Summer employees in the Robotics section for 2008. ... Activity: Will work on developing behaviors for UUV's. Alberto Ko, Caltech University, CA, SURF, Abhi ...
on the picture will download the highest resolution version available. M51: The Whirlpool Galaxy in Dust and Stars Credit: Credit: N. Scoville (Caltech), T. Rector (U....
on the picture will download the highest resolution version available. M51: The Whirlpool Galaxy in Dust and Stars Credit: N. Scoville (Caltech), T. Rector ( (NOAO) et al.,...
Currently, over 30,000 mapped STSs and 27,000 mapped Unigenes (non-redundant, unigene sets of cDNA representing EST clusters) are available for human alone. A total of 44,000 Unigene cDNA clones have been supplied by Research Genetics. Unigenes, or cDNAs are excellent resource for map building for two reasons. Firstly, they exist in two alternative forms -- as both sequence information for PCR primer pairs, and cDNA clones -- thus making library screening by colony hybridization as well as pooled library PCR possible. The authors have developed an efficient and robust procedure to screen genomic libraries with large number of DNA probes. Secondly, the linkage and order of expressed sequences, or genes are highly conserved among human, mouse and other mammalian species. Therefore, mapping with cDNA markers rather than random anonymous STSs will greatly facilitate comparative, evolutionary studies as well as physical map building. They have currently deconvoluted ...
Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives- Finding ways to incorporate disparate types of evidence into research syntheses has the potential to build a better evidence base for clinical practice and policy. Yet conducting such mixed research synthesis studies is challenging. Researchers have to determine whether and how to use adjusted and unadjusted quantitative findings in combination with each other and with qualitative findings. Methods- Among quantitative findings, adjustment for confounding, either via study design or statistical analysis, can be a considerable source of heterogeneity. Yet there is no consensus about the best way to synthesize findings resulting from different methods for addressing confounding. When synthesizing qualitative and quantitative findings, additional consid...
... of the utility of the terminal outcomes, ... Other stochastic topics, such as random walks, branching ... find special uses, particularly in queueing theory ...
This article considers the appeal of cognitive neuroscience research to the general public within the context of the deep puzzles involved in using our minds to understand how our minds work. It offers a few promising examples of findings that illuminate the ways of the mind and reveal these workings to be counter-intuitive with our subjective experience. However, this promise is tempered by the powerful role that perception, attention, and cognition play in how we reason about evidence. It argues that the interplay between what we believe about the nature of our minds and what the findings suggest constitutes a primary challenge in encouraging public understanding of cognitive neuroscience findings.
although additional research is needed to corroborate such findings. Key words: Avicennia germinans; disturbance; downed wood; Everglades National Park; Hurricane Andrew;...
BackgroundMany interventions found to be effective in health services research studies fail to translate into meaningful patient care outcomes across multiple contexts. Health services...Full Text Available
This paper aims to highlight ways in which basic researchfindings in the field of childhood and adolescent depression can help to inform and refine preventive intervention efforts. We selectively review...Full Text Available
Purpose - This paper seeks to study how the democratization of the diffusion of research through the internet could have helped non-traditional fields of research. Design/methodology/approach - The specific case the authors approach is heterodox economics as its pre-prints are disseminated through NEP, the e-mail alert service of RePEc. Findings - Comparing heterodox and mainstream papers, the authors find that the heterodox are quite systematically more downloaded, and particularly so when considering downloads per subscriber. Research limitations/implications - The authors conclude that the internet definitely helps heterodox research, also because other researchers get exposed to it. But there is still room for more participation by heterodox researchers. Originality/value - The paper s...
The transport of radon in concrete takes place through the complicated network of interconnected pores that is, at any time, the result of the process of hydration of cement and of moisture distribution and transport. Initially the microstructure of concrete depends on the mix proportions and curing conditions, its time-evolution being conditioned by its surrounding environment. Radon transport will be consequently a function of time, as it is influenced by the changing microstructure (total porosity and its distribution) and by the amount and distribution of the moisture contained in the pore system. A selection of information from the large amount of literature available on concrete is presented in chapter 2. A model that describes the process of hydration, of microstructure development and of moisture transport is presented in chapter 3. The physics of radon diffusion in homogeneous porous materials is outlined in chapter 4. The coupling of the numerical implementation of the ...
The transport of radon in concrete takes place through the complicated network of interconnected pores that is, at any time, the result of the process of hydration of cement and of moisture distribution and transport. Initially the microstructure of concrete depends on the mix proportions and curing conditions, its time-evolution being conditioned by its surrounding environment. Radon transport will be consequently a function of time, as it is influenced by the changing microstructure (total porosity and its distribution) and by the amount and distribution of the moisture contained in the pore system. A selection of information from the large amount of literature available on concrete is presented in chapter 2. A model that describes the process of hydration, of microstructure development and of moisture transport is presented in chapter 3. The physics of radon diffusion in homogeneous porous materials is outlined in chapter 4. The coupling of the numerical implementation of the ...
Mission-directed public-sector research facilities are experiencing increasingly severe budget environments while seeing expanding missions and responsibilities. In an effort to identify research leveraging methodologies an information search was conducted in conjunction with some efforts to find the proper links to systems engineering fundamentals. The result is an initial model for use in a pre-concept/phase-1 engineering design organization, with a goal of improving the organizations performance.
A summary is provided of the first of three years of experimental and theoretical research on free-forced convection flows in cavity-type solar receivers. New experimental and theoretical results are presented and discussed. The implication of these findings, with respect to the future thrust of the research program, is clarified as well as is possible at the present time. Following various related conclusions a summary and tentative schedule of work projected for year two of research are presented.
The Office of Energy Research was recently asked to perform a study of Large Scale Systems in order to facilitate the development of a true large systems theory. It was decided to ask experts in the fields of electrical engineering, chemical engineering and manufacturing/operations research for their ideas concerning large scale systems research. The author was asked to distribute a questionnaire among these experts to find out their opinions concerning recent accomplishments and future research directions in large scale systems research. He was also requested to convene a conference which included three experts in each area as panel members to discuss the general area of large scale systems research. The conference was held on March 26--27, 1984 in Pittsburgh with nine panel members, and 15 other attendees. The present report is a summary ...
Sex-related influences on pain and analgesia have become a topic of tremendous scientific and clinical interest, especially in the last 10 to 15 years. Members of our research group published...Full Text Available
Even clinicians who keep up with the research literature on pain mechanisms may find themselves uncertain when trying to bring these new theories down to practical application for a patient with pain....Full Text Available
This article reports researchfindings related to converging formats, media, practices, and ideas in the process of academics' interaction with electronic texts during a research project. The findings are part of the results of a study that explored interactions of scholars in literary and historical studies with electronic texts as primary materials. Electronic texts were perceived by the study participants as fluid entities because the electronic environment promotes seamless interactions with a variety of media and formats. Working with electronic texts combines some traditional information and research practices into new patterns of information behavior. The practice called "netchaining" combines aspects of networking with information-seeking practices to establish and shape online information chains, which link sources and people. Different forms of exploration of participants' ...
Purpose - The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of psychological contracts on the adjustment and organisational commitment of expatriates during international business assignments. The study also aims to investigate the influence of psychological barriers to expatriate adjustment. Design/methodology/approach - A unique survey questionnaire was developed to collect data from 219 Taiwanese business expatriates during the first quarter of 2007. A LISREL analysis is used to test the hypotheses of the research framework. Findings - The study finds that: perceived fulfilment of the psychological contracts of expatriates significantly influences both their adjustment to foreign situations and their organisational commitment; psychological barriers to adjustment have a negat...
Despite the many advances in scientific research over the last several decades, cutting edge technologies and therapeutics often take many years to find their way into widespread use. The dissemination and uptake of best practices into clinical care is sometimes a neglected component of research that is essential to improve the population?s health. Type 2 translational research, sometimes called ?Proof in Practice Research,? seeks to maximize the yield of what has been learned from the bench and from carefully controlled clinical trials and to extend those benefits to a larger population. One aspect of type 2 translational research, sometimes called evidence implementation or implementation science, applies what has been learned about clinical medicine to achieve best practices across prov...
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to show that the need to communicate the value of libraries is growing, and especially now during the global financial crisis. As a response library valuation research is expanding and there is now a need for a status report. Design/methodology/approach - The library valuation field is developing towards generating a critical mass of empirical studies. The focus of the meta-analytical review is on the subgroup that reports a return on investment (ROI) or a cost-benefit ratio. Meta-analysis is a quantitative analysis of findings of previous studies, conducted to infer general findings and lessons from prior empirical research. The dataset is 38 library valuation studies reporting a return on investment figure or cost-benefit ratio. Findings - Of the 38...
We describe a large-scale application of methods for finding plagiarism in research document collections. The methods are applied to a collection of 284,834 documents collected by arXiv.org over a 14 year period, covering a few different research disciplines. The methodology efficiently detects a variety of problematic author behaviors, and heuristics are developed to reduce the number of false positives. The methods are also efficient enough to implement as a real-time submission screen for a collection many times larger.
In the past few decades, research on gender and language learning styles (LLSs) across various EFL/ESL contexts has received remarkable attention. From these studies, a multitude of contradictory and heterogeneous findings has been observed which justify additional research in SLA contexts in general and EFL contexts like Iran in particular. Hence, the present study attempted to explore the relationship between Iranian EFL students' perceptual learning styles and gender. For this aim, a 32-item questionnaire was administered to 105 EFL students at Ilam University, Iran. Results of quantitative research and statistical analysis of findings indicated that both male and female students inclined to be bimodal learners who were visual/non-verbal (V/NV) rather than being trimodal or single learn...
... Removal of this layer facilitates the unreeling of cocoons into long strands of silk comparable to those derived from the domesticated mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori, B. mori). The research was funded in part by the SABIP ('Silks as biomimetic ideals for polymers) project, which has clinched a European Research Council (ERC) grant worth almost EUR 2.3 million under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Presented in the journal Biomacromolecules, the findings could lead to the development of new silk industries in ...
This report, the eighth in a series of annual reports, was prepared in response to congressional inquiries concerning how nuclear regulatory research is used. It summarizes the accomplishments of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research during FY 1992. A special emphasis on accomplishments in nuclear power plant aging research reflects recognition that a number of plants are entering the final portion of their original 40-year operating licenses and that, in addition to current aging effects, a focus on safety considerations for license renewal becomes timely. The primary purpose of performing regulatory research is to develop and provide the Commission and its staff with the technical bases for regulatory decisions on the safe operation of licensed nuclear reactors and facilities, to find unknown or unexpected safety problems, and to develop data and related information for the ...
This report, the eighth in a series of annual reports, was prepared in response to congressional inquiries concerning how nuclear regulatory research is used. It summarizes the accomplishments of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research during FY 1992. A special emphasis on accomplishments in nuclear power plant aging research reflects recognition that a number of plants are entering the final portion of their original 40-year operating licenses and that, in addition to current aging effects, a focus on safety considerations for license renewal becomes timely. The primary purpose of performing regulatory research is to develop and provide the Commission and its staff with the technical bases for regulatory decisions on the safe operation of licensed nuclear reactors and facilities, to find unknown or unexpected safety problems, and to develop data and related information for the ...
The united research plan named 'Boiling' is created on the basis of several cryogenic research projects developed by experts in Russia and Ukraine for International Space Station. The 'Boiling' plan includes 8 first experiments aimed at investigating the influence of microgravity on boiling processes, heat transfer and hydrodynamics in liquid helium being either under normal or superfluid conditions. The experiments are supposed to be carried out with individual cells collected inside a single cryogenic onboard experimental facility. The international research program experiments are characterized by the following features: utilization of several artificially simulated microgravity levels, owing to rotation of the experimental helium cryostat; visualization of the processes that occur in liquid helium; research of boiling and hydrodynamics both in a large volume of stationary liquid, and in a liquid ...
...the School, the research group structure was recently revised and now comprises the following teams: Drug Design and Analysis Pharmaceutics Pharmacy Practice and Policy Pharmacological and Biomedical Science The current structure was designed to take into account the future development of research in the academic area. The ...Discovery, Molecular Modelling, Pharmacology and Molecular Biology) and international recognition (Biological Sciences), which have now been re-organised into the Drug Design and Analysis and Pharmacological and Biomedical Sciences teams. The reorganisation also aimed to improve the research reputation of the other teams. The improvements in ... Email to a friend Print Within this area Drug design and analysis Pharmaceutics Pharmacy practice and policy Pharmacological and biomedical sciences Projects Publications Staff Considering a course? Research Degrees Course Finder Order a ...
Purpose - This paper seeks to deal with the history of Research and Development (R&D) management. It takes the history of the R&D Department of the Royal Philips Electronics of The Netherlands as an example to unravel the dynamics behind industrial R&D management. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is based upon historical and theoretical studies on industrial R&D institutions and research cultures. Findings - The paper proposes that the directors of the Philips R&D Department continually shaped and reshaped the organization in order to retain researchers with creative ideas, and to stimulate innovativeness. The R&D-management was the outcome of a search process that comprehended a mixture of scientific and industrial (management) skills, knowledge and experti...
The Measurements and Characterization Branch actively supports the advancement of DOE/NREL goals for the development and implementation of the solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The primary focus of the laboratories is to provide state-of-the-art analytical capabilities for materials and device characterization and fabrication. The branch houses a comprehensive facility that Is capable of providing information on the full range of PV components. A major objective of the branch is to aggressively pursue collaborative research with other government laboratories, universities, and industrial firms for the advancement of Pv technologies. Members of the branch disseminate researchfindings to the technical community in publications and presentations. The Measurements and Characterization Branch encompasses seven coordinated research groups, providing integrated research and development ...
Purpose - This paper aims to explore the links between revenue management and business-to-business (B2B) relationships and explains how revenue management can both support and damage B2B relationships. Design/methodology/approach - A single case study method was employed to conduct qualitative research into a company and its key accounts. In-depth data were collected from three divergent sources (company revenue managers, company account managers and nine of the company's key accounts) through semi-structured interviews, observations and document studies. Findings - The researchfindings reveal that from the company's perspective, managers acknowledge that revenue management has positively influenced the process of identifying and analysing key account activities and conducting contractual...
This research proposes that the concept of emotional attachment, and specifically the independent constructs of psychological ownership and affective reaction, can help explain many of the endowment effect findings documented in the literature. We define these constructs and then test them across a set of nine studies in which we both replicate previous and generate new endowment effect findings, and then show that psychological ownership and affective reaction can mediate the effects. In doing so, we offer direct empirical support for the idea of emotional attachment as a driver of loss aversion while also providing practitioners and future endowment effect researchers with new insights about the psychological processes that underlie the endowment effect.
Purpose - A significant trend in the retail sector is women's over-representation in part-time work. Given the feminisation and adverse working conditions of part-time employment, the purpose of this paper is to enhance understanding of the motivation of female sales employees. Design/methodology/approach - Initially, a theoretical framework is presented with the aim of stipulating the research hypotheses. Empirical evidence was obtained from 349 Greek female sales employees using a structured questionnaire. Analyses of covariance and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted with the aim of exploring the research hypotheses. Findings - It was found that part-time and full-time female employees are similar in designating the job motivators that they find important in the workplace. H...
These three separate pamphlets provide background information, brief discussions of researchfindings, and guidelines and recommendations concerning selected aspects of diet. The first pamphlet discusses food additives and hyperactivity, focusing on both the Feingold theory and controlled experiments which do not support Feingold's clinical observations and case reports. (The Feingold theory claims that artificial food flavors and colors and antioxidant preservatives cause hyperactivity in genetically predisposed individuals.) The second pamphlet discusses fast food and the American diet as they are related to sound nutritional principles. The third pamphlet, focusing on alcohol use during pregnancy, lists principles and associated features of the fetal alcohol syndrome and presents researchfindings and recommendations concerning alcohol use during pregnancy. (RH)
The DOE Working Group for an Assessment of Coal-Gasification Research Needs (COGARN - coal gasification advanced research needs) has reviewed and evaluated US programs dealing with coal gasification for a variety of applications. Cost evaluations and environmental-impact assessments formed important components of the deliberations. We have examined in some depth each of the following technologies: coal gasification for electricity generation in combined-cycle systems, coal gasification for the production of synthetic natural gas, coal gasifiers for direct electricity generation in fuel cells, and coal gasification for the production of synthesis gas as a first step in the manufacture of a wide variety of chemicals and fuels. Both catalytic and non-catalytic conversion processes were considered. In addition, we have constructed an orderly, long-range research agenda on coal science, pyrolysis, and partial combustion in order ...
This research investigates the impact of national culture and several institutional factors on the safety performance of society and establishes statistically significant relationships between those variables. As expected, the research results reveal that some cultural variables such as uncertainty avoidance, gender orientation and institutional variables such as the degree of law avoidance can directly influence the safety performance of the society. The findings also support the inverted u-curve (Safety Kuznet curve) hypothesis indicating even if we expect a negative trend at the beginning stage of industrialization, we can expect a positive trend in safety performance as their income level continues to improve beyond a certain point.
Since 1983, about 600 research projects received a total of DM 250 million public funds for the following tasks: - Development of scientific fundamentals for monitoring and observation of forest decline and its ecological and economic consequences. - Investigation of the cause-effect relationship of forest damage, with particular regard to the involvement of the various compartments of the forest ecosystem and to the contribution of different pollutants. - Development of the scientific fundamentals required for forestry measures to accompany the air pollution abatement measures. The investigations comprised both laboratory and field tests. The findings and conclusion are summarized. (orig./MG).
The objective was to find out whether international research has now provided sufficiently reliable models to assess the corrosion behavior of spent fuel in groundwater and by this to contribute to answering the question whether the highly radioactive used fuel from nuclear reactors can be disposed of safely in a geological repository. Principal project results are described in the paper
A research program has been undertaken to characterize oil sand deposits. Studies include delination of reservoir architecture; petrophysical attributes; and petrography and core analysis.
You were a patient at Hospital A several years ago when you were suffering from disease X, which has long since resolved. You have just arrived home from a long day's work when the phone rings....Full Text Available
A method is described to smear extremely thin layers of nuclear emulsion on labeled electron microscope preparations and to measure the thicknesses of these layers, Without further separation, preparation and emulsion can be observed after exposure and development in an electron microscope. The source of the tracks formed in the emulsion can be exactly identified and the size and structure determined. This method finds applications in dust research and also in the analysis of medical and biological sections. Further information can be obtained about properties of different emulsions. (auth)
With the Government decision to phase out the Fast Reactor at Dounreay there is a need to find alternative employment in the area. Traditionally Caithness is an area of farming, fishing and tourism which could be damaged if Dounreay were to be made a nuclear waste repository. The suggestion is that Dounreay should become a centre for research, development and subsequent manufacture of renewable energy sources and devices to harness renewable energy. The Scottish coastline has potential for wind and wave power developments and this could lead to a whole industry in the future. (UK).
In addition to their use in high-speed ovens, microwaves are also finding applications in industrial manufacture, quality control and storage - anywhere where the high-frequency transmission or reflection properties of a material can be exploited. Microwaves are also being used in medical applications for the characterization of certain type of tumours. They are also being used in research into ultrasonic cavitation. (authors) 5 refs.
Translating experimental findings into clinically effective therapies is one of the major bottlenecks of modern medicine. As this has been particularly true for cerebrovascular research, attention has turned to the quality and validity of experimental cerebrovascular studies. We set out to assess the study design, statistical analyses, and reporting of cerebrovascular research. We assessed all original articles published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism during the year 2008 against a checklist designed to capture the key attributes relating to study design, statistical analyses, and reporting. A total of 156 original publications were included (animal, in vitro, human). Few studies reported a primary research hypothesis, statement of purpose, or measures to safeguard in...
The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) conducts research and development activities which focus on improving energy efficiency and providing for fuel flexibility within US industry in the area of industrial conservation. The mission of OIT is to increase the utilization of existing energy-efficient equipment and to find and promote new, cost-effective ways for industrial facilities to improve their energy efficiency and minimize waste products. To ensure advancement of the technological leadership of the United States and to improve the competitiveness of American industrial products in world markets, OIT works closely with industrial partners, the staffs of the national laboratories, and universities to identify research and development needs and to solve technological challenges. This report contains summaries of the currently active projects supported by the Office of Industrial ...
The DOE Coal Liquefaction Research Needs (COLIRN) Panel reviewed, developed, and assessed R and D needs for the development of coal liquefaction for the production of transportation fuels. Technical, economics, and environmental considerations were important components of the panel's deliberations. The panel examined in some depth each of the following technologies: direct liquefaction of coal, indirect liquefaction via conversion of coal-derived synthesis gas, pyrolysis, coprocessing of combined coal/oil feedstocks, and bioconversion of coal and coal-derived materials. In this assessment particular attention was given to highlighting the fundamental and applied research which has revealed new and improved liquefaction mechanisms, the potentially promising innovative processes currently emerging, and the technological and engineering improvements necessary for significant cost reductions. As the result of this assessment, the COLIRN ...
Personal health information management (PHIM) refers to activities that support consumers' access, integration, organization, and use of their personal health information. We investigated PHIM in the health consumer population using a focus group and participatory design. In collaboration with health consumers, we identified PHIM activities and explored the design of new supportive technology. Our findings describe prominent PHIM activities such as monitoring and assessing health, as well as health-related decision making, planning, and action. We describe design principles our participants used during the participatory design of a PHIM tool. These include individual control, sharing, integration, security and flexibility. These findings provide new insights into emerging ideas in consumer health informatics research and technology design. Understanding health consumers' PHIM needs is an important step in creating ...
The last decade has produced an explosion in neuroscience research examining young children's early processing of language that has implications for education. Noninvasive, safe functional brain measurements have now been proven feasible for use with children starting at birth. In the arena of language, the neural signatures of learning can be documented at a remarkably early point in development, and these early measures predict performance in children's language and pre-reading abilities in the second, third, and fifth year of life, a finding with theoretical and educational import. There is evidence that children's early mastery of language requires learning in a social context, and this finding also has important implications for education. Evidence relating socioeconomic status (SES) ...
Delusional beliefs are characteristic of psychosis and, of the delusions, the paranoid delusion is the single most common type associated with psychosis. The many years of research focused on neurocognition in schizophrenia, using standardized neurocognitive tests, have failed to find conclusive cognitive deficits in relation to positive symptoms. However, UK-based psychological research has identified sociocognitive anomalies in relation to paranoid thinking in the form of theory of mind (ToM), causal reasoning and threat-related processing anomalies. Drawing from recent neuroscientific research on the default mode network, this paper asserts that the common theme running through the psychological tests that are sensitive to the cognitive impairment of paranoia is the need to cognitively project the self through time, referred to as mental time travel. Such an understanding of the cognitive roots of ...
The University of Georgia, in collaboration with GE Global Research, has investigated the relevant quenching mechanism of phosphor coatings used in white light devices based on UV LEDs. The final goal of the project was the design and fabrication of a high-efficacy white light UV-LED device through improved geometry and optimized phosphor coatings. At the end of the research period, which was extended to seamlessly carry over the research to a follow-up program, we have demonstrated a two-fold improvement in the conversion efficiency of a white light LED device, where the increase efficacy is due to both improved phosphor quantum efficiency and lamp geometry. Working prototypes have been displayed at DOE sponsored meetings and during the final presentation at the DOE Headquarters in Washington, DC. During the first phase of the project, a fundamental understanding of quenching processes in UV-LEDs was obtained, and the ...
The University of Georgia, in collaboration with GE Global Research, has investigated the relevant quenching mechanism of phosphor coatings used in white light devices based on UV LEDs. The final goal of the project was the design and fabrication of a high-efficacy white light UV-LED device through improved geometry and optimized phosphor coatings. At the end of the research period, which was extended to seamlessly carry over the research to a follow-up program, we have demonstrated a two-fold improvement in the conversion efficiency of a white light LED device, where the increase efficacy is due to both improved phosphor quantum efficiency and lamp geometry. Working prototypes have been displayed at DOE sponsored meetings and during the final presentation at the DOE Headquarters in Washington, DC. During the first phase of the project, a fundamental understanding of quenching processes in UV-LEDs was obtained, and the ...
Combining the approaches given by Baldwin [Baldwin D et al. Symbolic computation of exact solutions expressible in hyperbolic and elliptic functions for nonlinear PDEs. J Symbol Comput 2004;37:669-705], Peng [Peng YZ. A polynomial expansion method and new general solitary wave solutions to KS equation. Comm Theor Phys 2003;39:641-2] and by Schuermann [Schuermann HW, Serov VS. Weierstrass' solutions to certain nonlinear wave and evolution equations. Proc progress electromagnetics research symposium, 28-31 March 2004, Pisa. p. 651-4; Schuermann HW. Traveling-wave solutions to the cubic-quintic nonlinear Schroedinger equation. Phys Rev E 1996;54:4312-20] leads to a method for finding exact travelling wave solutions of nonlinear wave and evolution equations (NLWEE). The first idea is to generalize ansaetze given by Baldwin and Peng to find elliptic solutions of NLWEEs. Secondly, conditions used by Schuermann to ...
