... with the ability to capture imagery in raw 24-bit format, combined with large memory storage devices enable high resolution imagery to be captured ...
A slurry intake device is proposed which contains an inlet sleeve, housing with grating installed with the discharge end in the zone of the slurry outlet, and hinged deflector. In order to conserve the clay mud, it is equipped with a tie rod and two-arm lever which is kinematically linked to the deflector and the grating. It is installed by hinges in relation to the housing and the latter is attached by hinges to the inlet sleeve. The deflector is arranged in the zone of slurry outlet. The device is distinguished by the fact that the deflector is equipped with a cantilever on which a fixable weight is attached.
The purpose of the invention is to simplify assembly and to reduce labor intensity. This is achieved by the fact that the assembly shaft is positioned in a hawser, while its wall which is turned towards the body of the installation is combined with the hawser wall, where a U shaped opening is made in the wall of the assembly shaft, along the edges of which there is a hermetically sealing device, while the bottom of the body of the offshore drilling rig is equipped with a rigid insert attached with the capability of adjoining it with the hermetically sealing device.
In the PV system with storage batteries, as a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device is used to enhance battery charging, the enhancement must be greater than the internal loss of the device itself, or there will be no net gain at all. To evaluate the MPPT devicebenefits under different climate, the theoretical calculation models have been constructed. By simulation, a comparative study between two types of PV charge controllers with and without a MPPT device under different atmospheric conditions was presented. The comparison was made by means of the energy production obtained from the PV generator of each system. The climatic conditions of Beijing and Guangzhou in China have been regarded. From the results obtained it can be concluded that the effectiveness of the MPPT device in Guangzhou is not very obvious, however the MPPT device ...
A probabilistic method for assessing the profitability of reactive power compensation devices such as capacitors, static VAR compensators and generators, which improve network security, was described. Since network development is limited by environmental constraints, power networks are operated close to their limits. Because of this fact transmission network planning increasingly relies on techno-economic models to improve network security and profitability. The proposed method consists of analyzing large numbers of constrained power system states, extracted from power system simulation exercises. The paper describes details of the method and provides an example of a numerical application on a part of the French power transmission system. 10 refs., 8 figs.
Wave energy device teams have identified three varieties of air turbine as potentially applicable to wave energy devices. These are: conventional axial turbines; Wells, or self-rectifying, axial turbines and Francis turbines. This report examines the constructional requirements of these devices with regard to mechanical, environmental and manufacturing considerations. It is concluded that the major benefit of optimum material selection will be reduced manufacturing costs rather than enhanced turbine performance. A methodology of material selection has been established and candidate materials have been listed for the major components of each turbine type. Comparative costs for alternative materials are included, from which significant, potential economies have been identified. Recommendations are made aimed at achieving optimum material usage in the proposed turbines.
The prevailing hypothesis of linear extrapolation from high to low radiation doses without any threshold level is being questioned more and more strongly for radiobiological and epidemiological reasons and, consequently, also on socio-economic and ethical grounds. A cost-benefit analysis based on scientific facts and made plausible to the general public, concentrating on a comparison with demonstrable natural and manmade risks, most probably would result not only in the permissible limits being raised by a considerable margin, but also in billions of costs saved, and in greater acceptance of all peaceful uses of radiation, nuclear power included. (orig.)
The invention concerns a device for the energy-saving heating of fuel in the supply pipe to an internal combustion engine to regain energy from the fuel itself, particularly but not exclusively for a Diesel engine. A part of the quantity of heat added to the fuel between the tank and the injection nozzles is given up by excess fuel not to the tank, but to the fuel lifted upstream of the injection pump. The device is characterised by the fact that it has a heat exchanger, which absorbs heat from the fuel at the level of the injection pump or upstream of it, and takes this to the fuel above the injection pump. The heat exchanger is preferably mounted upstream of a filter and close to it. A bridging pipe, which may be integrated in the heat exchanger, permits the heat exchanger to be short-circuited depending on the fuel temperature.
Explosives have been used in the removal of offshore wellhead devices for a number of years. In 1975, the first liquid explosives were run to remove wellheads and have proved to be a safe and reliable method of severing and salvaging the wellhead equipment from most depths of water. Methods of explosive wellhead removal and the areas of safety, reliability, and economics are discussed.
ObjectivesThe overall objective is to establish rigorous and verified means of deploying FACTSdevices as damping controllers so that stability limits of a congested grid can be expanded, with confidence, toward to the thermal limits. A key to this is to ensure that damping of oscillatory modes of the system are robust to the acknowledged variations of the system.~%~~%~The goals are:~%~~%~a) to apply model order reduction techniques to realistic grid systems and verify modes are adequately expressed,~%~~% [continued...]DescriptionTraditionally, the phenomena of inter-area oscillation between generation groups, e.g. England and Scotland, has been avoided through operating point constraints on tie-lines and acceptance of operation at less than thermal capacity. The need to support long distance trading makes such constraints unacceptable. Stability problems can be solved dynamically, rather ...
We investigated the magnet field dependence of the X-ray pulse height and the critical current of a Ti/Au bilayer TES micro-calorimeter. The pulse height was strongly affected by the magnetic field intensity applied perpendicularly to the TES surface. We found that the critical current at zero temperature, I c0, decreased by a factor of two by applying a magnet field of ?10??T. Our data are consistent with a TES sensitivity proportional to (I/I c0)?2/3, as predicted by the Ginzburg-Landau theory. This fact implies that the shape of the R?T curve of the TES is partly determined by the critical current of the superconductor. In order to make our TES microcalorimeters less sensitive to the external magnetic field, we fabricated devices equipped with on-chip magnetic shielding. One device has ...
Polysilicon thin-film technology has become of great interest due to the demand for large area electronic devices. Active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs) and active matrix organic light emitting displays (AMOLEDs) are among the fields where polysilicon thin-film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) are most commonly used. Such devices, generally, require analog signal processing. This fact makes the performance of basic analog blocks, such as current mirrors implemented with poly-Si TFTs, crucial. This paper examines the performance of various current mirror designs through simulation. Finally, a novel design of a current mirror is proposed aimed to be used in low voltage applications.
Ubiquitous computing based on small mobile devices using wireless communication links is becoming very attractive. The computational power and storage capacities provided allow the execution of sophisticated applications. Due to the fact that sharing of information is a central problem for distributed applications, the development of self organizing middleware services providing high level interfaces for information managing is essential. ADS is a directory service for mobile ad-hoc networks dealing with local and nearby information as well as providing access to distant information. The approach discussed throughout this paper is based upon the concept of information markets.
In the insurance industry, spreadsheets have emerged as an invaluable tool to for product pricing, because it is relatively straightforward to create and maintain complex pricing models using Excel. In fact, Excel is often preferred to "hard-code" whenever there are frequent changes to the calculations and business logic which under-pin the pricing of an insurance product. However, problems arise as soon as spreadsheets are deployed to end-users: version control, security of intellectual property, and ensuring correct usage are obvious issues; frequently, integration with other systems is also a requirement. Zurich Financial Services Group is a leading financial services provider; several possible solutions to these problems have been evaluated, and EASA has been selected as the preferred technology. Other spreadsheet collaboration approaches which were considered include Excel Services, and/or custom-built software; however, EASA has provided clear ...
Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuits, with the benefits of low power consumption, represent the state of the art technology for implantable medical devices. Three significant sources of radiation are classified as having the ability to damage or alter the behavior of implantable electronics; Secondary neutron cosmic radiation, alpha particle radiation from the device packaging and therapeutic doses(up to 70 G{gamma}) of high energy radiation used in radiation oncology. The effects of alpha particle radiation from the packaging may be eliminated by the use of polyimide or silicone rubber die coatings. The relatively low incidence of therapeutic radiation incident on an implantable device and the use of die coating leaves cosmic radiation induced secondary neutron single event upset (SEU) as the main pervasive ionising radiation threat to the reliability of implantable ...
Digital audio sampling is explained, and some of its implications in digital sound applications are discussed. Digital sound equipment is rapidly replacing analog recording devices as the state-of-the-art in audio technology. The philosophy of digital recording involves doing away with the continuously variable analog waveforms and turning the patterns into numbers. A digital recording device rapidly samples the incoming sounds, quantifying the signal into a series of numerical values (binary codes). Although digital sound eliminates many of the traditional analog problems, digital signal processing presents key problems in sampling rates and synchronization. Careful control is necessary to check signals through each step in the audio chain. The advantages of digital audio processing include increased signal-to-noise ratio, no flutter, transparent generation of copies, and sound manipulation. These benefits come with ...
Heat pipes, loop heat pipes (LHP), and capillary pumped loops (CPL) have already proven their potential to remove high heat fluxes from a small electronic device and transport the heat to a heat sink that is large enough to transfer it into the ambient air. We introduce a novel two-loop system similar in design to CPLs but with an additional buoyancy-driven fluid loop. Non-degassed methanol is used as a working fluid. Key benefits compared to LHPs and CPLs are easy filling procedure, easy startup, and the tolerance toward noncondensable gases in the fluid. The amount of fluid in the system can be varied over a broad range without affecting the heat transfer performance. Three different inverted-meniscus-type evaporators have been employed in this study. A maximum evaporator heat transfer r...
The organization of organic semiconductor molecules in the active layer of organic electronic devices has important consequences to overall device performance. This is due to the fact that molecular organization directly affects charge carrier mobility of the material. Organic field-effect transistor (OFET) performance is driven by high charge carrier mobility while bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells require balanced hole and electron transport. By investigating the properties and device performance of three structural variations of the fluorenyl hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (FHBC) material, the importance of molecular organization to device performance was highlighted. It is clear from {sup 1}H NMR and 2D wide-angle X-ray scattering (2D WAXS) experiments that the sterically demanding 9,9-dioctylfluorene groups are preventing {pi}-{pi} intermolecular contact in the ...
The Green-Chasman lattice, which is the basis for both NSLS storage rings, was conceived with insertion devices in mind. Long, field-free straight sections were provided in the design. The electron optics were chosen so that these sections had zero dispersion and the effects of new magnetic structures placed in these regions would have minimal effect on the emittance of the electron beam. This design concept has been followed by all high-brightness rings which were built subsequent to the NSLS. The X-Ray Ring straight sections also have a very small vertical {beta} function, in addition to the zero dispersion. This was done to optimize the brightness of wiggler sources. There is a further benefit however. The {beta} function determines the beam size and divergence at a particular point in the storage ring lattice. The size is proportional to {radical}{beta} and the divergence is proportional to 1/{radical}{beta}. Thus the electron beam is very ...
The utilization of GaAs in photovoltaic (PV) applications has been hindered by the cost of substrates and processing. This paper examines the cost effectiveness of GaAs cells for use in concentrator modules when produced at the 10 to 50 MW level per year. Information on costs associated with substrates, epitaxial processing, and subsequent device fabrication will be compared to allowable costs as projected by the US Department of Energy (DOE). The high cot of GaAs solar cells can be mitigated by use of low-cost substrates or high-concentration systems. The costs then can be accommodated when the production level is sufficiently high to take advantage of economies of scale in device processing and substrate price benefits when procured at high volumes. We have found that development of processing equipment, both for the epitaxial growth and device processing, is the key to obtaining production costs ...
Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is an emerging technology with features that are potentially attractive in electric utility applications. This study evaluates the potential for SMES technology in the generation, transmission, distribution, and use of electric energy; the time frame of the assessment is through the year 2030. Comparisons are made with other technology options, including both commercially available and advanced systems such as various peaking generation technologies, transmission stability improvement technologies, and power quality enhancement devices. The methodology used for this study focused on the needs of the market place, the capabilities of S and the characteristics of the competing technologies. There is widespread interest within utilities for the development of SMES technology, but there is no general consensus regarding the most attractive size. Considerable uncertainty exists regarding the eventual costs and ...
The purpose of this new industrial chair is to ensure the continuation and development of new research activities in the field of environment protection as it relates to the good management of mine tailings. The mining industry plays a vital role in the economy of a number of regions in both Quebec and Canada and also causes environmental problems due to the generation of liquid, solid, and gaseous wastes. Mine tailings can cause acid mine drainage. This acid mine drainage (AMD) can have detrimental effects on the ecosystems adjoining tailings or waste rock piles. We must remain aware that some of the remedial measures instituted to contain AMD might cause problems due to their possible instability. Despite the fact that instability is a rare occurrence, it can have disastrous effects on the environment as demonstrated in Spain, Guyana, and the Philippines during the last few years. The creation of this chair in environment and tailings management will allow the ...
Since 1978, an important effort has been on-going between Framatome and Electricite de France (EDF) to develop and update technical rules for the design and construction of nuclear power plants. Two design codes are developed, one for PWRs: RCC-M and one for FBRs: RCC-MR. After some comments on the organization of RCCM Commission, the paper presents: (1) the major differences with the ASME Section III Code for fatigue, plastic shakedown and rupture analysis; (2) the review of some important facts in terms of availability or maintenance costs (in-service inspection, replacements, repairs, etc.) of operating plants like underclad cracking, stratification, CRDM nozzles, cast elbows, steam generator tubes, etc.; (3) how can one take into consideration this operating feedback in RCC-M Code; and (4) few examples of major on-going developments for fracture analysis on different components and fatigue analysis of valves. In conclusion, the standardization of the plants is ...
Advances in technology are widely regarded as major sources of improvements in the competitive positions of firms and industries as well as of increases in national economic growth rates and standards of living. Because the benefits of such advances obviously depend on the extent to which they are utilized, considerable research has been focused on the diffusion of technological innovations. Most of these studies have sought to measure the dimensions of technological diffusion and to explain differences in diffusion patterns among innovations, industries, and nations as well as changes in such patterns over time. However, the most valuable contributions made so far have been to reveal the need for more-penetrating concepts, better measures, more-comprehensive analytical frameworks, and wider samplings of the variegated phenomena to be encompassed. Shortcomings in the theoretical work have seldom been directly harmful to industrial managements because they rely on ...
This study examines, in general, the transformation of the role of the Brazilian state to intervener in supervisory of the services, through the delegation of responsibility for the exploitation of public services to private enterprise, and the creation of regulatory agencies. The study pointing to the necessity of a legal and regulatory stable scenario in the regulation of these services, as enables of private investment mechanisms and, as a consequence of sustainable economic development. The success of the neo liberal state model is examined, specifically in relation to the market of pipeline gas distribution, showing the environmental, economic and social benefits that brought in this sector, the private investment and stability so far reasonably observed in this segment. The work also indicating, in general, the risks and issues most relevant, from the investor and markets point of view, to attract and maintain investment and to reduce the cost of private ...
In this work, an attempt was made to develop a novel type of wear-resistant composite employing a TiNi alloy matrix reinforced by hard particles. Titanium carbide was chosen as the reinforcing phase because of its high hardness and TiNi alloy as the matrix due to its pseudoelasticity and good toughness. TiC particles may sustain external load, while the TiNi matrix may accommodate deformation, absorb impact energy and retain the hard particles. Such a combination is expected to lead to an enhanced wear resistance, compared to TiNi alloy. As a matter of fact, some efforts were previously made to develop TiNi-matrix composite reinforced by ceramic particles. However, the emphasis of those studies was put on effects of the reinforcing particles on the phase transformation behavior, shape memory effect and some mechanical properties of the composite; no attempt was made to explore the potential benefit of the material for wear application.
On February 1, 1984, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued Generic Letter 84-04 on the subject of postulated pipe breaks in pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary coolant loops, opening the way for pipe-whip restraint exemptions. The letter substitutes the leak-before-break (LBB) criteria for the double-ended guillotine break regarding PWR primary reactor coolant system (RCS) piping and asymmetric blowdown loads. The LBB criterion refers to the fact that a piping flaw will leak before it breaks. The current requirement to provide pipe-whip restraints is applied within the plant to all high-energy piping with a potential for damaging structures, systems, and components essential to safe reactor shutdown. This includes primary RCS piping 30 in. and larger as well as smaller piping systems. A study was performed to evaluate the applicability of the LBB criteria proposed in NUREG-1061 to the latter set. The costs and benefits of this kind of ...
One of the main applications of PSA studies is related to identification of the major key issues related to plant safety. In standard PSA one assumes a constant value for component failure rates by considering that the component doesn't experience any degradation that could affect its performance. Used in this manner, standard PSA tools do not adequately address important ageing issues, and this fact could have a significant impact on the conclusions drawn from PSA studies and applications, in conditions of operation of ageing plants. To obtain realistic results, it is necessary to consider in the PSA model the ageing effects, and to do that it is necessary to take into consideration the change in component failure rate as a function of component age. In case of ageing phenomena, this dependence causes the failure rate of a component (or a set of components) to increase in time as the component age increase. The paper presents the benefits of ...
In this article, we review and clarify some of the points made by previous authors regarding chemical looping combustion (CLC). While much of the recent interest in chemical looping combustion has been associated with carbon sequestration, our primary interest here is its potential to increase the thermodynamic efficiency of converting fuel chemical energy into useful work. We expand on several points about the details of CLC that we feel have not previously been sufficiently explored, and suggest alternative (and possibly more practical) approaches that exploit some of the same thermodynamic concepts. We illustrate our key points with {First} and {Second} Law analyses of ideal conceptual processes, which in addition to {CLC} also include isothermal, non-equilibrium, preheated combustion and combustion with thermochemical recuperation. Our results suggest that a significant portion of the potential efficiency benefit of CLC might be achieved without the need to ...
Power Fluidic systems for the control of liquids and gaseous flows have been adopted for use in radioactive processing plants in the UK. These devices are intrinsically reliable with no mechanical moving parts because they are able to make use of the hydrodynamics of the fluids being controlled. This reliability feature leads to a zero cell maintenance concept and the elimination of mechanical drive/control systems in cell. The first phase of the development work led to their use in the Fast Reactor Reprocessing Plant at Dounreay and the Highly Active Liquor Storage facility at Sellafield. The success of these early developments has led to an extensive development programme for an extended range of applications in the Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant and its associated waste treatment facilities at Sellafield. The technology has now been fully demonstrated and adopted for these plants with considerable benefit over a wide range of applications.
Energy saving technologies in the railway vehicle traction field can be mainly categorized into two domains: reducing loss and increasing the regenerative energy. Energy saving technologies for the traction equipment by the use of power converters with less loss and high-efficiency permanent magnet synchronous motors are introduced. The regenerative brake related technologies are also presented as another measure to save the energy, including the improvement of the regenerative brake control and application of energy storage devices. It is concluded that the benefit of the energy saving technology is not only the energy saving itself but also downsizing traction equipments and reducing the maintenance work in the electrical railway system. Copyright Copyright 2010 Institute of Electrical E...
Magnetic refrigeration uses the temperature- and field-dependence of the entropy of some magnetic materials to accomplish cooling. Because of the intrinsically high efficiency of the magnetization and demagnetization process and because of the potential for excellent heat transfer between solids and fluids, magnetic refrigerators promise to have higher efficiency than existing gas-cycle refrigerators. Many ground-based and space-based applications could benefit significantly from the cost savings implied by higher efficiency. Other attributes of these devices are high reliability and low volume and mass per unit cooling power. The development of these refrigerators is underway at several places around the world, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The progress to date has been encouraging but some problems have been clearly identified. The arguments for high efficiency and the problems that will need to be solved to achieve this goal ...
