not only in supplying the power for peak load, but also in decreasing the total fuel cost. 5 figs., 4 refs.
A non-resonant RF cavity loaded with amorphous alloy cores has been designed and tested. The cavity has a re-entrant structure loaded with 8 amorphous alloy toroidal core and its characteristic impedance is designed as 450 Omega . The RF power is fed by 1 kW solid state amplifier using a step-up transformer with 1:9 impedance ratio. In the high power test, an accelerating gap voltage of more than 900 V was measured with input power of 1 kW in the frequency range of 1 to 10 MHz. The voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) was less than 2.0. The results prove that the cavity may be used successfully within a compact proton synchrotron for a cancer therapy facility. (3 refs).
In recent years, interest in the development of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) has considerably increased due to its advantages (e.g., high power density) compared with other fuel cell systems, and its potentials to become the power plant for the next generation, nonpolluting automobile engine. For large scale application of fuel cells, low platinum loading electrode structures are necessary. An electrode based on a highly porous carbonized polyacrylonitrile foam material with very low platinum loading ({approximately} 13 {micro}g/cm{sup 2}) was prepared. The performance of this electrode for oxygen reduction was evaluated and compared with bulk platinum and glassy carbon electrodes.
In the Savannah River Site's (SRS') Solid Waste Management Program, a key to success is the Public Involvement Program. The Solid Waste Division at SRS manages the site's transuranic, low-level, mixed, and hazardous wastes. All decisions associated with management of this waste are of interest to the public and successful program implementation would be impossible without a vigorous public involvement program. The SRS Solid Waste Division (SWD) and its Department of Energy (DOE) customer developed, implemented, and maintain a comprehensive public participation and communications program. It is staffed by public participation and technical specialists to ensure information is presented in a manner that is technically accurate while being tailored for understanding by people without a technical background. The program provides the public with accurate, complete, timely information and early meaningful participation opportunities. It also ...
Integrating technology readiness levels (TRL) into the management of engineering projects is critical to the mitigation of risk and improved customer/supplier communications. TRLs provide a common framework and language with which consistent comparisons of different technologies and approaches can be made. At Sandia National Laboratories, where technologies are developed, integrated and deployed into high consequence systems, the use of TRLs may be transformational. They are technology independent and span the full range of technology development including scientific and applied research, identification of customer requirements, modeling and simulation, identification of environments, testing and integration. With this report, we provide a reference set of definitions for TRLs and a brief history of TRLs at Sandia National Laboratories. We then propose and describe two approaches that may be used to integrate TRLs into the NW SMU business ...
If geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are to make a significant mark in the market, we believe that it will be through energy service pricing contracts offered by retailcos. The benefits of GHPs are ideally suited to energy service pricing (ESP) contractual arrangements; however, few retailcos are thoroughly familiar with the benefits of GHPs. Many of the same barriers that have prevented GHPs from reaching their full potential in the current market environment remain in place for retailcos. A lack of awareness, concerns over the actual efficiencies of GHPs, perceptions of extremely high first costs, unknown records for maintenance costs, etc. have all contributed to limited adoption of GHP technology. These same factors are of concern to retailcos as they contemplate long term customer contracts. The central focus of this project was the creation of models, using actual GHP operating data and the experience of seasoned professionals, to simulate the financial ...
In response to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission`s subsequent rulemaking on transmission access, many states are exploring options to restructure their electric industries. In their deliberations on restructuring, policymakers should consider (1) the reliability of the electric system; (2) income-distribution effects on ratepayers and utilities; (3) social consequences such as effects on energy conservation, renewable energy, and the environment; and (4) economic efficiency. We address economic-efficiency considerations in this study. Economic efficiency is important because it is one of the primary reasons that policymakers should consider restructuring in the first place: improving the electric-industry`s efficiency lowers costs and, hence, electric prices. In this study, we look at the sources of (in)efficiency in existing and proposed electric markets with the objective of guiding policymakers to design efficient electric markets. The ...
We describe the development of a fully coupled climate model configuration where the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) has been coupled with the VERDE (Visualizing Energy Resources Dynamically on the Earth) analysis modules that compute the response of the electric grid to temperature drivers. The VERDE model includes datasets characterizing the 26,500 sub-stations and 6,000 power generation stations fuel mix, efficiency, service areas, and future performance and these have been geo-located on a 1.4 degree latitude by 1.4 degree longitude CCSM grid (T85). The total electric customers have been computed using conversions derived from economic structure and population data. The carbon emissions per customer and the power generation in megawatts electric (MWe) have also been placed on reconciled 1 km, 4 km and the T85 climate model grid. The CCSM temperature for the present and future have been extracted from the climate model output and ...
New furnaces were built based on fused silica with NiChrome heating elements custom-wound on alumina ceramic to self-compensate for induced magnetic fields during operation. During tests these furnaces failed due to thermal stresses caused by the high temperature cement used to hold the alumina ceramic in place. As a third solution pieces of boron nitride have been procured from which new furnace bodies will be machined during the third quarter. In order to increase the in-house capacity for machining ceramic parts a small lathe was ordered. The implementation of the LabView data acquisition software from National Instruments, Inc. took more time than anticipated and is still not completed. Major difficulties had to be overcome during the integration of the separate positive and negative high voltage supplies ({plus_minus}1000V). It became apparent that a custom-designed switch had to be installed to safeguard the data acquisition modules and ...