Divided into three sections, this paper briefly presents Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning; surveys some key research relating childrearing practices to adolescents' social competence, including moral reasoning; and reports researchfindings concerning the value systems adolescents develop. The first section characterizes preconventional, conventional, and postconventional morality and explores ways of promoting the development of a mature concept of justice, which includes role taking and living in a "just community." The second section focuses on aspects of social learning, which include authoritative parenting, inductive discipline, argumentative discourse, and tradition-based upbringing. In addition, this section explores socialization practices that hinder the development of mature moral reasoning. Focusing initially on characteristics of alienated youth and parental influences on such youth, the third section ...
Objectives1. To identify with older people the problems which they encounter in finding their way about public building/spaces.~%~2. To produce ideas, in consultation with older people, for an information/navigation aid that might facilitate their use and enjoyment of public buildings/spaces, notably hospitals, large shops, railway stations, airports.~%~3. To develop an emulation model of the information/navigation aid~%~4. To monitor use of the model by older people~%~5. To identify further research~%~6. [continued...]DescriptionThe growth in the number of older people offers scope for the development of customised information/navigation aids to help them to find their way around complex public spaces. New technology however is unlikely to be taken up by older people unless it is acceptable to them. The research will involve engineers in designing, testing and modifying a model of such an aid in ...
The TVR heavy water research reactor was deployed at Moscow Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics. In 1990, the final batch of the spent nuclear fuel from this reactor was shipped to Production Association (PA) 'Mayak' for reprocessing. The SNF removal was a stage of the reactor decommissioning activities. The designs of the TVR reactor and its fuel elements are similar to the RA reactor designs. Two ways of the RA reactor SNF transportation to PA 'Mayak' have been considered: in aluminum barrels and in additional canisters using respectively TUK-32 and TUK-19 shipping casks. The practical experience and the equipment used to prepare for the TVR reactor SNF removal can be helpful to the RA reactor personnel in finding the best way to perform these engineering operations. (author)
This comprehensive final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) presents the results of research done in the third phase of a research project that investigated components for small heat pump systems that use ammonia as a working fluid. The report includes a summary of the findings of the first two phases of the project and goes on to describe tests done with rotary vane and scroll compressors. The aims of the project are discussed and the work done is listed chronologically. The construction and the components of the test installation are described in detail. Also, the heat pump testing facilities at the University of Applied Science in Rapperswil, Switzerland, are described. The results of the measurements made for various temperature gradients are presented in detail and commented on; also, the various types of compressor tested and other heat pump compressors are compared.
This report presents a view of and commentary on the current status of equipment qualification (EQ) in nuclear industries of the major western nations. The introductory chapters discuss the concepts of EQ, the elements of EQ process and highlight some of the key issues in EQ. A brief review of industry practices and some of the prevalent industrial standards is presented, followed by an overview of current regulatory positions in the USA, France, Germany and Sweden. A summary and commentary on the latest researchfindings on issues relating to accident simulation, to aging simulation and some special topics related to EQ, has been contributed by Franklin Research Centre of Philadelphia. The last part of the report deals with equipment qualification in Canada and gives recommendations on EQ for new plants as well as currently operational CANDU nuclear power plants.
This paper summarizes the results of a long-term research project by SKBV which aimed to find ways of increasing spiral chute capacity while minimizing particle degradation, and also to extend the life of chute linings. Spiral chutes have been redesigned in such a way that chute speeds are considerably slower. The most wear-resistant and economic material for the inlet area was found to be slabs of tempered alloy cast steel, and for normal chute sections, cast basalt plates. Vertical rom bunkers can now be lined with thin cladding sections of GRC. Staple pit spiral chutes have been considerably improved in respect to wear and abrasion by the use of toughened steel as the chute lining material. Several of the innovations developed during the course of the research project are in use in West German mines and some have also been introduced abroad. (In German)
This report presents the preliminary findings of the first phase of the Environmental Survey of the US Department of Energy's (DOE) National Institute for Petroleum and Energy Research (NIPER), conducted February 29 through March 4, 1988. The Survey is being conducted by an interdisciplinary team of environmental specialists, led and managed by the Office of Environment, Safety and Health's Office of Environmental Audit. Team members are being provided by private contractors. The objective of the Survey is to identify environmental problems and areas of environmental risk associated with NIPER. The Survey covers all environmental media and all areas of environmental regulation. It is being performed in accordance with the DOE Environmental Survey Manual. The on-site phase of the Survey involves the review of existing site environmental data, observations of the operations carried on at NIPER and interviews with site personnel. ...
Purpose ? The purpose of this article is to expand the base of supply chain knowledge by applying chaos theory principles to selected supply chain functions. Design/methodology/approach ? Researchers borrow chaos theory from the natural sciences, provide a basic explanation, and then examine how it may be applied to enhance supply chain management techniques. Findings ? Chaos theory principles are used to assist in the examination of forecasting, product design, and inventory management challenges currently facing supply chain practitioners. Research limitations/implications ? Application of chaos theory to various supply chain issues and key functional areas may produce an increase in the level of understanding of supply chain ambiguity and how chaos theory may provide valuable insight in...
ABSTRACT: Metabolomic analysis will provide the next large set of clues to further our understanding of human health and disease. A recent study has elucidated the significant differences in the metabolomes of adipocytes, serum and an adipocyte cell line after activation of two nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ?/? (PPAR?/?) and PPAR?. These findings hold great promise for explaining fundamental differences in the mechanisms of PPAR agonists and for identifying targets for the treatment of diabetes.See related research article: http://genomebiology.com/2011/12/8/R75. PMID:21861850
The achievement of governmental transformation through the use of electronically delivered services is a worthy goal that requires significant planning and research to achieve. In order to reach transformational paradigm shifts in governmental operation, it will first be necessary to understand and optimize present governmental e-Service provisions. Of these, the revenue function of taxation is paramount. This paper describes factors related to the use and acceptance by accounting professionals of information technology intended to facilitate electronic tax filing systems. Though tested in the context of governmental tax management systems in Turkey, our findings on the use and acceptance of e-Tax systems are relevant and applicable to a great number of nations and contexts as the ongoing ...
Life management system is based on the valid nowadays in Estonian power plants regulation documentation. The system allows to estimate stress distribution in components, find computational assessment of cumulated creep damage, determine when and where it is necessary to cut off the particular number of microsamples or take replicas. Finally, the real metal condition may be assessed on the basis of metallographic specimen research and reasonable 3-R decision - run, repair, replacement - made on further component use. (orig.) 6 refs.
This reports is a literature survey on models and correlations for determining flow pattern that are used to simulate thermal-hydraulics in nuclear reactors. Determination of flow patterns are a basis for obtaining physical values of wall/interfacial friction, wall/interfacial heat transfer, and droplet entrainment/de-entrainment. Not only existing system codes, such as RELAP5-3D, TRAC-M, MARS, TRACE, CATHARE) but also up-to-date researches were reviewed to find models and correlations
This very significant and useful report assessed state-of-the-art geothermal technologies. The findings presented in this report are the result of site visits and interviews with plant owners and operators, representatives of major financial institutions, utilities involved with geothermal power purchases and/or wheeling. Information so obtained was supported by literature research and data supplied by engineering firms who have been involved with designing and/or construction of a majority of the plants visited. The interviews were conducted by representatives of the Bonneville Power Administration, the Washington State Energy Office, and the Oregon Department of Energy during the period 1986-1989. [DJE-2005
The long and resource intensive process of drug discovery and development is confronted with the basic challenge of providing effective and safe therapies at reasonably low costs. The better the mechanism of a disease is known, the higher the probability to find an appropriate therapy. Also, the better and earlier a disease can be diagnosed and characterized, the higher the chance to be able to interfere in this process with a chemical entity. This reasoning sets the framework for the use of imaging in drug discovery. We discuss the relevance of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to derive anatomical, functional, metabolic and target-related information in the context of pharmacological research in vivo. (author)
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to test the relationships among perceived risk, consumer satisfaction and repurchase loyalty, and to explore the moderating role of knowledge on the relationship between these constructs. Design/methodology/approach - The results are based on a cross-section sample of 846 households in Vietnam using self-administrating questionnaires, with fish as a main research object, and analyzed using structural equation modelling. Findings - The relationship between perceived risk and satisfaction is negative and satisfaction has a significantly positive effect on repurchase loyalty. This study suggests that perceived risk has an indirect effect on repurchase loyalty through satisfaction. Besides direct effects on perceived risk and satisfaction, knowledge prove...
The purpose of the present research is to find a suitable technique to measure trace amounts of uranium and thorium and to determine the surface #alpha#-flux in silicon compound (SiO) used for fabrication of integrated circuit packaging materials. Among several commonly-used detecting techniques, it was found that neutron activation analysis (NAA) was most promising. The results from NAA show a large difference in uranium and thorium concentrations when cadmium and boron carbide shields are used, whereas #alpha#-flux measurements show a low #alpha#-activity, which corresponds to the trace amounts of uranium and thorium expected to be present in these materials. (author) 13 refs.; 6 figs.
I review findings of various research groups regarding perturbative heterotic string model building in the last 12 months. Attention is given to recent studies of extra U(1)'s and local discrete symmetries (LDS's) in generic string models. Issues covered include the role of U(1)'s and LDS's in limiting proton decay, developments in classification of models containing anomalous U(1), and possible complications resulting from kinetic mixing between observable and hidden sector U(1)'s. Additionally, recent string-derived and string-inspired models are briefly reviewed. Talk Presented at SUSY '97.
The purpose of the present study is to find ways to reduce the quantity of indoor radon contamination. The study was done from July, 2005 until December, 2005. It was found out that the easiest and most effective way to do that is to open the windows as often as possible and let the indoor air flow outside. When it is not possible to ventilate a room, the indoor radon contamination quantity can reduced by providing activated charcoal in the room. It has been proved that activated charcoal can absorb the room in the air. We need more activated charcoal in proportion to the size of the room. A further research is needed to investigate the amount of activated charcoal that will work most effectively.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether there are differences among visitors to a destination based on their golfing frequency in the previous year. By constructing a framework for understanding the golf traveller, golf and tourism industry representatives can better understand the contribution that golfers make to a destination based on factors such as satisfaction, perceived value received from the golfing experience, trip length, expenditures, travel decisions, and motivations. The results indicate that there are significant differences between golfers based on golfing frequency. Dedicated golfers are very different from infrequent and moderate golfers on three of the four variables used to profile these visitors. Findings from this research may provide golf and tourism market...
In modern quality engineering, dual response surface methodology is a powerful tool to model an industrial process by using both the mean and the standard deviation of the measurements as the responses. The least squares method in regression is often used to estimate the coefficients in the mean and standard deviation models, and various decision criteria are proposed by researchers to find the optimal conditions. Based on the inherent hierarchical structure of the dual response problems, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical approach to model dual response surfaces. Such an approach is compared with two frequentist least squares methods by using two real data sets and simulated data.
Purpose: To use the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework to explore in depth the range of beliefs held by consumers about internet shopping in general and internet grocery shopping in particular. Design/methodology/approach: Seven focus group interviews, four in the United Kingdom and three in Denmark, were conducted among consumers with different degrees of experience with internet grocery shopping. This diversification of respondents was chosen to capture a broad range of the consumer beliefs that predict intentions to buy groceries online or not. The TPB framework was used to construct the interview guide that was followed in all focus groups. Findings: An unexpected result of the explorative study was that the seven groups consisting of more or less experienced internet shoppers differed only little in their pool of beliefs (outcome and control beliefs). Beliefs about internet grocery shopping, positive as well as negative, were ...
Purpose: The present research aims to identify the difficulties and obstacles for developing digital libraries in the seven regional branches of Islamic Azad University (IAU), Iran, and to study the status of librarians' skills and education programmes at these institutions. Design/methodology/approach: The 40 individuals working in the regional branch libraries of IAU were surveyed by a questionnaire consisting of 34 questions, and the collected data were analysed using SPSS software (version 16). Findings: It was found that the most important difficulties are the lack of suitable equipment and untrained personnel (i.e. a lack of sufficient training programmes). Research limitations/implications: Because of the small number of participants, it is suggested that a larger scale study is carried out. It is also proposed that the suggestions made by the participants will be considered and implemented, based on the digital ...
This document is a synthesis of data and analysis concerning natural circulation cooling in US Pressurized Water Reactors during off-normal operation and accident transients. Its objective is the integration of important researchfindings concerning PWR natural circulation phenomena into a single reference document. Sources of information include the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, reactor vendors, utility sponsored research groups, utilities, national laboratories, research reports, meeting papers, archival literature, and foreign sources. Three modes of natural circulation are discussed: single-phase, two-phase, and reflux/boiling condensation. General characteristics, analytical expressions, noncondensible gas effects, secondary effects, and nonuniform flow are described with regard to each of the natural circulation modes. Plant operational data, tests in scaled experimental facilities, and analysis ...
Full text. This research assesses models for new nuclear build in European Union (EU) member states to find the most stable form. The countries examined in this study are the United Kingdom and Romania. The results attest that due to various historical, political, competition, and electricity market structural conditions Romania and the United Kingdom have emerged with different models for new build nuclear projects. This paper begins with an assessment of the effects on the nuclear sector from energy, environmental and competition legislation in the EU. Then the political and economic climate of the aforementioned EU member states is completed. Following this an overview of the market structure of the electricity sector in those respective countries is conducted. Then the key research on the models and the phases of new nuclear build are explored. The research concludes each model has transcended from ...
The Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) concept was originally developed in the 1940`s. Recently, because of increasing energy costs, utility interest, and the development of simple and durable ground source heat exchangers, GHP`s have gained international attention as a proven means of energy conservation and electrical peak power demand reduction. GHP systems require installation of a buried heat exchanger to utilize the nearly constant ground temperature making them more efficient than conventional air source heat pumps. However, the high installation cost for both residential and commercial applications is a major obstacle to their market penetration. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) through its sponsors, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Defense (DOD), has embarked on a research program to find ways to reduce GHP installation costs and improve performance, thereby increasing their market penetration. The major elements of the ...
Because there are more than 101 million residential households in the United States today, it is not surprising that existing residential buildings represent an extremely large source of potential energy savings. Because thousands of these homes are renovated each year, Building America is investigating the best ways to make existing homes more energy-efficient, based on lessons learned from research in new homes. The Building America program is aiming for a 20%-30% reduction in energy use in existing homes by 2020. The strategy for the existing homes project of Building America is to establish technology pathways that reduce energy consumption cost-effectively in American homes. The existing buildings project focuses on finding ways to adapt the results from the new homes research to retrofit applications in existing homes. Research activities include a combination of computer modeling, field ...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral disorders in children. Symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, low frustration tolerance, impulsivity, and inattention. While the biological pathways leading to ADHD are not clearly delineated, a number of genetic and environmental risk factors for the disorder are recognized. In the early 1970s, research conducted by Dr. Benjamin Feingold found that when hyperactive children were given a diet free of artificial food additives and dyes, symptoms of hyperactivity were reduced. While some clinical studies supported these findings, more rigorous empirical studies conducted over the next 20 years were less positive. As a result, research on the role of food additives in contributing to ADHD waned. In recent years, however, interest in this area has revived. In response to more recent research and public petitions, in ...
A plan to diffuse instructional modules for the preparation of transportation professionals is presented, based on research and demonstration projects sponsored by the Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA). The diffusion/adoption plan involves: developing instructional modules; disseminating the modules to professors teaching transportation courses at the college level; promoting the use and adoption of the modules; and evaluating and revising the plan. Transportation educators teach in a variety of disciplines (e.g., engineering, public administration, urban planning, and technology). Eight design and evaluation criteria for the instructional modules are listed, along with the procedures used by West Virginia University in developing the five instructional modules. The diffusion strategy involves repackaging UMTA researchfindings, change agents, and the use of information channels (e.g, television/radio, ...
Protecting Earth and planets against the invasion of 'alien life forms' is not military science fiction, but it is the peaceful daily job of engineers and scientists of space agencies. 'Planetary Protection' is preventing microbial contamination of both the target planet and the Earth when sending robots on interplanetary space mission. It is important to preserve the 'natural' conditions of other planets and to not bring with robots 'earthly microbes' (forward contamination) when looking for 'spores of extra terrestrial life'. The Earth and its biosphere must be protected from potential extraterrestrial biological contamination when returning samples of other planets to the Earth (backward contamination). The NASA-Caltech Laboratory for Planetary Protection of Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) (California, USA) routinely monitors and characterizes the microbes of NASA spacecraft assembly rooms and space robots prior to flight. They ...
The Fact Finding Committee on 'Future Nuclear Power Policy' established by the 8th German Federal Parliament in its report of June 1980 among other items published the recommendation to commission a 'risk oriented analysis' of the SNR-300 in order to enable a pragmatic comparison to be made of the safety of the German prototype fast breeder reactor and a modern light water reactor (a Biblis B PWR). The Federal Minister for Research and Technology in August 1981 officially commissioned the Gesellschaft fuer Reaktorsicherheit (GRS) to conduct the study. Following a recommendation by the Fact Finding Committee, additional studies were performed also by a group of opponents of the breeder reactor. On the instigation of the group of opponents the delivery date of the study was altered several times and finally set at April 30, 1982. GRS submitted its report by this deadline. However, a joint report by the two groups could not be ...
Peer assessment provides a powerful avenue for students to receive feedback on their learning. Although student perceptions of peer assessment have been studied extensively in higher education, little qualitative research has been undertaken with medical students in problem-based learning (PBL) curricula. A qualitative study of students' attitudes to, and perceptions of, peer assessment was undertaken within the framework of a larger study of metacognition with first-year medical students at the University of Queensland. A highly structured format for provision of feedback was utilised in the study design. Many recommendations from the higher education literature on optimal implementation of peer-assessment procedures were put into practice. Results indicated the existence of six main themes: (1) increased responsibility for others, (2) improved learning, (3) lack of relevancy, (4) challenges, (5) discomfort, and (6) effects on the PBL process. Five of these themes ...
Use of hydrogen in large scale applications is more usual than public is mentioning normally. Nevertheless reserve against hydrogen can be observed up to highest level decision-makers. Possibly a main reason can be found and eliminated by fixing: Some spectacular accidents happened in the past and found great interest. The publication of impressive accidents and the follow up of the events course was very carefully. The research in finding causalities in former decisions and follow up was not in the interest of some people or institutions. Important facts are even not noticed by insiders, but would have been very important for future decision makings and public acceptance of new applications. It will be demonstrated in three historical examples. Much more examples would be available and each one could help to find new applications for a saver and effective use of hydrogen in power supply. Awaking from new reserves could be ...
Finding environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods to remediate soils contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is currently a major concern of researchers. In this study, a series of small-scale semi-continuous extractions - with and without in situ wet oxidation - were performed on soils polluted with PAHs, using subcritical water (i.e. liquid water at high temperatures and pressures, but below the critical point) as the removal agent. Experiments were performed in a 300 mL reactor using an aged soil sample. To find the desorption isotherms and oxidation reaction rates, semi-continuous experiments with residence times of 1 and 2 h were performed using aged soil at 250 deg. C and hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent. In all combined extraction and oxidation flow experiments, PAHs in the remaining soil after the experiments were almost undetectable. In combined extraction and oxidation no PAHs could ...
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to show how Nigeria's current Universal Basic Education on primary schooling targets Muslim "Almajiri" street boys for basic literacy acquisition. The paper examines the policy's management implementation practices and challenges, as well as provides policy options that may minimize discrepancies for effective management. Design/methodology/approach: The discussion is guided by preliminary qualitative studies using phenomenology research philosophy to better understand the social realities of the boys' schooling. Using a descriptive case study approach, two schools in a major city of northern Nigeria served as research sites. Data collection process involved informal interviews, active observations, and discussions with a purpose with four boys, and two teachers as primary participants. Data analysis engaged the generation of themes from the transcribed interview and personal observation field notes, with ...
The primary goal of this project is to obtain a better understanding of thermophilic microorganisms which convert acetic acid to CH[sub 4]. The previous funding period represents a departure from earlier research in this laboratory, which was more physiological and ecological. The present work is centered on the biochemistry of the thermophile Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1. this organism presents a unique opportunity, with its purity and relatively rapid growth, to do comparative biochemical studies with the other major acetotrophic genus Methanosarcina. We previously found that Methanothrix is capable of using acetate at concentrations 100 fold lower than Methanosarcina. This finding suggests that there are significant differences in the pathways of methanogenesis from acetate in the two genera.
This paper reports the findings of a study that explores the perspectives of 25 young Cypriots regarding the symbolic values of smoking with respect to their everyday lived experiences. This study was motivated by recognising the high levels of smoking prevalence among adolescents in Cyprus and the absence of published research 'recording' their own versions of reality about smoking. Data for the study were generated from one-to-one qualitative interviews which encouraged the participants to articulate the symbolic value of smoking in their day-to-day experiences. The analysis focuses first, on the content of the embedded symbolic values of smoking (e.g. the quality of being 'cool') and second on the role of these values (e.g. used in projecting an image) in their everyday lives. A central...
The present study analyzes argument in jury deliberations by using the Conversational Argument Coding Scheme (CACS) and the content of juror argument using Subject Matter Argument Assessment (SMAA) (Pettus, 1990). The main purpose is to illustrate how the two coding schemes can complement each other to provide rich yet systematic characterization of argument in jury deliberation. Jury deliberations drawn from In the Jury Room, a televised news series on jury deliberation, are coded and analyzed using CACS and SMAA. The researchers found that using two argument coding schemes is beneficial in learning about the types of arguments jurors make and the subject matter about which they argue. The study results are compared with findings from previous studies of juror argument behavior, suggestin...
This review describes how a mismatch between the knowledge produced by scientists and the evidence demanded by regulators has emerged, and how society has struggled to find definitive answers to questions of safety, for an important flame retardant chemical in current use ? Deca-BDE. This has involved two key disciplines: analytical chemistry and toxicology. Within the chemistry, a lack of standardized methodologies among scientists has resulted in a persistent yet largely undeclared failure to replicate results within the discipline. Within the toxicology, the quest for innovative, curiosity-driven research by university scientists in preference to using validated standard protocols, designed to promote consistency within the risk assessment process, has prompted questions about the credi...
Thyroid cancer is the most frequently diagnosed endocrine cancer and causes more deaths than all other endocrine cancers combined. Researchfindings support the concept that a subpopulation of thyroid cancer cells displays properties characteristic of stem cells. These putative cancer-forming entities drive tumorigenesis as a result of their dual ability to undergo self-renewal and to differentiate into various types of cancer cells; they also mediate metastasis and are resistant to the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This Review discusses the cellular origin of thyroid cancer and the properties of the thyroid cancer stem cell niche. The article critically evaluates the methods used to identify molecular markers expressed by thyroid-cancer-initiating cells and outlines prosp...
Previous research demonstrates that we tend to derogate individuals who are perceived to be in a social relationship with stigmatized persons. Two experiments examined whether this phenomenon also occurs for individuals seen in the presence of an obese person and whether a social relationship is necessary for stigmatization to spread. The results from both experiments revealed that a male job applicant was rated more negatively when seen with an overweight compared to a normal weight female and that just being in the mere proximity of an overweight woman was enough to trigger stigmatization toward the male applicant. Experiment 2 examined possible moderating effects of the proximity finding. Applicants seated next to heavy (vs. average weight) individuals were denigrated consistently regardless of the perceived depth of the relationship, the participant's anti-fat attitudes or gender, and whether or not positive information was presented ...
Knowledge and awareness of past and future autobiographical events may be mediated by a common system that supports intentional, goal-directed behavior. The purpose of this study was to assess the correspondence of past and future autobiographical thought. In Experiment 1, 300 undergraduates aged 19 years generated and assigned dates to past and f utu re autobiographical events. Thetemporal distribution of past events replicated a power function for retention as has been described in past research. The intention function of future autobiographical events fit the inverse of this same power function, reflecting a temporality of past and future mental time travel centered around the present moment. In Experiment 2, these findings were extended to young, middle-aged, and older groups. These data provide empirical support for the notion that thinking outside of "now" is mediated by a common system, regardless of whether one is thinking about the ...
This study uses the European Patent Office worldwide patent database and applies two-stage interactive data collection methods to reveal the evolving technological interdependence for China's emerging biofuel industry. Three findings are excerpted from our empirical results. First, due to dominant patterns of business ownership, China's biofuel technology is seen as largely based on the evolutionary strength of the foodstuff and chemical fields. Second, China's biofuel technology development has evolved in the mode of 'forward engineering', led by Chinese universities rather than initiated by the public research institutes as in the experience of other East Asian latecomers. Third, our patent map and technology trajectory analyses illustrate that China's biofuel technology tends to be appl...