This thesis examines the design of a propulsion system for a series hybrid vehicle and includes the study of an energy storage unit using double-layer capacitors and a lightweight soft-switched converter system, and two new components in series hybrid vehicles. The development of environmentally sustainable vehicles is more urgent now given the fact that pollution levels are ever increasing. No electric vehicle has yet been developed that can compete with a normal vehicle based only on internal combustion engines. The dilemma lies in the difficulty of storing the amount of energy needed and supply it a high power levels. An attractive and viable option to reducing pollution and maintaining good performance may lie in hybrid electric-powered vehicles. The double-layer power capacitors are an interesting option because of their high power density and long lifetime. The devices are new and assembling large energy storage units must be thoroughly ...
This Fact Sheet presents the mission of the West Valley Demonstration Project and information on the 1994 pollution prevention and recycling accomplishments.
An electric propulsion concept suitable for delivering heavy payloads from low earth orbit (LEO) to high energy earth orbit is proposed. The system consists of a number of pulsed inductive plasma thrusters powered by a 100 kWe space nuclear power system. The pulsed plasma thruster is a relatively simple electrodeless device. It also exhibits adequate conversion to thrust power in the desired I sub sp regime of 1500 to 3000 seconds for optimal payload transfer from low earth to high earth orbit. Because of these features and the fact that the nuclear power unit will be capable of delivering sustained high power levels throughout the duration of any given mission, the system presented appears to be a very promising propulsion candidate for advanced orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) applications. An OTV, which makes use of this propulsion system and which has been designed to lift a 9000-lb payload into geosynchronous earth orbit, (GEO) is also ...
Due to the cyclical human life, utility loads appear to be cyclical too. During daytime when most factories are in operation, the electricity demand is very high. On the contrary, when most people are sleeping from midnight to daybreak, the electric load is very low, usually only half of the peak load amount. To meet this large gap between peak load and light load, utilities must idle many generation plants during light load period while operating all generation plants during peak load period no matter how expensive they are. This low utilization factor of generation plants and uneconomical operation have sparked utilities to invest in energy storage devices such as pumped storage plants, compressed air energy storage plants, battery energy storage systems (BES) and superconducting magnetic energy storage systems (SMES) etc. Among these, pumped storage is already commercialized and is the most widely used device. However, it suffers the limit ...
Preliminary tests have shown that smart-grid systems can significantly reduce home electricity use. A smart grid negates the need for controlled distribution by giving homeowners the ability to monitor rates in real time and modify their use based on energy availability, need and price. Homeowners can also feed the grid alternative power to offset their costs. Studies in the United States have also suggested that the system could reduce carbon emissions by 60 to 211 million tonnes per year. The smart grid would also be less susceptible to major disturbances because it draws power from multiple sources. An added benefit is that the technology could be developed for a fraction of the cost of building traditional energy plants, such as nuclear. However, the success of the smart-grid depends on several technological advances. The flow of power within the system must be digitally controlled and also merged with multiple communication devices so that ...
This document summarizes work done at the Astronautics Technology Center of the Astronautics Corporation of America (ACA) in Phase 1 of a four phase program leading to the development of a magnetic liquefier for hydrogen. The project involves the design, fabrication, installation, and operation of a hydrogen liquefier providing significantly reduced capital and operating costs, compared to present liquefiers. To achieve this goal, magnetic refrigeration, a recently developed, highly efficient refrigeration technology, will be used for the liquefaction process. Phase 1 project tasks included liquefier conceptual design and analysis, preliminary design of promising configurations, design selection, and detailed design of the selected design. Fabrication drawings and vendor specifications for the selected design were completed during detailed design. The design of a subscale, demonstration magnetic hydrogen liquefier represents a significant advance in liquefaction technology. The cost ...
This proceedings volume is organized into seven sections that reflect the materials systems and issues of electrochemical materials R and D in batteries, fuel cells, and capacitors. The first three parts are largely devoted to lithium ion rechargeable battery materials since that electrochemical system has received much of the attention from the scientific community. Part 1 discusses cathodes for lithium ion rechargeable batteries as well as various other battery systems. Part 2 deals with electrolytes and cell stability, and Part 3 discusses anode developments, focusing on carbon and metal oxides. Part 4 focuses on another rechargeable system that has received substantial interest, nickel/metal hydride battery materials. The next two parts discuss fuel cells--Part 5 deals with Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, and Part 6 discusses oxide materials for solid oxide fuel cells. The former has the benefit of operating around room temperature, whereas the ...
Dust detection and control in real time, represent one of the most challenging problem in all those environments where fine and ultrafine airborne particulate solids products are present. The presence of such products can be linked to several factors, often directly related and influenced by the working-production actions performed. Independently from the causes generating dust, airborne contaminants are an occupational problem of increasing interest as they are related to a wide number of diseases. In particular, airborne dusts are well known to be associated with several classical occupational lung diseases, such as the pneumoconiosis, especially at high levels of exposure. Nowadays there is also an increasing interest in other dust related diseases, from the most serious as cancer and asthma, to those related with allergies or irritation and other illnesses, also occurring at lower levels of exposure. Among the different critical factors influencing health risk for airborne dust ...
The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) has imposed a price on the allowances for CO2 emissions of electricity companies. Integrating this allowance price into the price of electricity earns a rent for companies who have received these allowances for free. During Phase I, 2005-2007, rents corresponding to the aggregate value of allocated allowances amounted to roughly Euro 13 billion per year. However, due to the specific price-setting mechanism in electricity markets true rents were considerably higher. This is due to the fact that companies also that have not received any allowances gain additional infra-marginal rents to the extent that their variable costs are below the new market price after inclusion of the allowance price. Producers with low carbon emissions and low marginal costs thus also benefit substantially from carbon pricing. This paper develops a methodology to determine the specific interaction of the imposition of ...
Remote Alaskan communities pay economic and environmental penalties for electricity, because they must import diesel as their primary fuel for electric power production, paying heavy transportation costs and potentially causing environmental damage with empty drums, leakage, and spills. For these reasons, remote villages offer a viable niche market where sustainable energy systems based on renewable resources and advanced energy storage technologies can compete favorably on purely economic grounds, while providing environmental benefits. These villages can also serve as a robust proving ground for systematic analysis, study, improvement, and optimization of sustainable energy systems with advanced technologies. This paper presents an analytical optimization of a remote power system for a hypothetical Alaskan village. The analysis considers the potential of generating renewable energy (e.g., wind and solar), along with the possibility of using energy storage to take ...
There is considerable interest in the use of silicon devices as qubits for quantum computing. The existence of nuclear spin in a silicon isotope and the complex band structure of silicon are unfavourable for this application of silicon devices. (viewpoint)
This 2-page fact sheet gives statistics on routine waste generation and projected reduction by waste type, and 1994 pollution prevention and recycling accomplishments at ORNL.
Information Extraction (IE) is an emerging NLP technology, whose function is to process unstructured, natural language text, to locate specific pieces of information, or facts, in the text, and to use these facts to fill a database. IE systems today are c...
... fields, materials can be subjected to energy densities exceeding those realized in high explosives, a fact which forms the basis for magnetic forming ...
A government would like to subsidize an indivisible good. Consumers? valuations of the good vary according to their wealth and benefits from the good. A subsidy scheme may be based on consumers? wealth or benefit information. We translate a wealth-based policy to a benefit-based policy, and vice versa, and give a necessary and sufficient condition for the pair of policies to implement the same assignment: consumers choose to purchase the good under the wealth-based policy if and only if they choose to do so under the translated benefit-based policy. General taxation allows equivalent policies to require the same budget.
This paper addresses one source of degradation in OPV devices: the metal/organic interface. The basic approach was to study the completed device stability vs. the stability of the organic film itself as shown in subsequent devices fabricated from the films.
... in the design of such devices as fusion reactors, magnetohydrodynamic generators, magnetically levitated vehicles, magnetic forming devices, and ...
A monolithic micromachined waveguide device or devices with low-loss, high-power handling, and near-optical frequency ranges is set forth. The waveguide and integrated devices are capable of transmitting near-optical frequencies due to optical-quality sidewall roughness. The device or devices are fabricated in parallel, may be mass produced using a LIGA manufacturing process, and may include a passive component such as a diplexer and/or an active capping layer capable of particularized signal processing of the waveforms propagated by the waveguide.
This document - IAEA Safeguards: Implementation Blueprint of Commercial Satellite Imagery - constitutes the second report from SSC Satellitbild giving a structured view and solid guidelines on how to proceed with a conceivable implementation of satellite imagery to support Safeguards activities of the Agency. This Phase 2 report presents a large number of concrete recommendations regarding suggested management issues, work organisation, imagery purchasing and team building. The study has also resulted in several lists of actions and preliminary project plans with GANT schedules concerning training, hardware and software, as well as for the initial pilot studies. In both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies it is confirmed that the proposed concept of a relatively small Imagery Unit using high-resolution data will be a sound and feasible undertaking. Such a unit capable of performing advanced image processing as a tool for various safeguard tasks will give the Agency an effective instrument ...
The assets that Citizen Potawatomi Nation holds were evaluated to help define the strengths and weaknesses to be used in pursuing economic prosperity. With this baseline assessment, a Planning Team will create a vision for the tribe to integrate into long-term energy and business strategies. Identification of energy efficiency devices, systems and technologies was made, and an estimation of cost benefits of the more promising ideas is submitted for possible inclusion into the final energy plan. Multiple energy resources and sources were identified and their attributes were assessed to determine the appropriateness of each. Methods of saving energy were evaluated and reported on and potential revenue-generating sources that specifically fit the tribe were identified and reported. A primary goal is to create long-term energy strategies to explore development of tribal utility options and analyze renewable energy and energy efficiency options. ...
This multinational, multi-phase spent fuel sabotage test program is quantifying the aerosol particles produced when the products of a high energy density device (HEDD) interact with and explosively particulate test rodlets that contain pellets of either surrogate materials or actual spent fuel. This program has been underway for several years. This program provides data that are relevant to some sabotage scenarios in relation to spent fuel transport and storage casks, and associated risk assessments. The program also provides significant technical and political benefits in international cooperation. We are quantifying the Spent Fuel Ratio (SFR), the ratio of the aerosol particles released from HEDD-impacted actual spent fuel to the aerosol particles produced from surrogate materials, measured under closely matched test conditions, in a contained test chamber. In addition, we are measuring the amounts, nuclide content, size distribution of the ...
The benefit of wearing hearing aids in multitalker, reverberant listening environments was evaluated in a study of speech-on-speech masking with two groups of listeners with hearing loss (younger/older)....Full Text Available
This article presents a study identifying benefits and challenges of a novel hospital-to-hospital information technology (IT) outsourcing partnership (HHP). The partnership is an innovative response...Full Text Available
... gov Data Privacy, Emergency Response, Weather Prediction to Benefit from Information Technology ... detection, simulation and prediction of high-impact local weather, such as thunderstorms and ...
The ethical dimension of treating the elderly, including risk–benefit analysis, focuses mainly on quality of life and end-of-life issues. These include arguments on advance directives and the...Full Text Available
42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Health benefits plan: Supplemental health services. 417.102 Section 417.102 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF...
A generalised procedure for quantifying the benefits of household biogas plants is presented. The sensitivity of the procedure to the uncertainty in input prices is reduced through the assumption of incremental benefits from the biogas plant. These benefits are quantified in terms of the quantity of fuelwood for which the biogas substitutes in cooking, the quantity of kerosene replaced through the use of biogas for lighting and the diesel fuel displaced through the use of a biogas fuelled dual-fuel engine for motive power. Sensitivity of the monetary benefits for these parameters is examined in order to identify variables which influence the viability of the technology to the end user. (author).
Motivation is given for a technique to more thoroughly test semiconductor equipment control systems. A description is given of a simulator-based control system testing technique. Potential benefits that could be realized by using this technique in the semiconductor industry as well as benefits documented by using this technique in other industries are described. Specific requirements for using the technique in the semiconductor industry are outlined. A summary of a survey of nine commercial simulation systems is given. Finally, the outcome of the survey is compared with the requirements for using the technique.
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There's nothing that prevents us from being vigilant. In fact, freedom requires vigilance, and certainly our security in today's world requires vigilance. But one of the...
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BackgroundSeveral fractal and non-fractal parameters have been considered for the quantitative assessment of the vascular architecture, using a variety of test specimens and of computational...Full Text Available
... In fact, for dynamic loading, the ultimate compressive strength can be more than doubled (Bischoff and Perry 1991), whereas the ultimate uniaxial ...
The results of a study assessing natural-gas-fired combined-cycle (GFCC) power generation in the electric-utility sector are presented. This study quantified the economic benefits attributable to GFCC generation and examined the characteristics of GFCC technology that produce these benefits and the ways that these benefits vary among regions in the country. The impacts of changes in important economic parameters (capital cost, fuel price, etc.) as well as the impact of advances in GFCC technology were considered. Use of GFCC technology in the electric-utility sector could play an important role in a least-cost planning strategy and thereby provide significant benefits to the utilities and their customers. Potential benefits include reduced capital and operating costs, more effective matching of load growth and capacity additions, and greater system reliability. 8 refs., 3 tabs.
The simple device for scanning image is described. It has much in common with usual TV camera, with an electron beam replaced by an optical one. After the general description of the device, we present a simple experimental illustration.
The device is designed for automatic testing of the degree of discharge of tractive storage batteries (AB) for electric loaders, electric cars and electric ore locomotives. The basic electrical schematic of the device is cited.
This work concerns the development of nuclear energy and nuclear waste management in particular. Two parts of this study can be distinguished. In the first part (theoretical), a thorium-plutonium fuel based on MOX and dedicated for PWR was investigated in order to transmute plutonium in a potentially low waste fuel cycle. It was shown that this type of fuel is not regenerative but could be used for a transition to the industrial thorium fuel cycle without building new reactors. Thanks to moderated neutron spectra and high loaded actinide mass in the core, U-233 is quickly created ({approx}300 kg/y) for a loss of about {approx}1200 kg of fissile plutonium. In the second part (experimental), we have developed and built a new reaction chamber to measure neutron cross sections of actinides by alpha-gamma spectroscopy. This experimental device (in principle transportable) was commissioned in the high flux reactor of ILL Grenoble. Neutron flux was measured by gamma ...
A device made of amorphous silicon which exhibits inductive properties at certain voltage biases and in certain frequency ranges in described. Devices of the type described can be made in integrated circuit form.
Davidsons paratactic account of indirect speech exploits the fact that `that' can be either a demonstrative pronoun or a subordinating conjunction. Davidson thinks that the fact that it is plausible to think that it inherited the latter function from the former lends support to his account. However, in other languages the two functions are performed by unrelated words, which makes the account impossible to apply to them. I argue that this shows that, rather than revealing the underlying form of indirect reports, the account reflects only a quirk of English.
This fact sheet describes NREL's accomplishments in accurately modeling costs for fuel cell-based combined heat, hydrogen, and power systems. Work was performed by NREL's Hydrogen Technologies and Systems Center.
Since its creation the nuclear industry has been struggling with the question of how safe is safe enough. Safety is a common goal to all involved in the design, operation and regulation of a nuclear installation. As a concept safety is not easy to define. However, there is a general understanding of what attributes a nuclear power plant should have in order to operate safely. The challenge lies in measuring the attributes. The new competitive open electricity market, in many countries throughout the world, is increasing the economic pressure on operators to lower operating costs without jeopardizing safety. Challenges are occurring at a rate that is unprecedented in the nuclear industry: competitiveness; downsizing; ageing; policy changes; reorganization; restructuring; mergers; globalization; and takeovers demand increasing attention to the management of safety. There are various means to measure safety performance, some of which are more qualitative in nature and others which through ...
Full text: Immunoassays for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are used to detect early-stage prostate cancer, monitor disease progress, and evaluate therapeutic response. At least two forms of PSA, free PSA (F-PSA) and PSA complexed to alpha-1 anti-chymotrypsin (PSA-ACT) are detected by commercial PSA assays. The fraction of F-PSA is shown to be smaller in patients with untreated prostate cancer than in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Thus, combined measurements of both total and free PSA are used for a better discrimination between BPH and prostate cancer. Detection of PSA for screening of prostate cancer has been a subject of debate for many years. The reason of this debate is mainly because screening for prostate cancer is not cost-effective, as was shown by studies undertaken in Europe and United States. In Lebanon, no previous programs of screening for prostate cancer were done and so the incidence of this cancer is not known. Recently, the cancer registry in ...
Single-event burnout (SEB) sensitivity was tested for power MOSFET devices, JTMCS081 and JTMCS062, which were made in Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, using californium-252 simulation source. SEB voltage threshold was found for devices under test (DUT). It is helpful for engineers to choose devices used in satellites. (authors)
An integrated mirrorless bistable optical device based on the Mach-Zehnder interferometric optical switch has been proposed and demonstrated experimentally using a Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide. The resulting device is capable of combining more than two of them to realize multifunctional optical devices such as optical multivibrators.
We discuss the initial development of a concentrator device based on the GaInP/GaAs monolithic tandem cell structure. The very high one-sun efficiency of this device, coupled with its characteristic low operating current, make this a promising candidate for use under high concentration. Test results for a prototype device are presented. This device achieves an efficiency of 29.5% at a concentration of 102 suns.
Power devices such as MOSFETSs and IGBTs, include parasitic structures that can give rise to destructive failures such as breakdown and latch-up. To determine a suitable strategy for device radiation hardening, simulation software like MEDICI-2D can be used to model the effects of technological modifications and device parameters that are difficult to measure experimentally. (authors).
A centering device for casing tubings is proposed. It includes a housing, collar made of copper linings, return springs and pusher with centering pins placed in it. In order to simplify the design of the centering device it is equipped with levers installed on the pusher rod and connected by hinges to one another. The centering device assures coaxial placement of tubes over the mouth of wells and installation of butt joints during welding of tubes.
Achieving device independence for software applications is required for all but a small number of critical real time applications. Device independence is achieved by establishing protocols and building protocol interpreters for the specific devices. Data structures containing pointers to functions provide a flexible architecture for implementing protocol translation. 3 refs., 5 figs.
This paper presents a rationale for and a summary of tasks and missions to which mobile and stationary robots and other teleoperator-controlled devices could be assigned in response to the accidental release of radioactive and other hazardous/toxic materials to the environment. Many of these vehicles and devices currently support operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants and other nuclear industry facilities. This paper also discusses specific missions for these devices at the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear power plant sites at the time of the accidents. Also discussed is the status of devices under development for future applications, as well as research on robotics.
Choosing a medical device is complex and requires a transparent process based on reason, evidence and assessment of prioritized public health needs. Poor choices lead to inappropriate use or non-use of medical devices and a waste of resources.This report suggests how an agenda to improve access to appropriate medical devices could be devised from applying the crucial 4 components - Availability, Accessibility, Appropriateness, and Affordability, to the 15 global high-burden diseases and some cross-cutting issues. The results of this exercise suggest several areas of research necessary to help
Remote-controlled handling systems are required for work to be done in the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities. These systems are equipped with electronic devices suitable for use in working environments affected by ionizing radiation. The publication explains the step-wise progress achieved for improving the radiation resistance of electronic devices with the example of a four-quadrant controlling device for the motors of a manipulator. The radiation resistance of the device could be enhanced to radiation energies of 5.500 Gy. This means that a manipulator vehicle equipped with this controlling device can take up to approx. 15 kGy all in all, taking into account its own shielding properties. (DG).
