Science.gov (United States)

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is frequently used for relief of chronic benign pain resistant to conservative therapies. Clinical practice suggests, at least in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), the possibility that SCS significantly improves motor performances. We present here the case of a 41-years-old female patient with FBSS, who showed a clear improvement in muscle strength after SCS, persisting at 6-months follow-up. We speculate that the electrical stimulation of posterior columns could potentiate the caudal, segmental spinal reflexes resulting in a facilitation of motoneurons activation. PMID:16175150

Science.gov (United States)

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 ...

CERN Document Server

Improving Low-Reading Ages in the Secondary School

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Water model experiments were conducted to develop a two-stage stirring method for obtaining higher yields and a more uniform distribution of graphite particles in copper alloys. This was followed by several melts for synthesis of copper-graphite alloys in which Ti was used as a wetting agent to improve the wettability of graphite in the copper melt. In the first stage, a vortex method was employed to facilitate the addition of graphite particles into the copper melt. In the second stage, a specially designed stirrer was used for uniform particle distribution while avoiding the formation of vortex in the melt. The two-stage stirring was found to considerably improve the recovery of graphite, over those obtained with the prior practice of single-stage stirring and resulting in a more uniform particle distribution. In addition, graphite recoveries increased with increasing Ti content in the range ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radiotherapy recent development in cancer treatment needs strong procedures and quality assessment to improve safety both for patients and professionals. In Ile de France territory, a coordinated action between ASN inspectors and medical doctors specialized in public health (MISP), working as civil servants in health administration, was initiated at the end of 2007. An inspection guideline was implemented in a workshop between ASN and Regional Hospital Agency (ARH). The MISP as health administrator has to verify if care organisation responds to treatment cancer regulatory framework: as a doctor he is authorized to access to patient records to know which treatment was chosen. He has to assure if the therapeutic guidelines are respected. His comprehensive approach is essentially patient-oriented. The MISP inspection coordinated with ASN inspectors is a very pertinent pluri-disciplinary approach, undeniably necessary in such a medical technic. The effectiveness of the ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

This article investigates the societal conditions that might help the establishment of peer-to-peer modes of production. First, the context within which such a new model is emerging - the neoliberal knowledge-based-societies - is described, and its shortcomings unveiled; and second, a robust argument is provided for the moral legitimation of an alternative societal vision, including two structural policies that are likely to facilitate the establishment and further development of peer-to-peer practices.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The paper seeks to illuminate everyday work practices in the economic spaces of Malaysia's business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. It draws upon empirical evidence from call centre staff and promotes analytical sensitivity to the experience of labour and spatiotemporal relations within the offshore back offices of multinational corporations located in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. The analysis provides an empirical snapshot of how IT-facilitated work practices in the global information economy are embedded and socially reproduced in everyday settings. To this end, the paper engages anthropologically with BPO labour, and critiques -globalist- representations of economic and social transformation frequently articulated through an abstract, dehumanized space of networks and flows often seen to wa...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

With the advent of computer technology, researchers and instructors are attempting to devise computer support for effective collaborative technical writing. In this study, a computer-supported environment for collaborative technical writing was developed. This system (Process-Writing Wizard) provides process-oriented scaffolds and a synchronous online chat room to facilitate real-time collaborative writing practice. It allows multiple students to work synchronously on collaborative writing tasks via the Internet. It also helps develop collaborative writing strategies, such as creating team agendas, brainstorming, creating team outlines, and generating team articles. An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of the system on EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students? collaborativ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Improving patient compliance with physicians’ treatment or prescription recommendations is an important goal in medical practice. We examine the relationship between treatment progress...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

This report describes the Forum on Flexible Education: Reaching Nomadic Populations in Africa, which was held in Garissa, Kenya, from 20-23 June 2006. The objectives of the Forum were to share experiences and best practices, create linkages and encourage collaboration in order to make education more accessible to nomadic communities. Representatives from the Kenyan MOE, COL, ComSec and UNICEF provided remarks at the Opening Session of the Forum. They stressed the need to find ways to include nomadic children in the education process and the importance of developing alternative channels for the delivery of education and training. There were two keynote addresses. The first, from Professor Gidado Tahir, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission in Nigeria--presented by his colleague, Dr Salihu Bakari--focused on the realities of the nomadic lifestyle and educational strategies that have been effective. The second, by Dr. Nafisa Muhammad and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

''The LLNL Site-Specific Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASCI) Software Quality Engineering Recommended Practices VI.I'' document describes a set of recommended software quality engineering (SQE) practices for ASCI code projects at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). In this context, SQE is defined as the process of building quality into software products by applying the appropriate guiding principles and management practices. Continual code improvement and ongoing process improvement are expected benefits. Certain practices are recommended, although projects may select the specific activities they wish to improve, and the appropriate time lines for such actions. Additionally, projects can rely on the guidance of this document when generating ASCI Verification and Validation (VSrV) ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This report is based on a study carried out by the NEA Decommissioning Cost Estimation Group (DCEG) on decommissioning cost elements, estimation practices and reporting requirements. Its findings indicate that cost methodologies need to be updated continuously using cost data from actual decommissioning projects and hence, systematic approaches need to be implemented to collect these data. The study also concludes that changes in project scope may have the greatest impact on project costs. Such changes must therefore be identified immediately and incorporated into the estimate. Finally, the report notes that more needs to be done to facilitate the comparison of estimates, for example by providing a reporting template for national estimates. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Norad commissioned Econ Poeyry to map teaching and research activities and capacity related to clean energy in selected Ethiopian universities. The mapping identified challenges and opportunities with the aim of facilitating future intervention by the Ethiopian Government and donors to help improve the energy sector development of the country. The report covered the government-owned universities of Bahir Dar, Mekelle, Jimma, Arba Minch and Addis Ababa. The mapping was based on a questionnaire and on interviews at each university. (Author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Surface doping of conjugated polymers is realized by depositing a thin layer of graphene oxide (GO) on top of the polymers. The high proton density and the unique 2D structure of GO facilitate the protonic surface doping of conjugated polymers to achieve high conductivities. This finding represents a new strategy for improving charge transport across the metal/conjugated polymer interface to achieve much improved performance in organic solar cells. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

According to the practice operation experience of the outdoors electrical equipment in Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station, following to the engineering technical standard applied in China, by analysis and assessment of pollution classes, it is considered that the class four is reasonable. And indicated the voltage distance should be more than 3.5 cm/kV. Some improvements had been executed and effects are good. And further suggest some improving comments

Science.gov (United States)

This article provides an historical look at how programs and practices for students with emotional or behavior disorders (E/BD) have been evaluated since 1964, leading to a codified, although not universally recognized, set of recommendations for evaluating best practices for students with E/BD set out by The Peacock Hill Working Group (1991). The authors contend that, in addition to the programmatic features of best practice, the addition of the quality indicators and standards for research in special education add a critical dimension for examining the quality of the scientific research of identified best practices. Taken together, these set of recommendations and quality indicators represent the state of the art in program evaluation for best practice and programs for students with E/BD. The goal of this article is to outline the current recommendations and apply them to current ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

From view on Organization Behavior theory, the concept, development and affecting factors of safety culture are introduced. The focuses are on the establishment, development and management practice for safety culture at Daya Bay NPP. A strong safety culture, also demonstrated, has contributed greatly to improving performance at Daya Bay

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BACKGROUND: Although the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in high-risk groups has been proven, vaccine coverage continues to be less than 50% in The Netherlands. To improve vaccination rates,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Health education and awareness involves providing knowledge about causes of illness and choices to promote a change in individual behaviour and, thus, improves survival of individuals. Studies have,...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recent studies have shown that there is a wide variety of approaches to education and training of the Qualified Expert across the European Union. National education and training programmes show often large differences in content, duration, level, the introduction of practical work, etc. As they stand, such differences are a barrier to the mutual recognition of the Qualified Expert status and, in part, are contributing to a perceived shortage in expertise in radiation protection and safety. The overall aim of ENETRAP is to determine mechanisms that in the longer term will facilitate better integration of education and training activities (with a view to mutual recognition across the European Union) and to ensure the ongoing provision of the necessary competence and expertise at the level of the Qualified Expert. The ENETRAP project is a 6FP coordination action. It started in April 2005 and runs over a period of 24 months. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An improved method to design suitable compensating schemes for extra high voltage transmission lines is presented. The technique is general and effective and will greatly facilitate the design of the optimal compensation scheme for extra high voltage transmission lines. The technique is illustrated for a typical 500 kV system. The equations developed here for voltage maxima and minima along the transmission line eliminate the need for point-to-point computation of the voltage profile. The controversy existing in the literature over the problem of making a choice between pi and tee configurations has been removed and it is established with a mathematical proof that the tee configuration requires compensating elements of lower ratings.

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Double-contrast barium enema has a reduced sensitivity in patients with severe sigmoid diverticulosis. Therefore a carboxy methyl cellulose enema was employed after the conventional double-contrast examination in 15 patients with sigmoid diverticulosis. A significant increase in lumen diameter and a superior removal of barium residue from the diverticulas facilitated the interpretation of the sigmoid loops. Conclusion: The addition of methyl cellulose enema to double-contrast barium imaging improves diagnostic imaging in diverticulosis by expanding the lumen and emptying the diverticulas. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper proves that it is practicable to build a new power model which can work efficiently at night by using a type of fluorescence material. The utilization efficiency of photovoltaic cell is improved by prolonging the actual working hours of the cell within 24 hours. Both theoretical analysis and experiment on this model are carried out, and base on which the current-time curve (I-t curve) is depicted. It shows that the model which applies the fluorescence material to photovoltaic system is available. According to the analysis and comparison between the attenuating curve of the material and I-t curve of the power system, we can conclude that the weak illumination and the mismatch on wavelength are primary reasons for the low current. Finally, several improved measures of this power model for practical application are given, and it is expected to provide a new thought for photovoltaic study. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A geological and geotechnical framework was provided in order to facilitate understanding of the damage to structures resulting from soil conditions during the earthquake of January 17, 1995 at Hyogo-ken Nanbu (Kobe), Japan. Special attention was paid to the large scale failures of the quay walls in the port of Kobe, resulting from liquefaction. The performance of structures in improved and unimproved ground were compared. It was observed that locations with some previous site improvements through densification behaved satisfactorily, despite unanticipated high levels of ground motion. Soil-structure interaction problems, such as pile foundations, bridge piers, lifelines, and an underground subway station were also described. Reference was made to the significance of these failures for the seismic design in the Fraser Delta in British Columbia in view of the area`s proneness to liquefaction during a major earthquake. 31 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We introduce a multi-layered image cache system that is designed to work with a pool of rendering engines to facilitate an interactive, frameless, asynchronous rendering environment. Our system decouples the rendering from the display of imagery. Therefore, it decouples render frequency and resolution from display frequency and resolution, and allows asynchronous transmission of imagery instead of the compute/send cycle of standard parallel systems. It also allows local, incremental refinement of imagery without requiring all imagery to be re-rendered. Images are placed in fixed position in camera (vs. world) space to eliminate occlusion artifacts. Display quality is improved by increasing the number of images. Interactivity is improved by decreasing the number of images.

Science.gov (United States)

In 1991, the Peacock Hill Working Group provided the field of emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) a roadmap for improving the quality of services provided to students with EBD. The working group considered issues at every level of the educational system, from the classroom to federal policy. Although many strides have been made in the past 20 years regarding the education and treatment of students with EBD, the gap has persisted between empirically validated practices and the classroom routines of teachers serving students from this population. In the authors' view, the field of EBD would benefit greatly from conceptual and empirical developments to improve the mechanisms required to bring science to the classroom. Using the theoretical underpinnings of implementation science, the authors describe a transactional model for integrating research, policy, and practice to close the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We investigated gathering and cultivating practices and how they complement each other in a rural population of Northwestern Patagonia. We analyzed plant diversity, species similarity, biogeographic origin, and plant use by means of semi-structured interviews and field visits. Pichi Leufu inhabitants used 173 species: 138 cultivated plants, mainly for edible purposes, and 45 wild species principally for medicinal use. Most cultivated species were exotic (91.3%), whereas gathered plants were both native and exotic. While locals maintained vegetable gardens, the adoption of greenhouses improved conditions for certain crops. The integration of novel practices with ancestral knowledge suggests resilient processes in this community, probably reflected in the dynamics of current horticultural an...