Several researchers have investigated morphological changes on the south-eastern Mediterranean coast during the late Holocene. However, very few of these studies include quantitative data covering the last 200?years. In this study, topographical maps, nautical charts and aerial photographs are used to estimate the shoreline migrations and beach?nearshore sand balance over the last 200?years in Haifa Bay, Israel, the northernmost final depositional sink of the Nile littoral cell. The findings reflect two main periods. During the first period, between 1799 and 1928, human intervention along the bay?s coast was negligible, a significant coastal expansion of ?50 to 150?m (averages of 0.4?1.2?m/year) was measured, and sand accumulation was estimated at ?70,000?m3 annually in the beach?nearshore...
This paper addresses known limitations and constraints in eddy current nondestructive testing. Incomplete appreciation for eddy current limitations is believed to have contributed to both under-utilization and misapplication of the technique. Neither situation need arise if known limitations are recognized. Some, such as the skin depth effect, are inherent to electromagnetic test methods and define the role of eddy current testing. Others can be overcome with available technology such as surface probes to find circumferential cracks in tubes and magnetic saturation of ferromagnetic alloys to eliminate permeability effects. The variables responsible for limitations in eddy current testing are discussed and where alternative approaches exist, these are presented. Areas with potential for further research and development are also identified.
Recent researchfindings of epidemiologist Alice Stewart suggest that nuclear workers may be at risk of contracting cancer even though their measured occupational doses fall within current safety standards. It is argued that these standards are inappropriate as they are based on extrapolations of studies on survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki explosions. These individuals received single doses of radiation, whereas today's nuclear industry personnel are exposed to low-level ionizing radiation over the length of their working lives. Stewart's team linked low dose occupational exposure to ionizing radiation with an increased risk of cancer in respiratory, digestive and blood-forming tissues. The nuclear industry and United States government agencies hotly contest these assertion with their potentially damaging political and economic consequences. (UK).
Recent researchfindings of epidemiologist Alice Stewart suggest that nuclear workers may be at risk of contracting cancer even though their measured occupational doses fall within current safety standards. It is argued that these standards are inappropriate as they are based on extrapolations of studies on survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki explosions. These individuals received single doses of radiation, whereas today's nuclear industry personnel are exposed to low-level ionizing radiation over the length of their working lives. Stewart's team linked low dose occupational exposure to ionizing radiation with an increased risk of cancer in respiratory, digestive and blood-forming tissues. The nuclear industry and United States government agencies hotly contest these assertion with their potentially damaging political and economic consequences. (UK).
Purpose - This paper aims to discuss the procedures and methods developed at Washington State University to digitize and make accessible historic moving images. Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes the selection and the use of low-cost technologies to transfer analog film to digital formats. Issues related to the conversion, description, and online hosting of digital films are also addressed. Findings - Though the steps involved in digitizing film are not trivial, the benefits of access both for the public and archives staff outweigh the expense and labor involved. The procedures described in this paper involve low upfront costs and are sustained through cost recovery fees. Research limitations/implications - The focus of this paper is on managing, describing, and providing on...
Researchers have identified as effective and worthy of broader dissemination a variety of intervention strategies to promote physical activity among older adults. This paper reports results of a community-organizing approach to disseminating evidence-based interventions in a sustainable way: The Southeast Seattle Senior Physical Activity Network (SESPAN). SESPAN was implemented in Southeast Seattle, a group of multicultural neighborhoods extending 8?miles southeast of downtown Seattle, with a population of 56,469 in 2000, with 12% (7,041) aged 65 and older. The SESPAN organizing strategy involved networking to: (1) make connections between two or more community organizations to create new senior physical activity programs; and (2) build coalitions of community groups and organizations to a...
In the GE 7FDL single cylinder research diesel engine, in-cylinder high-speed photographic studies were conducted on coal-water slurry (CWS) fuel combustion. Distinct flames of pilot and CWS combustion were noticed. It was proven that the coal fuel burns after piston impingement and secondary atomization. Agglomerated particles will develop when combustion conditions are not favorable. Cylinder pressure data were simultaneously recorded for each film frame. Heat release data can thus be produced for each photo study. Most of the findings of earlier combustion studies on engine performance were confirmed.
By the department Radio-ecology of the Laboratory for Radiation Research, in the period 1981 up to 1989 inclusive, the transfer has been studied, from soil to plant, of a number of important activation and fission products, originating in the nuclear-power production in nuclear power plants. The purpose of this study was twofold: on the one side the quantification of this transfer for various agrarian systems and on the other side to find out in how far, after an accidental contamination, certain agriculture activities can influence essentially the transfer and subsequently the radiation burden for the population. Emphasis lay, the last years, in particular upon this second aspect. The results of this study form essential basic data for diffusion models for radioactive materials which, in turn, are important in estimating the effects of measures. (author). 6 refs.; 4 figs.
Since the end of the 1990s, good quality lighting was that which balanced the needs of humans, economic and environmental issues, and architectural design. Recent studies aimed to find a correlation between environmental lighting and human performance and health, with positive results. What is known, is that insufficient or inappropriate light exposure can disrupt standard human rhythms which may result in adverse consequences for performance, safety, health. By studying the relationship between human physiology and light, research in photobiology has advanced to the point where some attempts to foresee what the lighting practice will be in future. The question is if lighting practice and lighting practitioners are ready for changes. This paper has the aim of introducing the recent discove...
Purpose - This paper uses data about the challenges and difficulties confronting organisations and leaders to advance a dualized meaning of corporate leadership in the context of a developing country. The purpose is to describe a leadership frame that is locally contextualised, thereby bringing conceptualisation and thought closer to action, reified reality and applicability. Design/methodology/approach - This research was designed as a series of three studies starting from an applied/interventionist standpoint. The first study used data from applied diagnostic interventions, the second used qualitative interviews and the third used open-ended questionnaires. Data were collected from 25 Ghanaian organisations and 29 corporate executives. Findings - Drawing on a range of everyday issues suc...
In order to match the output capacity of a geothermal heat pump system (GHPS) with the actual load requirement, research has been carried out in finding the influence of two systematic parameters, the water flow rate inside the condenser and the compressor input frequency on the GHPS operation. Experiments are done on a small-scale GHPS at the water flow rate ranging from 0.054 kg/s to 0.174 kg/s and the frequency from 30 Hz to 55 Hz. The analysis of the experimental data reveals the relationships among the compressor frequency, the water flow rate and other important parameters such as coefficient of performance (COP), heat capacity and compressor power input. The conclusions in the paper can serve as some guidance to the load adjustment of GHPS. (author)
The ultimate goal of this research is to generate and apply novel technologies to speed completion and integration of the human genome map and sequence with biomedical problems. To do this, techniques were developed and genome-wide resources generated. This includes a genome-wide Mapped and Integrated BAC/PAC Resource that has been used for gene finding, map completion and anchoring, breakpoint definition and sequencing. In the last period of the grant, the Human Mapped BAC/PAC Resource was also applied to determine regions of human variation and to develop a novel paradigm of primate evolution through to humans. Further, in order to more rapidly evaluate animal models of human disease, a BAC Map of the mouse was generated in collaboration with the MTI Genome Center, Dr. Bruce Birren.
Studies relative to some formation evaluation aspects of geothermal reservoirs are reported. The particular reservoirs considered were the liquid dominated type with a lithology of the sedimentary nature. Specific problems of interest included the resistivity behavior of brines and rocks at elevated temperatures and studies on the feasibility of using the well log resistivity data to obtain estimates of reservoir permeability. Several papers summarizing the results of these studies were presented at various technical meetings for rapid dissemination of the results to potential users. These papers together with a summary of data most recently generated are included. A brief review of the researchfindings precedes the technical papers. Separate abstracts were prepared for four papers. Five papers were abstracted previously for EDB.
The development of comfort in buildings throughout the centuries was influenced by the demand for progress, wealth and innovation in various respects. At present, it seems that progress may only be possible by taking into account the environment and creating methods of reducing further damage to the environment. The innovative feature of future progress my be reducing the impact on the environment from human and building activities by using appropriate technology. As it is impossible to build without any impact on the environment and this is likely to be so in the future, the objective is and will be to find solutions for buildings which are more compatible with the environment. The objective is to demonstrate that it is viable to design buildings with minimized impact on the environment, while still maintaining appropriate comfort levels.
This paper has two key objectives. Firstly, using the findings from case study research undertaken in Colombo (Sri Lanka), Faisalabad (Pakistan) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), the paper seeks to demonstrate the importance of an appropriate regulatory framework and effective mechanisms of enforcement for sustainable urban transport systems in developing countries. Secondly, the paper highlights the critical importance of communication and co-ordination between stakeholders (defined here as transport users, providers and regulators) if regulation is to be effective. The views of poor and disadvantaged passenger groups-women, children, the elderly and disabled-are used in the paper to illustrate the importance of transport systems to their livelihoods, such as work, education, health and socia...
The cost incurred every year in West Germany due to air pollution is investigated. Damage to buildings, materials, and vegetation are evaluated as well as the cost of additional cleaning work and changes of location with the objective of getting a picture of the economic value of air pollution abatement. The findings are based on data of immission damage in high-exposure areas. Damage is assessed in consideration of the frequency of repair measures in industrial and country atmosphere. Further research will be necessary in view of the many problems concerning methods and availability of basic statistical data. The sequential cost estimated for a few selected cases of damage show that economic losses due to air pollution amount to several thousand million DM. Air pollution abatement measures thus do not only improve our quality of life but also help to save considerable cost to our national economy.
Purpose - This article aims to examine approaches by academic libraries in demonstrating return on investment (RoI). Design/methodology/approach - As a participant in a recent international RoI study, the author reviews the various difficulties in developing a suitable methodology. Findings - Using grant income as the basis for demonstrating RoI, it was found that wide differences in results may be attributable to a number of factors related to the parent organisation, the availability of grant funding and the country of the study. Research limitations/implications - Further work is necessary to arrive at a suitable methodology for a diverse range of academic libraries. Practical implications - Library managers are alerted to issues and problems surrounding the development of return on inv...
Industrial effects have long been significant factors in wage inequality. Previous research indicates that wage differentials across industries were increasing through the mid 1980s. Using more recent data, however, we find that the level of inter-industry wage dispersion declined by 36% from 1986 to 2002 despite the continued trend towards increasing inequality in the labor force. This decline in inter-industry wage dispersion is evident across gender and educational groups. Using multilevel growth curve models, our multivariate results indicate that the decline is only weakly related to industrial changes in education, occupation or even productivity despite the fact that the latter variable had been a critical factor in the prior period. Indicators of globalization and downsizing also d...
Obtaining the set of cosmological parameters consistent with observational data is an important exercise in current cosmological research. It involves finding the global maximum of the likelihood function in the multi-dimensional parameter space. Currently sampling based methods, which are in general stochastic in nature, like Markov-Chain Monte Carlo(MCMC), are being commonly used for parameter estimation. The beauty of stochastic methods is that the computational cost grows, at the most, linearly in place of exponentially (as in grid based approaches) with the dimensionality of the search space. MCMC methods sample the full joint probability distribution (posterior) from which one and two dimensional probability distributions, best fit (average) values of parameters and then error bars can be computed. In the present work we demonstrate the application of another stochastic method, named Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), that is widely used ...
We introduce the {\\sc classified stable matching} problem, a problem motivated by academic hiring. Suppose that a number of institutes are hiring faculty members from a pool of applicants. Both institutes and applicants have preferences over the other side. An institute classifies the applicants based on their research areas (or any other criterion), and, for each class, it sets a lower bound and an upper bound on the number of applicants it would hire in that class. The objective is to find a stable matching from which no group of participants has reason to deviate. Moreover, the matching should respect the upper/lower bounds of the classes. In the first part of the paper, we study classified stable matching problems whose classifications belong to a fixed set of ``order types.'' We show that if the set consists entirely of downward forests, there is a polynomial-time algorithm; otherwise, it is NP-complete to decide the existence of a stable ...
This study validates a research model that examines usage of instant messaging (IM) from the aspect of online social support. Drawing on the social capital theory, this study postulates that IM usage is indirectly affected by social support via the mediation of the following six dimensions of social capital: commitment, reciprocity, shared codes and language, shared narratives, centrality, and network ties. The model tests data obtained from business organizations in Taiwan, and the results suggest that the indirect influence of social support on IM usage through shared codes and language is significant, and the indirect influence of social support on IM usage through centrality is also significant. Managerial implications and limitations of the empirical findings are provided.
In the years 2004 and 2005, Korea became a prospective nation noteworthy in the world through the epochal development of genetic engineering in our country. Obstinate or incurable diseases were expected to be healed in a few years by a Korean geneticist. So many worldwide patients of obstinate or incurable diseases took notice of the research outcomes and organized an aid association to collect supporting funds. World renowned journals such as 'Nature' and 'Science' published Dr. Hwang's theses. A long and distant way remedy to obstinate diseases seemed to be closer at hand so early. However, a stem cell fraud case emerged throughout the world in late 2005, the pride of the Korean people was destroyed. With this as a momentum, voices of self reflection by scientific circles were raised. The purpose of this study is not in finding the truth of the stem cell research but to propose an effective management and control measures ...
We address four main areas in which graduate quantum mechanics education in the U.S. can be improved: course content; textbook; teaching methods; and assessment tools. We report on a three year longitudinal study at the Colorado School of Mines using innovations in all four of these areas. In particular, we have modified the content of the course to reflect progress in the field in the last 50 years, use modern textbooks that include such content, incorporate a variety of teaching techniques based on physics education research, and used a variety of assessment tools to study the effectiveness of these reforms. We present a new assessment tool, the Graduate Quantum Mechanics Conceptual Survey, and further testing of a previously developed assessment tool, the Quantum Mechanics Conceptual Survey (QMCS). We find that graduate students respond well to research-based techniques that have previously been tested mainly in ...
The GeoSAR (geographic synthetic aperture radar) program is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) sponsored program organized in cooperation with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the California Department of Conservation. Some aspects of the program have been existent for almost two years. The technical goal of the program has been the development of rapid-mapping radar technologies, and has now, as its principal challenge, the development of a capability for terrain mapping under foliage. In this paper, we discuss validation of current technology and examine the utility of data products currently produced by the Environmental Research Institute of MIchigan's (ERIM) IFSARE, JPL's TOPSAR, and JPL's AIRSAR. We find that ERIM's X-band IFSARE system produces elevation maps to better than 2-m accuracy. Based on this we determine that TOPSAR elevation maps are accurate to at least 5 m. We also demonstrate the ...
Scientists have just taken a big step toward understanding the cause of Lou Gehrig's disease, one of the most devastating nerve degenerative diseases. A large team of researchers, led by Robert Brown Jr. of Harvards's Massachusetts General Hospital and Robert Horvitz, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, report in the 4 March Nature that they've identified the gene that causes a hereditary form of the condition, which also goes by the name amyothophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While most ALS cases - approximately 90% - are apparently sporadic' and not caused by an inherited gene defect, all the patients have such similar symptons that researchers are hopeful that what they learn about hereditary ALS will also apply to the sporadic form, possibly leading to new therapeutic strategies that will help both. It's a very important ...
In recent years, discovery of association rules among itemsets in a large database has been described as an important database-mining problem. The problem of discovering association rules has received considerable research attention and several algorithms for mining frequent itemsets have been developed. Many algorithms have been proposed to discover rules at single concept level. However, mining association rules at multiple concept levels may lead to the discovery of more specific and concrete knowledge from data. The discovery of multiple level association rules is very much useful in many applications. In most of the studies for multiple level association rule mining, the database is scanned repeatedly which affects the efficiency of mining process. In this research paper, a new method for discovering multilevel association rules is proposed. It is based on FP-tree structure and uses cooccurrence frequent item tree to ...
In May 1990 a group of scientists representing several federal agencies, the International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, the private sector, and academia met to develop a strategy to encourage the study of the biological effects of low level exposures (BELLE) to chemical agents and radioactivity. A workshop was held in 1991 with seven invited speakers focusing on the toxicological implications of biological adaptations. The selection of topics and speakers was designed to consider critically the concept of hormesis, not only in a broad, conceptual manner, but also at the molecular and biochemical levels. These presentations offered a complementary perspective on the diverse range of molecular mechanisms that can become activated at low levels of toxicant exposure. In addition to chemical toxicology research, an overview of current research on 'Effects of low-dose radiation on the immune response' was presented as well as ...
Claims of property value loss are commonly raised by homeowners when noxious facilities are sited or when new information about the hazards of existing facilities is made public. While the capitalization of externalities into land values is consistent with economic theory, empirical measurement of impacts has not generated consistent results. This is true both for hedonic measurements as well as other types of econometric analyses. While it is well established that job and site risks have similar impacts on regional labor markets, there are no studies relating the presence of a broad range of noxious facilities to local wage premiums. In contrast, this study employs an interregional framework in a hedonic analysis of both wage and property markets and considers eight different facility classifications. This paper discusses the development of the hedonic model employed in this study. It develops more fully the theoretical advantages of the intercity model and alternative methods of ...
Claims of property value loss are commonly raised by homeowners when noxious facilities are sited or when new information about the hazards of existing facilities is made public. While the capitalization of externalities into land values is consistent with economic theory, empirical measurement of impacts has not generated consistent results. This is true both for hedonic measurements as well as other types of econometric analyses. While it is well established that job and site risks have similar impacts on regional labor markets, there are no studies relating the presence of a broad range of noxious facilities to local wage premiums. In contrast, this study employs an interregional framework in a hedonic analysis of both wage and property markets and considers eight different facility classifications. This paper discusses the development of the hedonic model employed in this study. It develops more fully the theoretical advantages of the intercity model and alternative methods of ...
This research centered on finding and perfecting methods of collection and disposal of refuse in Ibadan North Local Government Areas. The methodology used included questionnaire administration, personal interviews, field reconnaissance, and biochemical tests of water samples, all aimed at providing useful data for the design of effective methods of collecting and disposing refuse. The local government area was divided into three classes based on resident income: a high-income area (Bodija Avenue, etc.), a medium-income area (Sanngo, Oluyole, etc.), and a low-income area (Beere, Adeoyo, etc.). The research outcomes revealed that the waste generation rate for the local government ranged from 0.2 to 0.33 kg/cap/day and waste density ranged from 172.41 to 217.61 kg/m"3. Water analyses showed that the chloride, manganese, lead, and cadmium levels in water from low-income areas were above the WHO standard. The refuse generated in ...
Background: Accountability demands are increasingly pushing school leaders to explore more data and do more sophisticated analyses. Data-driven decision making (DDDM) has become an emerging field of practice for school leadership and a central focus of education policy and practice. Purpose: This study examined principals' DDDM practices and identified the factors influencing DDDM using the theoretical frame of information use environments. Participants: Participants were 183 public high school principals in a Midwestern state. Research Design: The research design was cross-sectional survey research. Data Collection and Analysis: Survey instruments were developed and administered to principals. Structural equation modeling was conducted to determine what factors significantly affect principals' DDDM practices in different leadership dimensions. Findings: Principals used data more frequently in ...
A study described part-time and small farmers (PT/SF) on the basis of their demographic characteristics and determined their farm management educational needs. Findings revealed that the majority of the PT/SF were males who operated farms of 50-150 acres for 11 or more years, were 35-44 years of age, and were high school graduates who principally produced crops. The four areas of farm management education needed by PT/SF were farm tax management, marketing farm products, determining farm insurance needs, and farm recordkeeping. Findings regarding a third objective--to determine the relationship between the selected demographic charcteristics and the computed farm management educational needs of PT/SF--revealed a range of negligible to substantial relationships. The moderate to substantial positive relationships existed between type of principal farm enterprise and the categories of computed educational needs. The other negligible to low ...
... Instrumentation for Materials Research (IMR) Division of Materials Research Synopsis of Program ... for Materials Research (IMR) program in the Division of Materials Research (DMR) is designed to ...
Although the public generally hold positive attitudes towards wind energy, proposals for the construction of new wind farms are often met with strong resistance. In New Zealand, where the government has recently introduced ambitious policy targets for renewable energy generation, negative perceptions of wind farms are increasingly evident and have the potential to prevent the achievement of these targets. This research sets out to examine what influences social resistance to wind farms in New Zealand. Drawing from public submissions on three wind farm proposals, a framework developed by Devine-Wright [Devine-Wright, P., 2005a. Beyond NIMBYism: towards an integrated Framework for Understanding Public Perceptions of Wind Energy. Wind Energy 8, 125-139.] was used as the basis for identification of factors affecting public perceptions of wind farms. The research found firstly that there was no apparent relationship between the proximity of ...
Although the public generally hold positive attitudes towards wind energy, proposals for the construction of new wind farms are often met with strong resistance. In New Zealand, where the government has recently introduced ambitious policy targets for renewable energy generation, negative perceptions of wind farms are increasingly evident and have the potential to prevent the achievement of these targets. This research sets out to examine what influences social resistance to wind farms in New Zealand. Drawing from public submissions on three wind farm proposals, a framework developed by Devine-Wright [Devine-Wright, P., 2005a. Beyond NIMBYism: towards an integrated Framework for Understanding Public Perceptions of Wind Energy. Wind Energy 8, 125-139.] was used as the basis for identification of factors affecting public perceptions of wind farms. The research found firstly that there was no apparent relationship between the proximity of ...
Research into methods for reasoning under uncertainty is currently one of the most exciting areas of artificial intelligence, largely because it has recently become possible to record, store, and process large amounts of data. While impressive achievements have been made in pattern classification problems such as handwritten character recognition, face detection, speaker identification, and prediction of gene function, it is even more exciting that researchers are on the verge of introducing systems that can perform large-scale combinatorial analyses of data, decomposing the data into interacting components. For example, computational methods for automatic scene analysis are now emerging in the computer vision community. These methods decompose an input image into its constituent objects, lighting conditions, motion patterns, etc. Two of the main challenges are finding effective representations and models in specific ...
The extensive research and development effort was initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 2002 at West Virginia University (WVU) in order to investigate practical ways of reducing the structural weight and increasing the durability of heavy vehicles through the judicious use of lightweight composite materials. While this project was initially focused on specific Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) material, namely Aluminum/Silicon Carbide (Al/SiC) commercially referenced as ''LANXIDE'', the current research effort was expanded from the component level to the system level and from MMC to other composite material systems. Broadening the scope of this research is warranted not only by the structural and economical deficiencies of the ''LANXIDE'' MMC material, but also by the strong coupling that exists between the material and the geometric ...
A Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Management Pre-Start Review (MPR) Team was formed to independently verify the operational readiness of Building 368 (B368) Biosafety Level III (BSL-3) Facility to conduct research with biological pathogens and toxins including those considered Select Agents. Review objectives and criteria were developed from the DOE/NNSA and LLNL requirements. These were provided in the Implementation Plan for the Biosafety Level III (BSL-3) Facility Management Pre-Start Review (BSL-3 MPR) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory that was reviewed and approved by DOE/NNSA-LSO. The formal part of the LLNL MPR for the BSL-3 Facility was begun in August of 2005 but work on the MPR was stopped in October of 2005 due to the need for LLNL to reassess organizational and operational controls and respond to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention inquiries related to a shipping incident involving select agents. The MPR was restarted in ...
This report describes the results of a large project conducted in a corporation between Statistics Denmark and the Danish National Environmental Research Institute. The main objective of the project has been to analyse the possibilities of prescribing the development in the Danish freight transport in a more appropriate and precise way than it is done by existing models. A secondary objective of the project was to develop a model based on the findings of the analysis. The intention was to be able to describe all areas of freight transport. The analysis has proven it impossible to improve the existing calculations in some areas of transport. Hence, the project has been narrowed down to focus exclusively on road freight transport. The developed model distinguishes itself from existing models by a much higher level of detail in the calculations. This enables the model to describe the structural relations between transport and economic activity, ...
One example of basic and applied research at LLNL that has produced major, highly visible scientific and engineering advances has been the research related to controlled fusion energy. Continuing experimentation at LLNL and elsewhere is likely to demonstrate that fusion is a viable, inexhaustible alternative source of energy. Having conducted major fusion energy experiments for over 30 years at LLNL, it scientists and engineers recognized the enormous challenges that lay ahead in this important endeavor. To be successful, it was clear that collaborative efforts with universities, private industry, and other national laboratories would need to be greatly expanded. Along with invention and scientific discovery would come the challenge of transferring the myriad of new technologies from the laboratories to the private sector for commercialization of the fusion energy process and the application of related technologies to yet unimagined new ...