This is a review of health and sports monitoring research that uses or could benefit from wireless connectivity. New, enabling wireless connectivity standards are evaluated for their suitability, and...Full Text Available
This paper uses a choice experiment to evaluate the consumers' willingness to pay for energy-saving measures in Switzerland's residential buildings. These measures include air renewal (ventilation) systems and insulation of windows and facades. Two groups of respondents consisting respectively of 163 apartment tenants and 142 house owners were asked to choose between their housing status quo and each one of the several hypothetical situations with different attributes and prices. The estimation method is based on a fixed-effects logit model. The results suggest that the benefits of the energy-saving attributes are significantly valued by the consumers. These benefits include both individual energy savings and environmental benefits as well as comfort benefits namely, thermal comfort, air quality and noise protection. (author)
Patients rely on their primary care physician to manage multiple, often chronic medical conditions that require prescription medications. Balancing the risk to benefit of treatments can be challenging...Full Text Available
Sick leave and other types of nonvested leave are expensed as taken. ... Employees Retirement System (FERS), a defined benefit and contribution plan. ...
Phytoestrogens are plant derived compounds found in a wide variety of foods, most notably soy. A litany of health benefits including a lowered risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer,...Full Text Available
... P ) FERS 4 ... i 25. Opportunity for better fringe benefits 1 outside of the Federal Sector (eg, sick leave, _ annual leave, health or life insurance) .... ...
Summary 1.-The modules of plants experience different levels of resources, and clonal plants can integrate resource heterogeneity. However, no studies have tested whether the benefits of clonal integration depend on patterns of heterogeneity in multiple resources, like high levels of above-ground and below-ground resources in the same patches (-coincident patchiness-) or different patches (-reciprocal patchiness-). 2.-We hypothesized that the benefits of clonal integration can vary depending on whether patchiness is reciprocal or coincident, and that clonal species experience greater benefits from integration when qualitative patterns of resource heterogeneity are more like those likely to occur in their habitats. To test these hypotheses, we grew pairs of connected ramets of Cynodon dacty...
Several randomized studies have been completed in prostate cancer that show a benefit to immediate postoperative treatment in patients undergoing prostatectomy. In one of the studies, there was even...Full Text Available
ObjectiveCOMBINE is the largest study of pharmacotherapy for alcoholism in the United States to date, designed to answer questions about the benefits of combining...Full Text Available
Mangroves are disappearing rapidly worldwide despite their well documented biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide. Failure to link ecological processes and their societal benefits has...Full Text Available
Jan 31, 2006 ... Sick leave accrues at the rate of 1 hour for each 20 hour in a pay status. ... FERS: All periods of service are used in determining the FERS ...
... s guides and "how-to" videos and other materials, and 7. Receive continuing support from GLOBE's ... and educational materials that result from international proposals in its materials and support ...
Nov 15, 2006 ... Sick leave and other types of non-vested leave ... For FERS employees, NASA makes contributions of 10.7 percent to the defined benefit plan, ...
This letter reports a study designed to measure the benefits of voicing in the recognition of concurrent syllables. The target and distracter syllables were either voiced or whispered, producing...Full Text Available
In many online systems, individuals provide services for each other. Typically, the recipient of the service obtains a benefit while the provider of the service incurs a cost. Assuming that benefit exceeds cost, provision of the service increases social welfare and should therefore be encouraged -- but the individuals providing the service gain no (immediate) benefit from providing the service and hence have an incentive to withhold service. This paper studies the design of a system to encourage provision of service; the emphasis is on how the system designer should choose a protocol -- a supply of tokens and suggested strategies -- to maximize social welfare. In choosing this protocol, the system designer must take into account that agents are self-interested, and hence will comply with the protocol if and only if it is in their interests to do so. Moreover, we insist that the chosen protocol must be consistent with ...
18 months service for FERS; 60 months service for CSRS employees. the period covered by your accrued, donated, and advanced sick leave & accrued and ...
Externally powered prostheses have been studied for many years, to provide more effective rehabilitation of amputees. To take advantage of the benefits offered by external power in prostheses, however, the mode of control of the prosthesis by the amputee ...
within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: USFWS/Steve Hillebrand Kenai National Wildlife...
We consider the dynamics towards the initial singularity of Bianchi type IX vacuum and orthogonal perfect fluid models with a linear equation of state. Surprisingly few facts are known about the 'Mixmaster' dynamics of these models, while at the same time most of the commonly held beliefs are rather vague. In this paper, we use Mixmaster facts as a base to build an infrastructure that makes it possible to sharpen the main Mixmaster beliefs. We formulate explicit conjectures concerning (i) the past asymptotic states of type IX solutions and (ii) the relevance of the Mixmaster/Kasner map for generic past asymptotic dynamics. The evidence for the conjectures is based on a study of the stochastic properties of this map in conjunction with dynamical systems techniques. We use a dynamical systems formulation, since this approach has so far been the only successful path to obtain theorems, but we also make comparisons with the ...
The theoretical performance of ideal single- and multijunction cells are compared at 100xconcentration under a range of cloudless-sky conditions. The sensitivities of device performance to cell temperature and spectral variations are shown to depend on the number of junctions (one, two or three), the way in which the junctions are connected (series, parallel or independent), and the band gaps of the devices. The average performances of all of the multijunction devices surpass that of a single-junction GaAs device, but the inconsistency in performance of some of the multijunction devices is significant for large variations in cell temperature and incident spectrum. The choice of band gap and connection scheme is more important than the number of junctions in determining the consistency of device performance. (orig.).
Four general topics are covered in respect to the natural space radiation environment: (1) particles trapped by the earth`s magnetic field, (2) cosmic rays, (3) radiation environment inside a spacecraft, (4) laboratory radiation sources. The interaction of radiation with materials is described by ionization effects and displacement effects. Total-dose effects on MOS devices is discussed with respect to: measurement techniques, electron-hole yield, hole transport, oxide traps, interface traps, border traps, device properties, case studies and special concerns for commercial devices. Other device types considered for total-dose effects are SOI devices and nitrided oxide devices. Lastly, single event phenomena are discussed with respect to charge collection mechanisms and hard errors. (GHH)
fuel are produced from a barrel of crude oil by U.S. refiners. Other products such as jet fuel and heating oil make up the remaining one third. Graphic of a barrel of oil...
and streambed sediment samples 2-6. Graphs showing: 2. Cesium-137 profile in HOE core 3. PAH trends in Lake Houston cores 4. DDE trends in Lake Houston cores 5. Trends in six trace...
This fact sheet highlights how renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies can and are being used to reduce air emissions and meet environmental goals, showcasing case studies and technology-specific topics.
The fact that electric autos have driven over 100 miles without a battery recharge over an urban stop and go course at city driving speeds demonstrates that practical electric cars for city use can be built today.
The hippocampus is thought to coordinate memory consolidation by reactivating traces from behavioral experience when the brain is not actively processing new input. In fact, during slow-wave...Full Text Available
'Trojan horses', 'logic bombs', 'armoured viruses' and 'cryptovirology' are terms recalling war gears. In fact, concepts of attack and defence drive the world of computer virology, which looks like a war universe in an information society. This war has several shapes, from invasions of a network by worms, to military and industrial espionage ...
This paper describes the FACT system for knowledge discovery from text. It discovers associations - patterns of co-occurrence - amongst keywords labeling the items in a collection of textual documents. In addition, FACT is able to use background knowledge about the keywords labeling the documents in its discovery process. FACT takes a query-centered view of knowledge discovery, in which a discovery request is viewed as a query over the implicit set of possible results supported by a collection of documents, and where background knowledge is used to specify constraints on the desired results of this query process. Execution of a knowledge-discovery query is structured so that these back-ground-knowledge constraints can be exploited in the search for possible results. Finally, rather than requiring a user to specify an explicit query expression in the knowledge-discovery query language, FACT presents the ...
A method is proposed for operating bed waters in an oil well by injecting silanes into the near-face zone. It is distinguished by the fact that in order to improve the effectiveness of insulation, the silanes used are silanes of general formula Si /SUB n/ H /SUB 2n-n/ .
Vegetable oils such as soybean oil will be converted to novel polymers using hydroformylation and other catalytic processes. These polymers can be used in the construction, automotive, packaging, and electronic sectors.
Many animals use the spectral distribution of light to guide behaviour, but whether they have colour vision has been debated for over a century. Our strong subjective experience of colour and the fact...Full Text Available
By using EPR measurements of radiation-induced radicals it is possible to utilize human fingernails to estimate radiation dose after-the-fact. One of the potentially limiting factors in this...Full Text Available
...Goods: promote the protection of ldquo;natural parks and reserves, mangroves, reefs and lagoons,rdquo; and ldquo;expanding forest cover and tree integration with agricultural production systems rdquo;; climate change will be reduced through the trading of pollution permits under the Kyoto Protocol. Enhancing Disaster Management Capabilities:...
With the advent of powerful, widely-available mathematical software, combined with ever-faster computer hardware, we are approaching a day when both the discovery and proof of mathematical facts can be done in a computer-assisted manner. his article presents several specific examples of this new paradigm in action.
We show the existence of a rather general class of closed cosmological models of Bianchi type IX that do not exhibit recollapse but expand for all times. This is despite the fact that these models satisfy the strong energy condition by a wide margin.
It was recently reported that the proportion of dark-coloured Soay sheep (Ovis aries) in the Hebrides has decreased, despite the fact that dark sheep tend to be larger than lighter...Full Text Available
42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Health benefits plan: Basic health services. 417.101 Section 417.101 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND...
This report describes the state of the art of electric energy storage technologies and discusses how adding intermittent renewable energy technologies (IRETs) to a utility network affects the benefits from storage dispatch. Load leveling was the mode of storage dispatch examined in the study. However, the report recommended that other modes be examined in the future for kilowatt and kilowatt-hour optimization of storage. The motivation to install storage with IRET generation can arise from two considerations: reliability and enhancement of the value of energy. Because adding storage increases cost, reliability-related storage is attractive only if the accruing benefits exceed the cost of storage installation. The study revealed that the operation of storage should not be guided by the output of the IRET but rather by system marginal costs. Consequently, in planning studies to quantify benefits, storage should not be ...
An IAEA databank lists a number of reported cases of illicitly trafficked nuclear or other radioactive materials. Apart from the traditional concern with nuclear proliferation, the post September 11th public is now wary of a possible attack by terrorists with a nuclear or radiation dispersion device (RDD). Until now, the seized quantities have not been sufficient to manufacture a nuclear explosive device, but they might be enough to construct an RDD. Recognizing the latent global challenge to public health and safety, the G8 States (Japan, USA, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Canada, and Russia) have called for 'joint international efforts to identify and suppress illicit supply' of, and demand for, nuclear material and to deter potential traffickers. One measure gaining in significance is to identify seized material and trace it back to its origin the objective of an emerging science known as nuclear forensics. Repeatedly nuclear or other ...
This report summarizes the research conducted during Budget Period One on the project ''Improved Natural Gas Storage Well Remediation''. The project team consisted of Furness-Newburge, Inc., the technology developer; TechSavants, Inc., the technology validator; and Nicor Technologies, Inc., the technology user. The overall objectives for the project were: (1) To develop, fabricate and test prototype laboratory devices using sonication and underwater plasma to remove scale from natural gas storage well piping and perforations; (2) To modify the laboratory devices into units capable of being used downhole; (3) To test the capability of the downhole units to remove scale in an observation well at a natural gas storage field; (4) To modify (if necessary) and field harden the units and then test the units in two pressurized injection/withdrawal gas storage wells; and (5) To prepare the project's final ...
Purpose: The authors have developed a novel technique using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) to verify the geometrical accuracy of delivery of dose-rate-regulated tracking (DRRT)....Full Text Available
Science and technology could be revolutionized by quantum computers, but building them from solid-state devices will not be easy. Robert W Keyes of IBM's research division outlines the challenges in scaling up the technology from lab experiments to practical devices. (U.K.)
... Biomedical Engineering Optical and Photonic Materials and Devices Fundamental Optical Interactions ... of Texas Medical School OPTICAL AND PHOTONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES Gary Bjorklund, IBM, Chair Nan ...
The patent relates to fluid operated devices for moving articles. The machine may be used in filling a nuclear fuel canister with fuel pellets where there is a tendency for out of squareness of pellets to produce a jam condition readily cleared by a modest force. (U.K.).
A device for reducing the muzzle blast and flash from large caliber guns is disclosed. A container having a plurality of internal chambers and baffle plates filled with an aqueous foam is mounted to the muzzle of the gun barrel. The foam and chambers co-o...
Coke-fired cupola furnaces were improved and made suitable for the production of high-quality casting melts by numerous additional devices. Moreover, they were equipped with environmental protection systems with numerous dust separation devices and afterb...
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of wheeled mobility devices differed with respect to age, gender, residential setting, and health-related factors among older adults. A total...Full Text Available
In this paper we discuss the effect on the emittance of the residual dispersion in the insertion devices. The dispersion in the straights could be generated by the lattice error, trim dipole, and insertion device. The effect on the emittance is examined, and the dispersion tolerances are given for the NSLS-11.
This design manual contains descriptions of design procedures and operating experience to date, including results obtained, for secondary flow pollution control devices. Two types of combined sewer overflow regulators are described: the swirl and the helical bend regulator/separa...
The biomechanical nature of the arterial system and its major disease states provides a series of challenges to treatment strategies. Endovascular device design objectives have mostly centered on short-term...Full Text Available
BackgroundDuring surgery, controlled haemostasis to prevent blood loss is vital for a successful outcome. It can be difficult to ligate vessels located deep in the abdomen. A device...Full Text Available
...limited to, emission control devices, pumps, filters, muck cookers, stills, solvent tanks, solvent containers, water separators...facility that meets the conditions of § 63.320(g). Muck cooker means a device for heating perchloroethylene-laden...
The influence of the main factors on device efficiency of pulsed liquid jet pump with gas-liquid piston is analysed, the theoretical equation and its time-averaged solution of pulsed liquid jet pump device efficiency are derived. The theoretical and experimental results show that the efficiency of transmission of energy and mass to use pulsed jet is greatly raised, compared with steady jet, in the same device of liquid jet pump. The calculating results of time-averaged efficiency of pulsed liquid jet pump are approximately in agreement with the experimental results in our and foreign countries
Advanced techniques for focused-ion-beam (FIB) device modification have been developed for complex, multistep modifications to circuitry on planar chip technology. Applying gas-assisted etching (GAE) techniques for high-aspect-ratio milling and the selective milling of both conductive and insulating films enhances process latitude. Localized ion-beam-induced deposition of an insulating film provides reconstructive capability in previously modified areas. The application of both techniques for complex device modification on VSLI devices fabricated with CMOS process technology is reviewed. (UK).
Dosimetric studies in 80 patients examined with the tomographic device 'Somatom' are reported. The gonad doses are compared to those of conventional radiographic techniques.
The objective of this study is to establish evaluation and verification guideline for the APR 1400 and to investigate the thermal-hydraulic characteristics for fluidic device is analyzed using FLUENT. The scope and major results of research are flow characteristics for fluidic device. In this study, three-dimensional numerical model for fluidic device is developed adequately for, and results are compared with experimental data performed by VAPER (VAlve Performance Evaluation test Rig) in KAERI with an aim to verify numerical simulation. In addition, the parametric study has also carried out to investigate the effect of major parameters such as velocity and pressure inside FD chamber.
This paper discusses design considerations for the recently introduced GaInP/GaAs monolithic tandem concentrator cell. The prototype device achieves a peak efficiency of 30.2% in a range of 140--180 suns, making this the first two-terminal device to demonstrate a verified efficiency exceeding 30%. At 425 suns the efficiency is still above 29%. The authors focus on the issues of grid design, top-cell thickness, and antireflectance coat. They also examine ways in which these aspects of the device may be modified to provide further performance improvements for future devices.
sabot: A device fitted around or in back of a projectile in a gun barrel or launching tube to support or protect the projectile or to prevent the escape of ...
The individuality of production devices should be taken into account when statistical models are designed for parallelized devices. In the present work, a new clustering method, referred to as NC-spectral clustering, is proposed for discriminating the individuality of production devices. The key idea is to classify samples according to the differences of the correlation among measured variables, since the individuality of production devices is expressed by the correlation. In the proposed NC-spectral clustering, the nearest correlation (NC) method and spectral clustering are integrated. The NC method generates the weighted graph that expresses the correlation-based similarities between samples, and the constructed graph is partitioned by spectral clustering. A new statistical process monit...
Resistance exercise has been widely reported to have positive rehabilitation effects for patients with neuromuscular and orthopaedic conditions. This paper presents an optimal design of magneto-rheological fluid dampers for variable resistance exercise devices. Adaptive controls for regulating the resistive force or torque of the device as well as the joint motion are presented. The device provides both isometric and isokinetic strength training for various human joints.
A self-organizing particle swarm is presented. It works in dissipative state by employing the small inertia weight, according to experimental analysis on a simplified model, which with fast convergence. Then by recognizing and replacing inactive particles according to the process deviation information of device parameters, the fluctuation is introduced so as to driving the irreversible evolution process with better fitness. The testing on benchmark functions and an application example for device optimization with designed fitness function indicates it improves the performance effectively.
A method and apparatus is provided for detecting explosives by thermal imaging. The explosive material is subjected to a high energy wave which can be either a sound wave or an electromagnetic wave which will initiate a chemical reaction in the explosive material which chemical reaction will produce heat. The heat is then sensed by a thermal imaging device which will provide a signal to a computing device which will alert a user of the apparatus to the possibility of an explosive device being present.
The audible noise produced by corona on high-voltage transmission lines has several characteristics that differentiate it from other community noises. Transmission line noise is quite broadband and has a significant high frequency content. Special instrumentation designed to measure this type of noise pollution is described. All measuring systems have the same three basic elements: a transducer, a processing device, and an output device. Recorders, microphone devices, frequency analyzers, and meteorological instrumentation are discussed.
The results of Sandia National Laboratories' participation in the NASA Planetary Definition and Design Program are summarized. Areas reported include the characterization of large area cadmium zinc telluride spectrometers and the application of simulation techniques to the prediction of device performance. Also investigated was the response of mercuric iodide devices in the region from 1 to 100 KeV. A literature study to determine the status or radiation damage measurements in room temperature semiconductor devices is also reported.
The dynamic behavior of electrooptic bistable devices with delayed feedback is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The operation principle of the system is analyzed by the method of iterated maps. Stable, bistable, periodic, higher periodic, and chaotic solutions are discussed and realized experimentally by using an integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer on LiNbO3 as a basic nonlinear element. Taking into account the periodic modulator characteristic, the application of this device as a simple and fast bistable and monostable multivibrator is demonstrated. In addition, the synchronization properties of the astable multivibrator are investigated.
The purpose of the invention is to increase reliability in the operation of the device for advancing the base of a stoping unit. This is achieved because the device includes alternation hydraulic jacks of advance and control connected by hinges between themselves by the sections of the base and equipped with hydraulic locks, distributors of the hydraulic jacks of advance. In this case the hydraulic locks connected to the hydraulic jacks of control are doubled and connected to the distributors of the neighboring sections through reverse valves.
This is a patent for a device to increase compaction of the loaded batch in a coking chamber that assures a balanced compaction of the batch from the upper to the bottom layer. The leveling rod has a device on the external end that causes the rod to shift vertically and bring pressure on the material and the pressing attachment. Opposite the loading hoppers of the coking chambers there are guides that ensure the rod will be sunk perpendicularly into the loaded material.