Science.gov (United States)

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 aim of determining the efficacy of literacy instructional programs in a juvenile justice setting.

Wastenet

...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 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Developments made under this program will play a key role in underpinning the technology for producing EC devices. It is anticipated that the work begun during this period will continue to improve materials properties, and drive yields up and costs down, increase durability and make manufacture simpler and more cost effective. It is hoped that this will contribute to a successful and profitable industry, which will help reduce energy consumption and improve comfort for building occupants worldwide. The first major task involved improvements to the materials used in the process. The improvements made as a result of the work done during this project have contributed to the enhanced performance, including dynamic range, uniformity and electrical characteristics. Another major objective of the project was to develop technology to improve yield, reduce cost, and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper we discuss a number of astrophysical environments and how improved nuclear data could facilitate a better understanding of them. One area of interest includes proton and alpha-particle reactions with unstable nuclei which are necessary for understanding the nucleosynthesis and energy generation in hot hydrogen-burning environments. Efforts underway at LLNL and elsewhere to develop the technology for the measurement of these reaction rates are discussed. Heavy-element nucleosynthesis in the late stages of red-giant stars and supernovae requires a complete network of neutron capture rates and beta-decay rates for nuclei near and far from stability. Experimental and theoretical efforts at LLNL to supply the input data and to model the nucleosynthetic environments will be outlined. Suggestions are made as to which nuclear data are most critical for the various scenarios. 42 refs., 11 figs., 1 tab.

CERN Document Server

The goal of this work is to minimize the energy dissipation of embedded controllers without jeopardizing the quality of control (QoC). Taking advantage of the dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) technology, this paper develops a performance-aware power management scheme for embedded controllers with processors that allow multiple voltage levels. The periods of control tasks are adapted online with respect to the current QoC, thus facilitating additional energy reduction over standard DVS. To avoid the waste of CPU resources as a result of the discrete voltage levels, a resource reclaiming mechanism is employed to maximize the CPU utilization and also to improve the QoC. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme. Compared with the optimal standard DVS scheme, the proposed scheme is shown to be able to save remarkably more energy while maintaining comparable QoC.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A non-contact method, using magnetic drag force principle, was proposed to design the braking systems to improve the shortcomings of the conventional braking systems. The extensive literature detailing all aspects of the magnetic braking is briefly reviewed, however little of this refers specifically to upright magnetic braking system, which is useful for industries. One of the major issues to design upright magnetic system is to find out the magnetic flux. The changing magnetic flux induces eddy currents in the conductor. These currents dissipate energy in the conductor and generate drag force to slow down the motion. Therefore, a finite element model is developed to analyze the phenomena of magnetic flux density when air gap and materials of track are varied. The verification shows the predicted magnetic flux is within acceptable range with the measured value. The results will facilitate the design of magnetic braking systems.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fifty-nine patients underwent free flap osteocutaneous reconstruction that consisted of flaps of the dorsum of the foot in 26 patients and iliac crest flaps in 33 with a success rate of 92 percent and a mortality rate of 1.6 percent. These flaps, which require the expertise of microvascular surgeons, are time-consuming and complicate operating room and time management, but they represent a remarkable advance in reconstruction that can facilitate cosmetic and functional recovery of the patient. In particular, they promote healing in radiation-recurrent oral cancer and represent a definitive form of management for established radionecrosis of the mandible. The large volume of tissue available with iliac crest osteocutaneous grafts permits the management of patients with extensive cancer involving the skin, mucosa, and bone, but cancer control may still be disappointing and there is a need for improved adjuvant chemotherapy protocols. This ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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 ...

Science.gov (United States)

The Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study examined the relation between experiences in foster care and depression among young adults who spent at least a year in foster care as adolescents. Results indicate that preparation for leaving foster care, nurturing supports from the foster family, school stability, access to tutoring, access to therapeutic service and support, and a shorter and more stable placement history were associated with a lower probability of depression in young adulthood. Results provide evidence that suggest ways to improve practice to decrease rates of depression among alumni of care. (Contains 2 tables.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Department of Energy (DOE) policy requires that all activities be conducted in a manner that protects the safety of the public and provides a safe and healthful workplace for employees. DOE has also prescribed that all personnel be protected in any explosives operation undertaken. The level of safety provided shall be at least equivalent to that of the best industrial practice. The risk of death or serious injury shall be limited to the lowest practicable minimum. DOE and contractors shall continually review their explosives operations with the aim of achieving further refinements and improvements in safety practices and protective features. This manual describes the Department's explosive safety requirements applicable to operations involving the development, testing, handling, and processing of explosives or assemblies containing explosives. It is intended to reflect the state-of-the-art ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The results of the investigations show that magnetic treatment is a quite practical and effective method of intensifying certain technological processes in the coking industry. Magnetic treatment was utilized for improving the production of ammonium sulfate, refining of the naphthalene fraction, removal of sludge from wash oil in the benzol division, and the treatment of tar before fractionation. 2 references, 3 tables.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the implementations of a fuzzy logic based self-tuned controller to improve the stability of electric power systems. The stabilizing signal is computed using the standard fuzzy membership function depending on the speed/acceleration state of the generator in the phase plane. The performance of the proposed stabilizer is demonstrated by practical implementation using a digital signal processor mounted on a PC-AT. Results of the experimental tests on a physical model of a power system are presented.

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Udgivelsesdato: October 2004

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper presents an assessment of recent improvements in the technology for direct coal liquefaction on the estimated commercial economics. The basis for the design and cost estimates is a series of studies sponsored by Amoco Corporation and Electric Power Research Institute, which were derived from the highly detailed Breckinridge Project, completed in the early 1980s under DOE sponsorship. The technology, design, and cost estimates reflect the current two-stage liquefaction technology practiced at the Advanced Coal Liquefaction Research facility in Wilsonville, Alabama. Details of the design bases and cost estimates and how they compare with the original Breckinridge study are described. Also examined are effects of feed coal rank, product slate, and the source of hydrogen (natural gas or coal) on the costs. Finally, the ways that projected future improvements in the technology will change the design and lead to lower ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose Skilled placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) has a profound impact on patient well-being and costs of care. The use of ultrasound-guided methods and prescribed training for cannulation skills are evidence-based practice recommendations. The purpose of this study was to compare two methods of PICC instruction on the acquisition of applied skills. Methods Residents were randomly assigned to one of two groups (N?=?16/16) of this blind-rater study and were trained to perform ultrasound-guided PICC cannulation using either simulation or apprenticeship methods. All residents were assessed placing a PICC in applied clinical patient care. Results Residents who completed simulation training had significantly better transfer of skills to applied clinical practice than ...

Science.gov (United States)

This paper is part of a study that assessed the level of commitment of primary schools of remote area dwellers (RADs) to basic education between October 2004 and April 2005. The research question focused on the level of commitment of schools to universal basic education, school-community partnership in school governance and parental involvement in the way the curriculum was delivered. Questionnaire and interviews were used. The results show a significant relationship between teachers' perceptions and variables such as district, qualifications, age, location, and experience. There is consistency between teachers' perceptions and children's academic performance. It has been found that learner achievement in RADs schools is low and that parents are not actively involved in their children's education due to the policy environment and school management practices.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fuji computed radiography (FCR) utilizing imaging plates stimulated by a scanning lazer has been developed in Japan and come to be widely available in diagnostic radiology. This system is advantageous because many processed images can be obtained with a single exposure. However, no reports have been published on the exact conditions necessary under which the FCR image processing method will produce improved visibility of pulmonary abnormal shadows on chest radiographs. In this report, chest FCR images obtained from 50 patients were analyzed, and the best practical image processing conditions were determined for each pathological state. Fundamental analysis was also performed for spatial and contrast resolution with FUNK chart and Burger's phantom using various thickness of acryl plate. Ninety processing images per exposure were analyzed, and the best practical conditions were determined. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fetal MRI can be performed in the second and third trimesters. During this time, the fetal brain undergoes profound structural changes. Interpretation of appropriate development might require comparison with normal age-based models. Consultation of a hard-copy atlas is limited by the inability to compare multiple ages simultaneously. To provide images of normal fetal brains from weeks 18 through 37 in a digital format that can be reviewed interactively. This will facilitate recognition of abnormal brain development. T2-W images for the atlas were obtained from fetal MR studies of normal brains scanned for other indications from 2005 to 2007. Images were oriented in standard axial, coronal and sagittal projections, with laterality established by situs. Gestational age was determined by last menstrual period, earliest US measurements and sonogram performed on the same day as the MR. The software program used for viewing the atlas, written in C, permits linked ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this report is described the work effort performed to provide NETL with VE-Suite based Virtual Engineering software and enhanced equipment models to support NETL's Advanced Process Engineering Co-simulation (APECS) framework for advanced power generation systems. Enhancements to the software framework facilitated an important link between APECS and the virtual engineering capabilities provided by VE-Suite (e.g., equipment and process visualization, information assimilation). Model enhancements focused on improving predictions for the performance of entrained flow coal gasifiers and important auxiliary equipment (e.g., Air Separation Units) used in coal gasification systems. In addition, a Reduced Order Model generation tool and software to provide a coupling between APECS/AspenPlus and the GE GateCycle simulation system were developed. CAPE-Open model interfaces were employed where needed. The improved ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose is to describe problems associated with the establishment of vegetation on mined lands and practical rehabilitation and restoration methods for establishing a rehabilitation plan. Land disturbed by mining should be restored to its original state, when the mine is decommissioned, but before that can be attained, site problems such as toxicity, moisture supply, and texture must be rectified. The land may need to pass through several conditioning stages, and links need to be formed to maintain a functioning ecosystem. A key aspect to rehabilitation is the need to increase the organic matter content of the substrate. This improves soil structure, increases the moisture holding ability, and provides a pool for nutrient cycling. 11 refs., 2 tabs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the last 40 years, significant advances have been made in the understanding of the neurophysiologic processes involved in the experience of trauma and pain. This knowledge, together with the rapid growth and understanding in the behavioral health sciences, has expanded to include a much better appreciation of how these fields are converging and contribute to a process called neuroplasticity. These basic mechanisms common to all patients have important implications for clinical outcome and for improving clinical practice. This article is written for clinicians who manage patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, a specific type of nonspecific low back pain.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The wind industry has experienced premature turbine component failures during the past years. With the increase in turbine size, these failures, especially those found in the major drivetrain components, i.e. main shaft, gearbox, and generator, have become extremely costly. Given that the gearbox is the most costly component in the drivetrain to fix, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) initiated the Gearbox Reliability Collaborative (GRC) to determine the causes for premature gearbox failures and subsequently, recommend improvements to gearbox design, manufacture, and operational practices. The GRC has two identical test gearboxes, which are planned for a dynamometer and a field test, respectively.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose - The article shares insights from a program that was developed to address burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. The program works from the premise that people and organizations thrive when they have shared values and common understandings. Design/methodology/approach - The approach draws together reflection at the organizational and person levels. Connecting business ethics and organizational analysis, improving understanding of the body's energy as well as inter-cultural understanding are all achievable while adopting the resilience development methods. Findings - The article concludes that reflective practice through the tools used on the program enhances understanding of the challenges faced by organizations and the individuals involved. It provides creative routes ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As part of the evolution of computer technology, Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) has been developed as a new system for radiographical diagnosis. In this system, the X-ray energy is stored on the imaging plate and then converted into digital signals utilizing scanning laser-stimulated luminence. After proper image processing, it offers much more improved information for diagnosis than the conventional film system does. Since April, 1986, we have principally used FCR (System 101) for neurosurgical practice. In this article, we present our recent experience and evaluate its usefulness. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This handbook covers the general area of lubrication and tribology in all its facets: friction, wear lubricants (liquid, solid, and gas), greases, lubrication principles, applications to various mechanisms, design principles of devices incorporating lubrication, maintenance, lubrication scheduling, and standardized tests; as well as environmental problems and conservation. The information contained in these two volumes will aid in achieving effective lubrication for control of friction and wear, and is another step to improve understanding of the complex factors involved in tribology. Both metric and English units are provided throughout both volumes.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Scientific and technological communities have a significant role to play and responsibility for the evolution of global sustainability (continuously improving quality of life into the indefinite future). Sustainability is not possible without a substantially improved science and technology basis for industrial ecology. Society needs data and understanding of complex ecological issues to govern itself in a sustainable manner. We should: support and develop multi-disciplinary programs which create the scientific basis for understanding natural and anthropogenic complex systems and for developing environmentally and economically efficient technology; demonstrate a systems-based approach to science and technology issues which is life-cycle comprehensive, integrates environmental considerations, and promotes conservation of natural resources; and encourage development of responsible, technically and scientifically valid, cost-effective environmental ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Real-time neutron radiography (NTV) has been used for practical applications at the Kyoto University Reactor (KUR). At present, however, the direct image from the TV system is still poor in resolution and low in contrast. In this paper several image improvements are demonstrated, such as a frame summing technique, which are effective in increasing image quality in neutron radiography. Image integration before the A/D converter has a beneficial effect on image quality and the high quality image reveals details invisible in direct images, such as: small holes by a reversed image, defects in a neutron converter screen through a high quality image, a moving object in a contoured image, a slight difference between two low-contrast images by a subtraction technique, and so on. For the real-time application a contouring operation and an averaging approach can also be utilized effectively.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nuclear generation operators are facing a challenging business environment at the beginning of the new millennium. Evolving changes in business context, competitive commercial pressures, and changes in technology have dictated recurring evaluation of operational practices and the adequacy of supporting tools, and the pursuit of opportunities for operational improvement. A key area of utility operations that has been impacted by these changes is the nuclear plant control centre. Changes to workspace layout, equipment provisions, staffing, and work organization are examples of some of the adjustments being introduced to improve operational and safety effectiveness. This paper discusses some of the key factors influencing these changes and identifies additional design principles for CANDU control centres that will enable new control centre designs and retrofits of existing control centres to remain relevant and responsive to ...