Taking into consideration India's limited reserves of natural and vast reserves of thorium, the fast reactor route holds a great promise for India's energy supply in future. The fast reactor fueled with "2"3"9Pu/"2"3"8U (unused or depleted) produces (breeds) more fissionable fuel material "2"3"9Pu than it consumes. Calculations show that a fast breeder reactor (FBR) increases energy potential of natural uranium by about 60 times. As the fast reactor can also convert "2"3"2Th into "2"3"3U which is a fissionable material, it can make India's thorium reserves a source of almost inexhaustible energy supply for a long time to come. Significant advantage of FBR plants cooled by sodium and their world-wide operating experience are reviewed. There are two main safety issues of FBR, one nuclear and the other non-nuclear. The nuclear issue concerns core disruptive accident and the non-nuclear one concerns the high chemical energy potential of sodium. These two issues are analysed and it is ...
... centers in materials research. MRSECs address fundamental materials research topics of intellectual ... in materials research. II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION MRSECs are supported by NSF to undertake materials ...
Information Technology Research for National Priorities (ITR) Fiscal Year 2004 Announcement ... the Information Technology Research (ITR) Program is focusing on Information Technology Research in ...
The role of nurse practitioner has been established because of a shortage of doctors. In May 2007, the first cohort of 582 nurse practitioners were licensed in Taiwan. The post of nurse practitioner in Taiwan is formally moving towards systematization and the most urgent matters in that regard are the sorting out of contentious issues and the establishment of clear job descriptions. Competence in critical thinking and problem-based learning is important and has to be improved with practice. The application of teaching assessment tools such as direct observation procedural skills (DOPS), objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), miniclinical evaluation exercises (Mini-CEX), and 360 degree assessments may contribute to the improvement of nurse practitioners' skills in conducting research, appraising evidence-based nursing literature, and developing teaching strategies and advanced systems by making policy clear, evaluating, auditing and monitoring the ...
As a social media, online social networks play a vital role in the social information diffusion. However, due to its unique complexity, the mechanism of the diffusion can be different from the ones in other types of networks and remains unclear to us. Meanwhile, few works have been done to reveal the coupled dynamics of both the structure and the diffusion of online social networks. To this end, in this paper, we propose a model to investigate how the structure is coupled with the diffusion in online social networks from the view of weak ties. Through numerical experiments on large-scale online social networks, we find that in contrast to some previous research results, selecting weak ties preferentially to republish cannot make the information diffuse quickly, while random selection can achieve this goal. However, when we remove the weak ties gradually, the coverage of the information will decrease sharply even in the case of random selection. ...
Triaxial compression tests following stress paths of constant {sigma}{sub 1} were conducted to determine the shear strength of five processed scrap tire products having different gradations and particle shapes. The interparticle frictional component was separated from the total shear strength according to the energy correction concept proposed by researchers. The experimental results show that all five tire chip products have ultimate internal friction angles of 45{degree} to over 60{degree}. The interparticle frictional component of the strength was fully mobilized and nearly reached a constant value after approximately 5% axial strain. The experimental results confirmed that the strength parameter obtained with constant {sigma}{sub 1} was more reasonable. This finding is supported by field observation in which the tire chips have an angle of repose ranging from 37{degree} to 43{degree} (loosely stock piled) and up to 85{degree} (compacted). ...
The interest for medicinal plants has raised again in the last decades, after overcoming a declination period caused by the advances in the researches and development of the synthetic drugs industries. This growing interest has been stimulated mainly by searching cheap and accessible alternative therapies. However, in order to have natural products based treatment in an efficient and safety way, it is necessary to guarantee the plant authenticity, finding adulterations and to assure a low level of microbiological contaminations to avoid damages to consumer's health. The decontamination method should be chosen for eliminating or reduce the microorganisms level without loss of the plant active constituents that would destroy its therapeutic action. At the present work, the possibility of using #gamma# and X electromagnetic radiations to sterilize a Brazilian medicinal plant (Maytenus aquifolium Martius, Celastraceae), which shows anti-ulcer ...
Liquid metal cooling for the first wall and blanket of a magnetic confinement fusion reactor has various advantages. However, it has the disadvantages of large magnetohydrodynamic pressure drops and heat transfer deterioration under a strong magnetic field. Thus, the present authors have proposed cooling with a helium-lithium annular mist flow as well as the cooling with a liquid metal boiling flow, and as fundamental studies, investigated the effect of a magnetic field on the flow characteristics and heat transfer of liquid metal two-phase systems since the 1970s. In the present paper we summarize the important findings obtained from our experimental studies for (i) an air-mercury stratified flow in a horizontal rectangular channel, (ii) a helium-lithium annular mist flow in a horizontal rectangular channel, (iii) the mercury pool boiling on a horizontal surface, and (iv) air-mercury upward flows in a vertical circular tube. Based on the results, the ...
Liquid metal cooling for the first wall and blanket of a magnetic confinement fusion reactor has various advantages. However, it has the disadvantages of large magnetohydrodynamic pressure drops and heat transfer deterioration under a strong magnetic field. Thus, the present authors have proposed cooling with a helium-lithium annular mist flow as well as the cooling with a liquid metal boiling flow, and as fundamental studies, investigated the effect of a magnetic field on the flow characteristics and heat transfer of liquid metal two-phase systems since the 1970s. In the present paper we summarize the important findings obtained from our experimental studies for (i) an air-mercury stratified flow in a horizontal rectangular channel, (ii) a helium-lithium annular mist flow in a horizontal rectangular channel, (iii) the mercury pool boiling on a horizontal surface, and (iv) air-mercury upward flows in a vertical circular tube. Based on the results, the ...
The largest solar heating and cooling system undertaken to date is now operating at the George A. Towns Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia. It is expected to provide more than 60 percent of the building's heating and cooling requirements, using commercially available components and techniques. The Towns project is a United States Energy Research and Development Administration-sponsored experiment. The principal components of the solar heating and cooling system designed for the school--the solar collector array, the existing gas-fired boiler, the absorption chiller, and hot and cold water underground tanks to provide thermal storage--are described. To derive maximum benefit from the experiment, the system is fully instrumented for accurate measurement of performance. Environmental data, including insolation and ambient temperture, humidity, and wind conditions will be recorded. The inlet temperatures, outlet temperatures, and the mass flow rates to the ...
Human beings are confronted with another grievous disaster - coal fire. The monitoring on underground coal bed combustion relied on drilling supervising in the past, but this method is not good. By taking the coal fire of Gulaben mine in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as an example, the monitoring methods of underground coal bed combustion were explored based on the hyperspectra and high-resolution remote sensing technology. By employing the OMIS imaging apparatus developed by Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the airborne hyperspectral images and the characteristic spectra of different types were obtained and the temperature was measured synchronously on the ground. Then according to the correlation of DN value of the thermal infrared band and surface temperature, the image information was processed, the spectral features were analyzed, and the surface temperature retrieval model was built. Finally, by hyperspectral imagery radiation temperature ...
The recent attempt to degassify a self contained liquid filled (SCLF) cable in Ontario Hydro is described. In September 1989, there was a high pressure alarm on one phase of a SCLF 115 kV cable circuit. The direct buried cable circuit is about 1,890 m long with two joints and was installed in 1968. Oil samples from the cable had 10 to 12% gas content with high levels of hydrogen, methane, and ethane, and very low levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and acetylene. From these results it was concluded that the gas was generated by low energy electrical discharges and the paper insulation was not degraded. Various utilities and cable manufacturers were contacted to find if they had experienced similar problems. The cable duct oil was flushed and gasified and the successive oil samples were analyzed in order to locate the gassing site. The joints were examined and oil samples were taken through holes drilled in the cable sheath. From the test results the problem ...
The usefulness of psychoanalysis to psychosomatic medicine has been limited by the longstanding assumption that the psychological disorder in psychosomatic patients resembles the conflict-based psychopathology that Freud identified in psychoneurotic patients. Recent investigations of the alexithymia construct, and the discovery that social relationships can influence health over the entire life span, have challenged this assumption and created an opportunity for a new and active involvement of psychoanalysis with psychosomatic medicine. In this contribution, I offer a synthesis of contemporary psychoanalytic observations and theories with concepts and researchfindings from developmental psychology, developmental biology, and the biomedical sciences. The proposed synthesis is consistent with the view that living organisms are self-regulating cybernetic systems; it also extends an evolving new psychosomatic model that conceptualizes illnesses ...
Introduction: Thalassemia is the most common hereditary blood disorder in the world. Iran is located on the thalassemic belt and there is a high prevalence of the hepatosplenomegaly in beta thalassemia minor patients which is reported to be very variable. The goal of this research was to study the frequency of these signs in the cases with beta thalassemia minor patients in Iran. Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifty-nine cases that referred to center for pre-marriage tests were divided into two groups according to their MCV, MCH, and HbA2 (beta thalassemia minor cases and control groups). Liver and spleen sizes were determined by ultrasonographic method and the two groups were compared with each other. Results: Average spleen volumes in case and control groups were 163.48 {+-} 133.97 and 126.29 {+-} 53.98 mm{sup 3}, respectively. Average spleen lengths in case and control groups were 10.71 {+-} 1.52 and 10.60 {+-} 5.4 cm, respectively. Conclusion: In the ...
A butterfly valve is a type of flow control device, typically used to regulate a fluid flowing. Currently, FEA is often used to predict the safety in the design of valve disc. Also, the study about the affection of butterfly valve's disc to the valve flow characteristics by using CFD has been done by many researchers. Along with the development of computer technique, design and analysis of computer experiments has becoming more and more important in engineering design and optimization. Hereinto Kriging model is one popular analysis approach for the purpose of creating a cheap ``meta-model'' as a surrogate to a computationally expensive simulation model. In this paper, the numerical analysis considered the strength, pressure loss coefficient and weight of valve disc simultaneously is investigated to improve the shape of a traditional butterfly valve disc. Firstly, an initial model of butterfly valve is made to evaluate the performance of the valve disc by using CFD ...
Organic modification of aerogel chemical formulations is known to transfer desirable hydrophobicity to lightweight solids. However, the effects of chemical modification on other material constants such as elasticity, compliance, and sound dampening present a difficult optimization problem. Here a statistical treatment of a 9-variable optimization is accomplished with multiple regression and an artificial neural network (ANN). The ANN shows 95 percent prediction success for the entire data set of elasticity, compared to a multidimensional linear regression which shows a maximum correlation coefficient, R=0.782. In this case, using the Number of Categories Criterion for the standard multiple regression, traditional statistical methods can distinguish fewer than 1.83 categories (high and low elasticity) and cannot group or cluster the data to give more refined partitions. A non-linear surface requires at least 3 categories (high, low, and medium elasticities) to define its curvature. To ...
The movement from traditional regulatory hearings to negotiated settlements represents both a departure from cost of service regulation and a relaxation of regulatory oversight. Under negotiation parties are able to renegotiate inclusions in their cost of service while simultaneously creating a profit margin for the regulated firm where none existed under the cost of service outcome of a traditional hearing. This paper constructs a model to illustrate the existence of positive gains to pipeline and shipper from the re-allocation of expenses through time in the regulated pipeline services market in Canada. Behaviour consistent with the model is observable in anecdotal and econometric evidence gathered from the library of the National Energy Board of Canada, responsible for pipeline toll regulation in Canada. Empirical investigation by into settlement procedures in the Florida electricity market reveals similar findings; however, this analysis represents the first ...
Subslab depressurization (SSD) systems have become the most popular radon mitigation technique used by professional mitigators. Readily available supplies and equipment from other trades are commonly utilized in the installation of these systems. What is not currently known is the long-term performance of some of the caulks or sealants and the mechanical devices such as fans or controls. The operating environment for the fans is often different from that for which they were designed. Specifically, this involves studying whether the fans are still operating as installed, whether there has been an increase or decrease in the radon levels after several years of operation, and whether the homeowners are operating the systems the way the systems were originally designed. To answer these questions, the authors have tested eight of the Piedmont Study homes as well as homes in which post-mitigation measurements done by New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection have shown readings that were ...
This is the final report of a three-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Nature uses chlorophyll and other porphyrinic pigments to capture and transfer light energy as a preliminary step in photosynthesis. The design of synthetic assemblies of light harvesting and energy directing pigments has been explored through synthesis and characterization of porphyrin oligomers. In this project, pigment electronic and vibrational structures have been explored by electrochemistry and dynamic and static optical measurements. Transient absorption data reveal energy transfer between pigments with lifetimes on the order of 20--200 picoseconds, while Raman data reveal that the basic porphyrin core structure is unperturbed relative to the individual monomer units. These two findings, along with an extensive series of experiments on the oxidized oligomers, reveal that coupling between the ...
The Hebron offshore drilling project in Atlantic Canada was discontinued in 2002 due to economic challenges. Chevron-Texaco has conducted small-scale studies to find ways to improve the project's viability. One of the main challenges facing this offshore drilling project is the issue of iceberg scour and its effect on seafloor equipment. This paper demonstrates how advances in ice engineering have resulted in new and cost-effective development concepts for: central gravity base structures; wellhead gravity base structures; floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) subsea facilities; and, long subsea tieback and trench optimization. New studies have provided a better understanding of ice contact pressures, drift velocities, iceberg management and interaction processes. New designs for gravity base structures can reduce wave loads. The selection of a new development concept is determined by economic viability, capital cost, operability, technical ...
Aims. We attempt to detect starlight reflected from a hot Jupiter, orbiting the main-sequence star HD 75289Ab. We report a revised analysis of observations of this planetary system presented previously by another research group. Methods. We analyse high-precision, high-resolution spectra, collected over four nights using UVES at the VLT/UT2, by way of data synthesis. We try to interpret our data using different atmospheric models for hot Jupiters. Results. We do not find any evidence for reflected light, and, therefore, establish revised upper limits to the planet-to-star flux ratio at the 99.9% significance level. At high orbital inclinations, where the best sensitivity is attained, we can limit the relative reflected radiation to be less than e = 6.7 x 10-5 assuming a grey albedo, and e = 8.3 x 10-5 assuming an Class IV function, respectively. This implies a geometric albedo smaller than p = 0.46 and p = 0.57, for the grey albedo and the ...
The Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) is a single, highly integrated technical program for maintaining the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. The SSP uses past nuclear test data along with future non-nuclear test data, computational modeling and simulation, and experimental facilities to advance understanding of nuclear weapons. It includes stockpile surveillance, experimental research, development and engineering programs, and an appropriately scaled production capability to support stockpile requirements. This integrated national program will require the continued use of current facilities and programs along with new experimental facilities and computational enhancements to support these programs. The Advanced Simulation and Computing program (ASC) is a cornerstone of the SSP, providing simulation capabilities and computational resources to support the annual stockpile assessment and certification, to study advanced nuclear weapon design and ...
SummaryIntended Outputs: Farmers' priorities in dairy health and production in the smallholder crop dairy production system defined.Methodology for applying FFS approach in the AH/LP setting developed, tested and promoted.Impact assessment of the livestock FFS approach.Establishment of a plan of action for the large-scale implementation including proposals for the Government of Kenya to seek funding.Livestock FFS manual: guidelines and reference material suitable for [continued...]ObjectivesTo adapt and test Farmer Field School (FFS) methodology for animal health and production, focussing upon smallholder dairy farmers.DescriptionProject Background: Dissemination has traditionally been seen by research and extension as finding effective ways of transferring technology, and passing on relevant, usable information to farmers. In complex situations, where farmers need to adjust to a changing situation -such as crop protection, soil nutrient ...
North Slope of Alaska has huge oil deposits in heavy oil reservoirs such as Ugnu, West Sak and Shrader Bluff etc. The viscosity of the last two reservoir oils vary from {approx}30 cp to {approx}3000 cp and the amount in the range of 10-20 billion barrels. High oil viscosity and low formation strength impose problems to high recovery and well productivity. Water-alternate-gas injection processes can be effective for the lower viscosity end of these deposits in West Sak and Shrader Bluff. Several gas streams are available in the North Slope containing NGL and CO{sub 2} (a greenhouse gas). The goal of this research is to develop tools to find optimum solvent, injection schedule and well-architecture for a WAG process in North Slope shallow sand viscous oil reservoirs. In the last quarter, we have developed streamline generation and convection subroutines for miscible gas injection. The WAG injection algorithms are being developed. We formulated a ...
Comparison of programming languages is a common topic of discussion among software engineers. Few languages ever become sufficiently popular that they are used by more than a few people or find their niche in research or education; but professional programmers can easily use dozens of different languages during their career. Multiple programming languages are designed, specified, and implemented every year in order to keep up with the changing programming paradigms, hardware evolution, etc. In this paper we present a comparative study between ten programming languages: Haskell, Java, Perl, C++, AspectJ, COBOL, Ruby, PHP, Bash Scripts, and Scheme; with respect of the following criteria: Secure programming practices, web applications development, web services design and composition, object oriented-based abstraction, reflection, aspect-orientation, functional programming, declarative programming, batch scripting, and user interface prototype ...
Changes in contents of the two kinds of neuropeptides have been measured in the brains of postnatal G57BL/6J strain mice that received accumulative doses of 0, 0.05, 0.10 or 0.30 Gy respectively in utero from tritium #beta#-irradiation during the mother mice's pregnancy from the 12.5th day of gestation to the day of delivery. Dose response relationship for alteration in somatostatin content due to exposure to 0.10 Gy or above was observed, and it was also noted that 0.30 Gy could cause decrease in arginine vasopressin in hypothalamus. These results were consistent with findings in research on brain development and reflex behavior in the literature. 0.10 Gy exposure may represent a threshold for exposure to tritiated water within the range from day 12.5 of gestation to the day of delivery using change in content of somatostatin in hypophysis as a parameter.
Historically, emission lines have been considered a valuable tool for estimating the bolometric thermal luminosity of the accretion flow in AGN, $L_{bol}$. We study the reliability of this method by comparing line strengths to the optical/UV continuum luminosity of SDSS DR7 radio quiet quasars with $0.4find formulae for $L_{bol}$ as a function of single line strengths for the broad components of H$\\beta$ and Mg II, as well as the narrow lines of [O III] and [O II]. We determine the standard errors of the formulae that are fitted to the data. Our new estimators are shown to be more accurate than archival line strength estimations in the literature. It is demonstrated that the broad lines are superior estimators of the continuum luminosity (and $L_{bol}$) with $H\\beta$ being the most reliable. The fidelity of the each of the estimators is determined in the context of the SDSS DR7 radio loud quasars as an illustrative application of our results. In ...
In its 1990 recommendations, the ICRP considered the radiation risks after exposure during prenatal development. This report is a critical review of new experimental animal data on biological effects and evaluations of human studies after prenatal radiation published since the 1990 recommendations. Thus, the report discusses the effects after radiation exposure during pre-implantation, organogenesis, and fetogenesis. The aetiology of long-term effects on brain development is discussed, as well as evidence from studies in man on the effects of in-utero radiation exposure on neurological and mental processes. Animal studies of carcinogenic risk from in-utero radiation and the epidemiology of childhood cancer are discussed, and the carcinogenic risk to man from in-utero radiation is assessed. Open questions and needs for future research are elaborated. The report reiterates that the mammalian embryo and fetus are highly radiosensitive. The nature and sensitivity of ...
The profusion of online digital images presents new challenges for image indexing. Images have always been problematic to describe and catalogue due to lack of inherent textual data and ambiguity of meaning. An alternative to time-consuming professionally-applied metadata has been sought in the form of tags, simple keywords that form a flat structure known as distributed classification, or more popularly as a folksonomy. This research aims to increase understanding of why people tag and how effective they find it for searching, using as the focus. Open-ended questionnaires were sent out to members of the photo-sharing website Flickr, with the opportunity to post comments to an online discussion space. There is also a systematic comparison between a tag-based system and a more traditional controlled vocabulary, to test out the claims made regarding the suitability of tagging for searching and browsing. For this purpose Flickr has been compared ...
Over the last decade {\\it ab initio} modeling of material properties has become widespread in diverse fields of research. It has proved to be a powerful tool for predicting various properties of matter under extreme conditions. We apply modern computational chemistry and materials science methods, including density functional theory (DFT), to solve lingering problems in the modeling of the dense atmospheres of cool white dwarfs ($T_{\\rm eff}\\rm <7000 \\, K$). Our work on the revision and improvements of the absorption mechanisms in the hydrogen and helium dominated atmospheres resulted in a new set of atmosphere models. By inclusion of the Ly-$\\rm \\alpha$ red wing opacity we successfully fitted the entire spectral energy distributions of known cool DA stars. In the subsequent work we fitted the majority of the coolest stars with hydrogen-rich models. This finding challenges our understanding of the spectral evolution of cool white ...
Until recent years, those involved in the design, operation and regulation of nuclear power systems devoted more resources to forward movement than to the back end of the fuel cycle. Now, though, concerted thought and international cooperation have been devoted to the question of nuclear waste management. The expert consensus is that sufficient knowledge exists to make e.g. disposal decisions with an acceptable level of confidence. In the first phases of research, decision processes were adapted to the tasks at hand. However, at some point in each nuclearized country, there came a time when waste management implied finding repository sites. At that time management abruptly entered the social sphere - where unfortunate experience has shown time and time again that classical decision processes are not adapted to facilitating societal acceptance of management solutions. This paper recounts the various management frameworks that have been tested in ...
The Bioenergy Feedstock Development Program, Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is developing poplars (Populus species and hybrids) as sources of renewable energy, i.e., ethanol. Notable increases in adaptability, volume productivity, and pest/stress resistance have been achieved via classical selection and breeding and intensified cultural practices. Significant advances have also been made in the efficiencies of harvesting and handling systems. Given these and anticipated accomplishments, program leaders are considering shifting some attention to genetically modifying feedstock physical and chemical properties, so as to improve the efficiency with which feedstocks can be converted to ethanol. This report provides an in-depth review and synthesis of opportunities for and feasibilities of genetically modifying feedstock qualities via classical selection and breeding, marker-aided selection and breeding, and genetic transformation. Information was collected ...
This was a university-based research project in support of distributed reforming production technologies for hydrogen. Our objective was to examine the steam reforming of bio-ethanol and other related bio-derived liquids over non-precious metal catalyst systems to enable small-scale distributed hydrogen production technologies from renewable sources. The study targeted development of a catalytic system that does not rely on precious metals and that can be active in the 350-550 C temperature range, with high selectivity and high stability. To this end, we adopted a multi-prong research strategy, that included catalyst formulation and synthesis, detailed catalyst characterization, reaction kinetics and reaction engineering, molecular modeling and economic analysis studies. Our approach was an iterative one, where the knowledge gained in one aspect of the study was utilized to modify and fine-tune catalyst development. The ...
The study investigated the impact of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme on the phenomenon of female trafficking in South-South Nigeria. To this end, six research questions were raised. These revolved around: (i) resource situation and adequacy of training provided for repatriated trafficked victims in the service provider centre; (ii) efforts in the formal education sector of the UBE to curb female trafficking; and (iii) parents and female students' disposition toward female trafficking. The design of the study was descriptive survey. The sample was 420 female students and their parents as well as 100 teachers in the formal segment of the UBE programme and 130 repatriated trafficked victims in a service provider centre. Four sets of instruments were utilised to generate data for the study. The first was quantitative designed to elicit information on the resource situation of the service provider centre and the adequacy of the training given to the ...
The synapsin III gene, SYN3, which belongs to the family of synaptic vesicle-associated proteins, has been implicated in the modulation of neurotransmitter release and in synaptogenesis, suggesting a potential role in several neuropsychiatric diseases. The human SYN3 gene is located on chromosome 22q12-13, a candidate region implicated in previous linkage studies of schizophrenia. However, association studies of SYN3 and schizophrenia have produced inconsistent results. In this study, four SYN3 SNPs (rs133945 (-631 C>G), rs133946 (-196 G>A), rs9862 and rs1056484) were tested in three sets of totally 3759 samples that comprise 655 affected subjects and 626 controls in the Irish Case-Control Study of Schizophrenia (ICCSS), 1350 samples incorporating 273 pedigrees in the Irish Study of High Density Schizophrenia Families (ISHDSF), and 564 unrelated schizophrenia patients and 564 healthy individuals in a Chinese case-control sample. The expression levels of SYN3 in schizophrenic ...
...EU Descartes Prizes for excellence in research and science communication descartes, prize, science communication, research, rtd, european commission, ...european union, eu EU Descartes Prizes for excellence in research and science communication Research - EU Descartes Prizes for excellence in research and science ...communication en European Commission Research Descartes Prize Contact | Search ...
Ulrich in the forward to the Zenger and Folkman (2002) book, ''The Extraordinary Leader'', wrote about the importance of character in leadership stating, ''Everything about great leaders radiates from character. Character improves the probability of exhibiting strong interpersonal skill. Some of this perceived character is innate . . . but more is driven by the leader's self-awareness and interactions with others'' (p. ix). The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between leadership effectiveness and character using leader-managers of knowledge workers as the subject sample. Findings indicated that character, particularly those factors associated with honesty, setting the example, and valuing and strengthening others, were what set the most effective leader-managers apart from their peers. Technical competence and self-efficacy were found to be common characteristics ...