Heavy-ion irradiation technique has been developed for the evaluation of single-event effects on semiconductor devices. For the uniform irradiation of high energy heavy ions to device samples, we have designed and installed a magnetic beam-scanning system in a JAERI cyclotron beam course. It was found that scanned area was approximately 4 x 2 centimeters and that the deviation of ion fluence from the average value was less than 7%. (author)
The invention concerns a container for the long term storage of irradiated nuclear reactor fuel elements, which consists mainly of a basic body, at least one lid and an outside ring shaped lid tightening device, which acts on the basic body and the lid and holds the contact surface of the lid tight against the contact surface of the basic body, where the basic body, lid and the lid tightening device consist of corrosion-proof materials. (orig./HP).
Large scale flows of liquids can be controlled by using power fluidic devices that harness the hydrodynamic properties of liquids rather than use moving parts. Included among the fluidic devices considered are fluidic pumps, reverse flow diverters, fluidic diodes and vortex amplifiers. These devices are of potential use in the nuclear industry, particularly in reprocessing. (U.K.).
Objectives This paper examines the determinants of the insureds decision to use their health insurance card when seeking outpatient and inpatient health care in Vietnam. Methods Uses Vietnams latest Household Living Standard Survey data and random-intercept logistic regression to assess the influence of the observed individual, household and commune/ward factors on the insureds decision to access health insurance benefits while controlling for the unobserved commune/ward-specific factors. Results Compared to the compulsory enrollees, the voluntary enrollees and the beneficiaries of the Health Care Fund for the Poor are less likely to use their card when seeking inpatient care. An individuals likelihood of accessing insurance benefits varies inversely with income and the level of education,...
This paper summarizes the current scientific evidence that improved indoor environmental quality can improve work performance and health. The review indicates that work and school work performance is affected by indoor temperature and ventilation rate. Pollutant source removal can sometimes improve work performance. Based on formal statistical analyses of existing research results, quantitative relationships are provided for the linkages of work performance with indoor temperature and outdoor air ventilation rate. The review also indicates that improved health and related financial savings are obtainable from reduced indoor tobacco smoking, prevention and remediation of building dampness, and increased ventilation. Example cost-benefit analyses indicate that many measures to improve indoor temperature control and increase ventilation rates will be highly cost effective, with benefit-cost ratios as high as 80 and annual economic ...
This report estimates the economic and financial effects and the benefits of compliance with the proposed effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the Centralized Waste Treatment (CWT) industry. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has measured these impacts in terms of changes in the profitability of waste treatment operations at CWT facilities, changes in market prices to CWT services, and changes in the quantities of waste management at CWT facilities in six geographic regions. EPA has also examined the impacts on companies owning CWT facilities (including impacts on small entities), on communities in which CWT facilities are located, and on environmental justice. EPA examined the benefits to society of the CWT effluent limitations guidelines and standards by examining cancer and non-cancer health effects of the regulation, recreational benefits, and cost savings to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) to ...
Explicitly defining virtual collections in a digital library can benefit both users and contributors. This paper outlines the costs and benefits for defining virtual collections and describes an implementation of collection-level metadata in two digital libraries. Our work suggests that component repositories of NSDL would profit by describing their collection, and sub-collections, using a schema such as the one we implemented. This would enable NSDL to provide a rich, cross-linked hierarchy of virtual collections. By sharing collection-level, rather than item-level, metadata, collections would provide detailed resource information, presumably keeping most of their viewership, while NSDL would provide a broad description of resources.
The operation of pumped-storage plants (PSP) is based on the daily load variations of power demand. It performs power generation at peak load times during the day, and pumps water up into the reservoir during the off-peak times at night. In the Taipower system in Taiwan, there are two pumped storage plants with ten units. These had a total installed capacity of 2,602 MW or a 12 percent capacity at the end of 1995. The plants were able to reduce system generation costs and improve reliability. A Pumped-Storage Plant Benefit Analysis (PSPBA) program was established using the principle of economic dispatch in 1985. This paper explains the rules of the program, the analysis results of the past 10 years, and a a cost benefit evaluation. It was found that the advantages of PSP are not only in supplying the power for peak load, but also in decreasing the total fuel cost. 5 figs., 4 refs.
In this paper, the performance of customer-owned distributed generation (DG) units is quantified from different perspectives through an uncertainty study. A Monte Carlo-based method is applied to assess the stochastic operation of the customer-owned DG units in the power distribution system. Several cases are studied to analyze the impact on system performance of using such generators, with the emphasis on benefits. The results of the studied cases show that proper operation of customer-owned DG units placed close to significant consumption centers offers several benefits which lead to significant energy savings and improvement in the performance indices while maintaining the cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, based on the energy demand, different electricity price scenarios considering a co...
The Interim Examination and Maintenance (IEM) Cell is located within the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Reactor Containment Building. This cell is a complex vertical hot cell whose purpose is to process reactor experiments and to perform maintenance on reactor and refueling components. Because access to this very complex cell is limited, a mock-up called the IEM Training Facility (IEMTF) has been developed. The IEMTF provides the IEM cell with many valuable benefits. Four of these benefits are: (1) development of alternate processing methods; (2) hands-on evaluation of equipment problems; (3) a ready source of verified parts, and (4) training facilities for IEM Cell technicians.
A real time neutron radiography system has been developed at the University of Michigan Phoenix Memorial Laboratory (PML) and has recently been used to test the imaging capabilities of a neutron imaging device developed by Lixi, Inc. of Downers Grove, Illinois. This device uses an input phosphor that is high in gadolinium to generate a light image which is then sent through an intensifier stage to provide images that can be viewed by eye, video camera, or standard 35 mm camera. It was determined that this device provides images of much higher resolution and sensitivity than those obtained with the imaging system currently being used at PML. Using computerized image enhancement techniques, the images obtained with the Lixi neutron imaging device can then be further enhanced or processed to obtain quantitative information on the object being imaged.
A real time neutron radiography system has been developed at the University of Michigan Phoenix Memorial Laboratory (PML) and has recently been used to test the imaging capabilities of a neutron imaging device developed by Lixi, Inc. of Downers Grove, Ill. This device uses an input phosphor that is high in gadolinium to generate a light image which is then sent through an intensifier stage to provide images that can be viewed by eye, video camera, or standard 35 mm camera. It was determined that this device provides images of much higher resolution and sensitivity than those obtained with the imaging system currently being used at PML. Using computerized image enhancement techniques, the images obtained with the Lixi neutron imaging device can then be further enhanced or processed to obtain quantitative information on the object being imaged. (orig.).
We summarize recent developments in x-ray microscopy of polymers by focusing on the characterization of organic electronic devices. The quantitative compositions of model polymer blends have been mapped at a resolution of {approx}35 nm. Since it could be inferred that these devices have structures smaller than 35 nm, quantitative compositional mapping at length scales below the present resolution limit of x-ray microscopy is required. Organic devices thus serve to both highlight the success of NEXAFS microscopy to date, but to also outline the very real need for higher spatial resolution. New approaches to create improved optics or different acquisition modalities are required if x-ray microscopy is to make sustained contributions to such an important area of research as organic devices.
A method and device have been provided for distinguishing Africanized honeybees from European honeybees. The method is based on the discovery of a distinct difference in the acoustical signatures of these two species of honeybees in flight. The European honeybee signature has a fundamental power peak in the 210 to 240 Hz range while the Africanized honeybee signature has a fundamental power peak in the 260 to 290 Hz range. The acoustic signal produced by honeybees is analyzed by means of a detecting device to quickly determine the honeybee species through the detection of the presence of frequencies in one of these distinct ranges. The device includes a microphone for acoustical signal detection which feeds the detected signal into a frequency analyzer which is designed to detect the presence of either of the known fundamental wingbeat frequencies unique to the acoustical signatures of these species as an indication of the ...
This invention pertains to a light weight underground pipe or cable installing device adapted for use in a narrow and deep operating trench. More particularly this underground pipe installing device employs a pair of laterally movable gates positioned adjacent the bottom of the operating trench where the earth is more solid to securely clamp the device in the operating trench to enable it to withstand the forces exerted as the actuating rod is forced through the earth from the so-called operating trench to the target trench. To accommodate the laterally movable gates positioned adjacent the bottom of the narrow pipe installing device, a pair of top operated double-acting rod clamping jaws, operated by a hydraulic cylinder positioned above the actuating rod are employed.
An electronically controllable apparatus is described which modulates a continuous wave laser beam so as to produce an output beam consisting of coherent ''pulses'' that are electronically controllable as to both pulse repetition rate and pulse width. The apparatus includes two acoustic devices positioned so that the laser beam passes through them in sequence, and apparatus or for passing sound waves through the devices to frequency shift the laser radiation as well as to diffract it. Each acoustic device such as generates sound waves containing a group of frequencies which result in spaced pulses. The spreading of a laser beam at which emanates from the first acoustic device is countered by the second acoustic device to produce a collimated, coherently pulsed, laser beam.
This article describes a flexible and extensible infrastructure for applying Web-Technologies to embedded systems.The presented approach develops a Three-level-Architecture consisting of the embedded system, the universal Remote-Access-Server and the Remote-Access-Client. A system-spanning general interface allows the binding of embedded systems in order to access their process data. Additionally, this procedure facilitates a flexible processing of the device data, so that it is ready to be used by different control devices. To ensure flexibility - connecting different devices on the one side and providing information for different clients like PC, PDA or mobile phone on the other side - a new XML-based description language (Service Description Markup Language - SDML) is introduced. The SDML documents contain information about connected embedded systems, reusable device data and the presentation ...
An original device and a method of its application for restoring of the function of relatively incompetent valves (both patented) are elaborated. Application of the new device allows to lower the difficulty of surgical treatment, to decrease the duration of operation and post-operative period. The long-term results of six-year long experience of its application are presented. The patients examination after 2,5-3,0-year post-operation period shows perfect vein valve correction. A device for stone extraction from tubular organs (patented) fabricated with titanium nickelide superelastic alloy is presented. The new suggested design is free of the drawback inherent in the previous one. The working element of the device is formed as a truncated cone or a truncated cone coaxial with the cylinder (the previous design was formed as a full cone) that prevents overstraining and residual strain accumulation during ...
The rapid global loss of natural habitats and biodiversity, and limited resources, place a premium on maximizing the expected benefits of conservation actions. The scarcity of information on the fine-grained...Full Text Available
An overview of the Department of Energy`s Office of Industrial Technologies and its private sector partnerships is presented. Commercial success stories and real-world benefits of the technology partnerships are discussed.
Instructional systems design is a process for assessing learning needs, creating instructional programs, and evaluating effectiveness of learning. We discuss the benefits of including instructional systems design theory and practice in the curriculum, with an emphasis on making the process relevant for student nurse anesthetists. PMID:10488275
Secondary caries and restoration fracture remain the two most common problems in restorative dentistry. Release of fluoride ions (F) could be a substantial benefit because F could enrich neighboring...Full Text Available
BACKGROUND: Patients with shoulder disorders are believed to benefit considerably from steroid injections. However, the controversy about their efficacy persists. AIM: The study was designed to assess...Full Text Available
Patients with Alport syndrome progressively lose renal function as a result of defective type IV collagen in their glomerular basement membrane. In mice lacking the α3 chain of type IV collagen...Full Text Available
Fresh blood has many potential advantages over older blood, but there is no evidence that these properties translate into clinical benefit for intensive care patients. The observational multicenter...Full Text Available
BackgroundNew Zealand's Primary Health Care Strategy (NZPHCS) was introduced in 2002. Its features are substantial increases in government funding delivered as capitation payments,...Full Text Available
Use of gas-fired combined-cycle technology (GFCC) in the electric-utility sector could play an important role in a least-cost planning strategy and thereby provide significant benefits to the utilities and their customers. Potential benefits include reduced capital and operating costs, more-effective matching of load growth and capacity additions, greater system reliability, and reduced environmental emissions. GFCC technology was examined in eight utility systems in six geographic regions to estimate the potential benefits of its use. In all systems, GFCC technology was shown to have the potential to reduce the cumulative capital costs for adding new capacity. The overall conclusion of the study is that GFCC technology offers the potential for significant savings in many regions of the United States and that these benefits would appear over a wide range of economic conditions. The study provides ...
Nucleic acids are molecules of choice for both established and emerging nanoscale technologies. These technologies benefit from large functional densities of ‘DNA processing elements’...Full Text Available
A substantial proportion of lymph node-negative patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy do not derive any benefit from this aggressive and potentially toxic treatment. However, standard histopathological...Full Text Available
Polyandrous mating is common, but the benefits for females of polyandry remain controversial. To test whether mating with multiple males affects female fitness, we compared lifetime components of fitness...Full Text Available
The analysis described demonstrates the use of benefit/cost sensitivity analysis in examining the wide range of potential damages and savings associated with converting oil-fired electric utility boilers to burn coal in Florida. This model, for the first time incorporates, in quantitative terms, environmental economic externalities into a benefit/cost ratio sensitivity analysis framework. Five different dose-response estimates of morbidity and mortality costs, property devaluation, and willing-to-pay estimates are used in combination with four acid rain dose-response models to estimate the net present worth of externality costs. The model estimates the net present worth of benefits by incorporating into a dynamic framework all relevant construction, O + M, and fuel costs of converting an electrical generation facility from using oil to coal. These benefits of fuel savings are then weighted against ...
Medical treatment of heroin addiction with methadone and other pharmacotherapies has important benefits for individuals and society. However, regulatory policies have separated this treatment from the...Full Text Available
Despite the health-related benefits of exercise, many people do not engage in enough activity to realize the rewards, and little is known regarding the genetic or environmental components that account...Full Text Available
Optimization of radiation shielding for a medium energy accelerator with 60 MeV alpha ions is carried out using the cost-benefit approach. Cost optimum shield thicknesses are estimated for different operating conditions of the accelerator. (author). 5 refs, 1 tab.
Finding pertinent information is not limited to search engines. Online communities can amplify the influence of a small number of power users for the benefit of all other users. Users' information foraging...Full Text Available
...The Political Evolution of the Landfill Tax in the UK wm-1996-03 Green Taxes, Waste Management and Political Economy 1995 ^ Top ...on civil engineering Lifecycle assessment - an overlooked opportunity Refereed Journal Articles: Green taxes, waste management and political economy Reports: Environmental cost benefit ...
Peptic ulcer bleeding is a common disease and recurrent bleeding is an independent risk factor of mortality. Infusion with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) prevents recurrent bleeding after successful...Full Text Available
Somatic radiation doses are recognized to be possible factors of carcinogenesis. In correctly performed mammography, however, even as screening test, the radiation dose does not reach such an order of magnitude that the benefit of the procedure as to prevention of breast cancer is called into question.
BackgroundSeveral kinds of anti-oxidants have drawn a lot of intension for their benefits on vascular protection. In addition, it has been demonstrated that exercise training could...Full Text Available
ObjectivesThis working group aims to conduct an in-depth analysis and synthesis of the health risks and benefits of producing and consuming your own food in urban areas. It will have a particular focus on urban soil pollutants - including both toxic elements and persistent organic pollutants that can pass up through the food chain or be ingested in soil. It will consider pathways of pollutant transport and deposition and human uptake from urban cultivation. Against the health risks associated with expos [continued...]DescriptionIn the UK there are over 250,000 allotment holders, many in urban areas, and in many city gardens fruit and vegetables are grown, often in regions known to have a legacy of environmental pollution. The activities of cultivating and eating 'home grown' foods holds both risks and benefits, yet the balance of risk and benefits and the resulting net implications for human health have not been clearly ...
Purpose:The risks and benefits of continuing bisphosphonate therapy beyond 5 years in patients with primary osteoporosis have not been well established.Methods:We...Full Text Available
Objective: To investigate the efficacy, safety, and clinical benefit of a once-daily formulation of trazodone (Trazodone Contramid® OAD) in the treatment of major depressive...Full Text Available
Results of field applications of boric acid in the secondary coolant circuits of seven PWR units for the purpose of reducing the rate of corrosion denting are reported. Based on available data at the power plants considered in this study, it was not possible to support or refute the benefit of using boric acid secondary water treatment.
Investigations of enzymes involved in DNA metabolism have strongly benefited from the establishment of single molecule techniques. These experiments frequently require elaborate DNA substrates, which...Full Text Available
BackgroundSupplementation of nutritional deficiencies helps to improve immune function and resistance to infections in malnourished subjects. However, the suggested benefits of dietary...Full Text Available
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:In view of increasing therapeutic efficacy, the delivery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral treatment is expected to increase. Yet practical experience reveals...Full Text Available
The sale of consumer products over the Internet has grown rapidly, including the sale of drugs. While the growth in online drug sales by reputable pharmacies is a trend that may provide benefits to...Full Text Available
BackgroundAlthough the health benefits of breastfeeding are well established, early introduction of formula remains a common practice. Cultural beliefs and practices can have an...Full Text Available
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been the subject of extensive investigation regarding its possible benefits on a variety of human diseases. In some animal studies, CLA has been shown to have a beneficial...Full Text Available
Background & AimsData are conflicting on the benefit of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS);...Full Text Available
Many species introduced by humans for social and economic benefits have invaded new ranges by escaping from captivity. Such invasive species can negatively affect biodiversity and economies. Understanding...Full Text Available
This paper reported on a life cycle assessment (LCA) study that compared the environmental impacts of business-as-usual manure management with those of a manure management operation incorporating anaerobic digestion with combined heat and power generation. The case study was based on a medium sized dairy farm in northern New York State. The study identified the benefits resulting from the displacement of fossil fuels, and reduction of related emissions. Although anaerobic digestion of dairy manure with energy recovery through biogas combustion is viewed as a positive environmental approach to increase the use of renewable energy, there are potential negative impacts that can counteract the environmental benefits. The negative impacts are associated with emissions of methane and nitrogen species during digestion and after spreading of digester effluent. The environmental impacts and their causes should be evaluated in order to promote best ...
Abstract Aims To determine the long-term health economic benefits associated with lispro vs. regular human insulin (RHI) in UK Type 1 diabetic (T1DM) patients using the previously published and validated CORE Diabetes Model. Methods A literature review designed to capture clinical benefits associated with lispro and T1DM cohort characteristics specific to UK was undertaken. Clinical benefits were derived from a Cochrane meta-analysis. The estimated difference (weighted mean) in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was -0.1% (95% confidence interval -0.2 to 0.0%) for lispro vs. RHI. Severe hypoglycaemia rates for lispro and RHI were 21.8 and 46.1 events per 100 patient years, respectively. Costs and disutilities were accounted for severe hypoglycaemia rates. All costs were accounted in 2007 UK from...
Adjuvant therapy aims to prevent outgrowth of residual disease but can induce serious side effects. Weighing conflicting treatment effects and communicating this information with patients is not elementary....Full Text Available
A novel acidizing process is used to increase the permeability of carbonate rock cores in the laboratory and to remove drilling fluid damage from cores and wafers. Field results show the benefits of the technology as applied both to injector and producer wells.
There are a range of barriers precluding patients from fully engaging in and benefiting from the spectrum of eHealth interventions developed to support patient access to health information, disease...Full Text Available
Thiamin(e), also known as vitamin B1, is now known to play a fundamental role in energy metabolism. Its discovery followed from the original early research on the ‘anti-beriberi factor’...Full Text Available
Incorporation of clinical decision support (CDS) capabilities is required to realize the greatest benefits from computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems. Discussions at a conference on CDS in...Full Text Available
We propose triplet superconductors, such as ruthenates, as prospective materials for qubit construction. The vectorial nature of the order parameter in triplet superconductors makes it conceptually easy to estimate the performance of the qubits. The Cooper condensate of pairs in triplet superconductors has all the attributes of Bose-Einstein condensates and should facilitate long decoherence times for these qubits, relative to other vectorial schemes for qubits, such as small ferromagnets. There are other benefits, which the superconducting state provides for requirements such as entanglement between qubits via the proximity effect, etc. We consider these benefits in detail, although our consideration is only preliminary and further experimental and theoretical research will undoubtedly introduce correctives.