Science.gov (United States)

A Java-language computer program has been written to facilitate mining of data in files in the

Science.gov (United States)

This study tested the prediction, derived from the goal-setting hypothesis, that the facilitating

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Department of Energy selected caustic-side solvent extraction (CSSX) as the preferred cesium-removal technology for SRS high-level waste. In the pretreatment step of the CSSX flowsheet, the incoming salt solution, which contains entrained sludge, is contacted with MST to adsorb strontium and selected actinides. An alternative approach replaces MST with the addition of sodium permanganate, strontium nitrate, and hydrogen peroxide. The pretreatment operation then filters the resulting slurry to remove the sludge and MST or manganese oxide and strontium carbonate solids. The filtrate receives further treatment in the solvent extraction system. SRTC personnel coordinated tests using a SpinTek rotary microfilter at the vendor location in FY01. These tests demonstrated a significant improvement - 2.5 to 6 times increase - in performance relative to the conventional cross-flow filter units. Rotary microfilter testing used a filter disk with nominal pore size of either ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The present investigation is a case study of Lucknow, the main metropolis in Northern India, which succumbs to a major problem of municipal solid waste and its management. A qualitative investigation using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis (SWOT) has been successfully implemented through this community participation study. This qualitative investigation emphasizes the limited capabilities of the municipal corporation's resources to provide proper facilitation of the municipal solid waste management (MSWM) services without community participation in Lucknow city. The SWOT analysis was performed to formulate strategic action plans for MSWM in order to mobilize and utilize the community resources on the one hand and municipal corporation's resources on the other. It has allowed the introduction of a participatory approach for better collaboration between the community and municipal corporation in Lucknow (India). With this stakeholder-based ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Polymers containing hydroquinone, catechol or their corresponding benzoquinones are a special class of redox polymers. Three pathways of their syntheses are possible: condensation polymerization of suitable monomers, addition polymerization of vinyl monomers containing redox moiety, and chemical attachment of redox unit onto pre-made polymeric matrix. A range of functionalized matrices have been employed such as polyethers, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polyamides and others. Protection of their phenolic functionality has conducted to chemically interesting redox polymer precursors. The presence of a redox moiety coupled with the extant functionalization of the polymer matrix makes the materials very valuable, of wide properties and consequently of vast applicability. For instance, in the oil field, some polymers such as carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) are often applied as to bring about a viscosity improvement and therefore to ...

Science.gov (United States)

Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) have experienced a healthy growth during the last decade. However, improvement in properties is necessary to increase their utility for structural applications. The toughness of WPCs can be improved by creating a fine cellular structure while reducing the density. Extrusion processing is one of the most economical methods for profile formation. For our study, rectangular profiles were extruded using a twin-screw extrusion system with different grades of HDPE and with varying wood fibre and lubricant contents together with maleated polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent to investigate their effects on WPC processing and mechanical properties. Work has been done to redesign the extrusion system setup to achieve smoother and stronger profiles. A guiding shaper, submerged in the water, has been designed to guide the material directly through water immediately after exiting the die; instead of passing it through a water ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Founded in 1964, Ankara Nuclear Research and Training Center (ANRTC) conducts and facilitates the scientific activities including training (summer practice, MSc and Ph D studies in physics and chemistry, IAEA fellowship programs etc.), research and other studies in nuclear and related fields. As it's a part of main duties, ANRTC has analysis on the variety of samples, and radiation protection services commercially, for radiation workers in state, public and private sectors. Research, development and application projects implemented in this Center have mostly been supported by State Planning Organization (SPO) and Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEA). In addition to the projects there are on going collaborative studies with some national Universities and International Atomic Energy Agency. The main activities carried out in ANRTC can be summarized as: studies on experimental nuclear physics, application of nuclear techniques such as ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As an alternative to the usual way of installing wind machines in extended windfarms new concepts are being developed. Several wind turbines are affixed to one support structure and can be aligned together. Drafts of steel constructions developed by students in three diploma theses are presented. The attempt to transform existing design standards requires extensive discussion of possible influence scenarios. Several concepts regarding structure and safety elements are described and evaluated. The design of the support structure is to be seen as a first step to the practicability of the whole concept. A preliminary mass calculation and a specification of further cost factors facilitates the comparison to conventional wind power stations. (orig.) [Deutsch] Als Alternative zur ueblichen Praxis, Windenergieanlagen in Form grossflaechiger Windparks zu bauen, werden Konzepte entwickelt, bei denen mehrere Konverter an einem Tragwerk angeordnet und ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In FY-2000, Engineering at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory faced significant pressures to meet critical project milestones, and immediate demands to facilitate the reassignment of employees as the National Ignition Facility (the 600-TW laser facility being designed and built at Livermore, and one of the largest R&D construction projects in the world) was in the process of re-baselining its plan while executing full-speed its technology development efforts. This drive for change occurred as an unprecedented level of management and program changes were occurring within LLNL. I am pleased to report that we met many key milestones and achieved numerous technological breakthroughs. This report summarizes our efforts to perform feasibility and reduce-to-practice studies, demonstrations, and/or techniques--as structured through our technology centers. Whether using computational engineering to predict how giant structures like ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Geometrically anisotropic eddy current probes are a type of separate function probes especially fit to the detection of defects showing a preferential direction. This kind of flaw induces a coupling between the transmitter and the receiver by guiding eddy currents from the one to the other. On the other hand, this coupling will be almost non-existent in the presence of defects or spurious effects not displaying this geometrical particularity. Basic studies on an elementary two-coil set-up allow the acknowledgment of the intrinsic qualities of such probes: good signal-to-noise ratio, influence field practically constant on the whole defect length, ability to detect bridged defects, insensitivity to lift off. These results can be improved by achieving multicoils probes adapted to different kinds of problems. An application to continuous casting slabs testing yields very interesting results in the detection of cracks, while getting rid of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Using an economic perspective, it is possible to make a case for green buildings and green development practices by placing emphasis on Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design. Several case studies have demonstrated that green buildings save money through reduced consumption of natural resources, electricity and gas both at the building site and at the source of energy. Sound environmental practices and energy efficiency measures improve the environmental conditions throughout the state by reducing power plant emissions and reducing operations and maintenance budgets in the state. The author presented a case study where a green development project was guided and monitored using the Environmental Performance Rating System called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), version 2.0. The work was registered to achieve LEED certification. A brief study on current construction related costs was also included. 2 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This final report for the Swiss Federal Office for Energy addresses the field of programmable logic controllers and thus investigates a topic that has been neglected up to now - the energy consumption of such controllers. The results of measurements made on programmable logic controllers in use both in operational industrial plants and in the Automation Laboratory at the University of Applied Science in Chur, Switzerland are presented, where a detailed analysis was made on a demonstration plant. Also, technical documentation (catalogues) were evaluated and discussed with experts who had practical experience at their disposal. The results of the study are discussed: these show that the power consumption of any particular programmable logic controller is low in comparison to the energy consumption of the processes that are being controlled. Additionally, it was found that the optimisation of newer devices has to a great extent already been realised and that standard ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Since 1992, the fruitful collaboration of the Russian and Western-European technical support organizations (TSOs) is being continued due to the support of the European Commission. There are two main areas of activities. The first one is more of methodological assistance and enhancing RF TSOs capabilities to support Rostekhnadzor decision making process. Experience and knowledge acquired in this area projects increase RF TSOs capabilities regarding a wide spectrum of safety related issues assessment, in particular safety analyses, reactor vessel embrittlement, application of 'leak before break' concept, severe accident and accident management, fire risk evaluation, etc. The second area is focused on licensing related assessments of EC financed on site assistance projects (modernisations). This area projects promote implementation in Russia a licensing process based on a technical dialogue between operator and regulator as well contributes to transfer of Western ...

Science.gov (United States)

PMID:12385541

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

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

CERN Document Server

Anodic protection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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 ...