CSIRO is Australia's one and only federal government research organization. After a description of Australian coal resources and coal-related research, accounts are given of the selection of research topics at CSIRO and of the coal utilization and coal liquefaction research which is being undertaken.
...PROJECTS We are funded by industry, public bodies, charities and research councils and we are proud of the research projects undertaken by our world-class research groups . Research News To read more about our latest research to hit the media go to our News & Events page ...
The French radioactive waste management act of December 30, 1991, included two key provisions. It initiated a major research program with three areas of investigation concerning high-level long-lived radioactive waste management routes, and called for the Government to submit a legislative proposal to Parliament within 15 years (by 2006) specifying the policy guidelines adopted. Considering the sensitive nature of the subject, the questions surrounding the issue of radioactive waste, and the social, economic and environmental concerns for present and future generations, the Government has inaugurated, in 2005, a nationwide public debate on these issues between the submittal of the research reports and the parliamentary discussion of the proposed law. In this context, the CEA has decided to concentrate at Marcoule the expertise and experience acquired in the area of radioactive waste management and to make it available to stakeholders and to the ...
Two branches of research are conducted in this thesis. The first deals with nonlinear combustion response as a mechanism for triggering combustion instabilities in solid rocket motors. A nonlinear wave equation is developed to study a wide class of combustion response functions to second-order in fluctuation amplitude. Conditions for triggering are derived from analysis of limit cycles, and regions of triggering are found in parametric space. Introduction of linear cross-coupling and quadratic self-coupling among the acoustic modes appears to be how the nonlinear combustion response produces triggering to a stable limit cycle. Regions of initial conditions corresponding to stable pulses were found, suggesting that stability depends on initial phase angle and harmonic content, as well as the composite amplitude, of the pulse. Also, dependence of nonlinear stability upon system parameters is considered. The second part of this thesis presents ...
As recently as 1950, 30% of the world's population lived in urban areas. By the year 2030, 60% of the world's population will live in cities, according to the United Nations 'World Population Prospects Revision Report' (2001). Urbanization is quickly transitioning communities from natural rural vegetation to man-made urban engineered infrastructure. This anthropogenic-induced change has manifested itself in microscale and mesoscale increases in temperatures in comparison to adjacent rural regions which is known as the Urban Heat Island Effect. The resultant change causes potentially adverse consequences for local and global communities. One of the great challenges facing our current generation of scientists and engineers is how to support the growth of new and existing urban centers in a sustainable manner. This is even more pronounced in arid regions, which will sustain the greatest rate of urbanization. This article is focused on understanding the ...
The goal of this research project by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) was to determine the potential for coal ash to serve as a {open_quote}functional filler{close_quotes} in plastics and other composite materials, with special emphasis on recycled plastics. The term functional filler is intended to indicate that the material added to the plastic does more than take up space and extend the use of the polymer. Determining the functional filler potential of ash was not the only intent of this project, since another prime objective was to find a use for materials currently considered waste. The term functional filler also opened a door to the use of cenospheres, which are currently marketed and for which there is sufficient market demand that they do not fit the category of a waste even though they are a product of coal combustion. Cenospheres, hollow spherical ash particles, were selected because of their ...
This document presents the results of a review of publicly available information on energy use in health care facilities. The information contained in this document and in the sources cited herein provides the background and context for efforts to reduce energy use and costs in health care. Recognizing the breadth and diversity of relevant information, the author acknowledges that the report is likely not comprehensive. It is intended only to present a broad picture of what is currently known about health care energy use. This review was conducted as part of a 'High Performance Health Care Buildings' research study funded by the California Energy Commission. The study was motivated by the recognition that health care facilities collectively account for a substantial fraction of total commercial building energy use, due in large part to the very high energy intensity of hospitals and other inpatient care facilities. The goal of the study was to ...
PURPOSE We wanted to examine how coordinated care is implemented in primary care practices to address patients' health behavior change needs. METHODS Site visit notes, documents, interviews, and online implementation diaries were collected from July 2005 to September 2007 from practice-based research networks (PBRNs) participating in Prescription for Health: Promoting Healthy Behaviors in Primary Care Research Networks (P4H). An iterative group process was used to conduct a cross-case comparative analysis of 9 interventions. Published patient outcomes reports from P4H interventions were referenced to provide information on intervention effectiveness. RESULTS In-practice health risk assessment (HRA) and brief counseling, coupled with referral and outreach to a valued and known counseling resource, emerged as the best way to consistently coordinate and encourage follow-through for health behavior counseling. Findings from ...
More important than waste generation numbers, the pollution prevention and waste minimization successes achieved at Hanford in 1993 have reduced waste and improved operations at the Site. Just a few of these projects are: A small research nuclear reactor, unused and destined for disposal as low level radioactive waste, was provided to a Texas University for their nuclear research program, avoiding 25 cubic meters of waste and saving $116,000. By changing the slope on a asphalt lot in front of a waste storage pad, run-off rainwater was prevented from becoming mixed low level waste water, preventing 40 cubic meters of waste and saving $750,000. Through more efficient electrostatic paint spraying equipment and a solvent recovery system, a paint shop reduced hazardous waste by 3,500 kilograms, saving $90,800. During the demolition of a large decommissioned building, more than 90% of the building's material was recycled by crushing the concrete for ...
As both computer and mobile phone reach nearly ubiquity in the U.S. market, the slow uptake of mobile video, in contrast to the thriving usage of PC-based video, warrants a deeper understanding of user-oriented factors contributing to the two diffusion paths. Unlike the majority of existing diffusion research practices, the dissertation examines the differences between mobile and PC video diffusion patterns through the lenses of user-oriented influences in the user-technology relationship. Built upon the established adoption user group classification, the research is informed by the Uses and Gratification theory, the Social Technical theory, and the Technical Affordance perspective. These synergistic theoretical arguments share the recognition of the role of user in the dynamic, usually socially intertwined user-technology interactions. The key research questions that the dissertation sets out to answer include: Does the ...
The authors report the findings of Aicardi syndrome, a disease of unknown etiology composed of multiple spasms, chorioretinal lacunae and agenesis of the corpus callosum. They present a case of Aicardi syndrome with characteristic clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The disease, despite being considered rare, has characteristic imaging findings. Over the past years magnetic resonance imaging has improved its ability in demonstrating other findings besides agenesis of the corpus callosum, making the radiologist's role very important in the diagnostic suspicion of this disease. (author)
BackgroundMost reports of scientific misconduct have been focused on principal investigators and other scientists (e.g., biostatisticians) involved in the research...Full Text Available
... Materials (PREM) Synopsis of Program: The objective of PREM is to enhance diversity in materials ... careers in materials research. The Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM ...
... Materials (PREM) Synopsis of Program: The objective of PREM is to enhance diversity in materials ... careers in materials research.The Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM ...
NSF-NIST Interaction in Chemistry, Materials Research, Molecular Biosciences, Bioengineering, and ... Laboratory (CSTL). Materials research is centralized in the Materials Science and Engineering ...
... Materials Research - Major Instrumentation Project (IMR-MIP) program in the Division of Materials ... for materials preparation and characterization essential for researchers studying materials in a ...
The paper describes advances in statistical methods for prevention research with a particular focus on substance abuse prevention. Standard analysis methods are extended to the typical research...Full Text Available
Leading abstract. The goals of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA) are to promote research, education and development within technological and related sciences, for the benefit of the Norwegian society and for the development of Norwegian industry. Future energy policy and Global climate change are major issues in the Norwegian discussion today. The answers given have great influence on our industry and involve huge technological challenges. In the current situation NTVA wishes to contribute to the development of new technology. In 1998 the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences organized the seminar ''Do We Understand Global Climate Change''. NTVA have now followed this up with a seminar on the Energy System, one of the major sources of manmade greenhouse gases. The world's demand for energy increases with improvements in our standards of living. The cleaning of emissions from production ...
The R and D activities of the institute focused on two major projects, ``Molecular and cellular environmental toxicology``, and ``Biophysics of multi-cellular systems``. For assessment of health risks emanating from the uptake of heavy metal compounds, work performed under the first mentioned project studies the formation of allergy-inducing metabolic products from membrane lipids, and the effects of related cellular signaling processes. These studies are accompanied by an approach to quantify and classify the toxicity of environmental organometallic compounds. Another major task is research into the pathogenesis of lung disease induced by dusts, gases, and gas-dust mixtures and the liberation of inflammatory agents by immunological cell reactions (alveolar macrophages). Atomic force microscopy is the tool used to visualize the related dynamic changes in bronchial cells. Studies for detection of the localisation and structure of the Fe-Mo co-factor in nitrogenase ...
Hospitals as research environments are crucial in advancing evidence-based practice and translational research. The authors discuss issues related to hospital-based nursing research such as...Full Text Available
The NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project is a cooperative effort sponsored by NASA, Office of Aeronautics, Exploration and Technology (OAET), and DoD, SAF/AQT Deputy for Scientific and Technical Information. The research project is a jo...
... is known as "reproductive cloning." The Link to Stem Cell Research Stem cell research and research cloning are closely linked. Scientists in ... to arrive at a position on cloning and stem cell research. Many nations, including the UK, China, and South ...
This article outlines research and progress into the liquefaction of coal by solvent treatment, being conducted at the National Research Institute for Pollution and Resources, Japan. (In Japanese)
...false Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research Presidential Documents ...2009 Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research Memorandum for the Heads...scientifically worthy human stem cell research, including human...
... in the Vicinity of Terminal Areas," Ph. ... WORDS Operations Research Stochastic processes Mathematical ... theory Aut',matic control Queueing theory ...
The influence of Confucian culture in Chinese Mainland China is reflected in the current situation and contextual trends of educational research content of educational thought of Confucianism, educational issues grounded on theoretical views of Confucianism, and the influence of the inclusiveness of Confucianism. In terms of research method, the current situation of educational research is reflected in empirical research whose methods value the construction of the metaphysical theoretical system, the guiding role of educational theories for educational reform practice, and research that enriches the literature. In terms of research value, the current situation of educational research is reflected in studies that focus on human nature, human relations, thoughts, willpower, emotion, human ri...
The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases has increased significantly in the last years, as has research concerning chemical characterization of these plants. In this study, inorganic constituents were determined in leaves and in extracts from three medicinal plant species of the Casearia genus (C. sylvestris, C. decandra and C. obliqua) collected in distinct regions of the Atlantic Forest, SP. The elemental compositions of the soils in which these plants were grown were also determined. Traditionally, these plants are used due to their antiinflammatory, antiacid, antiseptic and cicatrizing properties. The antiulcer and the antitumor activities of the Casearia genus and its capacity to neutralize snake and bee venoms, have also been scientifically confirmed. The analytical methodology used was neutron activation analysis. Long and short irradiation periods of the samples and the standards were carried out at IPEN's IEA-R1 nuclear ...
Population residing in the northern part of the Chelyabinsk oblast and the south eastern part of the Sverdlovsk oblast of Russia affected to accidental exposure since 1957. The territory (East Ural Radioactive Trace - EURT) was contaminated after explosion of container with highly radioactive wastes at the Mayak Production Association. Studies of health effects of exposure in the southern, head part of EURT are conducted in the Ural Research and Practical Center of Radiation Medicine (U.R.P.R.M.). In the 1990's U.R.P.C.R.M. formed a cohort of EURT within Chelyabinsk oblast (14,500 cases and 19,400 external controls). The cohort was followed in 1957-1987 and the results of the study are discussed by Crestinina et al. First results of study on exposure late health effects among rural population in the northern part of the EURT are presented in this paper. Firstly, or the period 1958-2000 a statistically significant increase in cancer mortality associated ...
A 65-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having psoitis by CT findings, which disclosed non-symmetrical dilation of the psoas muscle and gaseous image. Pus from the psoas muscle seen at surgery corresponded to CT findings. Preoperative CT examination was useful in the establishment of diagnosis. (Namekawa, K.).
PurposeTo describe ocular findings for a 34-year-old man with chronic solar retinopathy using high-speed ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) optical coherence tomography (OCT).Full Text Available
This study examines the results of bacterial culture from 159 endometrial biopsy samples from 97 commercial dairy cows and correlations between bacteriological and histological findings. Bacteria were...Full Text Available
The cytogenetic findings were analysed in a series of 500 pregnancies in which chorionic villi sampling was performed. In all cases a direct method was used, karyotyping being successful in 481 cases...Full Text Available
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Purpose of reviewTo summarize recent advances in the classification of preradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).Recent findingsFull Text Available
On-orbit spectral calibration of hyperspectral imaging data is a key step for quantitatively analyzing them. Like the atmospheric correction, accurate spectral calibration is very necessary for improved studies of land or ocean surface properties. Based on the previous literatures, a new method which coupled an optimization algorithm was developed to simultaneously retrieve the central wavelength and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the hyperspectral sensor without needing the in situ reflectance spectra. Firstly, the Hyperion data set simulated using MODTRAN4 with the Hyperion spectral specification was used to test the new method, and the results indicated that the maximum error was less than 0.1 and 0.7 nm for central wavelength and FWHM respectively when the spectral shift is 5 nm. Then the algorithm was applied to the Hyperion data acquired on May 20, 2008 over Heihe River Basin and it was iteratively performed for each detector of the two spectrometers of Hyperion. The ...
The integrated-gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) process is an emerging technology that utilizes coal for power generation and production of chemical feedstocks. However, the process generates large amounts of solid waste, consisting of vitrified ash (slag) and some unconverted carbon. In previous projects, Praxis investigated the utilization of {open_quotes}as-generated{close_quotes} slags for a wide variety of applications in road construction, cement and concrete production, agricultural applications, and as a landfill material. From these studies, we found that it would be extremely difficult for {open_quotes}as-generated{close_quotes} slag to find large-scale acceptance in the marketplace even at no cost because the materials it could replace were abundantly available at very low cost. It was further determined that the unconverted carbon, or char, in the slag is detrimental to its utilization as sand or fine aggregate. It became apparent that a more ...
The transformation and the accommodation of National Power System (SEN) units to a new management system, own to a decentralized economy and having financial support from both native capital and foreign capital, in uncertain proportion at the moment and being in a continuous adjustment determined by the reasons and the motivations first of all political, generated conceptual changes in the so-called modern management theory. The accommodation of this theory to the concrete situation from SEN units imposed the concept of negative selection. It is a concept which represents author's desire to be created as an original contribution to the contemporary management theory. Unlike the selection at the hiring (or positive selection), the negative selection is achieved on personal already employed, in the conditions of activities of a decreased number of personnel and also of a redistribution of personnel on the other side. The negative selection, much more than the positive selection activity ...
Grassroots education is imperative if economic development is to be actualized. Therefore, it becomes necessary to study the primary school teachers' perception of the Universal Basic Education (UBE). This study attempted to find out the primary school teachers' perception of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme and their perceived contribution towards the success of the programme. It further examined how favorable perception towards the scheme could be a catalyst in the successful implementation of the UBE. To accomplish this task, two research questions and a hypothesis were raised to guide the study. The opinion of one hundred and eighteen (118) teachers, out of four hundred and forty-seven teachers (447) that constituted the population of the teachers in Esan West Public Primary Schools was obtained. The respondents were randomly selected. The questionnaire was used for data collection. A 1-4 Likert-type scale ranging from Strongly ...
During LOCA(Loss of Coolant Accident), emergency core coolant supplements form a recirculation sump and cooled core and containment. When the double ended guillotine Break (DEGB) at the hot leg near steam generator, due to the jet impingement discharge flow, the debris could be potentially generated at pipe or wall nearby steam generator and be transported to the recirculation sump. Therefore, the debris could be accumulated and be clogged in the recirculation sump screen. If debris blocked the sump screen, the pressure drop increased at the screen so as to increase the pressure loss of ECCS (Emergency Core Cooling System) pump NPSH (Net positive suction head). It is potentially influenced to decrease the long-term cooling capability of the recirculation sump. The recirculation sump screen clogging accident has happened in BWR at 1990. Considering the important of safety, US NRC published Regulatory Guide 1.82 Rev.3 incorporating the R and D findings and ...
During LOCA (Loss of Coolant Accident) in design bases accident (DBA), emergency core coolant supplements form a recirculation sump and cooled core and containment. When the double ended guillotine Break (DEGB) at the hot leg near steam generator, due to the jet impingement discharge flow, the debris could be potentially generated at pipe or wall nearby steam generator and be transported to the recirculation sump. Therefore, the debris, such as insulations and paint chips, could be accumulated and be clogged in the recirculation sump screen. If debris is blocked the sump strainer, the pressure drop is increased at the screen so as to increase the pressure loss of ECCS (Emergency Core Cooling System) pump NPSH (Net positive suction head). It is potentially influenced to decrease the long-term cooling capability of the recirculation sump. The recirculation sump screen clogging accident has happened in BWR of USA and Sweden. Considering the important to safety, US NRC (Nuclear Safety ...
Basic research of the structure and electronic properties of a-Si:H is reported with particular emphasis on the role of defects. The main findings are as follows: (1) low defect density material can be deposited at a high rate using SiH/sub 4/ diluted in He or Ne. Using Ar or Kr results in a high defect density and columnar material; (2) an electrical bias during deposition modifies the band gap, hydrogen concentration and structure; (3) the clustering of hydrogen in the regions between the columns is confirmed; (4) hydrogen diffusion is observed by NMR; (5) the oxidation of an a-Si:H surface results in approx. 3 x 10/sup 11/ cm/sup -2/ dangling bonds at the interface; (6) auger recombination of photoexcited carriers is a significant non-radiative mechanism at low temperatures; (7) non-radiative recombination by diffusion and capture at dangling bonds is observed at temperatures above 50 to 100/sup 0/K; (8) the defect density in doped and ...
This paper surveys the publications available in the literature concerning the application of the second-law of thermodynamics to internal combustion engines. The availability (exergy) balance equations of the engine cylinder and subsystems are reviewed in detail providing also relations concerning the definition of state properties, chemical availability, flow and fuel availability, and dead state. Special attention is given to identification and quantification of second-law efficiencies and the irreversibilities of various processes and subsystems. The latter being particularly important since they are not identified in traditional first-law analysis. In identifying these processes and subsystems, the main differences between second- and first-law analyses are also highlighted. A detailed reference is made to the findings of various researchers in the field over the last 40 years concerning all types of internal combustion engines, i.e. spark ...
Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) are three dimensional cell culture systems induced by suspension culture. MCTS are widely used in cancer research because of their similarity to solid tumors. CaSki cells are derived from a metastatic cervical cancer containing human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16). Cell death of CaSki cells in MCTS has been previously reported, and our model is used to better characterize the mechanisms of cell death of HPV16-positive keratinocytes. In this study, we found that apoptosis of CaSki cells was induced by suspension culture along with the formation of MCTS after 24 h of incubation. In suspended CaSki cells, monoclonal antibodies blocking E-cadherin function inhibited MCTS formation and suppressed suspension-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot for E-cadherin detected upregulation of the authentic 120 kDa band from MCTS of CaSki cells as well as a shorter 100 kDa band. Addition of EGF, whose receptor is known to form ...
This report describes the basis, results, and related risk implications of an analysis performed by an ad hoc working group of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to assess the containment bypass potential attributable to steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) induced by severe accident conditions. The SGTR Severe Accident Working Group, comprised of staff members from the NRC`s Offices of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) and Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES), undertook the analysis beginning in December 1995 to support a proposed steam generator integrity rule. The work drew upon previous risk and thermal-hydraulic analyses of core damage sequences, with a focus on the Surry plant as a representative example. This analysis yielded new results, however, derived by predicting thermal-hydraulic conditions of selected severe accident scenarios using the SCDAP/RELAP5 computer code, flawed tube failure modeling, and tube failure probability estimates. These ...
Research highlights: {yields} Mathematical model represents a power system which consists of synchronous machine connected to infinite bus through transmission line. {yields} Power system stabilizer was designed based on optimal pole shifting controller. {yields} The system performances was tested through load disturbances at different operating conditions. {yields} The system performance with the proposed optimal pole shifting controller is compared with the conventional pole placement controller. {yields} The digital simulation results indicated that the proposed controller has a superior performance. -- Abstract: Power system stabilizer based on optimal pole shifting is proposed. An approach for shifting the real parts of the open-loop poles to any desired positions while preserving the imaginary parts is presented. In each step of this approach, it is required to solve a first-order or a second-order linear matrix Lyapunov equation for shifting one real pole or ...
Research highlights: ? Mathematical model represents a power system which consists of synchronous machine connected to infinite bus through transmission line. ? Power system stabilizer was designed based on optimal pole shifting controller. ? The system performances was tested through load disturbances at different operating conditions. ? The system performance with the proposed optimal pole shifting controller is compared with the conventional pole placement controller. ? The digital simulation results indicated that the proposed controller has a superior performance. -- Abstract: Power system stabilizer based on optimal pole shifting is proposed. An approach for shifting the real parts of the open-loop poles to any desired positions while preserving the imaginary parts is presented. In each step of this approach, it is required to solve a first-order or a second-order linear matrix Lyapunov equation for shifting one real pole or two complex conjugate poles, ...
The Clean Air Act establishes New Source Review (NSR) programs that apply to the construction or modification of major stationary emissions sources. In 2002 and 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revised its rules to narrow the applicability of NSR to facility renovations. Congress then mandated a National Research Council study of the effects of the rules. An electricity-sector model - the Integrated Planning Model (IPM) - was used to explore the possible effects of the equipment replacement provision (ERP), the principal NSR change that was to affect the power-generation industry. The studies focused in particular on coal-fired electricity generating units, EGUs, for two reasons. First, coal-fired EGUs are important contributors of these pollutants, accounting for approximately 70 and 20% of nations SO{sub 2} and NOx emissions in 2004, respectively. Second, the shares of total capacity of large coal-fired EGUs that lack flue-gas desulfurization to ...
An abundance of waste corn, a key food of many wildlife species, has helped make possible the widespread success of wildlife management in the United States over the past half century. We found waste corn post harvest in Nebraska declined by 47% from 1978 to 1998 due primarily to improvements in combine headers resulting in a marked decline in ear loss. The reduction in waste coincided with major declines in fat storage by sandhill cranes and white-fronted geese during spring migration. Sandhill cranes, northern pintails, white-fronted geese, and lesser snow geese avoided soybeans while staging in spring in the Rainwater Basin Area and Central Platte River Valley. These findings and other literature suggest soybeans are a marginal food for wildlife particularly during periods of high energy requirements. Soybean acreage has increased by 600% in the United States since 1950 and now comprises nearly one-quarter of the nation>'s cropland. With over 80% of the ...
The aim of this work was to develop several strategies and software-packages for the evaluation of in-vivo-data of the human brain, which were acquired with high-resolution 1H-MRSI at 1.5 and 3 T. Several studies involving phantoms, volunteers and patients were performed. Quality assurance studies were conducted in order to evaluate the reproducibility of the applied MR-techniques at both field strengths. A qualitative comparison-study between MRSI-data from a 1.5 T clinical MR-scanner and a 3 T research MR-scanner showed the advantages of the more advanced MRSI sequences and higher field strength (3 T). A study involving patients with primary brain tumours (gliomas) was performed in cooperation with the Department of Neurosurgery (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg). The methods developed in the course of this study, such as the integration of MRS-data into a stereotactic-system, the segmentation of metabolic maps and the correlation with histopathological ...
This report covers the period from October 1, 1992 to March 1, 1993. The overall goals of the program task are to provide a final synthesis of six deep seismic reflection profiles and other geological and geophysical data from the southern Washington Cascades region where a probable extensive deep sedimentary basin has been discovered. This deep sedimentary basin is hypothesized from geological, regional magnetotelluric (MT), gravity, magnetic , and seismic reflection data as described in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) article by Stanley and others (1992). This report analyzed three seismic reflection profiles acquired by the Morgantown Energy Technology Centers in combination with the extensive MT and other data to outline a probable geological model for a thick conductive section of rocks in the southern Washington Cascades (called the Southern Washington Cascades conductor, SWCC). Earlier MT models suggested that the section consisted of an east-dipping ...
This project is aimed at development of optimum combustion technology with diversified fuels, e.g., naphtha and LCO, for gas turbines and others as power sources for topographical energy supply. The combustion under the microgravity is also investigated using the underground facilities at Japan Microgravity Center. Described herein are the FY 2000 results. For construction of combustion model and simulation, the combustion reactions for various liquid fuels are simplified to calculate ignition delay, adiabatic flame temperature and laminar burning velocity with an error less than about 3%. The microgravity combustion experiments are conducted for spray dispersed into a cylinder, to find flame propagation velocities changing with the vaporization characteristics of liquid fuels, and also to construct the combustion models. The premixed turbulent combustion simulation program is developed using a probability density function and analyzed. Development of new ...
Polymethlylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the most frequently used cement for percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. To aid visualisation during surgery cements are doped with radiopacifying agents such as Barium sulphate (Ba(2)SO(4)) or Zirconium Dioxide (ZiO(2)). Mounting research suggests that these agents may impair the biocompatibility of the cements. However, incorporating an alternative radiopacifier agent with excellent biocompatibility would be a significant step forward. Bioactive radiopaque glasses incorporating elements such as strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn), known to have beneficial and therapeutic effects on bone, are of great interest in this respect. In this study, the Ba(2)SO(4) of the commercially available Spineplex was incrementally replaced with a radiopaque therapeutic glass composition. The resulting effects on cement setting time, peak isotherm, ultimate compressive strength, Young's modulus (up to 30 days cement maturation) and radiopacity were ...
The Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) is an active heat transfer augmentation technique which utilizes the effect of secondary motions generated through the application of an electrostatic potential to a dielectric fluid. Net result is better momentum and heat transfer between the fluid and the heat transfer wall through destabilization of the thermal boundary layer and better mixing of the fluid adjacent to the heat transfer surface. EHD enhancement of refrigerant/refrigerant oil mixtures heat transfer using the Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) technique is the subject of a three-year experimental investigation in a project funded by the US Department of Energy, effective June 1, 1993. For the interim period between November 1992 and June 1993 when the DOE funds became available, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute (ARTI) provided partial funding for our EHD research program with the aim of accomplishing three major tasks: (1) conduct a comprehensive ...
The Internet is becoming the preferred method for disseminating scientific data from a variety of disciplines. This can result in information overload on the part of the scientists, who are unable to query all of the relevant sources, even if they knew where to find them, what they contained, how to interact with them, and how to interpret the results. A related issue is keeping up with current trends in information technology often taxes the end-user's expertise and time. Thus instead of benefiting from this information rich environment, scientists become experts on a small number of sources and technologies, use them almost exclusively, and develop a resistance to innovations that can enhance their productivity. Enabling information based scientific advances, in domains such as functional genomics, requires fully utilizing all available information and the latest technologies. In order to address this problem we are developing a end-user centric, ...
Devolution, as other types of decentralization (e.g. deconcentration, delegation, privatization), profoundly changes governance relations in the health system. Devolution is meant to affect performance of the health system by transferring responsibilities and authority to locally elected governments. The key question of this article is: what does devolution mean for human resources for health in Mali?This article assesses the key advantages and dilemmas associated with devolution such as responsiveness to local needs, downward accountability and health worker retention. Challenges of politics and capacities are also addressed in relation to human resources for health at the local level. Examples are derived from experiences in Mali with a capacity development programme and from case studies of other countries. It is not researchfindings that are presented, but highlights of key issues at stake aimed at inspiring the debate in Mali and ...
Economics may one day dictate that it makes sense to replace oil or natural gas with coal in boilers that were originally designed to burn oil or gas. In recognition of this future possibility, Pittsburgh Energy Technical Center (PETC) has supported a program led by ABB Power Plant Laboratories in cooperation with the Energy and Fuels Research Center of Penn State University to develop the High Efficiency Advanced Coal Combustor (HEACC). The objective of the program is to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of retrofitting a gas/oil designed boiler to burn micronized coal. In support of the overall objective the following specific areas were targeted: a coal handling/preparation system that can meet the technical requirements for retrofitting microfine coal on a boiler designed for burning oil or natural gas; maintaining boiler thermal performance in accordance with specifications when burning oil or natural gas; maintaining NOx emissions at or below ...
Combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy (CRC) is actually one important way of research in oncology. Theoretical advantages are: (1) Spatial cooperation; (2) Additivity, which is only obtained if the toxicity of each modality are different; (3) Supra-additivity, which needs a rigorous in vitro definition; the only way to prove it is to make an isobologram analysis. This model has however, some limitations: qualitative variable could not be used, results could be different, depending on the cell line and isoeffect chosen...In fact, a supra-additivity was only demonstrated for cis platinum and etoposide. Interactions mechanisms were: (1) at the molecular level, creation of new lesions or inhibition of radiation lesions repair; (2) At the cellular level, either cytokinetic cooperation with S-phase dependent drugs, or synchronization for the drugs which blocked the cells in M-phase; (3) At the tissular level, reoxygenation, cycle redistribution. In clinical ...
Research highlights: The dental implant of titanium could be modified by anodic oxidation. It was found that incorporation of strontium ions into the matrix increase the bone formation. In this study, we try to investigate the effect of corrosion property and bioactivity on coatings containing strontium by anodic oxidation. The results suggest that coatings containing strontium on titanium by anodic oxidation has the potential to show the stability and bioactivity in the clinical use. - Abstract: Pure titanium (Ti) and titanium alloys are considered as bio-inert materials in clinical use. Bioactivity is the ability to induce bone-like apatite on the material surface. The micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique is an effective method for improving the surface properties of titanium. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioactivity and corrosion behavior of MAO coatings containing strontium, which is beneficial for biological performance. The bioactivity of ...
A community greenhouse gas emission and energy inventory is an important tool to help local governments plan, implement and monitor climate change mitigation strategies and sustainable energy systems. Inventories can also facilitate a number of other local priorities such as air quality management; integrated land-use and transportation planning; infrastructure optimization and planning; and community economic development planning. The British Columbia government's community energy and emissions inventory initiative (CEEI) intends to collect and centralize high-quality geocoded data to generate high-value community inventories for the province's 185 local governments. This report presented strategic guidance for a comprehensive community emissions inventory system based on a high level review of international best practices. The report described the project objective and scope; guiding principles; research methodology; and inventory limitations. The report provided ...
No research has compared expressions of weight bias across different subgroups of obese individuals. This study compared attitudes toward and beliefs about obesity in women with and without binge eating disorder (BED) and examined whether these attitudes are related to psychological factors. Fifty obese women with BED were compared with an age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched group of 50 obese women without BED on a battery of established measures of anti-fat attitudes and beliefs about weight controllability and psychological factors (self-esteem, depression, and eating disorder features). The ageand BMI-matched groups did not differ with respect to beliefs about obesity or attitudes toward obese persons, or in self-esteem or depression. Correlational analyses conducted separately within each group revealed that women with BED who reported more favorable attitudes towards obese persons had higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression, whereas there were no ...
Arsenic was predominantly present as inorganic arsenite in the fronds of the hyperaccumulator Chinese brake. - Arsenic speciation is important not only for understanding the mechanisms of arsenic accumulation and detoxification by hyperaccumulators, but also for designing disposal options of arsenic-rich biomass. The primary objective of this research was to understand the speciation and leachability of arsenic in the fronds of Chinese brake (Pteris vittata L.), an arsenic hyperaccumulator, with an emphasis on the implications for arsenic-rich biomass disposal. Chinese brake was grown for 18 weeks in a soil spiked with 50 mg As kg"-"1 as arsenate (AsO_4"3"-), arsenite (AsO_3"3"-), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), or methylarsonic acid (MMA). Plant samples were extracted with methanol/water (1:1) and arsenic speciation was performed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The impacts of air-drying on arsenic species and ...
As part of an ongoing strategic research project to find barrels of radioactive waste off San Francisco, the U.S. Navy (USN), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) pooled their expertise, resources, and technology to form a partnership to verify new computer enhancement techniques developed for detecting targets the size of 55 gallon barrels on sidescan sonar images. Between 1946 and 1970, approximately 47,800 large barrels and other containers of radioactive waste were dumped in the ocean west of San Francisco; the containers litter an area of the sea floor of at least 1400 km {sup 2} knows as the Farallon Island Radioactive Waste Dump. The exact location of the containers and the potential hazard the containers pose to the environment is unknown. The USGS developed computer techniques and contracted with private industry to enhance sidescan data, collected in cooperation with the ...
In this experiment, we measured the detection efficiency of gamma-scanning system of Irradiated Materials Examination Facility (IMEF) in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute(KAERI) for the spent PWR fuel and activity known sources with high activity. We measured the absolute detection efficiency of gamma scanning system of IMEF to the {sup 137}Cs-source with 10.4 GBq and {sup 60}Co source with 25.9 GBq High-activity sources as standard sources, and a fuel burned in the KORI -1 reactor of the Kori Nuclear power plant. In analyzing, we used three peeks those were the 661.64 keV peak form {sup 137} Cs 1173.23 and 1332.51 keV{sup 60} Co sources, and 14 peaks of {sup 134}Cs and {sup 154}Eu on the spent fuel gamma spectrum which are in the energy range from 500 to 1,600 keV. We find second order equations for detection efficiency by using our experimental results. The equation show that the detection efficiency of gamma scanning system for 1 MeV ...
In this experiment, we measured the detection efficiency of gamma-scanning system of Irradiated Materials Examination Facility (IMEF) in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute(KAERI) for the spent PWR fuel and activity known sources with high activity. We measured the absolute detection efficiency of gamma scanning system of IMEF to the "1"3"7Cs-source with 10.4 GBq and "6"0Co source with 25.9 GBq High-activity sources as standard sources, and a fuel burned in the KORI -1 reactor of the Kori Nuclear power plant. In analyzing, we used three peeks those were the 661.64 keV peak form "1"3"7 Cs 1173.23 and 1332.51 keV"6"0 Co sources, and 14 peaks of "1"3"4Cs and "1"5"4Eu on the spent fuel gamma spectrum which are in the energy range from 500 to 1,600 keV. We find second order equations for detection efficiency by using our experimental results. The equation show that the detection efficiency of gamma scanning system for 1 MeV gamma-ray is ...
Medical imaging using single gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides typically makes use of parallel hole collimators or pinholes in order to achieve good spatial resolution. However, a tradeoff in sensitivity is inherent in the use of a collimator, and modern preclinical single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems detect a very small fraction of emitted gamma rays, often less than 0.1%. A system for small animal SPECT imaging which uses no collimators could potentially achieve very high sensitivity-several tens of percent-with reasonably sized detectors. This would allow two significant improvements in preclinical studies: images could be obtained more rapidly, allowing higher throughput for screening applications, or for dynamic processes to be observed with very good time resolution; and images could be obtained with less radioactive tracer, making possible the in vivo imaging of low-capacity receptor systems, aiding research into new tracer compounds, ...
A great deal of current research is directed to finding a way to minimize thermal injury in the esophagus during radiofrequency catheter ablation of the atrium. A recent clinical study employing a cooling intraesophageal balloon reported a reduction of the temperature in the esophageal lumen. However, it could not be determined whether the deeper muscular layer of the esophagus was cooled enough to prevent injury. We built a model based on an agar phantom in order to experimentally study the thermal behavior of this balloon by measuring the temperature not only on the balloon, but also at a hypothetical point between the esophageal lumen and myocardium (2 mm distant). Controlled temperature (55 {sup 0}C) ablations were conducted for 120 s. The results showed that (1) the cooling balloon provides a reduction in the final temperature reached, both on the balloon surface and at a distance of 2 mm; (2) coolant temperature has a significant effect ...
As a central supervision authority the National Electrical Safety Board (Elsaekerhetsverket) has the main responsibility for the safety of high voltage power lines and other power electric equipment. It is therefore also responsible for questions concerning the effects of power frequency magnetic fields on the environment. According to the rules it is not allowed to draw overhead power lines with a voltage exceeding 1000 V above buildings. Their minimum distance to buildings must not be below 5 m. For regions comprised by rural development plans the directions prescribe a minimum distance of 10 m between buildings and high voltage transmission lines with a voltage of 55 kV or more. The publication of two large epidemiological studies about exposure to magnetic fields and cancer in Sweden in autumn 1992 has brought magnetic fields problems to general notice again. A statement on health risks form electromagnetic fields was issued by SSI in January 1993. SSI and Elsaekerhetsverket ...
This case report evaluates X-ray findings in patients with miliary accumulation of mercury observed after parenteral application of metallic mercury in a suizide attempt. There are certain discrepancies between clinical symptoms and the X-ray findings. A clear demonstration of mercury in coronary blood vessels is possible by fluoroscopy.
Various topics include: (1) direction finding, (2) range finding, (3) Doppler measurements, (4) construction of a receiver for radio interferometry, (5) mobile laser range finding system, (6) figure-and field parameter determination/geopotential, (7) dynamics of the Earth-Moon system, and (8) kinematics of geodetic point fields.
Neuroepithelial cysts are rare and mostly asymptomatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-like cysts. We describe herein the imaging findings in five patients with neuroepithelial cysts. Two cases of proven and three of presumed neuroepithelial cysts are presented. Three of five are located in the thalamus, a location which is not characteristic for neuroepithelial cysts. In the case of incidental finding of asymptomatic neuroepithelial cyst, clinical and radiological follow-up is indicated and surgical intervention is not necessarily warranted. (orig.) With 5 figs., 6 refs.
FastBit is a software package designed to meet the searching and filtering needs of data intensive sciences. In these applications, scientists are trying to find nuggets of information from petabytes of raw data. FastBit has been demonstrated to be an order of magnitude faster than comparable technologies. In this brief report, we highlight how we work with a visualization team, a network security team and a DNA sequencing center to find the nuggets in their data.
Computed tomography was performed on 5 patients with chronic cerebral paragonimiasis. CT showed solitary or multiple, amorphous, round, or oval calcifications, and ventricular enlargement in all 5 cases. A large low-density area is also found in 4 of the 5 cases. These CT findings are compatible with previously reported findings of simple X-ray films of the skull, pneumoencephalography, and pathological studies. (author).
This is the final report of the Finnish Research Programme on Climate Change (SILMU). This report includes the final results and conclusions made by the individual research groups. The aim of this report is to lay out the research work, and to present the main results and conclusions obtained during the six-year work. The Finnish Research Programme on Climate Change (SILMU) was a multidisciplinary national research programme on climate and global change. The principal goals of SILMU were: (1) to increase our knowledge on climate change, its causes, mechanisms and consequences, (2) to strengthen the research on climate change in Finland, (3) to increase the participation of Finnish researchers in international research programmes, and (4) to prepare and disseminate information for policy makers on adaptation and ...
To assess the potential of CT in evaluating the histological severity of acute appendicitis in comparison with surgical and pathological findings. The CT images of 75 patients with surgically proven appendicitis, including 10 cases of catarrhal, 34 of phlegmonous, and 31 of gangrenous appendicitis, were retrospectively analyzed for the following five CT findings: hazy periappendiceal densities, enlarged appendix, increased enhancement of the appendiceal wall, increased enhancement of the periappendiceal intestinal wall, and deficiency of the appendiceal wall. By comparing all the CT findings and the pathological severity of appendicitis (catarrhal, phlegmonous, and gangrenous), the prevalence of the five CT findings was calculated for each pathological category. Abnormal CT findings were noted in only one case of catarrhal appendicitis. Increased enhancement of the appendiceal wall ...
Special education researchers have made noteworthy progress toward conceptualizing literacy research questions, designing quality studies, and disseminating the results of their research. These advancements have been made through the establishment and refinement of quality research indicators. Unfortunately, this progress has mostly eluded the arena of juvenile justice special education research. The purpose of this article is to review juvenile justice literacy studies and provide juvenile justice personnel and researchers with methodological and practical considerations for improving the quality of juvenile justice literacy research. The focus is on advancing group designs. Practical concerns are based on the first-year experiences of researchers who implemented an Institute of Education Sciences Goal 3 study with the ...
...The number of documents that contain the keyword absolute zero is: 2 EU Descartes Prizes for excellence in research and science communication EU Descartes Prizes ...for excellence in research and science communication -Chemistry Close to Absolute Zero - Descartes Prize 2000 - Winner- Ian Smith EU Descartes Prizes for excellence ...in research and science communication EU Descartes Prizes for excellence in research and science communication -Chemistry Close to Absolute Zero - Descartes Prize 2000 ...
The report presents selected highlights of how research has contributed to the regulatory effort. It explains the research role of the NRC and nuclear safety research contributions in the areas of: pressure vessel integrity, piping, small- and large-break loss-of-coolant accidents, hydrogen and containment, source term analysis, seismic hazards and high-level waste management. The report also provides a summary of current and future research directions in support of regulation.
Various research programs on coal liquefaction are described. Research efforts are reported from the University of Kentucky, University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University, University of Utah, and the Center for Applied Energy Research. Research areas include depolymerization, desulfurization, coprocessing catalysis, hydrogenation, and solvent extraction. (CBS)
For the last four years, scientists at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory have been searching for alternative soil and crop management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon and nitrogen sequestration. ¿If we can redu...
IntroductionResearch is an essential tool in facing the challenges of scaling up interventions and improving access to services. As in many other countries, the translation of research...Full Text Available
... based, disease treatment remains promising, the emphasis for stem cell research from the biomedical research community is clear, and ... diagnosis as a novel source of embryos for stem cell research. Repr...
Materials World Network: Cooperative Activity in Materials Research between US Investigators and ... Program Title: Materials World Network: Cooperative Activity in Materials Research between US ...
Materials World Network: Cooperative Activity in Materials Research between US Investigators and ... Program Title: Materials World Network: Cooperative Activity in Materials Research between US ...
... Programmatic Terms and Conditions for the Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC ... NSF Grants Officer. 2. Program Description: Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers ...
September 14, 2010 ADHD: Signs, Symptoms, Research NIMH researchers talk about the symptoms of ADHD as well as the latest research. Download this video. Watch on YouTube. Transcript Announcer: ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder- is one of the ...
Cooperative research in coal liquefaction from Auburn University, University of Kentucky, University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University, University of Utah, and the UK Center for Applied Energy Research, are briefly discussed. Topics covered include desulfurization, chemical reactivity, coprocessing, and catalysis. (CBS)
... After completing a review into direct coal liquefaction research carried out in Australia and internationally, CSIRO has identified potential new science and technology developments that may improve the cost and viability of CTL in a greenhouse gas-constrained environment. We are conducting research to: determine the optimum ...
Summaries of research projects conducted during 1978 and 1979 are presented. Subject areas include research medicine, cancer research, environmental physiology, radiation biophysics, and structural biophysics. (ACR)
BackgroundTranslating research to make it more understandable and effective (research translation) has been declared a priority in environmental health but does not always include...Full Text Available
... 1995 Trilateral Materials Workshop PDF (202K) Report of the Workshop on Materials for Future ... in Materials Research Technology and Education PDF (163K) US-Asian Pacific Materials Research ...
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...
... hypersonic aerodynamic force, or the space-equivalent region. Some of these experiments change the X-15 from a research airplane to a kind of space probe, ...
... The revised work plan emphasized the research priorities of preharvest rodent damage to rice, the importance of postharvest food losses to rodents ...
Challenges of robotic cars, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Defense Department. Carroll Cordes, recently retired USGS branch chief,...
as one of the first Materials Research Laboratories to be funded by the forerunner of DARPA. In 1972 funding was taken over by the National Science Foundation's Division of...
This issue is the collection of the papers on progress of researches by common utilization of JAERI nuclear facilities. The 43 of the papers are indexed individually. (J.P.N.)
In this paper, an attempt is made to outline the priority areas for research in human nutrition in India that could be tackled by appropriate application of stable isotope technology. 10 refs.
The general goals of this research effort is to explore the potential applications and performance of fine grained computer architectures for vision. The body of this report gives a brief overview of the results of the research during the first twelve mon...
health research agency, NIMH is dedicated to reducing the burden of mental and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior. As part of that mission, NIMH...
The author indicates the research which will be done as part of Programme Sibir, a large-scale programme for the development of the eastern USSR. The research includes the liquefaction of brown coal, and new methods of prospecting.
In this paper I argue that when a researcher is a research instrument, it is likely that the researcher would develop a heightened awareness of his/her own cultural conditioning, especially in the case of cross-cultural studies. And that such awareness would make him/her realise that one's own cultural background may indeed have an influence on formulating his/her research methodology. The paper is based on my own research project on development cooperation between Japan and Cambodia, whereby I examined the perceptions of Cambodians and Japanese on what an appropriate power relationship between donors and recipients should be. At the outset of my research project, I paid little attention to my own cultural condition and the role it might play in my study, though I was aware that being Japa...
"Physics in the United States is in a crisis that the country may lose the leadership in basic particle research in coming years, a report of the National Research Council warned." (1 page)
A review of the literature is provided for the topic of health-related research and power frequency electromagnetic fields. Minimal evidence for concern is present on the basis of animal and plant research....Full Text Available
... with the loosening of Bush-era restrictions on stem cell research, a move that was widely hailed by the ... The first two explore the contentious debate over stem cell research. Using a series of intervie...
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards are presented to the Commissioners for their consideration for FY 82 budget for the NRC safety research program.
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards are presented to the Commissioners for their consideration for FY 83 budget for the NRC safety research program.
... 4? Program History 5? Center for Advanced Materials and Smart Structures 6? Center for Systems ... Systems 14? Center for Photonic Materials Research 15? Synthesis, Manufacturing and Characterization ...
... i3a. ... This pioneering research established the new Air Force standard for future ... Echols ,.stablished new standards for high- altitude long-range flight ...
The purpose was to compare the findings of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in prosthetic valve disorders using the operative findings as a gold standard. In a 3-year period, we prospectively enrolled 25 patients with 31 prosthetic heart valves. MDCT and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were done to evaluate pannus formation, prosthetic valve dysfunction, suture loosening (paravalvular leak) and pseudoaneurysm formation. Patients indicated for surgery received an operation within 1 week. The MDCT findings were compared with the operative findings. One patient with a Bjoerk-Shiley valve could not be evaluated by MDCT due to a severe beam-hardening artifact; thus, the exclusion rate for MDCT was 3.2% (1/31). Prosthetic valve disorders were suspected in 12 patients by either MDCT or TTE. Six patients received an operation that included three redo aortic valve replacements, two redo mitral ...
Renewable Energy Technologies (RETS) have over the years become an integral part of the energy supply chain in most developed countries. Recent projections show that 13.5% of the world's primary energy supply comes from renewable and this figure has an aggregated annual growth rate of 16%. Wind has the highest annual growth rate of 22% while the least annual growth rate of 2% is for hydropower. The main push for renewable like wind in the OECD countries are environmental concerns and the business aspect in power generation. The situation is however completely different in Africa, where the thrust for RETs is developmental based. Although the continent has abundant renewable energy resources like solar, biomass, wind and hydro potential, they have remained largely unexploited. Several efforts have been made to help African countries like Zimbabwe to exploit such resources. The main objectives of this country study included review of Zimbabwe's development of past RETs, ...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder of early childhood onset. Defining symptoms are chronic impairments of attention, impulse control and motor hyperactivity that frequently persist until adulthood. Miscellaneous causes of the disorder have been discussed. Accumulating evidence from imaging- and molecular genetic studies strengthened the theory of ADHS being a predominantly inherited disorder of neurobiological origin. In the last 15 years, non-invasive brain imaging methods were successfully implemented in pediatric research. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies gave major insight into the neurobiological correlates of executive malfunction, inhibitory deficits and psychomotoric soft signs. These findings are in good accordance with brain morphometric data indicating a significant volumetric decrease of major components of striato-thalamo-cortical feedback loops, primarily influencing ...
Subsurface and surface coalfires are a serious problem in many coal-producing countries. Combustion can occur within the coal seams (underground or surface), in piles of stored coal, or in spoil dumps at the surface. While consuming a non renewable energy source, coalfires promote several environmental problems. Among all GHGs that are emitted from coalfires, CO2 is the most significant because of its high quantity. In connection to this environmental problem, the core aim of the present research is to develop a hyperspectral remote sensing and radiative transfer based model that is able to estimate CO2 concentration (ppmv) from coalfires. Since 1960s remote sensing is being used as a tool to detect and monitoring coalfires. With time, remote sensing has proven a reliable tool to identify and monitor coalfires. In the present study multi-temporal, multi-sensor and multi-spectral thermal remote sensing data are being used to detect and monitor coalfires. Unlike the ...
Subsurface and surface coalfires are a serious problem in many coal-producing countries. Combustion can occur within the coal seams (underground or surface), in piles of stored coal, or in spoil dumps at the surface. While consuming a non renewable energy source, coalfires promote several environmental problems. Among all GHGs that are emitted from coalfires, CO2 is the most significant because of its high quantity. In connection to this environmental problem, the core aim of the present research is to develop a hyperspectral remote sensing and radiative transfer based model that is able to estimate CO2 concentration (ppmv) from coalfires. Since 1960s remote sensing is being used as a tool to detect and monitoring coalfires. With time, remote sensing has proven a reliable tool to identify and monitor coalfires. In the present study multi-temporal, multi-sensor and multi-spectral thermal remote sensing data are being used to detect and monitor coalfires. Unlike the ...