This paper explores how an aid-funded Ph.D.-programme in mathematics education instituted in some Southern African Development Community countries measures up to issues related to research capacity development projects. The research capacity development programme is described and reflected against mutual benefit, relevance, sustainability and prioritization of the location of project funding expenditure--some of the constructs in the discourse on research capacity development initiatives. It is found that the benefits of the programme are indeed mutual; the outcomes regarding relevance and sustainability are more uncertain and the location of expenditure of the funding is not overtly in favour of the donor country.
The authors report a novel configuration for a zinc-particle, packed-bed anode in which an open structure of high hydraulic permeability is maintained indefinitely in a cell with closely spaced walls by the formation of particle bridges and associated gaps. The configuration minimizes electrolyte pumping costs, allows rapid refueling and partial recharge, and provides for 100% zinc consumption. This approach benefits zinc/air fuel batteries by allowing nearly continuous operation and fuel recycle without commercial infrastructure; it benefits Zn/[Fe(CN){sub 6}]{sup {minus}3} batteries by eliminating shape-change and polarization problems found with planar anodes.
Geothermal heat pump systems are a promising new energy technology that has shown rapid increase in usage over the past 10 years in the United States. These systems offer substantial benefits to consumers and utilities in energy (kWh) and demand (kW) savings. The purpose of this study was to determine what existing monitored data were available mainly from electric utilities on heat pump performance, energy savings, and demand reduction for residential, school, and commercial building applications. Information was developed on the status of electric utility marketing programs, barriers to market entry, incentive programs, and benefits.
Geothermal heat pump systems are a promising new energy technology that has shown rapid increase in usage over the past ten years in the United States. These systems offer substantial benefits to customers and utilities in energy (kWh) and demand (kW) savings. The purpose of this study was to determine what existing monitored data was available mainly from electric utilities on heat pump performance, energy savings and demand reduction for residential, school, and commercial building applications. Information was developed on the status of electric utility marketing programs, barriers to market penetration, incentive programs, and benefits.
The genetically significant dose (GSD) is an index variable which exclusively allows to describe the genetic risk in the progeny of a population due to the application of ionizing radiation and radioactive substances in one part of this population. It may result in wrong interpretation of population exposure at increasing incidence of examinations in a population involving ionizing radiation and radioactive drugs at simultaneously increasing application of alternative methods in children and adolescents owing to the fact that it indicates a downward trend although somatic exposure of this population has increased. Therefore, it is recommended to state both the GSD and the level of somatic radiation exposure of the population taken from the individual sources for the comparison and assessment of radiation exposure from various sources in future. Although the somatically significant dose constitutes the suitable variable complementary to GSD in thus context, it is ...
Up to now the retention of radioactive material for nuclear facilities has been based on the maximum individual dose. The maximum individual dose can locally be lowered considerably by higher dissolution. In general, the collective doses are not lowered by this. In order to set up regulations concerning collective doses, the new recommmendations of the ICRP are very welcome. However, the costs of detriment and the period to be considered have not yet been defined. Therefore there are no fixed methods for carrying out a cost-benefit analysis. Furthermore, for nuclear technology the costs and the effectiveness of the retention of radioactive material for non-realized facilities can only be quoted roughly, which makes a cost-benefit analysis more difficult. A cost-benefit analysis for the retention of radioactive material in nuclear power plants with LWRs and reprocessing plants of the PUREX process has been carried out with ...
Summary Reference to an ancient Hindu picture of a snarling dog may be a convincing enough proof to consider the fact that rabies has been known in the world for the past 50 centuries. Prior to the monumental observation about rabies of Fracastoro in the 16th century, facts and fantasies were intermingled in the study of rabies. In the realm of fantasy, consider the statement of Aristotle (otherwise a great philosopher) that only animals and not humans die of rabies. It took 19 centuries before Fracastoro finally established that infection with rabies is lethal for all warm-blooded beings including humans. The new era of rabies dates from the time of Galtier who isolated the virus and Pasteur who was able to create a somewhat attenuated strain of virus fixe which became the tool of laborat...
The paper stresses the difficulties to establish nutritional standard due to the fact that non-existent previous parameters because it is an new type of accident, becoming necessary an elaboration and use of nutritional plans coherent with probable demands, needs and complications of the patients. It is shown how that was accomplished without any prejudice to the other inpatients. The role of the nutritionists in all evolutional phase of the contaminated persons is described ed, introducing many types of diets used in accordance with individual and general demands. One case in which parenteral nutrition was utilized is analysed. The patients discharge from hospital conditions is explained and was a fact that all patients gained weight, concluding the writer says that was not possible to perform a deeper evaluation because of the great risk of contamination always present. (author).
We present a detailed analysis of the self-organization phenomenon in which the stylized facts originate from finite size effects with respect to the number of agents considered and disappear in the limit of an infinite population. By introducing the possibility that agents can enter or leave the market depending on the behavior of the price, it is possible to show that the system self-organizes in a regime with a finite number of agents which corresponds to the stylized facts. The mechanism to enter or leave the market is based on the idea that a too stable market is unappealing for traders while the presence of price movements attracts agents to enter and speculate on the market. We show that this mechanism is also compatible with the idea that agents are scared by a noisy and risky market at shorter time scales. We also show that the mechanism for self-organization is robust with respect to variations of the exit/entry rules and that the ...
A new microbial transglutaminase (MTGase or MTG, EC 2.3.2.13) from a Streptomyces sp. strain isolated from Brazilian soil samples was characterized in crude and purified forms. The aim of this work is to provide relevant information about a new transglutaminase and to compare its characteristics with the well-known commercial transglutaminase from Ajinomoto Co. Inc. (Activa? TG-BP). The enzyme from Streptomyces sp., in both crude and pure forms, exhibited optimal activity in the 6.0?6.5 pH range and at 35?40?C. The results for the commercial enzyme were the same. A second maximum of activity was observed at pH?10.0 with both the crude Streptomyces sp. enzyme and the commercial enzyme. This interesting fact has not been reported in the literature previously. The fact that this second maximu...
The lateral bearing device is made of 7 lateral supports, each positioned to allow the displacement of the steam generator due to thermal or seismic effects. Each support includes a buffer plate that can be positioned on the steam generator using a position control assembly. This control assembly consists of a screw jack arrangement where the nut is fastened via an energy absorbing layer to a footplate that is fixed to the concrete wall of the steam generator enclosure. 4 figs.
We have investigated tailoring damage effects of explosive devices by addition of unconventional materials, specifically combustible metals. Initial small-scale as well as full-scale testing has been performed. The explosives functioned to disperse and ignite these materials. Incendiary, enhanced-blast, and fragment-damage effect have been identified. These types of effects can be used to extend the damage done to hardened facilities. In other cases it is desirable to disable the target with minimal collateral damage. Use of unconventional materials allows the capability to tailor the damage and effects of explosive devices for these and other applications. Current work includes testing of an incendiary warhead for a penetrator.
High power and particle deposition on target materials are encountered in many applications including magnetic and inertial fusion devices, nuclear and high energy physics applications, and laser and discharge produced plasma devices. Surface and structural damage to plasma-facing components due to the frequent loss of plasma confinement remains a serious problem for the Tokamak reactor concept. The deposited plasma energy causes significant surface erosion, possible structural failure, and frequent plasma contamination.
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are being used in space applications because of attractive attributes: good density, moderate speed, low cost, and quick turn-around time. However, these devices are susceptible to Single Event Upsets (SEUs). An approach using triple modular redundancy (TMR) and feedback was developed for flip-flop hardening in these devices. Test data showed excellent results for this circuit topology. Total dose and Single Event Effect (SEE) testing have been performed on recently released technologies. Failures are analyzed and test methodology is discussed.
Advances in the development of several electrooptic shutter devices utilizing the quadratic electrooptic effect of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramic wafers are described. Aperture sizes utilized in these PLZT devices ranged from 25 ..mu..m to 0.25 m. Practical applications of the shutters discussed in this paper include eye protection in military and industrial applications, a goggle-type device with dual synchronously operated PLZT shutters for use in a stereoscopic three-dimensional TV display, an electrically controlled variable density filter for use with vidicon tubes, a large-aperture photographic shutter for image motion compensation cameras, and a page composer for use in a holographic memory system.
Recently, organic semiconducting materials have gained a broad interest due to their potential for organic electronic devices such as organic light emitting diode (OLED), organic photovoltaic devices and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Optical properties of organic semiconducting materials are important for practical application. For example, the power conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices is mainly affected by absorption properties of organic materials. Proton irradiation is one of the efficient methods to change the optical properties of organic materials. In this paper, we investigate the changes of optical properties of various polymers using the proton irradiation.
The saturation of free electron laser (FEL) output power by the KHI-FEL device was achieved on 3rd, October 2000 at the wavelength of 9.3 #mu#m. The FEL device has operated thereafter successfully in the wavelength region between 4.0 and 16.0 #mu#m. The macropulse average FEL power of 37.5 kW, which is the theoretical saturation level, has been obtained at the wavelength of 7.9 #mu#m. The net FEL gain was estimated to be 16%. (author)
Experimentally it is shown that a movable grounded metallic plate placed inside a multi-dipole magnetic cage can vary the diffused plasma parameters such as density, plasma potential and electron temperature. Plasma is solely produced in the source section of a double plasma device by a dc hot filament discharge and a low-density plasma is produced in the target section by local ionization of neutral gas by the high energetic electrons coming from the source section. A grounded movable stainless steel plate is inserted in the target section of the device. The floating potential of the plate also changes depending on the position of the plate inside the magnetic cage.
The procedure of charge-coupled devices (CCD) are investigated by using MOS capacitors for enhancing their ionizing radiation tolerance. Authors have found that the gate oxidation temperature, thickness of SiO_2 gate insulator and high temperature processes after gate oxidation are crucial for determining the radiation tolerance of the devices, and proposed to decrease the thickness of gate insulator, perform gate oxidation at 1000 deg C by means of dry oxidation and minimize the number of high temperature procedure steps after gate oxidation. All stated above is a necessary preparation for priducing radiation hardened charge-coupled devices.
The feasibility of a high-energy electron cooling device has been studied through tests on a prototype of the electron device. The apparatus consists of a pulsed ((20-60) keV, 2#mu#s) electron gun, a drift region 1 m long and of a depressed collector for recovering the electron energy. Tests on beam optics and energy recovery have been performed, a high-energy recovery efficiency has been attained. Experimental results are discussed in this paper.
In the well-known devices for increasing the decontamination factor in the treatment of radioactive waste water by evaporation, which consist of narrowing devices with evaporator sump and condenser, droplets of liquid and solid particles are carried over from the breeder space, which are radioactive and therefore make the decontamination factor worse. Better results are obtained if one places a fibre bed filter between the evaporator sump and the condenser, preferably in a horizontal connecting pipe between the evaporator sump and the condenser.
Two new identical insertion devices have been designed for the Daresbury SRS. They are 2T permanent-magnet multipole wigglers that will provide high flux in the X-ray region. This paper describes the magnetic and mechanical design of the arrays of steel pole pieces and permanent-magnet blocks. Also given is the engineering design of the support structure that will cope with the very large forces present while maintaining high levels of precision in gap setting and parallelism. The engineering design has been fully assessed using finite-element techniques to predict the deflections of critical parts of the structure. These two devices are due to be installed into the SRS by the end of 1998.
A novel device called the gas expansion model (GEM) is being developed at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory for testing in the 400-MW(th) fast flux test facility (FFTF) reactor. Incorporation of the GEM into liquid-metal reactor designs is intended to measurably contribute to the achievement of inherent safety, by allowing the reactor to passively shut down even in the extremely remote (hypothetical) event of an unprotected (no scram) loss-of-flow accident. The purpose of this paper is to describe the GEM and present predictive analyses of the effectiveness of the device during unprotected loss-of-flow experiments in the FFTF.
A novel device called the gas expansion model (GEM) is being developed at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory for testing in the 400-MW(th) fast flux test facility (FFTF) reactor. Incorporation of the GEM into liquid-metal reactor designs is intended to measurably contribute to the achievement of inherent safety, by allowing the reactor to passively shut down even in the extremely remote (hypothetical) event of an unprotected (no scram) loss-of-flow accident. The purpose of this paper is to describe the GEM and present predictive analyses of the effectiveness of the device during unprotected loss-of-flow experiments in the FFTF.
... The acousto-optic device have a 30 MHz 1 ... coherent systems including compact non-coherent optical ... a relatively simple phase switching approach. ...
BackgroundThe routine removal of orthopaedic fixation devices after fracture healing remains an issue of debate. There are no evidence-based guidelines on this matter, and little...Full Text Available
... electronic feedback system' connected to a Q switch ... The use of acousto-optic (AO) beam steering devices for BMDO (SDI) applications is very ...
A silicon solar cell assembly comprising a large, thin silicon solar cell bonded to a metal mount for use when there exists a mismatch in the thermal expansivities of the device and the mount.
Introduction: Patients in underdeveloped nations have limited access to life-saving medical technology including cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices. We evaluated alternative means to provide such technology to this patient population while assessing the safety and efficacy of such a practice. Methods: Patients in the United States with clinical indications for extraction of CRM devices were consented. Antemortem CRM devices were cleaned and sterilized following a protocol established at our institution. Surveillance in vitro cultures were performed for quality assurance. The functional status of pulse generators was tested with a pacing system analyzer to confirm at least 70% battery life. Most generators were transported, in person, to an implanting institution in Nicaragua. Recipien...
We report on studies of device degradation in organic photovoltaic devices based on blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Since delamination, oxidation, and chemical interactions at the metal electrode/organic interface have long been posited as degradation pathways in organic electronic devices, we first investigated the stability of a variety of electrodes for devices stored in an inert, dark environment. Second, a set of experiments was designed to separate the effects at the metal/organic interface from the degradation of the active layer or the hole extraction interface. To do this, Ca/Al electrodes were deposited to complete half of a substrate's devices, and samples were left both under constant illumination and 10% illumination (10% duty cycle of 1 sun illumination) in a glovebox environment. After more than ...
Here we describe the fabrication, optimization, and application of a microfluidic device that integrates microdialysis (MD) sampling, microchip electrophoresis (ME), and electrochemical detection...Full Text Available
Pd/n-Si and Pd/n-GaAs devices have been irradiated from high energy ({approx}100 MeV) heavy ions of Au{sup 7+} (gold) and Si{sup 7+} (silicon) to study the irradiation effects in these junction devices on semiconductor substrates. The devices have been characterized from I-V and C-V studies for electronic flow characterization. It has been found that the devices become high resistive on the irradiation and the substrates change the conductivity type from n- to p- on the irradiation of fluence of {approx}10{sup 12}-10{sup 13} ions/cm{sup 2}. The change in conductivity type has been understood as a result of creation of deep acceptors on the irradiation.
The methods of superconducting device fabrication by lithography and multilevel processing usually require a number of processing steps with lithographic resolution and alignment adequate for the scale of the device be fabricated. As an alternative, the focused ion beam (FIB) microscope is increasingly being used directly to fabricate devices. A major advantage of using a FIB compared to other lithography methods is its flexibility and high resolution. It allows in-situ, milling (#propor to#5 nm at a beam current of 1 pA) to a variety of depths, and imaging (2 nm) of the sample. In this paper we describe our development of junction fabrication techniques using the FIB and their application in creating a range of potential sensor devices and quantum electronics applications. (copyright 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)
... Thus. thi, characteristic further buggeots, other things unchanging, that the more *multifunction" the ccna ;Ituent devices ari., t~he more efficienit the ...
A compact and supersensitive device that can rapidly detect minute trace vapors from concealed explosives has been developed by scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The new explosives sensor can detect and chemically identify organic nitrogen-oxygen compounds which are the building blocks of explosives such as TNT, plastiques, and nitroglycerine. The device could be used to scan persons entering airport terminals, nuclear power plants, defense installations, or other sensitive locations, providing greater security against potential terrorism. This device works on a glow discharge principle, and is more specifically called an ''Atmospheric Sampling Glow Discharge Ionization'' (ASGDI) source. The new detector is a highly automated, miniaturized version of research mass spectrometers widely used to trace constituents of chemical mixtures. Detail of this ...
With the increased costs of maintaining boilers and chillers entrepreneurs around the country have offered magnetic and similar devices to facilities as viable alternatives to their maintenance program. This report gives a brief history of some of the pre...
A device is described for transporting loads, especially for moving belt driving stations in open pit mining operations with a propelling mechanism which for lifting a respective load is operable to move into a free space formed by the load with the ground. The device comprises a plurality of lifting mechanisms, by means of which, a lifting platform can be brought into engagement with a supporting surface of the load. The device comprises at least one supporting member which is so designed that it prevents the lifting platform from lifting off lifting mechanisms. Furthermore, means are provided which permit a turning of the lifting platform relative to the lifting mechanisms about a vertical axis which is arranged in a certain relationship to the propelling mechanism.
This paper reviews various techniques to harden Charged Coupled Device (CCD) sensors and the results after irradiation of three Thomson n buried channel CCDs having a different degree of hardening. It describes the major irradiation effects on CCD performances and it makes a comparison of the results between the different hardening levels. It shows good results on dark voltage after ionizing radiation for TH 7863M device hardened both by design and by operating conditions (MPP mode) with respect to the standard device TH 7863A. The irradiations were performed with "6"0Co or X-ray (10 keV) sources on devices in operating mode. (author). 3 refs., 8 figs.
An assessment is made of the biological effects and physical hazards of static and time-varying fields associated with the NMR devices that are being used for clinical imaging and in vivo spectroscopy. A summary is given of the current state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms of interaction and the bioeffects of these fields. Additional topics that are discussed include: (1) physical effects on pacemakers and metallic implants such as aneurysm clips, (2) human health studies related to the effects of exposure to nonionizing electromagnetic radiation, and (3) extant guidelines for limiting exposure of patients and medical personnel to the fields produced by NMR devices. On the basis of information available at the present time, it is concluded that the fields associated with the current generation of NMR devices do not pose a significant health risk in themselves. However, rigorous guidelines must be followed to avoid ...
This chapter consists of some points including an introduction, the basic parts of mass spectroscope device, sample introduction into the inductively coupled plasma, pneumatic nebuliser, ultrasonic nebuliser, dry gas cloud system, laser ablation unit, inductively coupled plasma-ion source, extraction of ions from ion source, mass analysis, quad-polar mass spectrometer, dual assembly mass spectrometer, mass spectrometer by calculation of time of flight, ion interferences and the ability of resolution, ion counter, working conditions of inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscope device, efficiency of ion transportation in an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscope device and applications of analysis using mass spectroscope of induced plasma including nuclear, industrial, geological, environmental and archaeological applications, measurement of isotopes ratio and applications in tracing crimes.
Fusion device produces high-level neutrons and #gamma#-rays, which would hazard the safety of the public and workers if the doses would be higher than the regulatory limits because of leakage from the bio-shielding and skyshine. It is essential to monitor the radiation doses in the workshop and the enumerative around fusion devices. A radiation monitoring system (RMS) for full (near and far) areas around a nuclear fusion device has been designed and developed, which can achieve the monitoring and controlling of radiation doses in the workshop area by using the Controller Area Network (CAN), in the institution area by using the Bluetooth Ad hoc network based on a new tree topology formation and routing protocol and in a long range environment by using the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network. (authors)
The time dependence of negative corona current I, called by Gagarin like 'relaxing of CV-characteristics', is a observed phenomena. The observed phenomena was explained by two theoretical models considering the ion-molecule and chemical reactions in the negative corona discharges in air, especially the ozone production. In the presented paper the discrepancies of above mentioned models, re-examination the earlier experimental data and presumptions used in models in a light the latest experimentally confirmed facts are discussed.