Science.gov (United States)

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) plays an important role in the metabolism of endogenous chemical mediators involved in the regulation of blood pressure and inflammation. 1,3-Disubstituted ureas with a polar group located on the fifth atom from the carbonyl group of urea function are active inhibitors of sEH both in vitro and in vivo. However, their limited solubility in water and relatively high melting point lead to difficulties in formulating the compounds and poor in vivo efficacy. To improve these physical properties, the effect of structural modification of the urea pharmacophore on the inhibition potencies, water solubilities, octanol/water partition coefficients (log P), and melting points of a series of compounds was evaluated. For murine sEH, no loss of inhibition potency was observed when the urea pharmacophore was modified to an amide function, while for human sEH 2.5-fold decreased inhibition was obtained in the amide compounds. In addition, a NH group ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There is now an acute need to optimize maintenance to improve both reliability and competitiveness of nuclear power plant operation. There is an increasing tendency to move from the preventive (time based) maintenance concept to one dependent on plant and component conditions. In this context, various on-line and off-line condition monitoring and diagnostics, nondestructive inspection techniques and surveillance are used. Component selection for condition based maintenance, parameter selection for monitoring condition, evaluation of condition monitoring results are issues influencing the effectiveness of condition based maintenance. All these selections of components and parameters to be monitored, monitoring and diagnostics techniques to be used, acceptance criteria and trending for condition evaluation, and the economic aspect of predictive maintenance and condition monitoring should be incorporated into an integrated, effective condition based maintenance ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to help library technology staff understand the process of beta testing software, determine if it is appropriate for them to engage in the process, and provide suggestions on how to the time invested in the process. Design/methodology/approach - The paper explains what beta testing is, why it should be used and how to become a beta tester. Findings - The paper reveals that beta testing is not convenient for everyone, but those taking place in these activities should be thorough, positive and generous in order to maximize the return on investment in this kind of testing. Practical Implications - While beta testing new software features can take a significant amount of time, the resulting benefits of early access to new features and improved vendor-staf...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background:- Discrepancies exist in optometric education, practice and regulation across the Asia-Pacific region and the competence of optometric practitioners in adopting new lens technologies may vary widely. Over the past 10-years, a continuing professional development program, Varilux Academy Asia-Pacific (VAAP), was implemented and conducted in countries across the Asia-Pacific region to improve practitioners' understanding of optometric fitting principles, with special emphasis on progressive addition lenses (PAL). The aim was to demonstrate the effectiveness of VAAP and to compare the competence of practitioners across the Asia-Pacific region in new lens fitting technologies. Methods:- From 2002 to 2008, all VAAP participants from 12 countries across Asia-Pacific were invited to com...

Science.gov (United States)

Three adolescents (ages 14-17) with emotional and behavioral disorders displayed chronic disruptive behavior in their self-contained classrooms at a self-contained alternative school. A descriptive functional behavioral assessment was conducted for each student. Data from file review, structured interviews, and direct observations were used to identify the functions of their disruptive behaviors. Then, function-based interventions were systematically constructed for each student and implemented for an extended period (nearly 6 weeks) within the most problematic situation in their classrooms. The interventions improved each student's behavior and the effects maintained during follow-up and generalized to instruction in a nonintervention classroom. Social validity data comparing the interventions to baseline practices revealed the function-based intervention had moderately higher social validity among teachers and substantially higher social ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The IAEA Assessment of Safety Significant Events Team (ASSET) report presents the results of an ASSET team's assessment of their investigation of the effectiveness of the plant for prevention of incidents since 1990 at Zaporozhe nuclear power plant. The results, conclusions and suggestions presented herein reflect the views of the ASSET experts. They are provided for consideration by the responsible authorities in Ukraine. The ASSET team's views presented in this report are based on visits to the plant, on review of documentation made available by the operating organization and on discussions with utility personnel. The report is intended to enhance operational safety at Zaporozhe by proposing improvements to the policy for the prevention of incidents at the plant. The report includes, as a usual practice, the official response of the operating organization as well as of the regulatory body to the ASSET recommendations. Figs.

Science.gov (United States)

This report describes an investigation of the performance of air-augmented waterjet thrusters. The investigation is divided into two parts. Part one describes a study of the injection of large diameter air bubbles to reduce heat transfer between the air and water and, thus, increase the thrust. This study is done analytically by solving the appropriate, governing equations. The results indicate that the approach is very worth-while since thrust can be increased ten percent as compared to air-augmentation with small bubbles. Several practical systems are discussed for injecting large air bubbles. Part two is an experimental investigation of the thrust produced under a wind range of conditions. The results show that a thrust increase of more than 20 percent can be achieved by air-augmentation. Further, the performance improves for larger thrust nozzles.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo optimization algorithm and a computer simulation, I find the passenger ordering which minimizes the time required to board the passengers onto an airplane. The model that I employ assumes that the time that a passenger requires to load his or her luggage is the dominant contribution to the time needed to completely fill the aircraft. The optimal boarding strategy may reduce the time required to board and airplane by over a factor of four and possibly more depending upon the dimensions of the aircraft. I explore some features of the optimal boarding method and discuss practical modifications to the optimal. Finally, I mention some of the benefits that could come from implementing an improved passenger boarding scheme.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There is a clear incentive, therefore, for early consideration of the measures required to meet noise and vibration standards. The platform or rig owner and the operator are jointly responsible for agreeing a noise and vibration control policy and approach at the conceptual design stage, and for then passing on their requirements to the engineering design teams. The engineering design teams and acoustic and vibration specialists for their part need to use all their skill and judgement to apply that policy to the intensely complex job of designing and fabricating topsides facilities. With these concerns as background, UEG started, and has nearly completed, a two-phase study to provide detailed guidance to project managers and designers to assist them to develop appropriate policy and procedures and to help them put those procedures into practice. This paper describes the development of UEG's study, its application and benefits.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The first part of the study goes into the determination of efficient strategies for the reduction of air pollutants. The developed method is not only derived theoretically but is tested with the concrete example of emissions sources of a German state. The second part goes into the question what the government can do in order to attain that air pollution abatement measures recognized as being efficient will be put into practice. As market economy mechanisms have advantages over central state planning in the allocation of economic resources the question arises if not also for environmental protection market economy tools may contribute to an improvement of the efficiency of air pollution abatement. Therefore the suitability of different tools of environmental policy for the realization of efficient air pollution abatement is investigated and evaluated. This is again not done abstractly but with existing emission sources. (orig./HSCH). 32 figs., ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Intergranular corrosion (IGC) resistance of types 304LN and 316LN stainless steels (SS) thermally aged at 823, 873, and 923 K for various durations was assessed by ASTM A262 practice A test (electrolytic etch test) and electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation (EPR) test. The results indicated that the type 316LN SS has significantly improved IGC resistance compared to 304LN SS. Based on the results of these tests, time-temperature-sensitization (TTS) diagrams were developed for both alloys. The secondary precipitates formed during thermal aging treatments were electrochemically extracted and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the types of precipitates formed during the aging treatments. The results indicated that the precipitates were mostly of M_2_3C_6 carbides.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report discusses the development and demonstration of innovative combustion technologies that improve energy conservation and environmental practices in the US industrial sector. The report includes recommendations by industry on R&D needed to resolve current combustion-related problems. Both fundamental and applied R&D needs are presented. The report assesses combustion needs and suggests research ideas for seven major industries, which consume about 78% of all energy used by industry. Included are the glass, pulp and paper, refinery, steel, metal casting, chemicals, and aluminum industries. Information has been collected from manufacturers, industrial operators, trade organizations, and various funding organizations and has been supplemented with expertise at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory to develop a list of suggested research and development needed for each of the seven industries.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Since high resolution sequence stratigraphy was introduced into China by DENG Hong-wen in 1995, it has been experienced two development stages in China which are the beginning stage of theory research and development of theory research and application, and the stage of theoretical maturity and widely application that is going into. It is proved by practices that high resolution sequence stratigraphy plays more and more important roles in the exploration and development of oil and gas in Chinese continental oil-bearing basin and the research field spreads to the exploration of coal mine, uranium mine and other strata deposits. However, the theory of high resolution sequence stratigraphy still has some shortages, it should be improved in many aspects. The authors point out that high resolution sequence stratigraphy should be characterized quantitatively and modelized by computer techniques. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The IEA has identified energy efficiency as essential to achieving a sustainable energy future. In order to improve energy efficiency in industry one of the priority areas for further action is the promotion of more and higher quality energy management (EM) activity. However, there are significant gaps in the current implementation of EM. One method of bridging these gaps would be the creation of an EM Action NetworK (EMAK) to bring practical support to energy managers, connect energy managers to energy policy makers, and interconnect these networks globally. The paper describes possible aims, activities, scope, structure, timelines and approaches related to EMAK and looks at specific tasks that would be important in the set-up and implementation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Process engineers can predict quickly and accurately the equilibrium behavior of simultaneous H/sub 2/S and CO/sub 2/ absorptions in monoethanolamine and diethanolamine systems by using the nomographs developed by H.K. Ferguson Co. Correlation lines for temperature and amine concentration provided with the loading curves make the nomographs useful for any combination of temperature, concentration, and liquid loadings. The accuracy of the nomographs is within the acceptable range for normal engineering applications when the operating parameters lie in the region of practical gas-treating conditions. Correction curves given for each nomograph to improve the accuracy are generally not needed except for cases where the gas loadings are higher than 0.5 mole/mole of amine.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The application of the phased array technique was limited to heavy and thick wall components as present in the nuclear industry. With the improvement of the equipment and probes other application areas are now open for the phased array technique, e.g. the inspection of the turbine blade root, weld inspection in a wall thickness range between 12 and 40 mm, inspection of aircraft components, inspection of spot welds or inspection of concretes. The aim of the use of phased array techniques has not been changed related to the first applications, i.e. the adaptation of the sound beam to the geometry by steering the angel of incidence or the skewing angle as well as the focussing of sound fields. Due to the fact, that the new applications of the phased array techniques in some cases don't leave the laboratories for the time being, the examples of this contribution will focus applications with practical background. (orig.)

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundIncrease in the incidence of hyperuricemia associated with gout as well as hypertension, renal diseases and cardiovascular diseases has been a public health concern. We...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The receptor-associated protein (RAP) is a molecular chaperone that binds tightly to certain newly synthesized LDL receptor family members in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and facilitates their delivery...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Recent Reviews in Carcinogenesis is a service of the International Cancer Research Data Bank (ICRDB) Program of the National Cancer Institute, intended to facilitate and promote the exchange of information between cancer scientists. It contains abstracts ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Society Physics Press Release 05-175Korea Joins International Computing Infrastructure ... connectivity with Korea in a ceremony last month. Facilitated by the Korea Institute for Science and ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The biosynthesis of insect juvenile hormone (JH) and its neuroendocrine control are attractive targets for chemical control of insect pests and vectors of disease. To facilitate the molecular...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper reported the results of fiscal 1994 studies on solar energy in the New Sunshine Project. Relating to the technical development for the practical use of photovoltaic power systems, the development of manufacturing technologies for low-cost substrates and the development of element technology for manufacturing low-cost polycrystalline cells/modules were reported as the development of technology for thin substrate polycrystalline solar cells for practical use. As to the research on fabrication technology for thin film solar cells for practical use, reports were made on the research on low-cost fabrication technology for large-area modules and the technological development for qualitative improvement, etc. In respect to the technological development for super-high efficiency solar cells, reported were the technological development for super-high efficiency single crystalline silicon solar cells ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper discusses the safety problems connected with the conversion to dense storage of RBMK-1000 spent fuel in reactor cooling pools and independent storage facilities. Recourse to dense storage has been made for a number of reasons, among which are the absence of spent fuel shipments from the nuclear power plant site, prolongation of storage time and a partial change in storage conditions. Increasing the storage density per unit volume of the storage facility and turning to new technical procedures (as against the basic design) call for further investigation of safety problems. The safety assessment of the dense storage mode includes: (1) Selecting a list of initiating events for design basis and unforeseeable accidents; (2) Assessing dense storage safety under normal as well as design basis accident conditions; (3) Safety analysis and development of measures to compensate for unforeseen accidents. Based on the studies performed, suggestions have been advanced concerning ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report highlights the Pipeline integrity Management methods being implemented by gas companies. These aim at maintaining the current high safety level, prevent major hazards, ensure the integrity of the pipeline and protect people and environment in the vicinity of the pipeline in the most cost effective way. It should be noticed that Pipeline Integrity Management aspects, technical and organisational, are included in the more general framework of the Safety Management System. Currently, more and more gas companies implement such a system on the basis of standards like ISO 9000 and so on. In this way, the report shows how practices of Pipeline Integrity Management are continually developing in order to adapt to their environment, and to improve performance. Past experience and imminent developments show that Pipeline Integrity Management is a flexible and efficient approach to improve safety in the long term. ...