Blade fatigue life is an important element in determining the economic viability of the Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). A principal source of blade fatigue is thought to be the stochastic (i.e., random) aerodynamic loads created by atmospheric turbulence. This paper discusses the development of a model for the simulation of these stochastic loads, given the rotor geometry, operating conditions, and assumed turbulence properties. A Double-Multiple-Streamtube analysis is employed, which includes the effects of wind shear. Reynolds number variations, different airfoil sections and chord lengths along the blade span, and an empirical model for dynamic stall effects. Calculations are presented for the VAWT 34-m Test Bed currently being assembled at Bushland, Texas. Time histories of the loads, as well as their Fourier spectra, are presented and discussed. An unexpected finding is that the average output power is predicted to ...
Most pumped-storage plants have the capability to operate as synchronous condensers. As such, they can be brought on line very quickly to support system load requirements. However, one of the effects of making a rapid transition from synchronous condenser operation to turbine/governor operation is an initial reverse power flow into the machine. This reverse power flow can be very undesirable at a time when the system is calling for load support. On weak or isolated systems, this reverse power flow can lead to objectionable voltage and frequency dips in the system. With the proper utilization of a static frequency converter (SFC) and its associated controls and auxiliary switchgear systems, the reverse power flow resulting from a transition from synchronous condenser operation can be eliminated. This paper will describe the method by which an SFC system can be used to make this rapid load response in pumped-storage plants ...
This work presents an analysis of the operation of a multi-cylinder, tubro charged, indirect injection diesel engine from a second-law analysis point of view. For this purpose, a single-zone thermodynamic model following the filling and emptying modelling technique is developed. A second-law analysis is performed in all parts of the diesel engine plant, which provides all the existing availability terms and accounts for the evaluation of every component`s irreversibilities. A complete second-law terms tabulation is given for the maximum speed-full load operation case, which is compared with its first-law counterpart. A detailed parametric study is performed in all parts of the diesel engine plant comprising the effects of speed and load on the availability terms in a range that covers the whole operation of the engine under turbocharged action. Various second-law (availability) terms such as indicated and brake work, heat transfer, inlet air, ...
The article presents measures for the solution of construction-biological problems and for reducing the pollutant load of buildings. (HW) [Deutsch] Der Artikel berichtet ueber Massnahmen ueber Sanierung von baubiologischen Schwachstellen und Schadstoffbelastungen in Gebaeuden. (HW)
Purpose: In an experimental study, the correlation between the trabecular bone density of the different regions of the proximal femur and the fracture load in the setting of femoral neck fractures was examined. Methods: The bone mineral density 41 random proximal human femora was estimated by single-energy quanitative CT (SE-QCT). The trabecular bone density was measured at the greatest possible extracortical volume at midcapital, midneck and intertrochanteric level and in the 1 cm"3 volumes of the centres of these regions in a standardised 10 mm thick slice in the middle of the femoral neck axis (in mg/ml Ca-hydroxyl apatite). The proximal femora were then isolated and mounted on a compression/bending device under two-legged stand conditions and loaded up to the point when a femoral neck fracture occurred. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a linear correlation between the trabecular bone density and the fracture load ...
Excised sheets of canine myocardium were subjected to cyclic loading and unloading in the predominant fibre and cross-fibre directions to determine passive mechanical properties. Myocardium under biaxial...Full Text Available
The Heliophysics roadmap: "The Solar and Space Physics of a New Era: ..... Improved materials and manufacturing processes to produce Iridium/Rhenium apogee class ... In addition to batteries, other advanced energy storage/load leveling ...
Background:Stem cells can differentiate into multiple cell types, and therefore can be used for cellular therapies, including tissue repair. However, the participation of stem cells...Full Text Available
situ by isolating portions of the building envelope and performing tests .MAXIMUM ALLOWED LOAD ...and shall identify commissioning team members who will perform testing and prepare documentation.The commissioning agent may be
Electrical power is generated by steam turbines (steam being produced by coal, oil, gas or nuclear reactors), hydro units, gas turbines, internal combustion engines, jet engines, and pumped storage plants. Nuclear Power Plants generate only 15% of the total electrical power in the US. Nuclear Power Plants being cheaper to run are generally base loaded. The pumped-storage and gas turbine plants have ideal characteristics for peaking duty. In the pumping mode, pumped storage plants are used to provide additional system load and in the generating mode, they supply reactive power during peak load demands. Gas turbine plants have higher running costs, but are used as peaking units with a fast start capability. Fossil power plants need a minimum of 1 hour to stabilize expansion in the boiler and turbine generator. Due to a more competitive power supply market due to deregulation, most of the utilizes plan generation only for the ...
This report documents the collaborative effort between the United States and Canada to investigate the impact of process-induced defects on strength and stiffness under static and fatigue loading and for low-cost composite aircraft structures, in particul...
A numerical technique is developed for estimating water quality violation frequencies due to pollutant discharges from urban areas during combined sewer overflow events. The first four moments of in-stream pollutant concentration are found by integrating a pollutant loading - wat...
BackgroundLeukocyte telomere length (LTL) is an emerging marker of biological age. Chronic inflammatory activity is commonly proposed as a promoter of ...Full Text Available