In spite of the fact that market requirements for new plants continue to be restricted, steam turbine technology and operation engineers have left nothing undone to improve products and operating characteristics. They are generally guided by the principle of optimum economic power supplies but lowest pollution. The new eastern markets are expected to give new impulses to steam turbine design. Cogeneration is of special future importance. (orig.).
The discovery of a new particle in the Higgs searches being prepared for LHC will not guarantee that the Standard Model Higgs boson has been seen. This paper discusses the possibilities for measuring the spin, parity and couplings of the particle, under the assumption that it does in fact behave like the Standard Model Higgs. The key question, which cannot alas be answered, is: if it looks like a dog, and barks like a dog, how much of the DNA must we analyse to be sure that it is a dog?
The influence of additionally injected short-wavelength photobleaching light on the radiation hardness of Ge-doped graded index fibers working at 1,300 nm wavelength is investigated. Predictions are complicated by the fact that more efficient shortwave bleaching light experiences higher radiation-induced loss. Promising results are found for low fiber temperatures (approx-lt -50 C) and bleaching light of about 835 nm wavelength.
In the quantum regime information can be copied with only a finite fidelity. This fidelity gradually increases to 1 as the system becomes classical. In this Letter we show how this fact can be used to directly measure the amount of radiated power. We demonstrate how these principles can be used to build a practical primary standard.
The Hanford Site in eastern Washington state currently is engaged in the largest waste cleanup in world history. In order to make informed decisions about remediation options, the public throughout the Pacific Northwest and the nation needs to understand the wastes that are present, their sources of generation, their composition, and their behavior in the environment. The fact that Hanford operations` were conducted in secret for over four decades presents a unique public information challenge to those who currently are responsible for communicating with the public.
Cellulose raw materials costs must be considered in order to obtain a minimized hexose cost. In recognition of this fact, it may be economically advantageous to operate at less than maximum hexose concentration in the reactor and to recycle unreacted cellulose. The objective of this article is to optimize a cellulose-recycle reactor system for producing hexose at minimum cost. A sensitivity analysis of the important variables in the mathematical model of this system is also discussed.
Transient enhanced diffusion in boron-implanted silicon is interpreted as being due to the fact that during rapid thermal annealing a relaxation process takes place, associated with quasi-chemical reactions including defects. A simple analytical model makes it possible to describe the annealing mechanism on a microscopic scale in terms of reaction-diffusion processes. The measured dependences of the boron diffusion coefficient of the enhanced diffusion on time, temperature and implantation energy are satisfactorily explained. (author).
Transient enhanced diffusion in boron-implanted silicon is interpreted as being due to the fact that during rapid thermal annealing a relaxation process takes place, associated with quasi-chemical reactions including defects. A simple analytical model makes it possible to describe the annealing mechanism on a microscopic scale in terms of reaction-diffusion processes. The measured dependences of the boron diffusion coefficient of the enhanced diffusion on time, temperature and implantation energy are satisfactorily explained. (author).
... News In Practice UK work Key facts & information Mass Balance Projects Resources & Library Technical Area Contacts Site Map Benchmarking solvent waste in the UK furniture manufacturing industry OrganisationBritish Furniture Manufacturers Ltd Project ReportSolvent Waste in Furniture Manufacturing Website: www.bfmenvironment.co.uk Return to list RSWT | Website Design Quiet Storm Solutions Ltd Please consider upgrading your browser! If you can see this ...
A range of lessons have been identified from previous attempts to implement long term radioactive waste management policy in the UK and internationally. Many of these relate to the way the decision-making process is undertaken and the fact that there needs to be an open, transparent process that enables continuous stakeholder involvement. Nirex believes that using the SEA and EIA frameworks will help to incorporate the lessons learned into the future decision-making process relating to long-term radioactive waste management.
Despite successful reduction of the general lead exposure, this heavy metal is still a matter of public concern due to the fact that associations with intellectual impairment or delayed puberty are found to correlate with very low lead blood concentrations. Lead in tap water is still an important contribution to lead exposure which may cause health risk for infants. Therefore, lead pipes should be completely sanitated by exchange against pipes made from more healthy materials. (orig.)
The synthesis of experimental data concerning the effect of jet stagnation conditions on the drag of various afterbodies is presented. Jet pressure ratio effect on boattail pressure and on boundary layer separation is analyzed. This study is made for several values of the boundary layer thickness, taking into account the fact that some test rigs make its control possible by means of tangential blowing.
Experimentally it is found that at constant temperature the order-parameter relaxation time, tausub(..delta..), decreases with increasing power of the microwaves, coupled into a superconducting strip. If the same increase in critical current, that corresponds with a given power of the microwaves, is obtained by lowering the temperature, the decrease in tausub(..delta..) is smaller. This reflects the fact that quasiparticles are removed more efficiently from the gap edge by microwaves than by lowering the temperature in equilibrium. A modified time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation is shown to describe these results adequately.
Standard SCR catalysts possess high activity for the hydrolysis of HNCO and thus explain the suitability of urea as a selective reducing agent for NO{sub x}. At high space velocities HNCO-slip can get perceptible over the entire temperature range. This can be attributed to the fact that the temperature dependence is strong for the SCR reaction, but weak for the hydrolysis reaction. (author) 3 figs., 5 refs.
This article examines the question of finding the best quadratic function to approximate a given function on an interval. The prototypical function considered is f(x) = ex. Two approaches are considered, one based on Taylor polynomial approximations at various points in the interval under consideration, the other based on the fact that three non-collinear points determine a unique quadratic function. Three different techniques for measuring the error in the approximations are considered.
The K"+- and K"-meson cumulative production cross sections are measured at 119"0 in the laboratory system on nuclei Be, Al, Cu and Ta bombarded by 10 GeV protons. Spectra of the K"-mesons consisting of only sea quarks show universal features characteristic of the spectra of cumulative particles, which contain valence quarks. Evidence is obtained for the fact that the energy density in a flucton can exceed the mean nuclear density by an order of magnitude.
Considering the fact that more than 40% of all household wastes are organic wastes composting could be an excellent relief and complement to other waste disposal methods (e.g. combustion or direct landfills). Provided the right conditions household wastes could be composted together with sewage sludges and manures. The paper discusses the legal aspects, quantitative evaluations, conveying systems, as well as the compost utilization and marketing aspects valid for the Federal Republic of Germany.
The study concludes that while the diversification into nonutility activities by the Rural Electric Cooperatives and the Rural Telephone Cooperatives has been expanding, the regulatory activities by the Rural Electrification Administration and the state public utility commissions have been inadequate to guard against cross-subsidization. In fact, there generally exist no data to identify and investigate illegal cross-subsidization activities of cooperatives. Increasing the regulatory functions of state public utility commissions and the REA was recommended.
The free energy of a gas of closed strings with extrinsic curvature (smooth strings) is evaluated on a torus. This is compared with the free energy of a collection of free particles, and hence the mass spectrum of excitations of the smooth strings is deduced. It is found that above a critical value of the coupling constant of the curvature term the spectrum is free of tachyons. Furthermore, there are no massless spin-2 excitations. The absence of massless spin-2 fields is a consequence of the fact that the smooth-string theory is not modular invariant.
The author notes that if hadrons are gravitationally stabilized ``black holes``, as discrete physics suggests, it is possible that partons, and in particular quarks, could be modeled as tachyons, i.e. particles having v{sup 2} > c{sup 2}, without conflict with the observational fact that neither quarks nor tachyons have appeared as ``free particles``. Some consequences of this model are explored.
A method is proposed for making a drilling mud, which includes mixing of an aqueous solution of a water soluble acrylic polymer with clay. It is distinguished by the fact that in order to reduce the corrosion activity of the clay solution, the dry clay is slaked in an aqueous solution of partially hydrolized polyacrylonitrile with the following component relationship (in percent by mass): clay, 3 to 10; hydrolized polyacrylonitrile, 3 to 5 and water, the remainder.
This is the final report of a three year DOE funded project titled ''A real-time coal content/ore grade (C{sub 2}OG) sensor''. The sensor, which is based on hyperspectral imaging technology, was designed to give a machine vision assay of ore or coal. Sensors were designed and built at Resonon, Inc., and then deployed at the Stillwater Mining Company core room in southcentral Montana for analyzing platinum/palladium ore and at the Montana Tech Spectroscopy Lab for analyzing coal and other materials. The Stillwater sensor imaged 91' of core and analyzed this data for surface sulfides which are considered to be pathfinder minerals for platinum/palladium at this mine. Our results indicate that the sensor could deliver a relative ore grade provided tool markings and iron oxidation were kept to a minimum. Coal, talc, and titanium sponge samples were also imaged and analyzed for content and grade with promising results. This research has led ...
The method of treatment of uteral cancer by the brake irradiation of 25 MeV betatrone using original devices which promote forming therapeutic figured bunches is presented. The binding of the protective blocks with a special adjusting frame within the aperture of the diaphragm provided for low relative entering dose which is the advantage of high energy irradiation bunch. The use of the forming devices makes it possible to practice individual treatment and decrease the levels of irradiation doses for intact organs and tissues.
The author recounts his experiences with insertion devices at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. His first experiences with wigglers occured at the Cambridge Electron Accelerator, and was carried over to SSRL with the proposal for a six pole electromagnetic wiggler. Most modern undulators, and many wigglers are now designed around permanent magnets, and the origin of this transition at SSRL was rather fortuitous and humorous. It reflects some of the personality characteristics of Klaus Halbach.
We demonstrate a two-dimensional device simulator for MOSFET structures that incorporates models for defect distributions and show predicted effects on device switching performance for various spatial distributions of defects in amorphous and polycrystalline silicon.
The experimental device for generation of undulator radiation in terahertz wavelength region by use of undulator with ferromagnets is created. The device is based on a beam of a microtron with the energy 7.5 MeV. The radiation wavelength is 200 mu. Registered spontaneous radiation has a power 10{sup -6} W at a current of a beam 2 mA in a pulse. With the optical resonator, in a mode, the amplification of 6% is received, that in sometimes is more than the expected value. This effect is explained as a result of partial coherence of radiation.
A tiered communications architecture for managing network traffic in a distributed system. Communication between client or control computers and a plurality of hardware devices is administered by agent and monitor devices whose activities are coordinated to reduce the number of open channels or sockets. The communications architecture also improves the transparency and scalability of the distributed system by reducing network mapping dependence. The architecture is desirably implemented in a proton beam therapy system to provide flexible security policies which improve patent safety and facilitate system maintenance and development.
The seawater in the intake structure flows into the large pump to with draw excess heat from the turbine steam condenser. In the intake structure of a nuclear power plant, undesirable pump operating characteristics such as vortices, impeller damages and non-uniform pump-approach flow around the pump bells take place frequently due to poorly-arranged intake geometry. In this study, physical modeling test was performed to predict the hydraulic phenomenon, and proposed flow control devices.
A phantom simulation imaging quality control device is described that effectively simulates one centimeter lesions, using steel ball bearings as gamma ray attenuators. The bearings are mounted in a synthetic resinous sheet in an orthogonal pattern. The phantom can provide uniformity, resolution, linearity, distortion and field size checks, all with a single exposure.
The NREL Sensitized Solar Cell (SSC) Core Program supports the Solar America Initiative by: (1) targeting new devices and processes for commercialization by 2015 that are less expensive, more efficient, highly reliable, and environmentally benign; (2) collaborating with DOE OS/BES to conduct basic research targeting breakthroughs in key areas, such as ultra-high efficiency and/or ultra-low cost materials and devices.
We study the uniqueness of solutions of a semilinear elliptic problem obtained from an inverse formulation when the nonlinear terms of the equation are prescribed in a general class of real functions. The inverse problem arises in the modeling of the magnetic confinement of a plasma in a Stellarator device. The uniqueness proof relies on an L"#infinity# -estimate on the solution of an auxiliary nonlocal problem formulated in terms of the relative rearrangement of a datum with respect to the solution.
An Ottawa-based company, ECS-Power Systems Inc., has successfully completed a series of tests on an innovative device called a hydrodynamic port (HDP), which makes it possible to automatically initiate and maintain emergency cooling of a nuclear reactor core by natural processes, without relying in any way on human intervention, instrumentation, electric power, valves or moving parts of any kind.
Biased above threshold (VT), pulsed photocurrent (u) measurements on windowed silicon Pd gate MOS capacitors are shifted (DV) negatively by H2/N2, whereas Au gates shift positively under NO2/air. Below VT, the shifts are reversed by adjustments of interface state population. Minor temperature increases may coax the device from inversion to depletion, inducing sign reversal of the chemical response.
Heterodyne detection with a point-contact Josephson junction has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The measured performance of the device at 36 GHz is in good agreement with the theory. By operating vanadium point contacts at 1.4 K, the authors have achieved a single-sideband (SSB) mixer noise temperature of 54 K with a conversion gain of 1.35 and a signal bandwidth on the order of 1 GHz. A potentially impressive performance for these devices at submillimeter wavelengths can be extrapolated from the results.
In response to severe maintenance problems caused by the highly corrosive toxic and radioactive substance used in the nuclear reprocessing industry, AEA Technology (formerly the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority) has developed a series of power fluidics devices with no moving parts. These maintenance-free devices are described in this article which also explores applications in fields outside their original brief. (UK).
ORNL has developed the technology to detect hidden explosives in luggage using X ray and neutron detection devices. The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered the airlines to buy and install Thermal Neutron Analysis (TNA) units. The combined pulsed-neutron and X-ray interrogation inspection (CPNX) system developed at ORNL uses less radioactive materials as well as being more sensitive to weapons, electronic devices and plastic explosives.
The results show that the SQUID device eddy current testing system is a suitable tool for NDE. Due to the high low-frequency sensitivity of the SQUID sensor, the SQUID device eddy current testing system permits lower examination frequencies than the conventional eddy current probe system. The SQUID system enhances fault detection in even deeper materials layers. (orig./MM).
First Solar made 9 CdTe PV devices; found two front- and one back-side structures that show improved Jsc and Voc, respectively, compared to base device structure; best cell efficiency was 14.13%.
An electrical circuit testing device is provided, comprising a case, a digital voltage level testing circuit with a display means, a switch to initiate measurement using the device, a non-shorting switching means for selecting pre-determined electrical wiring configurations to be tested in an outlet, a terminal block, a five-pole electrical plug mounted on the case surface and a set of adapters that can be used for various multiple-pronged electrical outlet configurations for voltages from 100 600 VAC from 50 100 Hz.
The device is made by a tool at the end of a flexible cable, a motor for the rotation of the flexible, a linear drive with a guide for it between the winder and the tube.
Digital optical processing (DOP) was conceived to encompass the advantages of both electronic and optical processors, which are parallelism, flexibility, and high accuracy. The authors discuss the concept of parallelism, how it applies to DOP differently than to electronic parallel processing, and other potential advantages in using DOP. A PLZT memory device is described which can perform a series of logic or memory operations. From several of these PLZT devices a DOP is constructed to illustrate some of its programmability features.
A device for marking and searching for information on a magnetic carrier is described. In order to increase the noise immunity and reliability of the data recording and reading paths, the recording head is included between the amplifier of the clock pulses for the master oscillator and through the amplifier of the code pulses for the logical element unit. The reproduction head is connected through the code pulse shaper-amplifier with a switch which is connected with the display unit, and through another analogous clock pulse amplifier with a multivibrator.
A device for laying cut peat in drying formations is proposed consisting of separate compartments, reinforced on a common frame and with mechanisms for both vertical and horizontal mixing. In order to intensify the drying process, within the scope of laying cut peat, uniform clearances and spacing in formations is applied. The mixing compartments are joined in sections with capabilities for separate mixing in each unit. The compartments are joined together by hinges and can be turned 180 degrees on the hinges horizontal to the plane.
The purpose of this research was to investigate the de-entrainment of boron for evaporators used in nuclear power plants. The forced circulation and semi-continuous type evaporator was used in the experiment. Cyclone and glass-wool packed column which is supposed to provide good decontamination factor as well as easy maintenance, were selected as de-entrainment device to be used in the evaporation of radioactive liquid wastes. The de-entrainment device combined with cyclone and glass-wool column has shown overall DF more than 1000 for boron.
We have undertaken a study of ion mobility resolution in a miniature ion mobility spectrometer with a drift channel 1.7 mm in diameter and 35 mm in length. The device attained a maximum resolution of 14 in separating ions of NO, O{sub 2}, and methyl iodine. The ions were generated by pulses from a frequency-quadrupled Nd:YAG laser. Broadening due to Coulomb repulsion was modeled theoretically and shown experimentally to have a major effect on the resolution of the miniature device.
The invention concerns an improvement of a cooling device for rotors of multistage axial steam turbines by providing in the first stage of each group of turbine stages a circulation loop connecting the wheel chamber on the inlet side of the rotor disc of the first stage with the wheel chamber on its outlet side. This is to cause the cooling effect not to be hampered by gap widths of the seal in the bottom range of the rotor blades changing during operation. Design particulars are described in detail. (UWI).
Purpose: To ensure continuous operation for condensate desalters with the control device for desalter group in a nuclear power plant by automatically averaging the operation interval between each of the desalters. Constitution: Electroconduction meters are provided at the inlet and the outlet for each of the desalters. The conduction rates at the inlet and outlet are compared to determine the re-generation timing of the condensate desalter. Limiting set value for each of the equipments in the cleanup systems is changed by using a mathematical operation circuit to average the operation interval between each of the desalters. (Ikeda, J.).
A continuous-flow filter/concentrator for separating and/or concentrating particles in a fluid is disclosed. The filter is a three-port device an inlet port, an filter port and a concentrate port. The filter separates particles into two streams by the ratio of their dielectrophoretic mobility to their electrokinetic, advective, or diffusive mobility if the dominant transport mechanism is electrokinesis, advection, or diffusion, respectively.Also disclosed is a device for separating and/or concentrating particles by dielectrophoretic trapping of the particles.
The device, aimed at non destructive control of the inner side of tubes such as steam generator tubes, is composed of a control sensor mounted on a support; the sensor head may rotate in the tube and a measuring system and signal processing allow for the exact determination of the angular position of the sensor head (application to ultrasonic or eddy current probes).
A string sieve is proposed which includes a frame, a sifting surface made of string, a device for attaching the strings made in the form of rollers installed in staggered order and a tensing device attached to traverses. To improve the effectiveness of sifting by self cleaning of the sifting surface during operation, the rollers are installed on the traverses by means of a unit of hinges, whose elastic elements are made with varying rigidity.
Studies were conducted to describe current habitat conditions in the White River basin above White River Falls and to evaluate the potential to produce anadromous fish. An inventory of spawning and rearing habitats, irrigation diversions, and enhancement opportunities for anadromous fish in the White River drainage was conducted. Survival of juvenile fish at White River Falls was estimated by releasing juvenile chinook and steelhead above the falls during high and low flow periods and recapturing them below the falls in 1983 and 1984. Four alternatives to provide upstream passage for adult salmon and steelhead were developd to a predesign level. The cost of adult passage and the estimated run size of anadromous fish were used to determine the benefit/cost of the preferred alternative. Possible effects of the introduction of anadromous fish on resident fish and on nearby Oak Springs Hatchery were evaluated. This included an inventory of resident species, a genetic ...