Science.gov (United States)

In an era of unprecedented technological advancement and economic expansion, construction practice continues to evolve but construction education has not changed appreciably since the 1990s. This schism has prompted industry, government, and other key constituents to question the relevancy and efficacy of current programs. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Engineering Criteria 2000 and the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) emphasizes outcomes over process, and provides an opportunity for stakeholders to help universities define educational goals and objectives and design a curriculum to meet the desired outcomes. While the need for curriculum modification has been acknowledged, the industry position was amorphous and anecdotal and therefore difficult to address. Qualitative methodologies such as formal surveys and structured interviews can be used to capture and quantify industry expectations of the needed attributes ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The partitioning of transuranium elements (TRUs) from high-level liquid waste (HLLW) through the use of pyrometallurgical technology has been underway since 1986, for the purpose of the improving the safety and public acceptance of the disposal of high-level vitrified waste. Prior to the pyrometallurgical partitioning process, the alkali metals can be separated at the denitration process for oxide conversion of HLLW, chlorination in a chloride salt bath can be used to effectively convert oxides to chlorides, and evaporated chlorides can be captured with high efficiency in another adopted chloride salt bath. The higher separation factors between actinides and rare earths are obtained in a LiCl-KCl/Bi system than in a LiCl-KCl/Cd system. Based on the results, we propose a practical process flow for partitioning TRUs from HLLW by pyrometallurgical technology. This process was demonstrated successfully using simulated purex waste. Each element of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report presented an analysis of incidents gathered by the Canadian upstream oil and gas industry committee in relation to explosive atmospheres in wellbores, vessels, tanks, and piping systems. The aim of the report was to develop industry recommended practices for oil and gas industry fires and explosions. Two accident theory models were used to set out the relationships between hazards, defenses, and losses. Three levels of defenses were identified based on organizational, local workplace, and human factors. An organizational responsibility approach was used to examine the activities of key people with the system. Incidents were analyzed based on an expanded fire triangle used to identify fire and explosion hazards. The study showed that the ignition of hydrocarbons into the air was a factor in nearly 50 per cent of the incidents. A lack of understanding of liquid-hydrocarbon properties was demonstrated in incidents involving oxidized hydrocarbons. A lack of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This Maintenance Improvement Plan has been developed for maintenance functions associated with the 222-S Laboratory. This plan is developed from the guidelines presented by Department of Energy (DOE) Order 4330.4B, Maintenance Management Program (DOE 1994), Chapter 11. The objective of this plan is to provide information for establishing and identifying WMH conformance programs and policies applicable to implementation of DOE Order 4330.4B guidelines. In addition, this maintenance plan identifies the actions necessary to develop a cost effective and efficient maintenance program at 222-S Laboratory. Maintenance activities are mainly going to be performed by existing maintenance organizations within Waste Management Federal Services of Hanford (WMH). Most maintenance performed at 222-S Laboratory is performed by the 222-S Laboratory maintenance organization. This 222-S Laboratory Maintenance Implementation Plan provides the interface requirements and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Like other Central European countries, Poland faces the twin challenges of improving environmental quality while also fostering sustainable economic development. In this study we examine the costs of different standards for air pollution control, and the cost savings from using incentive-based policy instruments in lieu of more rigid command-and-control policies. The comparisons are based on the results of a simulation model of energy use and air pollution control for the Polish economy over 1990-2015. The model simulates least-cost energy supply decisions under different environmental policy assumptions, the corresponding emissions, and the cost of achieving the specified policy objectives. The model results suggest that incentive-based policies will have efficiency gains over command policies that are at least worthy of consideration and may be quite substantial. The size of the gains in practice depends in part on how much flexibility is ...

Science.gov (United States)

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 importance of quality of viewing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Heat Cycle Research Program, which is being conducted for the Department of Energy, has as its objective the development of the technology for effecting the improved utilization of moderate temperature geothermal resources. To meet this objective, the program has as one of its goals to improve the performance of geothermal binary cycles to levels approaching the practicable thermodynamic maximum. In pursuit of this goal, tests are being conducted at the Heat Cycle Research Facility located at the DOE Geothermal Test Facility, East Mesa, California. The current testing involves the investigation of binary power cycle performance utilizing mixtures of non-adjacent hydrocarbons as the working fluids, with supercritical vaporization and in-tube condensation of the working fluid. In addition to the present test program, preparations are being made to investigate the binary cycle performance improvements ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Plant Life Assessment Network (PLAN) is a Brite Euram Type II Thematic Network, initiated by the European Commission to facilitate structured co-operation between all cost shared action projects already funded by the Commission which fall under this common technical theme. The projects involved address a multiplicity of problems associated with plant life assessment and are drawn from Brite-Euram, Standards, Measurement and Testing, Nuclear Fission Safety and Esprit EC programmes. The main aim of the Network is to initiate, maintain and monitor a fruitful co-operation process between completed, ongoing and future EC R and D projects, thereby promoting improved cross fertilization and enhanced industrial exploitation of R and D results. As the project is in its infancy, this presentation covers the background to the initiative in some detail. In particular two key aspects are highlighted, namely, the requirement of the EC to launch such a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The complex phase relationships near the BaO-poor region of the quaternary Ba-Sm-Y-Cu-O oxide system prepared in pure air (pO2=22 kPa, 950 oC) and in 0.1% O2 (pO2=100 Pa, 810 oC) have been determined. This investigation also included the subsolidus compatibilities in ten subsystems (Ba-Sm-Y-O, Ba-Sm-Cu-O, Ba-Y-Cu-O, Sm-Y-Cu-O, Ba-Sm-O, Ba-Y-O, Ba-Cu-O, Sm-Y-O, Sm-Cu-O, and Y-Cu-O), and the homogeneity range of five solid solutions (Ba(SmxY2-x)CuO5, (Sm,Y)2O3, (Sm,Y)2CuO4, (Y,Sm)2Cu2O5, and Ba(Sm,Y)2O4). The single phase range of the superconductor solid solution, (Ba2-xSmx)(Sm1-yYy)Cu3O6+z, and the phase compatibilities in its vicinity, which are particularly important for processing, are described in detail. The phase equilibrium data of the Ba-Sm-Y-Cu-O system will enable the improvement of the intrinsic superconducting properties of second-generation wires, and facilitate the flux-pinning process. -- Graphical Abstract: Phase diagram ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An outline of Manitoba Hydro's Earth Power program was presented. Details of the heat pump market in Manitoba were provided, including details of residential and commercial sales. Total residential heat pump sales amounted to 577 units in 2004, equivalent to over $11.2 million in sales. Commercial installations amounted to approximately $12.7 million. An outline of industry players was presented. The goals of Manitoba Hydro were outlined in relation to geothermal energy and the Power Smart program. Their objectives included increasing awareness of geothermal energy, making heat pumps more accessible, and improving industry infrastructure. Other objectives included educating the public about life-cycle cost implications, residential loans and commercial incentives. To date, the residential power loan has provided financing to over 300 Manitoba home owners for installations, with electrical savings of over 1.34 Gwh and natural gas savings of 279,425 m"3. The program ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Probabilistic assessment methods can be used to identify specific plant vulnerabilities. Application of such methods can also facilitate selection among system design alternatives available for safety enhancements. The quality of assessment results is however strongly dependent on realistic and accurate input data for modelling of system component behaviour and failure modes during conditions to be assessed. Use of conservative input data may not lead to results providing guidance on safety upgrades. Adequate input data for probabilistic assessments seems to be lacking for at least failure modes of some electrical components when exposed to a fire. This report presents an attempt to improve the situation with respect to such input data. In order to take advantage of information in existing documentation of fire incident occurrences some of the lessons learned from the fire at Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant on March 22, 1975 are discussed in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In its current configuration, the IECM provides a capability to model various conventional and advanced processes for controlling air pollutant emissions from coalfired power plants before, during, or after combustion. The principal purpose of the model is to calculate the performance, emissions, and cost of power Plant configurations employing alternative environmental control methods. The model consists of various control technology modules, which may be integrated into a complete utility plant in any desired combination. in conuwt to conventional deterministic models, the IECM offers the unique capability to assign probabilistic values to all model input parameters, and to obtain probabilistic outputs in the form of cumulative distribution functions indicating the likelihood of different costs and performance results. The most recent version of the IECM, implemented on a Macintosh II computer and containing a number of software and model enhancements, was delivered to DOE/PETC at ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Machine condition monitoring (MCM) has the capability to predict equipment maintenance needs which can reduce forced down-time and facilitate the avoidance of catastrophic failures and the consequential secondary damage. It can be used to allow confident deferral of routine maintenance, and improve equipment performance, availability, reliability and safety. In order to capitalize on the potential benefits of MCM directed toward power transformers two types of vibration tests were conducted on transformers owned and operated by Cargill Inc. and IES Utilities at the Bridgeport corn plant in Eddyville, Iowa. These tests involved collecting vibration signals from the transformer tank walls during transformer energization at no-load and during steady state operation at various loads. These vibration signals were then used to detect deterioration of internal mechanical integrity. Both types of tests conducted on the transformers at the Eddyville ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Our work has focused on the development and analysis of domain decomposition algorithms for a variety of problems arising in continuum mechanics modeling. In particular, we have extended and analyzed FETI-DP and BDDC algorithms; these iterative solvers were first introduced and studied by Charbel Farhat and his collaborators, see [11, 45, 12], and by Clark Dohrmann of SANDIA, Albuquerque, see [43, 2, 1], respectively. These two closely related families of methods are of particular interest since they are used more extensively than other iterative substructuring methods to solve very large and difficult problems. Thus, the FETI algorithms are part of the SALINAS system developed by the SANDIA National Laboratories for very large scale computations, and as already noted, BDDC was first developed by a SANDIA scientist, Dr. Clark Dohrmann. The FETI algorithms are also making inroads in commercial engineering software systems. We also note that the analysis of these algorithms poses very ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BACKGROUND. In recognition of the emotional problems which frequently underlie somatic complaints, practices increasingly offer counselling as part of their services to patients. In an inner city practice,...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

The principles of modern pesticide residue chemistry were articulated in the 1950s. Early authors pointed out the advantages of systematizing and standardizing analytical methods for pesticides so that they could be widely practiced and the results could be reproduced from one laboratory to the next. The availability of improved methods has led to a much more complete understanding of pesticide behavior and fate in foods and the environment. Using methods based largely upon gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled increasingly with mass spectrometry (MS) and MS(n) as the detection tool, residues can be measured at parts per billion levels and below in a variety of food and environmental matrices. Development of efficient extraction and cleanup methods, techniques such as ELISA, efficient sample preparation techniques such as QuEChERS, and automated laboratory and field instrumentation has also ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The behavior of proton transfer facilitated by a novel thiazole derivative, N-methyl-4-(4-phenoxyphenyl)thiazol-2-amine (MPPT), across the water/1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) interface was investigated electrochemically. The ionic partition diagram for MPPT was obtained from interpretation of the cyclic voltammograms. The apparent partition coefficient of MPPT was evaluated by the shaking-flask method under experimental conditions, while that for the protonated form of MPPT was calculated from its transfer potential obtained from the ionic partition diagram. It was suggested that the mechanism for transfer of MPPT across the water/1,2-DCE) interface depends on the pH of the aqueous phase. The parameters of the facilitated proton transfer across the water/1,2-DCE interface were evaluated as ...