For the purpose of digging up themes of the joint research which develop the R and D in the industrial technology field in Japan to a new stage, researchers were sent to the world representing research institutes to conduct the research survey of 'Nano-structured carbon and hydrogen absorption' and 'Development of the creation technology of nano-porous materials.' As to the former, an experiment on electrochemical hydrogen absorption of carbon materials including nanotubes was conducted by researchers dispatched, but the large absorption amount was not observed. As to the latter, visits were paid to Fraunhofer Institute and the related facilities in Germany, Princeton University, MIT, GIT and Naval Research Laboratories in the U.S., Orleans University in France, AO Research Institute (bone repair study) in ...
Classical semiconductor physics has been continuously improving electronic components such as diodes, light-emitting diodes, solar cells and transistors based on highly purified inorganic crystals over the past decades. Organic semiconductors, notably polymeric, are a comparatively young field of research, the first light-emitting diode based on conjugated polymers having been demonstrated in 1990. Polymeric semiconductors are of tremendous interest for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing (''printed electronics''). Due to their rather simple device structure mostly comprising only one or two functional layers, polymeric diodes are much more difficult to optimize compared to small-molecular organic devices. Usually, functions such as charge injection and transport are handled by the same material which thus needs to be highly optimized. The present work contributes to expanding the knowledge on the physical mechanisms determining ...
Identification of factors that determine individual patient risk for recurrence and progression in superficial papillary carcinoma of the bladder is a subject of extensive research as it would be a major outcome in patient management. It has been well recognized that traditional prognostic markers as tumor grade and stage are not accurate enough in predicting biological behavior. A large number of markers have been investigated as potential prognostic factors and relatively few can help in predicting outcome. Material and Methods: Forty-nine cases undergoing complete transurethral resection for primary superficial papillary transitional cell carcinoma were subjected to clinicopathologic evaluation as well as immunohistochemical staining for p53, bcl-2, cytokeratin 20 and Ki-67. The CAS-200 image analyzer was used to estimate the Ki-67 labeling index. Results: Recurrence was observed in 19 cases (38.8%) and progression in 7 cases (14.3%) with a median followup of 49 ...
Solid fuels such as coal, wood, and crop straw supply some fraction of household cooking and heating fuel for more than one billion people in China. As these fuels do not generally combust cleanly in household stoves, their use levies large health and environmental burdens, particularly in rural regions. Production of clean-burning fuels from agricultural residue offers one prospect for mitigating health and social burdens imposed by household use of solid fuels. This dissertation explores the question: how might production of clean-burning household fuels from agricultural residues affect human health and social conditions in rural China? I approach this question from three perspectives. First, a technically plausible but currently unproven village-scale energy technology is explored in a scenario bounded by natural resources and substantiated by engineering specifications, estimates of indoor exposures to air pollution, and epidemiological analyses. This analysis asks at the national ...
The Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) is a single, highly integrated technical program for maintaining the surety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. The SSP uses past nuclear test data along with current and future non-nuclear test data, computational modeling and simulation, and experimental facilities to advance understanding of nuclear weapons. It includes stockpile surveillance, experimental research, development and engineering (D&E) programs, and an appropriately scaled production capability to support stockpile requirements. This integrated national program requires the continued use of current facilities and programs along with new experimental facilities and computational enhancements to support these programs. The Advanced Simulation and Computing Program (ASC) is a cornerstone of the SSP, providing simulation capabilities and computational resources to support the annual stockpile assessment and certification, to study advanced ...
The Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) is a single, highly integrated technical program for maintaining the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. The SSP uses past nuclear test data along with current and future nonnuclear test data, computational modeling and simulation, and experimental facilities to advance understanding of nuclear weapons. It includes stockpile surveillance, experimental research, development and engineering programs, and an appropriately scaled production capability to support stockpile requirements. This integrated national program requires the continued use of current facilities and programs along with new experimental facilities and computational enhancements to support these programs. The Advanced Simulation and Computing Program (ASC)1 is a cornerstone of the SSP, providing simulation capabilities and computational resources to support the annual stockpile assessment and certification, to study advanced nuclear-weapons ...
The most common causes of tracheobronchial foreign bodies are peanuts in children, and meat and dentures in adults. The most common causes of esophageal foreign bodies are coins in children and meat in adults. It is passable to diagnose a foreign body by visualization on a chest radiograph, if the foreign bodies are radio opaque. However, if the foreign bodies are radiolucent and the patients do not remember the history of aspiration, it is important to evaluate CT findings for foreign bodies and their complications. We describe the CT findings of various thoracic foreign bodies in children and adults.
... Tunnel Sensors Equipment on Environmental Expert Find and compare a variety of tunnel sensors equipment on the world's largest environmental industry portal. View ...
The ultrastructure of conjunctival melanocytic lesions in 49 patients was evaluated to find significant differences between benign and malignant cells. The patients studied included 9 with benign epithelial...Full Text Available
Objective. To describe the diverse patterns observed with the use of autofluorescence fundus photography (FAF) in patients with Birdshot chorioretinopathy (BSCR). Methods....Full Text Available
Background/Objective:Tarlov cysts or spinal perineurial cysts are uncommon lesions. These are mostly incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging or myelograms. The...Full Text Available
depth timber industry experience with state-of-the-art ... difficult to find high-value pockets of timber (also known as timber stands ) to supply his ...
We report a 55-year-old woman with coccydynia due to a sacral mass. The histological diagnosis was haemangioma. The MRI findings and the unusual location of this lesion are discussed. (orig.)
The success of monoclonal antibodies in clinical practice is dependent on good design. Finding a suitable target is the most important part as other properties of the antibody can be altered by genetic...Full Text Available
BackgroundSeveral studies have suggested an association between periodontal disease and prematurity but this finding has not been consistently observed.MethodsCase...Full Text Available
Purpose. To describe the characteristics of idiopathic macular holes (MH) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and correlate OCT with clinical assessment. Design....Full Text Available
BackgroundSoft tissue foreign bodies are a common cause of orthopedic consultation in emergency departments. It is difficult to confirm their existence because conventional radiology...Full Text Available
ObjectiveNeuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a distinct clinical syndrome that is characterized by the acute onset of shoulder and arm pain, weakness, and sensory loss. The purpose of this...Full Text Available
Sep 21, 2007... at night," said Glen Cushing of the U.S. Geological Survey's Astrogeology Team and of Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Ariz. ...
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Sep 18, 2007 ... Lightweight structural aerogels would find applications as a component of composite sandwich panels that are both lightweight and insulating ...
News Jobs Grants/Funding Families Prevention Diseases Regulations Preparedness Mental Health and Traumatic Events Find Local Mental Health Services Information for: Parents and...
The MRI's of 16 patients with either primary or secondary lymphatic disorders are evluated and the findings are compared to those from lymphangioscintigraphy or surgery. (author).
Sep 1, 2011 ... We find that since 2003, recent mining deforestation in Madre de Dios, Peru is increasing nonlinearly alongside a constant annual rate of ...
... Geothermal Energy Equipment in Finland on Environmental Expert Find and compare a variety of geothermal energy equipment in finland on the world's largest environmental ...
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... six major international terrorist attacks are considered ... Tanzania and Kenya), the USS COLE bombing of ... the September 11th terrorist attack on the ...
The cause of the female urethral syndrome has previously been obscure, as it has been associated by definition with a lack of objective findings but a plethora of subjective complaints of retropubic...Full Text Available
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Governments are increasingly concerned to compare the quality and effectiveness of healthcare interventions but find this a complex matter. Crude hospital statistics can be dangerously misleading and...Full Text Available
... Biogas Analyzers Equipment on Environmental Expert Find and compare a variety of biogas analyzers equipment on the world's largest environmental industry portal. View ...
Background/Objectives:Imaging technology is an important part of the diagnosis and management of spinal trauma. Indications and findings in post-traumatic imaging of the vertebral...Full Text Available
The progress report for the Theoretical Physics Division of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Harwell, 1985/6 is presented. The Division's research programme is divided into four sections - i) nuclear power (fuels, inspection and safety aspects), ii) radioactive waste management, iii) underlying research, and iv) non-nuclear contract research. The report contains a description of the research work carried out on these four topics in the above period. (U.K.).
The Swedish Ceramic Institute is an industrial research institute working with product-oriented research and development of ceramics and closely related materials. The institute works with the processing and fabrication of ceramic materials as well as with materials properties and design questions. Its website provides details of research projects (engineering ceramics, electroceramics, traditional ceramics). Publications are listed, with some downloadable files (annual reports, research reports, information leaflets). Sample materials data (mechanical properties, thermal properties) is given for oxides and non-oxide ceramics.
This report presents information and analysis to assist BLM in clarifying oil shale research needs. It provides technical guidance on research needs in support of their regulatory responsibilities for onshore mineral activities involving oil shale. It provides an assessment of research needed to support the regulatory and managerial role of the BLM as well as others involved in the development of oil shale resources on public and Indian lands in the western United States.
...), The SAGE Encyclopaedia of Social Science Research Methods, London: Sage Publications. Corti, L. (2003) 'Data Archives' ...), The SAGE Encyclopaedia of Social Science Research Methods, London: Sage Publications. Corti, L. and Barker, E. ...), The SAGE Encyclopaedia of Social Science Research Methods, London: Sage Publications. Corti, L. (2003) 'Qualitative Research ...
The Coordinated Research Project is a topical collection of research agreements and contracts. The research contracts are awarded with financial support of about 10-20% of the total contract cost. Among the activities of the project is the organization of consultant group meetings and workshops involving several international experts and representatives of users and developers of border radiation monitoring equipment. The project also supports in coordinating the development of equipment and techniques for up-to-date border monitoring and in establishing of a process for providing nuclear forensics support to member states
DOE invites small business firms to submit proposals in this sixth annual solicitation for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Firms with strong research capabilities in science or engineering in any of the topic areas described are encouraged to participate. DOE will support high-quality research or research and development (R and D) on advanced concepts concerning important energy related scientific or engineering problems and opportunities that could lead to significant public benefit if the research is successful. Objectives of this program include stimulating technological innovation in the private sector, strengthening the role of small business in meeting Federal R and D needs, increasing the commercial application of DOE-supported research results, and improving the return on investment from Federally funded ...
In this study, we examine research in the field of human resource management (HRM) published in six leading Chinese management journals from 2001 to 2007.First, we show publication patterns of Chinese HRM research by topic and reference discipline. Second, we assess the status of research quality using four raters to independently rate the articles based on type, orientation, design and statistical analyses. Through a systematic approach of analyzing this selection of articles, our study offers an opportunity for international scholars to appreciate the unique contributions of the Chinese language literature to the general HRM research. We conclude with a discussion of opportunities and directions for future research in this area to produce high quality indigenous research and build global...
R and D today is a large industry that consumes vast amounts of public and private funds in most countries. It is becoming increasingly evident that technology transfer and the commercialization of research done at universities and government funded research laboratories must be a key element of their comprehensive strategic plan. It involves using a verified and organized knowledge and research to develop commercially viable products. It requires a visionary leader with effective project management skills to manage and motivate a team of scientists and engineers, otherwise even a top rated researcher will enervate and wither within the walls of research laboratories. This paper will highlight the importance, challenges and techniques of commercializing technology from accelerator research laboratories. It will provide an overview of the requirements of ...
This report summarizes the progress of the Solid State Photovoltaic Research Branch of the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) from October 1, 1988, through September 30,l 1989. Six technical sections of the report cover these main areas of SERIs in-house research: Semiconductor Crystal Growth, Amorphous Silicon Research, Polycrystalline Thin Films, III-V High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Cells, Solid-State Theory, and Laser Raman and Luminescence Spectroscopy. Sections have been indexed separately for inclusion on the data base.
This report, the fifth in a series of annual reports, was prepared in response to congressional inquiries concerning how nuclear regulatory research is used. It summarizes the accomplishments of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research during FY 1989. The goal of this office is to ensure that safety-related research provides the technical bases for rulemaking and for related decisions in support of NRC licensing and inspection activities. This research is necessary to make certain that the regulations that are imposed on licensees provide an adequate margin of safety so as to protect the health and safety of the public. This report describes both the direct contributions to scientific and technical knowledge with regard to nuclear safety and their regulatory applications.
This report, the seventh in a series of annual reports, was prepared in response to congressional inquiries concerning how nuclear regulatory research is used. It summarizes the accomplishments of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research during FY 1991. The goal of this office is to ensure that safety-related research provides the technical bases for rulemaking and for related decisions in support of NRC licensing and inspection activities. This research is necessary to make certain that the regulations that are imposed on licensees provide an adequate margin of safety so as to protect the health and safety of the public. This report describes both the direct contributions to scientific and technical knowledge with regard to nuclear safety and their regulatory applications.
This report, the seventh in a series of annual reports, was prepared in response to congressional inquiries concerning how nuclear regulatory research is used. It summarizes the accomplishments of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research during FY 1991. The goal of this office is to ensure that safety-related research provides the technical bases for rulemaking and for related decisions in support of NRC licensing and inspection activities. This research is necessary to make certain that the regulations that are imposed on licensees provide an adequate margin of safety so as to protect the health and safety of the public. This report describes both the direct contributions to scientific and technical knowledge with regard to nuclear safety and their regulatory applications.
This report, the sixth in a series of annual reports, was prepared in response to congressional inquiries concerning how nuclear regulatory research is used. It summarizes the accomplishments of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research during FY 1990. The goal of this office is to ensure that safety-related research provides the technical bases for rulemaking and for related decisions in support of NRC licensing and inspection activities. This research is necessary to make certain that the regulations that are imposed on licensees provide an adequate margin of safety so as to protect the health and safety of the public. This report describes both the direct contributions to scientific and technical knowledge with regard to nuclear safety and their regulatory applications.
This report, the fourth in a series of annual reports, was prepared in response to Congressional inquiries concerning how nuclear regulatory research is used. It summarizes the accomplishments of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research during 1988. The goal of this office is to ensure that safety-related research provides the technical bases for rulemaking and for related decisions in support of NRC licensing and inspection activities. This research is necessary to make certain that the regulations that are imposed on licensees provide an adequate margin of safety so as to protect the health and safety of the public. This report describes both the direct contributions to scientific and technical knowledge with regard to nuclear safety and their regulatory applications.
This report is the second in a series of annual reports responding to congressional inquiries as to the utilization of nuclear regulatory research. NUREG-1175, ''NRC Safety Research in Support of Regulation,'' published in May 1986, reported major research accomplishments between about FY 1980 and FY 1985. This report narrates the accomplishments of FY 1986 and does not restate earlier accomplishments. Earlier research results are mentioned in the context of current results in the interest of continuity. Both the direct contributions to scientific and technical knowledge and their regulatory applications, when there has been a definite regulatory outcome during FY 1986, have been described.
This report summarizes the major activities and accomplishments of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Advanced Radiotherapy Research Program for calendar year 2001. Applications of supportive research and development, as well as technology deployment in the fields of chemistry, radiation physics and dosimetry, and neutron source design and demonstration are described. Contributions in the fields of physics and biophysics include development of advanced patient treatment planning software, feasibility studies of accelerator neutron source technology for Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT), and completion of major modifications to the research reactor at Washington State University to produce an epithermal-neutron beam for NCT research applications.
This report summarizes the major activities and accomplishments of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Advanced Radiotherapy Research Program for calendar year 2001. Applications of supportive research and development, as well as technology deployment in the fields of chemistry, radiation physics and dosimetry, and neutron source design and demonstration are described. Contributions in the fields of physics and biophysics include development of advanced patient treatment planning software, feasibility studies of accelerator neutron source technology for Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT), and completion of major modifications to the research reactor at Washington State University to produce an epithermal-neutron beam for NCT research applications.
Exceptional progress has been made in mathematical algorithm research leading to optimized mesh partitions for the highly unstructured grids occurring in finite element applications in solid mechanics. Today another research challenge presents itself. Research is needed to include boundary conditions into the algorithms for partitioning meshes. We describe below two methods we use currently to accomplish this and propose a more general approach be developed which would apply to our problems today as well as to the coupled models we envision for the future. Finally, we suggest research be considered that would incorporate partitioning methods into parallel mesh generation.
The report presents a summary of the work of the Department of Nuclear Safety Research and Nuclear Facilities in 1995. The department`s research and development activities are organized in three research programmes: Radiation Protection, Reactor Safety, and Radioanalytical Chemistry. The nuclear facilities operated by the department include the Research Reactor DR3, the Isotope Laboratory, the Waste Treatment Plant, and the Educational Reactor DR1. Lists of staff and publications are included together with a summary of the staff`s participation in national and international committees. (au) 5 tabs., 21 ills.
We illustrate serial HRCT findings over a 16-month period in a 35-year-old woman who had ingested paraquat. Initial areas of ground-glass opacity changed into areas of multiple air cysts on follow up scan obtained five months after ingestion. A further follow-up scan obtained 16 months after ingestion showed improvement, with increased lung volume and normalized lung architecture.
The multiplanar neurosonographic examination of the fetus enables superb visualization of brain anatomy during pregnancy. The examination may be performed using a transvaginal or a transfundal approach and it is indicated in patients at high risk for CNS anomalies or in those with a suspicious finding during a routine examination. The purpose of this paper is to present a description of the normal brain and of abnormal findings usually diagnosed late in pregnancy, including malformations of cortical development, infratentorial anomalies, and prenatal insults.
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)
Primary Ewing's sarcoma of the skull is a very rare entity. We report MRI findings in a case of Ewing's sarcoma of the greater wing of sphenoid in a 4-year-old patient. Magnetic resonance imaging showed markedly heterogenous signal intensity with areas of haemorrhage and necrosis. It also demonstrated the exact extent of tumour due to its multiplanar capabilities and was, therefore, helpful in planning surgery. Copyright (2002) Blackwell Science Pty Ltd
The intrasphenoid form of basal cephalocele is uncommon. We describe the clinical, CT and MRI findings in two cases presenting in middle age with persistent cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea. Emphasis is placed upon the imaging findings which aid in discrimination of intrasphenoidal cephalocele from more common causes of a sphenoid sinus mass. (orig.)
In this study we extend the analysis of magnetopause crossings observed with Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer measurements to examine a much larger statistical data set. This study examines 39 maiznetosheath/LLBL intervals from 79 spacecraft-months of observations: these observations were taken from a survey of data from the start of each spacecraft mission and extending through March 1993. In contrast to the previous findings, we find no evidence for a significant dawn/dusk asymmetry in geosynchronous magnetopause crossings.
Two-dimensional generalization of the original peak finding algorithm suggested earlier is given. The ideology of the algorithm emerged from the well known quantum mechanical tunneling property which enables small bodies to penetrate through narrow potential barriers. We further merge this ``quantum'' ideology with the philosophy of Particle Swarm Optimization to get the global optimization algorithm which can be called Quantum Swarm Optimization. The functionality of the newborn algorithm is tested on some benchmark optimization problems.
This article examines the question of finding the best quadratic function to approximate a given function on an interval. The prototypical function considered is f(x) = ex. Two approaches are considered, one based on Taylor polynomial approximations at various points in the interval under consideration, the other based on the fact that three non-collinear points determine a unique quadratic function. Three different techniques for measuring the error in the approximations are considered.
Between October 1990 and March 1991, 8 patients with cystic lesions in the region of the posterior bladder wall, the seminal vesicles and the prostate were examined by MRI. In all cases there was accurate characterisation of the lesion and of its anatomy. In 3 patients with abnormalities in the retrovesical space there was very good agreement with the operative findings. 4 patients were treated conservatively. In these patients there was good agreement with the findings on cystoscopy, CT and sonography. (orig.).
Computed tomographic findings in developmental brain anomalies are more easily classified when the system used is based on embryogenesis related to morphology. Analysis of computed tomographic findings in a series of 154 patients with brain anomalies (Chiari malformation not included) revealed that specific examples of abnormalities occurring in major stages of brain development may be recognized by computed tomography. This paper deals with a group of patients with abnormalities that reflect a disturbance in neuronal migration. (orig.).
This document contains responses and planned actions that address the findings of the Tiger Team Assessment of Brookhaven National Laboratory, June 1990. In addition, the document contains descriptions of the management and organizational structure to be used in conducting planned actions, root causes for the problems identified in the findings, responses, planned actions, schedules and milestones for completing planned actions, and, where known, costs associated with planned actions.
...authority's and schools' prospectuses Finding a school to suit your child School performance: test results and Ofsted reports Applying for a school place Once you ... Finding a school to suit your child School performance: test results and Ofsted reports Applying for a school place: admissions criteria Apply for ...
The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has been formed and is currently working to establish a Congressionally approved oilheat check-off program to provide funding for research, education, training, safety, and marketing to benefit the US oilheat industry. NORA will be presenting this program to the Congress for its consideration and approval in the coming year. It will follow the same path as the National Propane Gas Association which is currently working on obtaining Congressional approval of a propane check off program that has already attracted over 120 cosponsors in the House of representatives. An effort to define the basis of a joint US Department of Energy (DOE) and Oilheat industry (marketers) program for future oilheat equipment research and development will be conducted during FY-1996. At the request of NORA representatives BNL will coordinate the development of a research agenda ...
Results that contradict known physics, data manipulated, lack of vigilance by co-authors, failures in the system for scientific publication... Last September a US Committee of Enquiry unveiled one of the most serious frauds in the history of physics. Over a two year period, a young researcher at Bell Laboratories had published a large number of articles with exciting results for solid state physics, but which, alas, were fraudulent! Obviously a fraud of this magnitude is exceptional. However, it did serve to focus attention on the problem of integrity and honesty in research practices. This subject, crucial to the well-being and credibility of scientific research, will be the central theme of the lecture given by Nicholas Steneck, Professor of History at the University of Michigan. A leading expert on this issue, on which he has published extensively, he is a consultant to the Office of Research ...
Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI) is developing the world`s strongest spallation neutron source using high power proton accelerator and promoting a neutron science project for comprehensive studies on basic science and nuclear transmutation of high-level radioactive nuclide from nuclear power stations. For this purpose, JAERI organized the Special Taskforce for Neutron Science and OMEGA Project in April 1996 and reorganized it to Center for Neutron Science in April 1997. During this period, various research plans using the spallation neutron source are proposed and facilities necessary for research are studied by mainly research groups of JAERI. This report describes research plans and results of the preliminary conceptual design study on proposed facilities plan. (author)
This article discusses how history, the cultural setting, and the political-ideological contexts may influence educational research in China. It seeks to demonstrate a dichotomy between official and popular discourses, and argues that there is a need for the researcher to understand and interpret the language style used in various interview settings and research publications in China. Further, it is contended that ideology and cultural influences push towards a 'virtuous' or socially acceptable understanding of reality. These ideological and cultural norms may also affect official research data and statistics. Further, the article seeks to demonstrate that for a researcher in China (whether Chinese or not) it is important to cultivate and make use of guanxi (connections), at the same time ...
The Paul Scherrer Institute is a centre for multidisciplinary research in the natural and engineering sciences. It collaborates closely with universities, other research institutions, technical colleges, and industry, both in Switzerland and abroad. It is the largest research institute in Switzerland, with about 1'200 members of staff. Its particular areas of specialisation are solid-state research and material sciences, elementary particle physics and astrophysics, biology and medicine, and energy and environmental research. This annual report presents an overview of the work performed by the PSI research departments including information on new developments connected with the various accelerators and on the status of the Swiss Light Source project (SLS). Details on the organizational and financial structure of the Institute are also provided.
This article explores how action research, design based research and interaction design can be combined and used in the development of educational robotic tools. Our case study is the development of Number Blocks and it combines physical interaction, learning, and immediate feedback. Number Blocks supports the children's understanding of place value in the sense that it allows them to experiment with creating large numbers. The development was done in collaboration with a class of 7-8 year old children and their mathematics teacher. The article argues that elements from different research methods allowed a structured approach to projects that combines educational research and innovation of new learning technologies. Key elements of this approach is acknowledging the users input, developing a theoretical pre-analysis and using an iterative approach.
A compilation of all universities, industrial and governmental agencies in Quebec which are actively involved in research and development of chemical products and industrial materials derived from biomass products, was presented. Each entry presented in a standard format that included a description of the major research activities of the university or agency, the principal technologies used in the research, available research and analytical equipment, a description of the research personnel, names, and addresses of contact persons for the agency or university. Thirty entries were presented. These covered a wide diversity of activities including biotechnological research such as genetic manipulations, bioconversion, fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis and physico-chemical applications such as bleaching, de-inking, purification and synthesis. tabs.
The research documented herein was funded by a research contract between the Research Reactors Division (RRD) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering Department (MABE). The research was governed by a statement of work (SOW) which clearly defines nine specific tasks. This report is outlined to follow and document the results of each of these nine specific tasks. The primary goal of this phase of the research is to demonstrate, through verification and validation methods, that COMSOL is a viable simulation tool for thermal-hydraulic modeling of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) core. A secondary goal of this two-dimensional phase of the research is to establish methodology and data base libraries that are also needed in the full three-dimensional COMSOL simulation ...