Working in partnership with industry, the US Department of Energy`s (DOE`s) Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) is helping reduce industrial energy use, emissions, and waste while boosting productivity. Operating within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE), OIT conducts research, development, demonstration, and technology transfer efforts that are producing substantial, measurable benefits to industry. This document summarizes some of the impacts of OIT`s programs through 1997. OIT tracks energy savings as well as other benefits associated with the successfully commercialized technologies resulting from OIT-supported research partnerships. Specifically, a chart shows current and cumulative energy savings as well as cumulative reductions of various air pollutants including particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NO{sub x}), sulfur oxides (SO{sub x}), and the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide ...
Natural resource valuation has always had a fundamental role in the practice of cost-benefit analysis of health, safety, and environmental issues. Today, this role is becoming all the more apparent in the conduct of natural resource damage assessments (NRDA) and cost-benefit analyses of environmental restoration (ER) and waste management (WM) activities. As such, environmental professionals are more interested in how natural resource values are affected by ER and WM activities. This professional interest extends to the use of NRDA values as measures of liability and legal causes of action under such environmental status as the Clean Water Act (CWA); the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA, as amended); and the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990. Also, environmental professionals are paying closer attention to NRDA values in cost-benefit analyses of risk and pollution-abatement ...
In 1992, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) began using a Flow Duration Analysis (FDA) methodology to assess headwater benefits in river basins where use of the Headwater Benefits Energy Gains (HWBEG) model may not result in significant improvements in modeling accuracy. The purpose of this study is to validate the accuracy and appropriateness of the FDA method for determining energy gains in less complex basins. This report presents the results of Oak Ridge National Laboratory`s (ORNL`s) validation of the FDA method. The validation is based on a comparison of energy gains using the FDA method with energy gains calculated using the MWBEG model. Comparisons of energy gains are made on a daily and monthly basis for a complex river basin (the Alabama River Basin) and a basin that is considered relatively simple hydrologically (the Stanislaus River Basin). In addition to validating the FDA method, ORNL was asked to suggest refinements ...
Three instruments for measuring local velocities in liquid-metal MHD experiments for fusion blanket applications are being evaluated. The devices are used in room-temperature NaK experiments to measure three-dimensional flow field patterns anticipated in complex blanket geometries. Hot film anemometry, a standard technique in ordinary fluids, is being used, as well as two developmental devices. One is called the Liquid Metal Electromagnetic Velocity Instrument (LEVI), and performs essentially as a local dc electromagnetic flow meter. The third device, a Thermal Transient Anemometer (TTA) is a rugged, yet relatively simple device, which measures local velocity through the mechanism of convective heat transfer, in some ways similar to hot-film anemometry. Results are presented showing the kinds of data collected this far with each instrument. Measurements include both local velocity measurements and some ...
Since the earliest papers on undulaters were published, it has been known how to calculate the spontaneous emission spectrum from ''short'' undulaters when the magnetic field strength parameter is small compared to unity, or in ''single'' frequency sinusoidal undulaters where the magnetic field strength parameter is comparable to or larger than unity, but where the magnetic field amplitude is constant throughout the undulater. Fewer general results have been obtained in the case where the insertion device is both short, i.e., the magnetic field strength parameter changes appreciably throughout the insertion device, and the magnetic field strength is high enough that ponderomotive effects, radiation retardation, and harmonic generation are important physical phenomena. In this paper a general method is presented for calculating the radiation spectrum for short, high-field ...
Room temperature continuous wave operation of red ([lambda][sub 0] [approximately] 660 nm) vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays is reported. The 1 [times] 64 arrays have a pitch of 100 [mu]m with device diameters of 15 [mu]m with device diameters of 15 [mu]m. Grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy, the devices consist of an AlGaInP strained quantum well optical cavity active region surrounded by AlGaAs distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR's). The top coupling DBR includes a partial dielectric stack, deposited after implanted device fabrication. All 64 devices operation simultaneously with peak output powers >0.45 mW, threshold current <1.5 mA, and threshold voltages [<=] 2.7 V. The differential quantum efficiencies exceed 10%.
We report on studies of field-effect transistor (FET) and transparent thin-film transistor (TFT) devices based on lightly Ta-doped SnO2 nano-wires. The nanowire-based devices exhibit uniform characteristics with average field-effect mobilities exceeding 100 cm2/V x s. Prototype nano-wire-based TFT (NW-TFT) devices on glass substrates showed excellent optical transparency and transistor performance in terms of transconductance, bias voltage range, and on/off ratio. High on-currents and field-effect mobilities were obtained from the NW-TFT devices even at low nanowire coverage. The SnO2 nanowire-based TFT approach offers a number of desirable properties such as low growth cost, high electron mobility, and optical transparency and low operation voltage, and may lead to large-scale applications of transparent electronics on diverse substrates. PMID:17595151
A non-synthetic polymer material, polyterpenol, was fabricated using a dry polymerization process namely RF plasma polymerization from an environmentally friendly monomer and its surface, optical and electrical properties investigated. Polyterpenol films were found to be transparent over the visible wavelength range, with a smooth surface with an average roughness of less than 0.4 nm and hardness of 0.4 GPa. The dielectric constant of 3.4 for polyterpenol was higher than that of the conventional polymer materials used in the organic electronic devices. The non-synthetic polymer material was then implemented as a surface modification of the gate insulator in field effect transistor (OFET) and the properties of the device were examined. In comparison to the similar device without the polymer insulating layer, the polyterpenol based OFET device showed significant improvements. The addition of the ...
This paper discusses the economics of legumes irradiation such as Chickpea,Lupin,Kidny Bean and broad and the effect of various parameters on unit processing costs. It provides a model for calculating specific unit processing costs by correlating known capital costs with annual operation cost an annual throughputs. We analysed the cost-benefit of the proposed grain irradiation facility. We took into account the cost of the capital investment, operation and other additional parameters and then estimated the unit processing cost. The investment criteria utilized for commercial evaluation were internal rate of return (I.I.R), pay back period (P.B.P), and average rate of return (A.R.R). The irradiation cost and the additional income are also discussed. The results of this analysis showed that the installation of an irradiation unit for legumes processing in Egypt would be economically feasible.
Climate change represents the largest social dilemma humans have ever faced, where individual actors maximise their personal gain by emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere even though this is detrimental to the collective global good. Cooperation on a global scale is urgently required if we are to overcome this problem. However, this is difficult to achieve because cooperators pay the cost of reducing emissions while any benefits are shared between cooperators and free-riders alike. In a risk-free, rational world cooperative behaviour can be promoted through mechanisms that increase the benefit of cooperating relative to free-riding, such as rewards or sanctions. In reality, however, outcomes are seldom certain and humans rarely behave rationally when confronted with risky prospects...
ObjectivesThe primary aim is to enable China to address its energy and infrastructure issues in a sustainable manner, without hindering economic progress, with the UK benefiting from an enhanced uptake of its technology, knowledge and expertise through enhanced business opportunities and strengthened collaboration with key Chinese Institutions. ~%~~%~Objectives~%~1) To build capacity and capability in technology transfer and knowledge exploitation in Chinese and UK business and industry through practical, [continued...]DescriptionThe Chinese 11th Five-Year Plan considers Sustainable Energy Supply and Sustainable Built Environment as crucial for achieving sustainable development. Recognising the potential benefits, the UK government has actively encouraged international collaborations with China. Two Engineering Schools at Queen's University Belfast (QUB), with internationally recognised research excellence in the Built ...
Buses, operating within a Florence (Italy) municipal transportation system, and equipped with Otto cycle engines, were selected for retrofitting taking into account the suitability of each vehicle`s specific routing and service requirements. Cost benefit analyses indicated that it wouldn`t be economically feasible to retrofit buses equipped with diesel engines. A computerized refuelling system was set up at the fleet`s central service station which was hooked up to the natural gas utility`s supply line. This paper tables the cost benefit analysis data comparing gasoline and methane operation and reflecting the cost savings which are expected to be accrued through this methanization program over a span of 14 years.
DOE invites small business firms to submit proposals in this sixth annual solicitation for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Firms with strong research capabilities in science or engineering in any of the topic areas described are encouraged to participate. DOE will support high-quality research or research and development (R and D) on advanced concepts concerning important energy related scientific or engineering problems and opportunities that could lead to significant public benefit if the research is successful. Objectives of this program include stimulating technological innovation in the private sector, strengthening the role of small business in meeting Federal R and D needs, increasing the commercial application of DOE-supported research results, and improving the return on investment from Federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the Nation.
Environmental pollution has become a bottleneck for the sustainable economic development of China. A 'business-as-usual' energy system in Chian is not suitable for meeting sustainability needs. It is well known that China has to use coal as the main primary energy source over the long term. Under such special conditions, to plan and construct an integrated sustainable energy system with optimal benefits in resource and energy utilization and environmental emissions is urgent. By introducing international studies and new developments in sustainable energy systems, this paper puts forward the concept that a polygeneration strategy based on coal gasification is the trend for future development of China's domestic energy industry. The framework of a polygeneration system based on oxygen-blown gasification is described and its benefits are analyzed. Finally, the starting procedure, government role, and policies for ...
Various control procedures have been suggested for reducing foodborne infectious diseases. Receiving considerable attention is irradiation. This report estimates the medical and wage (or productivity) benefits associated with prevention of five human diseases transmitted by beef, pork, and chicken. (These diseases can also be transmitted by other vectors, such as eggs, milk, and pets. But these sources are not included in the analysis.) All of these foodborne infectious diseases - salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, trichinosis, tapeworm, and toxoplasmosis - could be significantly reduced by irradiating meat and poultry. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved irradiation of pork to prevent trichinosis (50FR 29658-59) and is considering approval of irradiation of chicken to kill Salmonella. 22 references.
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to show that the need to communicate the value of libraries is growing, and especially now during the global financial crisis. As a response library valuation research is expanding and there is now a need for a status report. Design/methodology/approach - The library valuation field is developing towards generating a critical mass of empirical studies. The focus of the meta-analytical review is on the subgroup that reports a return on investment (ROI) or a cost-benefit ratio. Meta-analysis is a quantitative analysis of findings of previous studies, conducted to infer general findings and lessons from prior empirical research. The dataset is 38 library valuation studies reporting a return on investment figure or cost-benefit ratio. Findings - Of the 38...
The Seventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (2004) of the Convention on Biological Diversity established a mandate for the negotiation of an international regime on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing arising from their utilization. Negotiations have been proceeding and have entered the final phase. Seven working group meetings have been held to date and there is expectation that an instrument will emerge by the final deadline - the Tenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Nagoya, Japan in October 2010. A key component singled out for inclusion in the international regime relates to the recognition and protection of the rights of indigenous and local communities (ILCs) over their traditional knowledge (TK) associated with genetic resources. The Ninth Meeting o...
This paper addresses fuel cycle cost comparisons for a generic 10 MW reactor with HEU aluminide fuel and with LEU oxide and silicide fuels in several fuel element geometries. The intention of this study is to provide a consistent assessment of various design options from a cost point of view. Fuel cycle cost benefits could result if a number of reactors were to utilize fuel elements with the same number or different numbers of the same standard fuel plate. Data are presented to quantify these potential cost benefits. This analysis shows that there are a number of fuel element designs using LEU oxide or silicide fuels that have either the same or lower total fuel cycle costs than the HEU design. Use of these fuels with the uranium densities considered requires that they are successfully demonstrated and licensed.
This case study is an application, to a nuclear power plant, of the methodology for quantifying environmental costs and benefits, contained in the regional energy plan, adopted in April, 1983, by the Northwest Power Planning Council, pursuant to Public Law 96-501.The study is based on plant number 2 of the Washington Public Power Supply System (WNP-2), currently nearing completion on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in eastern Washington State. This report describes and documents efforts to quantify and estimate monetary values for the following seven areas of environmental effects: radiation/health effects, socioeconomic/infrastructure effects, consumptive use of water, psychological/health effects (fear/stress), waste management, nuclear power plant accidents, and decommissioning costs. 103 references.
This environmental assessment quantifies the water quality-related benefits for Transportation Equipment Cleaning (TEC) facilities based on site-specific analyses of current conditions and the conditions that would be achieved by process changes under proposed BAT (Best Available Technology) and PSES (Pretreatment Standards for Existing Sources) controls. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated instream pollutant concentrations for 157 priority and nonconventional pollutants from three subcategories (barge-chemical and petroleum, rail-chemical, and truck-chemical) of direct and indirect discharges using stream dilution modeling. The potential impacts and benefits to aquatic life are projected by comparing the modeled instream pollutant concentrations to published EPA aquatic life criteria guidance or to toxic effect levels.
The foundation conducts an environmental monitoring and surveillance program over an area covering much of the upper Snake River Plain and provide environmental education and support services related to INEL natural resource issues. Also, the foundation, with its university affiliates, conducts ecological and radioecological research on the Idaho National Environmental Research Park. This research benefits major DOE-ID programs including waste management, environmental restoration, spent nuclear fuels, and land management issues. Major accomplishments during CY1995 can be divided into five categories: environmental surveillance program, environmental education, environmental services and support, ecological risk assessment, and research benefitting the DOE-ID mission.
Utilities are evaluating several electric generation and storage (G ampersand S) technologies for distributed utility (DU) applications. Attributes of leading DU technologies and implications for photovoltaics (PV) are described. Included is a survey of present and projected cost and performance for: (1) small, advanced combustion turbines (CTs); (2) advanced, natural gas-fired, diesel engines (diesel engines); and (3) advanced lead-acid battery systems (batteries). Technology drivers and relative qualitative benefits are described. A levelized energy cost-based cost target for PV for DU applications is provided. The analysis addresses only relative cost, for PV and for three selected alternative DU technologies. Comparable size, utility, and benefits are assumed, although relative value is application-specific and often technology- and site-specific.
Silicon sensors have about ten times improved radiation hardness around 130 K temperature, compared with the state-of-art sensors close to room temperature. This is based on the Lazarus effect studied by the RD39 Collaboration of CERN. Other benefits of low temperatures will also be discussed. We shall describe the conceptual design of low-mass detector modules cooled using two-phase flow of argon in miniature cooling pipes integrated in the module structure between the sensors and the readout hybrid circuit. The main engineering features of the cooling system and mechanical support structures are discussed, as well as the benefits arising from the operation of the tracker under cryogenic vacuum. 4 Refs.
Using a case-study, inductive, narrative approach, this article explores the history, drivers, benefits, and barriers to the Bakun Hydroelectric Project in East Malaysia. Situated on the island of Borneo, Bakun Dam is a 204m high concrete face, rock filled dam on the Balui River in the Upper Rajang Basin in the rainforests of Sarawak. Bakun Dam and its affiliated infrastructure could be the single largest and most expensive energy project ever undertaken in Southeast Asia. Based on data collected through site visits, original field research in Sarawak, and more than 80 research interviews, the article begins by teasing out the complex history and drivers behind the Bakun project before identifying a set of potential social, political, and economic benefits the project could deliver. It the...
AbstractBackground Few published data are available on the benefits of aspirin use in patients with unstable angina (UA). Hypothesis Aspirin use carries a mortality benefit in a population-based cohort of patients presenting with UA. Methods All residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota presenting to local emergency departments with acute chest pain from January 1985 through December 1992 having symptoms consistent with UA were identified through medical records. A total of 1628 patients were identified with UA and were stratified by aspirin use in-hospital and at discharge. Cardiovascular mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke were assessed over a median of 7.5 years follow-up and all-cause mortality data over a median of 16.7 years. The mean age of patients with UA was 65 y...
In this article we evaluate a US Forest Service plan to mitigate damages from an invasive insect on public, forested land. We develop a dynamic model of infestation and control to explicitly account for biological interactions, baseline conditions, and uncertainty, thus creating a more complete picture of policy impacts than a static cost benefit analysis could provide. We combine the results of the dynamic model with an empirical study of nonmarket forest benefits to create a bioeconomic model of ecosystem management. Estimating the empirical model in a Bayesian framework allows us to treat the economic coefficients of the dynamic model as random variables. We specify distributions for the biological parameters and examine the effects of both biological and economic uncertainty on the pre...
The purpose of the Microelectronic Evaluation Laboratory at Sandia is to develop a program for evaluating CMOS LSI (complementary metal oxide silicon - large scale integrated) technology devices which are being used for the first time in a weapon system. These evaluations are based on accelerated aging studies and electrical tests to determine the reliability and life of the devices. In accelerated aging, specific, controlled stresses are applied to the device to accelerate time-to-failure. Data are used tin mathematical models to estimate life in acutal use. The stresses used for this technology are temperature and voltage. The devices are stored at temperatures with or without voltage applied (steady-state or cyclical) and periodically tested until at least 50% failures are encountered. Since most current technologies use epoxy-die-attachment, aging temperatures must be under 200/sup 0/C. This delays ...
The adhesion of a Mg:Ag cathode to the tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq{sub 3}) in organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) can be greatly enhanced by a remote plasma treatment of the Alq{sub 3} layer using either air or N{sub 2} prior to metal deposition. The altered surface properties which lead to increased sticking coefficients of Mg and Ag, as well as enhanced adhesion, are attributed to the introduction of new functional groups into the organic layer, as observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The storage life of the plasma treated devices in air without any capping treatment, as judged by a visible deterioration of the cathode, was increased by approximately five to six times compared to untreated OLEDs. Current-voltage characteristics and EL efficiency, however, were shown to deteriorate for devices incorporating either an air or an N{sub 2} plasma treated Alq{sub 3} layer. For OLEDs subjected to ...
This report describes the results of a program conducted at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) and Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC) to identify alternative methods to measure the surface level in the waste tanks. This program examined commercially available devices for measuring the distance to a target. This is a continuation of a program started in FY93. In the first test sequence, tests were performed.on five devices to determine their applicability to measure the surface level in the waste tanks. The devices were the Enraf-Nonius{trademark} Model 872 Radar Gauge, the Enraf-Nonius{trademark} Model 854 Advanced Technology Gauge (ATG), the Stanley Tool Laser Measuring Device, the Robertshaw Inven-Tel{reg_sign} Precision Level Gauge, and the Micro Switch Model 942 Acoustic Sensor. In addition, discussions were held with several manufacturer representatives regarding other potential ...
The patient positioning and repositioning control in radiation therapy all along the treatment can be conducted using a variety of X-ray sources and imaging detector devices. The development of image guided radiation therapy techniques leads to more frequent use of this imaging control. In this article we summarize the current methods for measuring the dose delivered by X-ray imaging devices used in radiation therapy, as well as basic proposals to take account of these imaging doses for prescribing, recording and reporting radiation therapy treatment. (authors)
The lateral bearing device is made of 7 lateral supports, each positioned to allow the displacement of the steam generator due to thermal or seismic effects. Each support includes a buffer plate that can be positioned on the steam generator using a position control assembly. This control assembly consists of a screw jack arrangement where the nut is fastened via an energy absorbing layer to a footplate that is fixed to the concrete wall of the steam generator enclosure. 4 figs.
Individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) depend on technology to meet their daily needs and form relationships. Speech generating devices (SGDs) are integral components of communication systems. Reliability of SGDs is critical for effective use in everyday life. This study examined the reliability of new SGDs and found that mean time to first failure was 42.7 (SD = 41.2) weeks and at least 40% required repairs within the first year of use. The components that most frequently broke down were touch screens, wiring, main boards, batteries, memory cards, and AC adaptors. The costs of repairing SGDs were analyzed. The clinical implications of device breakdown are identified for key stakeholders, including clients, families, service providers, funding agencies, and ma...