Science.gov (United States)

Development in organic farming has been stimulated by farmers and consumers becoming interested in healthy food products and sustainable environment. Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which is based on the principles of health, ecology, care, and fairness. Organic development in Uganda has focused more on the crop sector than livestock sector and has primarily involved the private sector, like organic products export companies and non-governmental organizations. Agriculture in Uganda and many African countries is predominantly traditional, less mechanized, and is usually associated with minimum use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and drugs. This low external input agriculture also referred to as "organic by default" can create basis for organic farming where agroecological methods are introduced and present an alternative in terms of intensification to the current low-input/low-output systems. Traditional farming should not be confused with organic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gas distribution companies have long since paid great attention to improving the quality and safety of the gas supply service to the consumer. In particular the management of gas emergencies has always been a responsibility taken seriously by all sectors of the gas industry. Over the last few years, however, the concept and practices in risk management have been changing rapidly. This has involved gas companies in an on-going attempt to successfully define and establish clear computer assisted risk management practices. Risk management is the systematic use of management policy, procedures and means, with the aim to protect employees, the public, the environment and properties at an acceptable cost. This paper has the purpose of presenting: - the computer software of gas emergency management in use at Italgas S.p.A. for testing the performance of gas distribution networks on a 'real-time' basis and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Phase-contrast imaging with a practical cone-beam X-ray tube has been realized for clinical use in digital mammography using computed radiography (CR). To perform phase-contrast imaging, the X-ray detector must be distanced from an object so that the phase-contrast image achieves magnification; in a mammography unit dedicated to phase-contrast imaging, the magnification ratio is 1.75. When using an X-ray tube with a 0.1-mm focal spot, it appears that the penumbra in magnification blurs both projected images and the phase contrast, which generates an edge effect. However, where the sampling pitch of the CR plate is 43.75 {mu}m, the blur stretches the width of the phase contrast so that unit pixels in the detector can capture it. Note that the width of an ideal phase contrast using an X-ray point source results in a phase contrast too narrow for detection with CR. In addition to phase contrast improving image quality, a re-scaling effect ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

VSP data are usually recorded in common-shot gather and contain less informations. It is difficult, therefore, to obtain good migration result by using conventional migration methods. Both inner interface reflections and interformational multiples can be removed by reverse-time migration with the use of two-way nonreflection wave equation: besides, boundary reflection in VSP can be eliminated using Clayton's absorption boundary condition. It is proved that reverse-time migration is able to improve migration quality. The imaging condition is still obtained by generalizing Claerbout's imaging principle and solving eikonal equation. This is a very practical wave equation migration method. This method is applicable to prestack VSP data, conventional multiple-offset shot gather and the simultaneous migration of VSP data and surface seismic data. Besides, it is adaptable to various velocity variations. Before applying the method to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The German voluntary standard 'Passivhaus' (passive house) leads to buildings with practically no energy consumption. The first residential buildings of this type were built in 1998 and the first tertiary buildings in 2000. Such a passive house must fulfill 5 efficiency criteria: annual space heating needs {<=} 15 kWh/m{sup 2}, U{sub v} envelope coefficient lower than 0.15 W/(m{sup 2}.K), U{sub v} of openings lower than 0.8 W/(m{sup 2}.K), airtightness {<=} 0.6 volume/hour, and total energy needs (space heating, hot water, ventilation, lighting and domestic uses) measured at the meter lower than 42 kWh/m{sup 2}.year. This article makes a status of the effective efficiency of existing passive buildings both in the residential and tertiary sectors and presents some possible ways of improvement. (J.S.)

CERN Document Server

Two-tier networks, comprising a conventional cellular network overlaid with shorter range hotspots (e.g. femtocells, distributed antennas, or wired relays), offer an economically viable way to improve cellular system capacity. The capacity-limiting factor in such networks is interference. The cross-tier interference between macrocells and femtocells can suffocate the capacity due to the near-far problem, so in practice hotspots should use a different frequency channel than the potentially nearby high-power macrocell users. Centralized or coordinated frequency planning, which is difficult and inefficient even in conventional cellular networks, is all but impossible in a two-tier network. This paper proposes and analyzes an optimum decentralized spectrum allocation policy for two-tier networks that employ frequency division multiple access (including OFDMA). The proposed allocation is optimal in terms of Area Spectral Efficiency (ASE), and is ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Metal contaminated crops from contaminated soils are possible hazards for the food chain. The aim of this study was to find practical and cost-effective measures to reduce metal uptake in crops grown on metal contaminated soils near a former metal smelter in Austria. Metal-inefficient cultivars of crop plants commonly grown in the area were investigated in combination with in-situ soil amendments. A laboratory batch experiment using 15 potential amendments was used to select 5 amendments to treat contaminated soil in a pot study using two Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars that differed in their ability to accumulate cadmium. Results from this experiment identified 3 of these amendments for use in a field trial. In the pot experiment a reduction in ammonium nitrate extractable Cd (<41%) and Pb (<49%) compared to the controls was measured, with a concurrent reduction of uptake into barley grain (Cd < 62%, Pb < 68%). In the field extractable fractions ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of excitation system controls, specifically the Power System Stabilizer (PSS), to improve damping of power system oscillations and thus extend steady-state stability limits has been a subject of great interest in recent years. The desire to more fully utilize transmission capacity led to the installation of PSS controls on greater numbers of generating units to maintain stability margins. This paper addresses the tuning and adjustment of PSS controls in a two unit power plant. Both analytical studies and field test confirmations are presented. The practical difficulties of verifying the PSS control loop gain margin by testing are explored. A simplified procedure is outlined. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Fayette Power Project (FPP) consists of two 683.7 MVA tandem compound steam turbine driven generators. The excitation systems are of the alternator rectifier type and the PSS control utilizes shaft speed as an input signal. ...

Science.gov (United States)

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 library (DL) developments in academic libraries in different ...

CERN Document Server

This paper is focused on solving the narrowband direction of arrival estimation problem from a sparse signal reconstruction perspective. Existing sparsity-based methods have shown advantages over conventional ones but exhibit limitations in practical situations where the true directions are not in the sampling grid. A so-called off-grid model is broached to reduce the modeling error caused by the off-grid directions. An iterative algorithm is proposed in this paper to solve the resulting problem from a Bayesian perspective while joint sparsity among different snapshots is exploited by assuming the same Laplace prior. Like existing sparsity-based methods, the new approach applies to arbitrary sensor array and exhibits increased resolution and improved robustness to noise and source correlation. Moreover, our approach results in more accurate direction of arrival estimation, e.g., smaller bias and lower mean squared error. High precision can be ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nuclear energy provides a third of Europe's electricity with nearly no greenhouse-gas emissions. Sustained efforts are now being conducted to harmonize regulations all over Europe through WENRA and to converge on technical nuclear safety practices within the TSO network ETSON (European Technical Safety Organizations Network). In CANDU type NPP the tritiated water occurs by the neutron bombardment of deuterium. The tritiated water vapors imply health hazard (in the critical organs of the body the water presents a 10 day average biological half-life) and the early detection in nuclear plants of tritium emissions is important because the tritiated water vapors have the same characteristics as of atmospheric water vapors. By detecting tritiated vapors, the monitoring system ensures the following objectives: (a) indicates levels of tritium generally due to heavy water leakage, (b) reduces the possibility of health hazard. In order to attain this goal of safety function, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The fundamental recommendations of the ICRP issued in its publication of 1990 stipulate the general principle of performance of dose measurements at regular intervals in the field of diagnostic radiology, for the purpose of equipment performance checking and optimization of radiological protection. In response to this requirement, the Federal Ministry, in cooperation with experts and the competent supervising authorities, has issued an order to install dose-area-product meters in angiographic examination systems, imaging systems and fluoroscopic screen devices primarily used for examining infants and children up to the age of 12. This is done in response to reported cases of adverse effects of radiation exposure and the high priority given to radiological protection in the examination of infants and children. In 1992, an expert group was convened to discuss and elaborate instructions for including dose-area product measurement in the dosimetry activities in medical diagnostic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Due to the improvement of algorithm and the advancement of calculation performance, the imaging by depth migration before stacking is being put into practice from the viewpoint of both calculation cost and accuracy. A lot of imaging examples have been already reported from the survey areas with complicated velocity structures, such as the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Effectiveness of the method has been confirmed. For imaging techniques in Japan National Oil Corporation and Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., high-speed depth migration before stacking and high efficiency velocity structure estimation technique have been investigated. This paper describes necessary care to be taken when using depth focusing analysis (DFA) for correcting a velocity model, as an interim stage of case study. The results of depth migration before stacking using dip moveout (DMO) velocity were further inferior to the section obtained by the migration after ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Resulting of the remarkably growth on economical development in each countries of Asia, ceramics low heat rejection engines are paid attention as a technique corresponding with the third oil shock which is presumed in near future. On the other hand, in order to construct the low heat rejection engines, using the quite different property materials from metals which called ceramics, it is necessary to determine design and combustion method fitted to the feature of this different kind materials. Though the development of ceramics low heat rejection engines have been given up in the world, recently, the development of ceramics engines is again required for the purpose of realizing an engine with low fuel consumption. Authors have successfully solved the problems, such as the disuse of cooling system, the improvement of combustion to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, and the realization of energy recovering from exhaust gas. Therefore, authors have started ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To raise the efficiency of the redox method and decrease the amount of radioactive wastes, a possibility of improving the decontamination process for NPP heat exchanger tubes made of stainless steel is studied. In the home practice the redox method of equipment decontamination is carried out as a multi-cycle process. In each cycle the surface is treated first with a permanganate alkaline solution ther with an oxalic acid solution, with a condensate washing-at between the treatments. Using samples cut out of the steam generator pipelines of the first and third power units of the Novovoronezh NPP the effect of the oXalic acid concentration, as well as washout time and conditions on the decontamination factor are studied. On the basis of analysis of the obtained data a conclusion is drawn that using oxalic acid of low concentrations and increasing its concentrations from cycle to cycle maximum decontamination factor values can be obtained at a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A project on the title is a special study of TRC (Technology Research Center) Japan National Oil Corporation, which aims at developing a system collecting many data near well bottom while drilling. The project is a 3-year project from 1993 to 1995 succeeding to results of a project on real-time drilling control technology which was finished in fiscal 1992. This paper is a record in fiscal 1993. In 1993, the first year, TRC starts a joint study with relational enterprises aiming at utilizing an EM-MWD (electromagnetic-measurement while drilling) system practically. Based on the past fruit of the study, the EM-MWD system was applied to an highly inclined well or a horizontal well. A total system was constructed, which improved electromagnetic radiation transmission efficiency, and reliability, and workability. An electromagnetic radiation receiver system for an offshore drilling rig was developed. A well bottom tools of 6-3/4 inches outer ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The real-time neutron radiography system of the Kyoto University Reactor (KUR) has been practically applied to penetrating the side plates containing boron burnable poison to test MTR type reactor fuels and to investigation of moving objects. Compared with the image obtained by the direct film method, however, the image from the TV system is in low-contrast and poor-resolution. This paper presents some digital processing approaches to improve the image quality and the neutron TV system is successfully applied to neutron computed tomography (NCT). The frame summing technique is effective to increase the quality of the radiographic image. By using the NTV system in NCT, the projection data are able to be acquired in a single measurement as observing the projection image on a CRT monitor. Two weighting functions based on the Fourier-convolution algorithm are employed to obtain the reconstructed image. The image quality could be satisfactory to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A cell calculation code SLAROM-UF has been developed for fast reactor analyses to produce effective cross sections with high accuracy in practical computing time, taking full advantage of fine and ultra-fine group calculation schemes. The fine group calculation covers the whole energy range in a maximum of 900-group structure. The structure is finer above 52.5 keV with a minimum lethargy width of 0.008. The ultra-fine group calculation solves the slowing down equation below 52.5 keV to treat resonance structures directly and precisely including resonance interference effects. Effective cross sections obtained in the two calculations are combined to produce effective cross sections over the entire energy range. Calculation accuracy and improvements from conventional 70-group cell calculation results were investigated through comparisons with reference values obtained with continuous energy Monte Carlo calculations. It was confirmed that ...