Objective: To assess dynamic MRI with Gd-DTPA enhancement for evaluating inflammatory changes in the subacromial bursa. Design and patients: We detected the signal intensity changes in dynamic MRI of the subacromial bursa, and confirmed these macroscopically by arthroscopy and histologically. The signal intensity was measured using built-in software, and the enhancement ratio (E ratio) was calculated from dynamic MR images. In addition, as a parameter of the rate of the increase in the signal intensity from 0 to 80 s, the mean increase per second in the E ratio was obtained as the coefficient of enhancement (CE). The correlation was studied of the E ratio and CE with the arthroscopic findings (redness, villous formation, thickening and adhesion), and of the E ratio and CE with the histological findings (capillary proliferation, papillary hyperplasia, fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration) of the subacromial bursa. Of patients with ...
Macrocephaly was defined as a head measuring larger than 98th percentile. We have evaluated CT findings and head growth curves in 25 infants with large heads. Ten (40%) of 25 infants with large heads were normal developmentally and neurologically. Five (20%) of those were mentally retarded. The other 10 infants (40%) included hydrocephalus (4 cases), malformation syndrome (3 cases), brain tumor (1 case), metabolic disorder (1 case) and degenerative disorder (1 case). Their head growth curves were typed as (I), (II) and (III): Type (I) (excessive head growth curve to 2 SDs above normal); Type (II) (head growth curve gradually approached to 2 SDs above normal); Type (III) (head growth curve parallel to 2 SDs above normal). Ten of macrocephaly with normal psychomotor development were studied clinically and radiologically in details. They were all male. CT pictures of those showed normal or various abnormal findings: ventricular dilatations, wide ...
A large number of proven technical solutions exists for the use of renewable energies (RE). However, their dissemination is still too slow to meet the political goal of substituting 12 % of the primary energy demand in the European Union by the year 2010. Even renewable energy systems (RES) with economic potential are only partly exploited. There is a long literature concerning the barriers to RE use. In particular it has become clear that the availability of finance and the forms and conditions upon which it is lent have a major impact on RE deployment. An area of importance is the deficiency of appropriate ownership forms and properly adapted financing instruments in certain countries. Moreover, different regulations and institutional barriers in the European countries hinder the free flow of capital for RES within the European common market. On the other hand, solutions have been developed very successfully in individual countries. Differences in cultures and institutions have ...
According to the present concept, the low and intermediate level wastes generated during the Cernavoda NPP operation will be disposed in a near surface repository. The Saligny site, placed in the NPP protected area, has been proposed for their disposal. Geologically, the main components of this site are the quaternary loess, the Precambrian and Pre-quaternary clays, the Eocene and Barremian limestone. Hydrologically, the site can be divided into a vadose zone down to 45-50 m and three distinct aquifers, two of them in the limestone beds and the third in the lenses of sand and limestone existing in the pre-quaternary clay layer. A large research program for site characterization was initiated in 1996. At present, the site characteristics requested for safety analysis have been experimentally measured on soil samples or calculated by different computer programs. Hundreds of experimental values of the density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, soil-water retention, ...
Rationale Receptor occupancy study has been performed to evaluate pharmacokinetic profiles in new antipsychotic drug development. While these findings highlight the value of positron emission tomography (PET) for dose-finding study, what is unclear is if it is necessary to conduct these studies in patients with schizophrenia or whether studies in healthy volunteers are adequate. Objectives To determine if it is necessary to conduct dopamine receptor occupancy studies in patients with schizophrenia or whether studies in healthy volunteers are adequate for dose-finding study, we compared the concentration?occupancy relationship in terms of EC50 between patients and healthy volunteers. Methods Ten healthy volunteers and eight patients with schizophrenia participated in the study. We measured ...
Ventricular septal defects can occur as part of other congenital cardiac malformations or as an isolated finding. Aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva are rare, most commonly involving the right or noncoronary sinuses. They can be congenital or acquired through infection, trauma, or degenerative diseases. They frequently co-exist with ventricular septal defects, aortic valve dysfunction, or other cardiac abnormalities. More commonly, sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are diagnosed after the clinical sequelae of rupture. Several etiologic factors may lead to the development of pathologic pericardial effusion and the detection of pericardial effusion was one of the first applications of echocardiography to gain widespread acceptance. We present a case of a chance finding of an aneurysm of the right ...
We study spectroscopically determined iron abundances of 642 solar-type stars to search for the signature of accreted iron-rich material. We find that the metallicity [Fe/H] of a subset of 466 main sequence stars, when plotted as a function of stellar mass, mimics the pattern seen in lithium abundances in open clusters. Using Monte Carlo models we find that, on average, these stars have accreted about 0.4 Earth masses of iron while on the main sequence. A much smaller sample of 19 stars in the Hertzsprung gap, which are slightly evolved and whose convection zones are significantly more massive, have lower average [Fe/H], and their metallicity shows no clear variation with stellar mass. These findings suggest that terrestrial-type material is common around solar type stars.
In this work we examine a five-dimensional brane-world model with brane structure driven by a real scalar field. From the deformation of a kink-like defect we find a new class of brane solutions containing internal structures which have implications for the way the background space-time is constructed and the way its curvature behaves. Initially, for spin 0 scalar field, we find a zero mode which can be localized on the deformed brane. However, this result can change by the gravitational interaction with the brane internal structure. Analyzing the massive modes of the scalar field, using two different methods, we find resonance structures similar to those found in the study of gravity localization. The main objective here is to observe the contributions of the deformation procedure to the resonances and to the well known field localization methods.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired disease involving multiple hematopoietic cell lines. Characteristics of PNH are intrinsic hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia and venous thrombosis. We report a case of PNH with characterostoc MR and CT findings. The signal intensity of renal cortex was lower than that of medulla on both T1-and T2-weighted MR imaging. On T2 weighted MR images, the liver showed very low signal intensity but the signal intensity of the spleen was normal. On precontrast CT the attenuation of renal cortex was higher than that of renal medulla and the attenuation of liver was higher than that of the spleen. These findings of MR imaging and CT were the result from the deposition of hemosiderin in the cells of proximal convoluted tubules and transfusional hemosiderosis of liver.
We investigate the influence of the turbulence forcing on the mass distributions of gravitationally unstable cores by postprocessing data from simulations of non-selfgravitating isothermal supersonic turbulence with varying resolution. In one set of simulations solenoidal forcing is applied, while the second set uses purely compressive forcing to excite turbulent motions. From the resulting density field, we compute the mass distribution of gravitationally unstable cores by means of a clump-finding algorithm. Using the time-averaged probability density functions of the mass density, semi-analytic mass distributions are calculated from analytical theories. We apply stability criteria that are based on the Bonnor-Ebert mass resulting from the thermal pressure and from the sum of thermal and turbulent pressure. Although there are uncertainties in the application of the clump-finding algorithm, we find systematic differences in ...
Ewing's sarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that can occur anywhere in the body, but it is most commonly observed in the long bones of the arms and legs, the pelvis and in the chest. The predominant sites of metastasis include the lung (38%), bone (including the spine; 31%), and the bone marrow (11%). Metastasis of Ewing's sarcoma to the central nervous system (CNS) is relatively rare, and most of the previous reports have demonstrated involvement of the bony calvarium or brain parenchyma. We describe here the imaging findings of dural metastasis of Ewing's sarcoma, and these imaging findings have not been previously reported on in the medical literature. In conclusion, dural metastasis of Ewing's sarcoma is very rare and its imaging characteristics are similar to those of a primary tumor, which mimic the findings of a schwannoma or meningioma. Despite its rarity, secondary Ewing's sarcoma may be included in the differential ...
Purpose Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has recently been adopted for complicated anatomical lung resections. During these thoracoscopic procedures, surgeons view the operative field on a two-dimensional (2-D) video monitor and cannot palpate the organ directly, thus frequently encountering anatomical difficulties. This study aimed to estimate the usefulness of preoperative three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of thoracic organs. Methods We compared the preoperative 64-row three-dimensional multidetector computed tomography (3DMDCT) findings of lung cancer-affected thoracic organs to the operative findings. Results In comparison to the operative findings, the branches of pulmonary arteries, veins, and bronchi were well defined in the 3D-MDCT images of 27 patients. Conclusion 3D-MDCT imag...
The number of immigrants to Western Europe has been increasing, with immigration the subject of much controversy in contemporary Europe. In this article, we investigate the relationship between the size of the immigrant population, how natives perceive this size, and their anti-immigrant attitudes. We use data from the 2002/2003 European Social Survey covering 17 Western European countries, and we find that as a rule Western Europeans think that the immigrant population in their country is much larger than it actually is. The perceived size of an immigrant population has an impact on anti-immigrant prejudices, but the real size does not. Like many authors before us, we find that education reduces prejudice. However, we also find that around 10 percent of the total effect of education is a ...
We study the dynamical evolution of a scalar field coupling to Einstein's tensor in the background of a Reissner-Nordstroem black hole. Our results show that the coupling constant #eta# imprints in the wave dynamics of a scalar perturbation. In the weak coupling, we find that with the increase of the coupling constant #eta# the real parts of the fundamental quasinormal frequencies decrease and the absolute values of imaginary parts increase for fixed charge q and multipole number l. In the strong coupling, we find that for l#not =#0 the instability occurs when #eta# is larger than a certain threshold value #eta#_c which deceases with the multipole number l and charge q. However, for the lowest l=0, we find that there does not exist such a threshold value and the scalar field always decays for arbitrary coupling constant.
XMRV or xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related retrovirus, a recently discovered retrovirus, has been linked to both prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Recently, the teams of Drs. Shyh-Ching Lo and Harvey Alter discovered the presence of sequences closely related to XMRV in the blood of 86.5% of patients with CFS [1]. These findings are important because since the initial discovery of XMRV in CFS, several studies have failed to find XMRV in specimens collected from CFS patients. While the current study also did not find XMRV in CFS, Lo et al. did detect sequences that belong to polytropic mouse endogenous retroviruses (PMV), which share considerable similarity with XMRV. Criteria for future studies that will help bring greater clarity to the issue of retroviral sequences in CFS are proposed below. PMID:21994623
Purpose - The article discusses how care programmes and integrated care pathways can be linked, finding ways to improve healthcare process professional and logistical quality from a supply chain and a network point-of-view. Design/methodology/approach - The authors argue that owing to cost containment goals and increasing healthcare demand, healthcare services systems are challenged to improve service quality, whilst at the same time finding ways to improve delivery processes. It explores if the combination of two instruments, care programmes and integrated care pathways, can meet both goals. This combination is illustrated by an example from the Institute of Mental Health Care Eindhoven en de Kempen. Findings - Analysis suggests that care programmes can be combined with integrated care pa...
CT findings were compared retrospectively between 9 cases with malignant lymphoma of the anterior mediastinum and 8 cases with invasive thymoma. CT findings of malignant lymphoma were as follows: (1) The majority of the tumors were bilateral and extended beyond the anterior mediastinum to the other mediastinum compartments. (2) Their margin was either smooth or lobulated. (3) Their density was either homogeneous or heterogeneous. In the case with heterogeneous density, ring, triangle and/or band-like low density areas, just like interspace of fused lymph nodes, were demonstrated. Calcification or cysts could not be shown. (4) Patent inherent vessels without deviation were occasionally demonstrated running through the tumors. (5) The tumors faced and contacted widely to anterior chest wall and often pressed the lung laterally at the anterior parietomediastinal pleural reflection. (6) Pleural implants were not demonstrated. (author).
Bowel infarction is a rare and typical condition of the elderly; despite improvements in diagnostic imaging and vascular surgery, bowel infarction remains a major cause of acute abdomen, with mortality rates ranging 70-80%. Diagnosis on often late because clinical sings, laboratory data and radiologic findings are a specific. The authors investigated radiographic and particular CT patterns of intestinal infraction in 56 patients submitted to surgery within 12 hours of admission. We also report the CT findings of 5 of these patients who had reversible mesenteric ischemia. CT is more sensitive than radiography and does not exhibit the limitations of angiography (i.e., invasiveness, radiation exposure an complex organization. Therefore CT can presently be considered the method of choice in patients with suspected bowel infarction.
Abstract Recent reports showed many patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) harbor a retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia-related virus (XMRV), in blood; other studies could not replicate this finding. A useful next step would be to examine cerebrospinal fluid, because in some patients CFS is thought to be a brain disorder. Finding a microbe in the central nervous system would have greater significance than in blood because of the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. We examined cerebrospinal fluid from 43 CFS patients using polymerase chain reaction techniques, but did not find XMRV or multiple other common viruses, suggesting that exploration of other causes or pathogenetic mechanisms is warranted. Ann Neurol 2011;
The present study describes pathologic findings and immunohistochemical diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in 22 dogs who died naturally in the Aegean region of Turkey. At necropsy, lymphadenomegaly, hepatosplenomegaly, hepatic, and nephrosclerotic lesions were conspicuous. Histopathologically, chronic inflammatory reactions of the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, and skin were marked findings. Cytological and histological examinations showed macrophages loaded with Leishmania amastigotes in these organs. Immunohistochemistry revealed that immunolabeling of amastigotes and/or parasite antigen, especially in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, liver, and skin, and occasionally, in the kidneys, intestines and lungs. Our laboratory results showed that immunohistochemis...
Virtually all biomedical research makes use of a relatively small pool of laboratory-adapted, inbred, isogenic stocks of mice. Although the advantages of these models are many, there are a number of...Full Text Available
... s the matter with Kansas?Legislative debates over stem cell research in Kansas and MassachusettsBonnie StabileSchool of Public Policy, ... examines the contextual factors shaping legislative debates affec...
The number needed to treat (NNT) is a popular effect measure to present study results in biomedical research. NNTs were originally proposed to describe the absolute effect of a new treatment compared...Full Text Available
The original plan for support of research in geothermal reservoir engineering, GREMP, is reviewed and compared with accomplishments to date. A commentary on the comparison and an updated plan are presented. Also included are a justification of the updated plan and a revised management plan. (MHR)
This report summarizes the research done on artificial photosynthesis by the Calvin Group between 1970 and 1995 when the program was terminated. It contains a compilation of the personnel involved as well as a bibliography of publications supported by the project.
Objectives. This study determined to what extent lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations have been studied over the past 20 years of public health research.Methods....Full Text Available
During the last few years, research on toxicologically relevant properties of engineered nanoparticles has increased tremendously. A number of international research projects and additional activities...Full Text Available
Objectives. We assessed the effectiveness of various systems of community participation in ethical review of environmental health research.Methods. We used situation...Full Text Available
The Brain Database is an information tool designed to aid in the integration of clinical and research results in neuroanatomy and regional biochemistry. It can handle a wide range of data types including...Full Text Available
...challenges faced by the industrial sector by implementing a Research Agenda for Embedded Computing Systems. The Artemis JU will manage and co-ordinate open ...5 billion research programme on Embedded Computing Systems. The programme is open to organisations within the EU Member States as well as Associated ...
The proliferation of stem cell research, conflated with its ethical and moral implications, has led governments to attempt regulation of both the science and funding of stem cells. Due to a diversity...Full Text Available
of Colorado at Boulder Search This Site Natural Hazards Observer Disaster Research CU Web Site CU People go Search This Site Natural Hazards Observer Disaster Research CU Web...
The planned spallation source can be of considerable significance for biomedical basic research and for clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The following gives a brief description and explanations for its possible use in clinical medicine: I. Treatment of Malignant Tumors II. Production of Isotopes for Biochemical Investigations in Living Organisms for Diagnostic Purposes.
... from Dr. Austin Smith of the Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh) was modified from the CGR8 ... to thank Dr. Austin Smith, the Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinbu...
Assessment of ethical aspects and authorization by ethics committees have become a major constraint for health research including human subjects. Ethical reference values often are extrapolated from...Full Text Available
Subjects covered in this section are: (1) PCAST panel promotes energy research cooperation; (2) Letter issued by ANS urges funding balance in FFTF restart consideration and (3) FESAC panel releases report on priorities and balance.
Concerning the coal liquefaction research under way at the National Institute for Resources and Development, its purpose, contents, achievements, problems, future tasks, etc., are recapitulated. At the meeting, the coal liquefaction research is explained and discussed. Study tours are conducted to a liquefaction plant site, hydrolytic liquefaction facilities, and liquefaction facilities involving ultra-strong acid. Explanations are given on sub-themes of research in and after fiscal 1992 and the future prospects, and discussion is held on general matters. Various views and opinions are expressed by the committee members. Some ask what the chemical structure of coal is and what the model substance that represents coal is. Another insists that basic research on coal structure and reactivity be reconstructed. Those whose goal is to put the technology to practical use express their opinions that a clear ...
...broad range of experience in designing and building research and development laboratories for products such as vaccines, blood and sera, biological products, medical devices, solid dosage forms , highly potent products and cytotoxic material. We also have experience in a range of modular laboratories for TSE research, ...
The results of the two most recently completed runs at the Wilsonville Advanced Coal Liquefaction Research and Development Facility are presented. In Run 255, initial screening of operating conditions for the liquefaction of a Texas lignite was completed....
The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on ROCK DEFORMATION was held at II Ciocco from 5/19/02 thru 5/24/02. Emphasis was placed on current unpublished research and discussion of the future target areas in this field.
This report summarizes the major activities conducted in the Chemical and Energy Research Section of the Chemical Technology Division (CTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) during the period January--March 1997. Created in March 1997 when the CTD Chemical Development and Energy Research sections were combined, the Chemical and Energy Research Section conducts basic and applied research and development in chemical engineering, applied chemistry, and bioprocessing, with an emphasis on energy-driven technologies and advanced chemical separations for nuclear and waste applications. The report describes the various tasks performed within seven major areas of research: Hot Cell Operations, Process Chemistry and Thermodynamics, Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) Remediation Studies, Chemistry Research, Separations and Materials Synthesis, Solution ...
Quantum computers hold great promises for the future of computation. In this paper, this new kind of computing device is presented, together with a short survey of the status of research in this field. The principal algorithms are introduced, with an emphasis on the applications of quantum computing to physics. Experimental implementations are also briefly discussed.
Accomplishments for the quarter are presented for the following areas of research: oil shale, tar sand, coal, advanced exploratory process technology, and jointly sponsored research. Oil shale research includes; oil shale process studies, environmental base studies for oil shale, and miscellaneous basic concept studies. Tar sand research covers process development. Coal research includes; underground coal gasification, coal combustion, integrated coal processing concepts, and solid waste management. Advanced exploratory process technology includes; advanced process concepts, advanced mitigation concepts, and oil and gas technology. Jointly sponsored research includes: organic and inorganic hazardous waste stabilization; development and validation of a standard test method for sequential batch extraction fluid; operation and evaluation of the CO[sub 2] ...
This review covers research done at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under DOE contract. Areas of research are as follows: star evolution supernovae, and nucleosynthesis; stellar atmospheres and winds; galaxies and interstellar space; and high-energy astrophysics.
This review covers research done at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. The research areas mentioned are as follows: star evolution, supernovae, and nucleosynthesis; stellar atmospheres and winds; galaxies and the interstellar medium; and high-energy astrophysics.
... materials science and education beyond what is expected from any one Center. "Advanced materials are ... for DMR's Division of Materials Research. "Fundamental research on materials is essential to the ...
Phase 2 of the four phase NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project was undertaken to study the transfer of scientific and technical information (STI) from government to the aerospace industry and the role of librarians and technical informa...
...Programme Manager Interests Multilevel Statistical Modelling Geography of Health and Health Care Geographical Data Analysis Census Data Analysis Health Services Research (in particular Research Design, Statistical Analysis and Epidemiology) people/mgould.html Homepage | Contacts | Site Map | Privacy Statement | Webmaster | ...
This is a brief overview of researches of Dmitry Petrovich Zhelobenko (1934--2006). He is the best known for his book "Compact Lie groups and their representations" and for the classification of all irreducible representations of complex semisimple Lie groups. We tell also on other his works, especially on the spectral analysis of representations.
Conducting rigorous psychosocial intervention research with cancer patients has many challenges including encouraging them to join studies, asking them to engage in interventions or be part...Full Text Available
Established Investigators (K18) (PAR-09-090) NIH: Career Enhancement Award for Stem Cell Research (K18) (PA-09-110) NIDCD: NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award for Established...
This paper presents HEARTVIEW - a knowledge base (KB) that offers aid for clinical research in cardiology. This KB is an essential component of the medical workstation MW2000, now under development...Full Text Available
... Contrary to this definition, abiotic environmental factors are those in which no organisms participate - e.g. the geological underground, light, temperature and heat. Biotope The biotope is an area of uniform environmental conditions providing living place for a specific assemblage of plants and animals....
PURPOSE We wanted to assess computer capabilities in a primary care practice-based research network and to understand how receptive the practices were to new ideas for automation of practice...Full Text Available
Electron spin resonance spectroscopy can provide a powerful approach to the study of radiation effects in biological materials. This memorandum gives an overview of current and future research. (author).
... impact criterion, as demonstrated by the materials research community. These include training ... designing new materials or new processing/fabrication routes to existing materials; exploring and ...
Research programs, presented at the contractor's review meeting on direct liquefaction, are presented under the following topics: two-stage liquefaction; coprocessing; and advanced research on coal liquefaction. A total of 20 reports are included. Individual projects are processed separately for the data bases. (CBS)
A summary of research conducted during the first year is presented. The research objectives were sought by conducting two tasks: (1) investigation of probabilistic design techniques for reliability-based design of composite sandwich panels, and (2) examin...
As requested by the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics) and the Director DARPA, the Defense Science Board task force performed a one-time independent evaluation of the technology investment for the Defense Advanced Research...
... a priority for each of us in the Division of Materials Research. We especially regard the timely ... to stakeholders why our investment in materials research is essential. We request your help in DMR ...
Significant progress was made in the May 1990--May 1991 contract period in three primary coal liquefaction research areas: catalysis, structure-reactivity studies, and novel liquefaction processes. A brief summary of the accomplishments in the past year in each of these areas is given.
This special issue of AGE showcases powerful alternative or unconventional approaches to basic aging research, including the use of exceptionally long-lived animal model species and...Full Text Available
Background/Objective:Applying practice-based evidence research methodology to spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation requires taxonomy (typology or classification) of rehabilitation...Full Text Available
This report describes research performed by the Morgantown Energy Technology Center in the following areas: oil and gas; advanced systems describing a coal solid fuel and an eastern shale oil residue waste program; environmental remediation; and waste management technologies.
Atmospheric electrodynamics research is summarized, focusing on three general areas: the ionosphere as a source for middle atmospheric electrodynamics, regional and global scale electrodynamics, and thunderstorms and lightning. New or improved instrumentation techniques which have furthered atmospheric electrodynamics research are also discussed. 93 refs.
...research strategy and plans Aquatic resource monitoring research programs, EMAP and STAR grants Go To EMAP homepage Go To Top Bibliography References for survey designs, statistical analyses , program documentation, and monitoring reports. Reports, abstracts and links to electronic versions Go To Top Frequently Asked Questions ...
This article reports on a one-semester Advanced Cell Biology course that endeavors to bridge the gap between gaining basic textbook knowledge about cell biology and learning to think and work as a researcher....Full Text Available
Risoe`s 40th anniversary was celebrated June 3, 1998 by a symposium held at Risoe. The interaction of research at Risoe with academia and industry was presented in both national and international perspective. Most of the presentations are in English, a few in Danish. (au)
Abstract: HARVEST was designed as a strategic research and planning tool, allowing assessment of the spatial pattern consequences of broad timber management ...
... Effect of checkpointing and queueing on program performance ... and a large class of stochastic linear ... problem is intrinsically related to K-terminal ...
hicle [UUV (essentially, a small ex- ploratory submarine robot)] of a type that has been deployed in large numbers in research pertaining to global warm- ...
This paper describes industrial aspects of combined inventory management and routing in maritime and road-based transportation, and gives a classification and comprehensive literature review of the current state of the research. The literature is contrasted with aspects of industrial applications from a constructive, but critical, viewpoint. Based on the status and trends within the field, future research is suggested with regard to both further development of the research area and industrial needs. By highlighting the industrial aspects, practitioners will hopefully see the benefit of using advanced decision support systems in complex situations related to combined inventory management and routing in their business. In addition, a classification and presentation of the research should hel...
Results of research programs in coal liquefaction are presented. Areas of research include: desulfurization by bioprocessing; characterization of coal liquefaction processes by XAFS spectroscopy; coprocessing of coal with heavy oil and petroleum residuals; liquefaction research in pyrolysis, catalysis and coal dissolution; novel catalysts; data base development; resource evaluation; depolymerization; solvent extraction and chromatography; correlations of liquefaction yields and coal structure. Individual projects are processed separately for the data bases. (CBS)
Information is presented concerning reactor research activities; isotope geology; NERC radiocarbon laboratory; teaching activities; and reactor operation.