Science.gov (United States)

GAO's review of the H-Coal and Exxon projects showed inadequacies in DOE's contracting practices and a failure by DOE to properly plan, manage, and monitor, especially the H-Coal project. The initial Government-industry H-Coal agreements regarding the level of investment by private sponsors and the ceilings imposed on sharing in cost growth were imbalanced. Larger investments by private sponsors and sharing of cost growth provides an incentive to private sponsors to control costs and helps to assure that each party is fully committed to the success of the project. DOE started the H-Coal project prematurely before sufficiently detailed designs were available and without adequate project planning for functions such as construction scheduling, materials handling, inventory systems, and quality control. DOE staffing was inadequate at both projects to effectively monitor progress and contribute to timely decisions. Its contracts for the H-Coal plants ...

Science.gov (United States)

DOE's program for the conversion of coal to liquid fuels was begun by two of DOE's predecessor agencies: Office of Coal Research (OCR) in 1962, and Bureau of Mines, US Department of the Interior, in the 1930's. Current work is aimed at improved process configurations for both catalytic and non-catalytic processes to provide more attractive processing economics and lower capital investment. The advantage of coal liquefaction is that the entire range of liquid products, especially boiler fuel, distillate fuel oil, and gasoline, can be produced from coal by varying the type of process and operating conditions used in the process. Furthermore, coal-derived liquids have the potential for use as chemical feedstocks. To provide efficient and practical means of utilizing coal resources, DOE is supporting the development of several conversion processes that are currently in the pilot plant stage. DOE, together with the ...

Science.gov (United States)

DNA methylation is an important event in epigenetic changes in cells, and a fundamental regulator of gene transcription. Bisulfite genomic sequencing is a powerful technique used in studies of DNA methylation. However, the established procedures often require relatively large amounts of DNA. In everyday practice, samples submitted for analysis might contain very small amounts of poor quality material, as is often the case with forensic stain samples. In this study, we assess a modified, more efficient method of bisulfite genomic sequencing. Genomic DNA extracted from 3-mm dried blood spots using QIAamp micro kit was treated with sodium bisulfite (using EpiTect kit). Subsequent methylation-specific PCR (MSP) followed by DNA sequencing displayed the differentially methylated region of imprinted gene SNRPN. Our results show that this new combination of efficient DNA extraction and bisulfite treatment provides high quality conversion of unmethylated cytosine to uracil ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The significant technical and industrial aspects which have led to main coolant line (MCL) materials selection are addressed from a long term experience and operational practice point of view. They are based on the Siemens/KWU developed basic material concept for its nuclear power plants. It considers the choice of appropriate materials, the evaluation and qualification of the materials and the materials manufacturer, the use of appropriate semi-finished products, the tailoring of material and semi-finished products to the specific requirements of the various systems, the application of adequate manufacturing processes and the proof of the requirements by specifying proper tests and examinations. The main systems are assigned to safety classes in accordance with their safety relevance. Summarizing the operation time of nuclear power plants with ferritic MCL equipped by Siemens/KWU, more than 200 years of operation experience exist and no upgrading or replacement of ...

Science.gov (United States)

PMID:21398174

CERN Document Server

Single-case and Small-n Experimental Designs

CERN Document Server

Safe operation of research reactors and critical assemblies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... blood serum patients radioimmunoassay sampling tracer techniques isotope

Science.gov (United States)

... We assume that A is chosen so that the claim in question meets whatever are the conventional requirements for confidence in the context at hand. ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Replication of plus-strand RNA viruses depends on host factors that are recruited into viral replicase complexes. Previous studies showed that eukaryotic translation elongation factor (eEF1A) is one...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Peripheral subunit binding domains (PSBDs) are integral parts of large multienzyme complexes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. PSBDs facilitate shuttling of prosthetic groups between different catalytic...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The demand for cogeneration plants is growing worldwide. For the combination of electricity generation and heat extraction in power stations facilitates an excellent fuel exploitation and makes the operator of the plant independent from external energy suppliers. (orig.)

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A general method is described to sequester peptides containing azides from complex peptide mixtures, aimed at facilitating mass spectrometric analysis to study different aspects of proteome...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The widespread use of tobacco and alcohol among adolescents might be related to the ability of nicotine and ethanol to facilitate social interactions. To investigate the neurobehavioral mechanisms...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The exposure of cells to several metal ions stabilizes HIF-1α protein. However, the molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. They may involve inhibition of hydroxylation by either...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Lepidoptera, butterflies and moths, is the second largest animal order and includes numerous agricultural pests. To facilitate comparative genomics in Lepidoptera, we isolated BAC clones containing...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

This paper describes Image Engine, an object-oriented, microcomputer-based, multimedia database designed to facilitate the storage and retrieval of digitized biomedical still images, video, and text...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVESNon-invasive longitudinal imaging of tumor vasculature could provide new insights into the development of solid tumors, facilitating efficient...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The continuous addition of toluene as a solute of treated ballast water from oil tankers into a well-defined estuary facilitated the study of the dynamics of dissolved hydrocarbon metabolism in seawater....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Polypeptides exiting the ribosome must fold and assemble in the crowded environment of the cell. Chaperones and other protein homeostasis factors interact with newly translated polypeptides to facilitate...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Psychopathic individuals are generally unresponsive to motivational and emotional cues that facilitate behavioral regulation. A putative mechanism for this deficiency is Gray’s (1971)...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Gene expression from bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones has been demonstrated to facilitate physiologically relevant levels compared to viral and nonviral cDNA vectors. BACs are large enough...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundWidespread availability of geographic information systems software has facilitated the use of disease mapping in academia, government and private sector. Maps that display...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The aggregation substance (AS) of Enterococcus faecalis, encoded on sex pheromone plasmids, is a surface-bound glycoprotein that mediates aggregation between bacteria thereby facilitating...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

T-type calcium channels are responsible for generating low-threshold spikes that facilitate burst firing and neurotransmitter release in neurons. GnRH neurons exhibit burst firing, but the underlying...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-furans form a family of more than 200 compounds which are relatively stable in the biosphere and tend to accumulate in the human body. The tetra- to hexa-chlorinated dioxins and furans are considered highly toxic. To facilitate the assessment of the total toxicity of dioxin and furan mixtures, the estimated toxic effects of the individual compounds relative to the 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were introduced as Toxic Equivalent Factors which yield, when multiplied with the respective concentrations, the Toxic Equivalent (TE) of the mixture. Toxic dioxins and furans are unintentionally formed in a number of industrial combustion processes such as waste incineration and iron ore sintering, in the chemical industry and in household heating. To keep the emissions as low as possible, off-gas clearing systems for the collection of dioxins and furans are increasingly prescribed by the authorities. In addition, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Throughout the last decades, plasma technology has been established in a series of surface treatment applications, e.g. for semiconductor processing or optical coatings. The majority of plasma assisted technologies is based on low pressure processes. In recent years, however, non-thermal atmospheric pressure discharges have attracted considerable interest because of their simplified technical devices for industrial applications as compared to low pressure processes which require vacuum equipment. Hence, batch processing can be avoided, thus facilitating the implementation of plasma process steps into production lines. Investment costs are cut down significantly. The use of atmospheric pressure plasmas for technical applications dates back to the ozone production with dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) by Siemens in 1857. Lately, the application of atmospheric pressure plasmas for surface treatment has been reported, e.g. for the treatment of foils to ...

Science.gov (United States)

The purpose of this study was to use high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging combined with image analysis to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) trabecular structure, anisotropy, and connectivity of human vertebral, femoral, and calcaneal specimens. The goal was to determine whether: (a) MR-derived measures depict known skeletal-site-specific differences in architecture and orientation of trabeculae; (b) 3D architectural parameters combined with bone mineral density (BMD) improve the prediction of the elastic modulus using a fabric tensor formulation; (c) MR-derived 3D architectural parameters combined with BMD improve the prediction of strength using a multiple regression model, and whether these results corresponded to the results obtained using higher resolution depictions of trabecular architecture. A total of 94 specimens (12 x 12 x 12 mm cubes) consisting of trabecular bone only were obtained, of which there were 7 from the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This manual describes the use of the Xyce Parallel Electronic Simulator. Xyce has been designed as a SPICE-compatible, high-performance analog circuit simulator, and has been written to support the simulation needs of the Sandia National Laboratories electrical designers. This development has focused on improving capability over the current state-of-the-art in the following areas: (1) Capability to solve extremely large circuit problems by supporting large-scale parallel computing platforms (up to thousands of processors). Note that this includes support for most popular parallel and serial computers; (2) Improved performance for all numerical kernels (e.g., time integrator, nonlinear and linear solvers) through state-of-the-art algorithms and novel techniques. (3) Device models which are specifically tailored to meet Sandia's needs, including some radiation-aware devices (for Sandia users only); and (4) Object-oriented code design and ...

Science.gov (United States)

The proven principle of increase in strength during breakage of coke has served as a basis for proposals for mechanical treatment of coke before its use in blast furnaces. The losses of part of the resources of the large-lump product accomanying this treatment make the process of development of the properties outside of the oven not entirely favorable. Mechanical treatment is considered a separate element of the technology of preparation of coke apart from the preceding and subsequent breaking effects, which are also accompanied by losses of part of the blast furnace coke. The large scale of coke production, its high cost, the rising specific capital investment in the mining of coking coal and the limited resources of good coking coal all indicate the necessity for coke preparation which will provide the maximum national economic effect in its utilization. Thus in the process of coke preparation outside the oven, at all stages from the coke wharf to the blast furnace skip, we must ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A-15 compounds are extremely brittle and difficult to process for practical applications. A novel processing technique was developed to greatly improve the mechanical and superconducting properties of A-15 alloys. The new processing technique can be described as follows: (1) to select compounds that can form the A-15 phase (the selected A-15 compounds in this research were Ti3Nb6Mo3Si4 and Nb99.5-(x + y)AlxSiyB0.5 alloys); (2) to rapidly solidify them into the amorphous state; (3) to anneal the quenched amorphous products into ultra fine-grained single A-15 phase. The extreme grain refinement greatly improved the flexibility and the critical current density of the alloys. The melt spinning technique was used to rapidly solidify Ti3Nb6Mo3Si4 and Nb99.5-(x + y)AlxSiyB0.5 alloys. Ti3Nb6Mo3Si4 alloys were relatively easily formed into the amorphous state. Nb3Al alloys required the addition of glass forming elements Si and B. It ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Research highlights: #-># The building occupancy affecting the cooling load prediction is studied. #-># PENN model is adopted in this study for predicting the building cooling load. #-># Statistical approach is adopted to result a less prejudice prediction performance. #-># Results show that occupancy data can significantly improve the prediction. -- Abstract: Building cooling load prediction is one of the key factors in the success of energy-saving measures. Many computational models available in the industry today have been developed from either forward or inverse modeling approaches. However, most of these models require extensive computer resources and involve lengthy computation. This paper discusses the use of data-driven intelligent approaches, a probabilistic entropy-based neural (PENN) model to predict the cooling load of a building. Although it is common knowledge that the presence and activity of building occupants have a significant impact ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: The US commercial nuclear industry has just completed an outstanding decade of plant performance. Safety levels and electric production are at unprecedented high levels and continue to exceed even high industry goals. Nuclear energy continues to keep the highest priority on performance improvement programs and highly trained/qualified people that maintain its record setting safety and reliability of operations. While the industry has maintained a consistently high level of performance, the advent of deregulation and the consolidation of NPP ownership, as well as the current climate of concern about both rising energy costs and availability of power, has raised the standard for nuclear energy's level of competitiveness in today's market place. The resulting challenge is how to more effectively manage risk and improve performance even further in a generally high performing organization. Newer technology and more training by themselves ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Objective To establish current practice in the use of Read codes for diabetes.Design Cross sectional study.Setting 17 practices in the Battersea...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pregabalin in painful cervical or lumbosacral radiculopathy treated in Primary Care settings under routine clinical practice. An observational,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundAgricultural practices such as the use of irrigation during rice cultivation, the use of ponds for fish farming and the storage of water in tanks for livestock provide...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

SummaryObjective:Formalizing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for a subsequent computer-supported processing is a challenging, but burdensome and...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a program of repeated assessments, feedback, and training on the quality of coded clinical data in general practice.Design:...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThere is a dearth of data relating UK general practice workload to personal and social markers of individual patients.AimTo test whether there is a significant association...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

This paper describes the development of an interactive internet-based cost-estimating tool for commonly used urban storm runoff best management practices (BMP), including: retention and detention ponds, grassed swales, and constructed wetlands. The paper presents the cost data, c...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

ObjectiveTo estimate the joint effect of a multifaceted access intervention on primary care physician (PCP) productivity in a large, integrated prepaid group practice.Data...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

Structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance

KoreaScience (Korea)

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adjusting generation to demand (load following) is compared with practical experience. The importance of pumped storage plants is emphasized.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002 p. 139 China Sun Haiying Ye Zhiqiang Bu Jianhua Guangdong Nuclear

Science.gov (United States)

... Scientists. NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. Descriptive Note : Technical memo. rept. no. 29,. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The philosophy of work management in radiation protection puts emphasis on the following up and management of overall process from work selection, planning, preparation, implementation till experience feedback, and overall optimization of production and safety management. This paper reports practices and experiences of Daya Bay nuclear power plant in the implementation of the philosophy during operational radiation protection through the practical examples

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An ion processing element employing composite media disposed in a porous substrate, for facilitating removal of selected chemical species from a fluid stream. The ion processing element includes a porous fibrous glass substrate impregnated by composite media having one or more active components supported by a matrix material of polyacrylonitrile. The active components are effective in removing, by various mechanisms, one or more constituents from a fluid stream passing through the ion processing element. Due to the porosity and large surface area of both the composite medium and the substrate in which it is disposed, a high degree of contact is achieved between the active component and the fluid stream being processed. Further, the porosity of the matrix material and the substrate facilitates use of the ion processing element in high volume applications where it is desired to effectively process a high volume flows.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A methodology is proposed to facilitate the construction of gridded bathymetry data for the use of hydrodynamic models on the continental shelf. It relies on the carrying out of three successive tasks: (1) automatic selection of records of better quality among multiple sets of overlapping data; (2) elimination of data points located on land; and (3) taking into account the shoreline as bathymetric data. Algorithms are proposed to perform sorting of the records according to their quality as well as masking by the coastline. The suggested method facilitates the updating of bathymetry data and optimizes their use. It enables automatic execution of all the tasks and building of new digital bathymetry models in a few hours, without action from the operator. The method has been tested many times...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With the aid of a DOE grant (No. DE-FC26-01NT41050), Stolar Research Corporation (Stolar) developed the Horizon Sensor (HS) to distinguish between the different layers of a coal seam. Mounted on mining machine cutter drums, HS units can detect or sense the horizon between the coal seam and the roof and floor rock, providing the opportunity to accurately mine the section of the seam most desired. HS also enables accurate cutting of minimum height if that is the operator's objective. Often when cutting is done out-of-seam, the head-positioning function facilitates a fixed mining height to minimize dilution. With this technology, miners can still be at a remote location, yet cut only the clean coal, resulting in a much more efficient overall process. The objectives of this project were to demonstrate the feasibility of horizon sensing on mining machines and demonstrate that Horizon Sensing can allow coal to be cut cleaner and more efficiently. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Although some polymer conductors of electricity (ex. Polyanilines) are materials known for more than 100 years, only recently have the interesting chemical, electrical and optic properties of their insulating and conducting forms been recognized. Advances made in the chemistry of polymer conductors have also led to improvements in processing them. This work studies a practical application of these materials: the use of polymer conductors for the remote welding of insulating thermoplastic polymers, using energy from microwaves for the local heating of the union. Many thermoplastics (for ex. Polyethylene) do not absorb, or absorb very little, energy from microwaves. Different conductor materials (conductor polymers, carbon nanotubes), however, heavily absorb energy from microwaves with the resulting heating. In this way the welding zone can be heated without affecting the rest of the piece. Conductor polymers (polyanilines) were synthesized ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An increase in forest production will be necessary in the future when wood becomes a major renewable source of energy and chemicals along with its traditional role of fibre source. This increase could eventually by achieved be proper selection and breeding of trees. Clonal forestry by vegetative propagation of cuttings is becoming a viable alternative to a seedling-based forestry with many advantages, and cutting could be used to quickly propagate large numbers of clones of control-pollinated seedlings. Most forest trees are propagated sexually and seed orchards were started in the US and Canada in the last 40-50 years for breeding purposes. Forests could ultimately be established with improved seedlings instead of from seed with unknown genetic potential, or by natural regeneration. Micropropagation is the term used to refer to the propagation of plants raised by tissue culture methods rather than from seeds or cuttings. Many clonal plantlets could be regenerated ...

Science.gov (United States)

Little recent research is available about where specific types of farm managers search for information about better production practices. The objective of this study was to investigate what information sources managers used and how they rated the usefulness of each source. The authors administered mail questionnaires to probability samples from sampling frames they developed for four groups: dairy and fresh market vegetable producers from Wisconsin and berry and nursery producers from a multistate region. Questionnaire items asked operation managers to check off, from a list of information sources, those that they used in the last year to learn about new equipment or procedures to improve their operations and then to rate the usefulness of each source. In the last year, nursery, dairy, and berry managers most often used information from print media (63% to 84%), followed by other farmers (50% to 80%). Fresh market vegetable growers used ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document is an executive summary of the colloquium organized by the French syndicate of renewable energies (SER) which took place at the Maison de l'UNESCO in Paris during the national debate on energies organized by the French government in spring 2003. The colloquium was organized around 6 round tables dealing with: the world perspectives and the environmental context of the contribution of renewable energies to the sustainable development (respect of Kyoto protocol commitments, contribution to the security of energy supplies, lack of large scale program of development of decentralized power generation in developing countries, lack of market tools linked with CO{sub 2} emissions, improvement of competitiveness); development of renewable energies in Europe (promotion and sustain in all European countries, obligation of supply and purchase, pricing regulation, European harmonization of practices); renewable electricity and its ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The regenerator of Stirling cycle machines has an relatively unknown potential for thermal shorting, because the thermal flow path within the solid of a randomly stacked wire mesh, which is defined by its 'connectivity', is unknown. Earlier publications have shown two principles of experimental techniques to quantify connectivity. One quantifies connectivity as a function of axial pressure using the electric current analogy, the other measures connectivity via the temperature gradients along a regenerator and a series-connected reference body of known conductivity. Both papers offer preliminary results of reduced usefulness related to the testing method or setup. This contribution describes a new setup and its technique, which results from the practical knowledge and experience of the first two attempts, and aims for an improved determination of connectivity of the original representative Stirling regenerators with and without ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this work group was to identify obstacles to the development of better risk management practices and performance standards in the pipeline industry. An outline of developments in pipeline risk assesment management was presented, including an update of the Risk Based Design and Assessment annex and other CSA Z662 code developments. It was suggested that progress in risk management require that acceptable levels of risk and reliability need to be defined. Environmental and safety consequence analysis was recommended, as well as failure frequency estimation and assessment of distribution systems. Guidelines for Integrity Management Programs (IMPs) were reviewed. It was noted that CSA Z662 will become mandatory for sour gas in 2005 and may become mandatory for all onshore pipelines in 2007. Operating company procedures in relation to hazards with significant consequences were discussed. It was noted that companies should assess risks associated with ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In Japan, the Ningyo-toge uranium deposit was discovered in 1955, and the Tono deposit in 1962. Geology of these mines is different from that of other metal mines developed in Japan. Therefore, it appeared that some changes were required in the usual mining methods applied to existing metal mines to mine uranium ore in these deposits. At the Ningyo-toge mine, effective methods were studied for mining the ore, such as the room and pillar method, long-wall method, slicing method, and the hydraulic method; as a result, it was determined that a modified long-wall method is the most useful and practicable for recovering uranium ore from this underground sedimentary deposit. Applicatons of in-place and microbiological leaching to these deposits are being studied to secure mine safety and decrease mine pollution. Since 1959, when the Ningyo-toge mine went into operation, no hazards for workers nor any pollution of the environment were permitted. Research and development ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper deals with the combustion process of the turbocharged dual-fuel engine with regard to improvement to thermal efficiency and exhaust gas emissions. It describes the method of charge-air control used to achieve optimal operation in either a pure diesel engine or a gas engine using the pilot-ignition process (dual-fuel principle). The change-over from gas to diesel operation and vice versa can be made automatically even under full load, i. e. the engine can be changed over from one mode of operation to the other without interruption. The exhaust gas constituents emitted by the dual-fuel engine are less detrimental to the environment than those of other internal-combustion engines: CO is hardly present at all; NOx is no higher than that from good diesel engines, or even lower; SO/sub 2/ does not occur since the natural gas, which is used most frequently, and the pilot fuel are practically free of sulfur; CH (hydrocarbons) in this case ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The article deals with the problem of a humidity addition to thermal conductivity, diffusion and latent heat effects in heat transfer through building components. It shows with examples humidity effects for exterior walls with core insulation, with composite insulation system as well as for insulated roof membrane assemblies. From these it can be summarized that - sorption humidity is for today`s construction conditions (good thermal insulation and humidity protection) a suitable reference quantity for the determination of practice-oriented, substance-specific and physically correct humidity additions to the thermal conductivity of hygroscopic components; - diffusion and latent heat effects are in case of good rain imperviousness and low water absorbing capacity of the exterior component layers of secondary importance for transmission heat losses; - an increase in insulating layer thickness in order to improve the thermal insulation is possible ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Now, more than ever, there are serious health concerns for obese and overweight children. Schools are the perfect setting for children to learn, and this influence can play an important role in preventing children from becoming obese and overweight. The study concerns the behaviors of Health Promoting School (HPS) according to a broad definition of HPS in World Health Organization (WHO), or dependent on schools own health promoting policies. The purpose of study research is to examine whether promoting physical activity among the children at schools in relation to a school health policy such as Food and Nutrition Policy (FNP). This was determined through the comparisons between the FNP based schools and non policy based schools. The study undertook surveys among school food coordinators in the selected Danish primary schools through a web-based questionnaire. The questions in the survey were more focused on physical activity in internal and external school environment. Schools provide ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The concept of forestry-service enterprise used in the joint study (1997-7999) by the TTS-Institute and the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla) refers to enterprises and co-operatives (including forest workers operating as entrepreneurs) offering services in the fields of silviculture, basic forest improvement, planning and wood-harvesting sector. Companies practicing large-scale wood-conversion and traditional forestry-machine and road haulage contractors are not included in this approach. It can be estimated that there is a total of 450 such entrepreneurs in the country Those engaged in only a minor degree in providing forestry services are not included in the figure. The nation-wide research material was collected in the form of a mail questionnaire addressed to forestry-service entrepreneurs (n=320) in the spring of 1998. Almost all forestry-service entrepreneurs provide timber felling as a service. More than half of them do planting, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The suitability of the sunflower for biodiesel production was discussed in terms of the reference values on carbon dioxide equivalents (CO{sub 2eq}) emissions for every phase of the biofuels chain as indicated in the European Union (EU) Directive on renewable energies. A life cycle analysis performed on the agricultural phase of the sunflower showed that CO{sub 2eq} emissions from the cultivation phase exceeded the EU reference value. This paper highlighted the relevance of allocation methods to spread out energy consumption and CO{sub 2eq} emissions among sunflower biodiesel and oilcake. Allocation was made according to the principles of mass content, energy content and the economic value of co-products. The CO{sub 2eq} reductions obtained with the 3 methods were approximately 60, 50 and 25 per cent, respectively when compared to a case without allocation. Since these methods did not distinguish the different functionality of co-products in relation to their real use, this study also ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)