The first part of the study contains a literature compilation of more than 50 original publications reporting the radiation induced effects in 17 different high polymer materials and glass which are relevant in the manufacturing of medical devices or packing materials. The results collected demonstrate that high energy radiation, i.e. gamma- or X-rays, causes various physical and chemical alterations in high polymer materials. A detailed summary and discussion of the results of the original publications is not included in the present report, it will be presented in the second part of the study. Furthermore, the second part of the study will refer to the aspect of wholesomeness of irradiated medical devices or packing materials in a more general manner of representation. (orig.).
One of the issues with printers - or the increasingly common multi-function devices (MFDs) - is that no one takes any notice of them. They just sit there, unacknowledged and ignored, in the corner of the office, printing, photocopying, faxing and even emailing away and no one gives them a second thought. Until something goes wrong. No-one gives printers - or multi-function devices (MFDs) - a second thought, as they have just been sitting there in offices doing their thing for years. But the problem is that they have now grown up to become fully-fledged computers and are starting to present an information security risk. These machines now have operating systems, hard drives and IP addresses, and have been exploited as storage devices by hackers. But most problems stem from poor internal pra...
Photoemission-electron-microscopy (PEEM) is introduced as a tool for the characterization of organic electronic devices. PEEM-measurements are used for imaging as well as for spectroscopic analyses by illumination with light of a Hg-lamp (4.9 eV), a D2 lamp (7.3 eV), and with synchrotron radiation for resonant photoelectron spectroscopy. We determine the charge carrier concentration inside the channel region of the organic device and its lateral distribution. From resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (RPES) we deduce the electronic states which are accessible with the Hg and D2 illumination. Photoelectron-spectroscopy at selected areas ({mu}-PES) gives information on the absolute values of surface potentials in lateral resolution. We are able to perform these studies with applied voltages at the source- and drain-electrode.
The metallo-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process has been used with great success to grow AlGaAs-GaAs and InGaAsP-InGaAs-InP heterostructure materials for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Devices fabricated from Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As-GaAs heterostructures grown by MOCVD include bipolar transistors, field-effect transistors (FETs), high-mobility (or modulation-doped) FETs, large-area high-efficiency solar cells, low-threshold lasers, high-power lasers, quantum-well lasers, and visible lasers. The state of the art for the MOCFD growth of optoelectronic devices is reviewed in this paper, and some comments are made regarding future trends in the growth of these materials by MOCVD.
A radiometric method of measuring the ratio of liquid and solid phases (crust thickness) in a continuous ingot for automation of the continuous steel casting process, has been proposed. The essence of the method is, that radiation flux, bearing information on the object tested, is transformed in a succession of electric pulses, which is processed afterwords for obtaining necessary information. In this case either the flux of non-scattered radiation, passed through the object, or the flux of single-scattered radiation reflected from the object is registered. Block-diagram and specifications of a radiometric device with the Co source of 50 gxequiv. Ra activity developed for this purpose are presented. The technique for calibration ob the device and the results of its tests, are described. It is shown, that introduction of such devices for the control crust thickness at the installations of continuous steel casting of ...
A new class of low aspect ratio toroidal hybrid stellarators is found using a more general plasma confinement optimization criterion than quasisymmetrization. The plasma current profile and shape of the outer magnetic flux surface are used as control variables to achieve near constancy of the longitudinal invariant J{sup {asterisk}} on internal flux surfaces (quasiomnigeneity), in addition to a number of other desirable physics target properties. A range of compact (small aspect ratio A), low plasma current devices have been found with significantly improved confinement, both for thermal as well as energetic (collisionless) particle components. With reasonable increases in magnetic field and geometric size, such devices can also be scaled to confine 3.5 MeV alpha particle orbits.
A new class of low aspect ratio toroidal hybrid stellarators is found using more general plasma confinement optimization criterion than quasi-symmetrization. The plasma current profile and shape of the outer magnetic flux surface are used as control variables to achieve near constancy of the longitudinal invariant J* on internal flux surfaces (quasi-omnigeneity), in addition to a number of other desirable physics target properties. We find that a range of compact (small aspect ratio A), high {beta} (ratio of thermal energy to magnetic field energy), low plasma current devices exist which have significantly improved confinement both for thermal as well as energetic (collisionless) particle components. With reasonable increases in magnetic field and geometric size, such devices can also be scaled to confine 3.5 MeV alpha particle orbits.
Google's Android is a comprehensive software framework for mobile communication devices (i.e., smartphones, PDAs). The Android framework includes an operating system, middleware and a set of key applications. The incorporation of integrated access services to the Internet on such mobile devices, however, increases their exposure to damages inflicted by various types of malware. This paper provides a comprehensive security assessment of the Android framework and the security mechanisms incorporated into it. A methodological qualitative risk analysis that we conducted identifies the high-risk threats to the framework and any potential danger to information or to the system resulting from vulnerabilities that have been uncovered and exploited. Our review of current academic and commercial solutions in the area of smartphone security yields a list of applied and recommended defense mechanisms for hardening mobile devices in ...
Trends in front-end-of-line technology are discussed. At the chip level, many of the important parameters are published in the National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors in 1994. At the device and circuit level, both bipolar and CMOS are scalable. However, the large standby power of bipolar circuits severely limits the integration level of bipolar chips. The inherently low standby power of CMOS, on the contrary, allows the integration level of CMOS circuits to continue increasing with scaling. In reality, both the electric field and power density of CMOS devices have been gradually rising over the generations owing to non-scaling effects of thermal voltage and silicon bandgap. As power supply voltage reaches 1.5V and below, circuit performance can only be gained at the expense of higher active or standby power of the chip. Implications of device scaling on contact and silicide technology are addressed. Trends of local ...
Purpose In literature, few papers compare different hemostatic devices in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This sequential cohort study analyzes the outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed by different hemostatic instruments, to evaluate if any of them has any advantage over the other and as secondary endpoints, the impact of body mass index (BMI) and tumor size on the indication, and the outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Methods Forty-six patients, aged 54.6???46?years, underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy over 5?years. Mean BMI was 27???4.8?kg/m2. Twenty-four patients had a left tumor, and 22 had a right one. Patients were divided into two groups according to the hemostatic device: Ultracision was used in 26 patients, and Ligasure was used in 20. Groups were well matched for his...
Most surface-acoustic-wave and thin-film optical devices are made by the planar fabrication process. The exposure of the pattern in the polymer film is the first and most crucial step in ensuring desired device geometry, dimensional control, and freedom from pattern distortion. The methods of exposing the polymer film include: optical projection, conventional contact printing, conformable photomask contact printing, holographic recording, scanning electron beam lithography, projection electron lithography, and x-ray lithography. In this paper scanning electron beam lithography, conformable photomask contact printing, holographic recording, and x-ray lithography are discussed. In the last section, ion beam etching of relief structures is discussed.
Thermoacoustics deals with the conversion of heat energy into sound energy and vice versa. It is a new and emerging technology which has a strong potential towards the development of sustainable and renewable energy systems by utilizing waste heat or solar energy. Although simple to fabricate, the designing of thermoacoustic devices is very challenging. In the present study, a comprehensive design and optimization algorithm is developed for designing thermoacoustic devices. The unique feature of the present algorithm is its ability to design thermoacoustically-driven thermoacoustic refrigerators that can serve as sustainable refrigeration systems. In addition, new features based on the energy balance are also included to design individual thermoacoustic engines and acoustically-driven thermoacoustic refrigerators. As a case study, a thermoacoustically-driven thermoacoustic refrigerator has been designed and optimized based on the developed ...
Purpose: To prevent structure material meltdown upon rupture of cooling pipeways in a impurity remover by preventing the coolants from flowing into the vacuum vessel while continuing the supply of coolants to other portions to be cooled. Constitution: Dual cooling pipeway systems are disposed to the neutralizing plates of the impurity remover. A rupture detector (pressure gage) is mounted to each of the cooling pipeways and flow rate control valves to be opened and closed by the signal from the detector are disposed to the upstream and downstream of the cooling pipeway. In this constitution if the cooling pipes should be ruptured, the coolant supply is stopped to the ruptured system in which the flow rate valve is closed by the signal from the rupture detector. However, since the coolant is kept to be supplied to the other system of the cooling pipeways, meltdown of the neutralizing plates can be prevented. (Kamimura, M.).
Purpose: To flatten temperature distribution of coolant within a core. Constitution: The control device of the present invention is to vary reactivity of a fast breeder to control a reactor power. In general, the control device of this kind comprises a guide pipe arranged within the core and a control rod movable up and down within the guide pipe, and a coolant flows from bottom toward top within the guide pipe. Since a cooling flow rate has a margin, temperature of coolant outlet is extremely low as compared to a fuel assembly, and therefore temperature gradient in the vicinity of the top of the control rod becomes sharp to possibly impart thermal shock to the structural material. In the present invention, the flow passage of coolant is varied to thereby avoid outflow thereof into the core, thus flattening the temperature distribution of the coolant within the core. (Kamimura, M.).
The use of dendrimers for preparing chemically sensitive interfaces for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using surface acoustic wave (SAW) device transducers is described. Specifically, the synthesis of the dendrimers and the means by which they are affixed to SAW devices is discussed, followed by a detailed spectroscopic analysis of the surface-confined dendrimers and a discussion of their interaction with different VOCs. Most of these preliminary experiments focus on dendrimer surface modification using benzoylchloride, which leads to phenyl terminal groups linked to the dendrimer via amide groups. The results of this study lead us to conclude that dendrimers: (1) provide general specificity towards classes of functional groups and are therefore suitable for array-based sensing schemes; (2) are intermediate in structure between monolayers and polymers and exhibit the desirable properties of both; (3) can be straightforwardly ...
Course website from Cambridge on ceramic materials. This site contains eight lectures in PDF format (Adobe Reader required), two question sheets, five practicals (including answers), digital movies and further useful links. "There is a strong relationship between the structure of a material and its physical properties. The properties of a material whether mechanical, electrical, optical or magnetic, determine how it can be used in practical applications. In this course, the focus is on the structure / property relationship for ionic materials with electrical properties utilised in various transducer devices. The materials considered include perovskites, which have special polarisation properties exploited in ferroelectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric devices. Other oxides, such as zirconia, have structures permitting rapid diffusion of ions, making them suitable for use in sensors, fuel cells and batteries. The scientific principles ...
The article is aimed to design and testing of joystick with force feedback used in direct, human control of lifting device. The paper starts with the basic description of designed and tested by us MR rotary brake. Some initial laboratory investigations results of such brakes are presented. The usage of MR brakes in 2 axis joystick is proposed. Such, built by as joystick, is described. It was used as Human-Machine Interface in active control of lifting device. The designed and built 2 axis manipulator with electrohydraulic drive is described. In the paper, the based on PC with input/output card, control system of mentioned above joystick with MR brake and manipulator is described. Finally the control algorithm is proposed.
In this work, we investigated self-heating related instability in polysilicon thin film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) fabricated on polyimide (PI) substrates. Indeed, when Joule heating becomes relevant, the temperature of the active layer can substantially rise, since the devices are fabricated on thermally insulating substrates. As a result, electrical instability is triggered and attributed to the generation of interface states, due to the Si-H bond breaking, and charge trapping into the gate insulator. In addition, by using 3-dimensional numerical simulations, coupling the thermodynamic and transport models, we analyzed the temperature distribution of the device under operating conditions and found that self-heating is more severe for devices fabricated on plastic substrates.
A novel floating-gate avalanche injection (FAMOS) type erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device is demonstrated, with a heavily focused ion-beam (FIB) implanted region of about 0.2-..mu..m width at the drain edge of the channel. This heavily B/sup +/-doped region permits a higher electric field near the drain edge, resulting in a remarkable increase of the hot-carrier generation rate, and reduces both the programming voltage and programming time. A three-dimensional device simulator, CADDETH, predicted that the electric field at the drain edge would increase by about six times, which would lead to hot-carrier generation efficiency three orders of magnitude higher.
The Fact Finding Committee on 'Future Nuclear Power Policy' established by the 8th German Federal Parliament in its report of June 1980 among other items published the recommendation to commission a 'risk oriented analysis' of the SNR-300 in order to enable a pragmatic comparison to be made of the safety of the German prototype fast breeder reactor and a modern light water reactor (a Biblis B PWR). The Federal Minister for Research and Technology in August 1981 officially commissioned the Gesellschaft fuer Reaktorsicherheit (GRS) to conduct the study. Following a recommendation by the Fact Finding Committee, additional studies were performed also by a group of opponents of the breeder reactor. On the instigation of the group of opponents the delivery date of the study was altered several times and finally set at April 30, 1982. GRS submitted its report by this deadline. However, a joint report by the two groups could not be compiled, as had ...
Mixtures of organic-inorganic substances are studied for their performance as energy storage media. Use is made of the fact that organic substances give higher amounts of energy but within a wide range of temperature on the one side and the fact that inorganic substances give lower amounts of energy at constant temperature on the other side. Mixtures of both types of substances, in different ratios, are investigated for the object of determining that optimum composition which stores a higher amount of energy and, meanwhile, releases it at a constant temperature or within a narrow range of temperature. The mixtures used are composed of Glauber`s salt (Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4}.10H{sub 2}O) and stearic acid in different proportions. The effect of cooling fluid flow rate and ambient temperature as well as the effect of addition of a nucleating agent is studied. The results showed that the highest amount of energy stored could be obtained from a mixture ...
Current hydrocarbon-based energy systems, current energy consumption and the push towards the utilization of renewable energy sources, fuelled by global warming and the need to reduce atmospheric pollution are discussed. The consequences of climatic change and the obligation of Annex B countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in terms of the Kyoto Protocols are reviewed. The role that renewable energy sources such as hydrogen, solar and wind energy could play in avoiding the most catastrophic consequences of rapidly growing energy consumption and atmospheric pollution in the face of diminishing conventional fossil fuel resources are examined. The focus is on hydrogen energy as a means of storing and transporting primary energy. Some favorable characteristics of hydrogen is its abundance, the fact that it can be produced utilizing renewable or non-renewable sources, and the further fact that its combustion produces three times more ...
Using an interactive theorem prover to reason about programs involves a sequence of interactions where the user challenges the theorem prover with conjectures. Invariably, many of the conjectures posed are in fact false, and users often spend considerable effort examining the theorem prover's output before realizing this. We present a synergistic integration of testing with theorem proving, implemented in the ACL2 Sedan (ACL2s), for automatically generating concrete counterexamples. Our method uses the full power of the theorem prover and associated libraries to simplify conjectures; this simplification can transform conjectures for which finding counterexamples is hard into conjectures where finding counterexamples is trivial. In fact, our approach even leads to better theorem proving, e.g., if testing shows that a generalization step leads to a false conjecture, we force the theorem prover to backtrack, allowing it to pursue more fruitful ...
The aim of this research is to experimentally study the efficiency of a new-design plate collector used to heat air in a new desalination humidification-dehumidification process. In fact, in such processes, the air solar collectors work at unusual experimental parameters (forced convection, elevated air humidity, high solar irradiation). At these stressed experimental conditions, few published works are available in literature. Furthermore, the comparison of the efficiency of collectors running with normal air humidity content (about 10-20 g kg{sup -1}) and air of elevated humidity (20-50 g kg{sup -1}) have not been published to our knowledge. In the present investigation, a new air solar plate collector was designed and developed for its use in a desalination process. Moreover, a characterization of such collector was performed under different experimental conditions. The effect of different parameters, namely: the solar radiation, the wind velocity, the ambient ...
Careful sample preparation and secondary ion mass spectroscopy have been used to characterize arsenic dose loss to the silicon-oxide interface. Using high resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for microprofiling, we have directly observed the pileup of arsenic at the silicon dioxide-silicon interface. At least half of the pileup is shown to be on the silicon side of the interface in the first monolayer of silicon. Monolayer chemical oxidation and etching are successfully used to profile this pileup in silicon. This pileup contains most of the arsenic dose loss that occurs during transient enhanced diffusion. This result is crucial to correctly model the dose loss and provides physical justification for using a trap/detrap model at the interface, which is necessary to account for the fact that the arsenic surface concentration remains constant during an anneal and the fact that the dose loss is partially reversible. Finally, we have found ...
Careful sample preparation and secondary ion mass spectroscopy have been used to characterize arsenic dose loss to the silicon-oxide interface. Using high resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for microprofiling, we have directly observed the pileup of arsenic at the silicon dioxide-silicon interface. At least half of the pileup is shown to be on the silicon side of the interface in the first monolayer of silicon. Monolayer chemical oxidation and etching are successfully used to profile this pileup in silicon. This pileup contains most of the arsenic dose loss that occurs during transient enhanced diffusion. This result is crucial to correctly model the dose loss and provides physical justification for using a trap/detrap model at the interface, which is necessary to account for the fact that the arsenic surface concentration remains constant during an anneal and the fact that the dose loss is partially reversible. Finally, we have found ...
...diversion generates a host of environmental, financial, and social benefits, including conserving energy, reducing disposal costs, and reducing the burden on landfills and other waste disposal methods . Waste Diversion at EPA For many years, EPA has established waste diversion goals that exceed current federal requirements. EPA ...
...events Completing the Trust and Estate Tax Return Completing and filing the trust tax return - filing online, avoiding common mistakes, tax return deadlines and penalties Trusts and Income Tax How different types of trust income are taxed, what management expenses and reliefs can be deducted, understanding the tax pool Trusts and Capital Gains Tax Capital Gains Tax exemptions and reliefs for trustees and notifying HMRC about a trust disposal or ...
Bacteriocins are an abundant class of antimicrobial molecules that appear to mediate population dynamics within species. The bacteriocins of Escherichia coli have served as a model for exploring the ecological role of these potent toxins. Studies suggest that colicins provide a competitive edge in nutrient-poor environments and that there might be a trade-off between the costs and benefits of colicin production. PMID:10203843
The primary objectives of this study were to test two utility analysis models, the Cascio-Ramos Estimate of Performance in Dollars (CREPID) model and Godkewitsch financial utility analysis model and to determine their appropriateness as tools for evaluating training. This study was conducted in conjunction with Philadelphia Electric Company's Nuclear Training Group. Job performance of nuclear maintenance workers was assessed to document the impact of the training program. Assessment of job performance covered six job performance themes. Additionally, front-line nuclear maintenance supervisors were interviewed to determine their perceptions of the nuclear maintenance training. A comparison of supervisor's perceptions and outcomes of the utility analysis models was made to determine the appropriateness of utility analysis as quantitative tools for evaluating the nuclear maintenance training program. Application of the CREPID utility analysis model indicated the dollar ...
BackgroundDespite the diffusion into practice of percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS), the benefits have not been demonstrated,...Full Text Available
... By applying non-market valuation methods, we focus on analysing individual preferences in respect of (environmental) non-market goods. The principal object of research interest is the valuation of pollution impacts and effects of working processes on human health resulting in premature deaths, risk alterations, and various disease symptoms. We also deal with valuation of non-production ecosystem (forest) functions and benefits, inter alia ...
INTRODUCTIONLevel T4 video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy proved superior to T3-T4 treatment for controlling axillary hyperhidrosis at the initial and six-month follow-ups...Full Text Available
BackgroundMany emergency ambulance calls are for older people who have fallen. As half of them are left at home, a community-based response may often be more appropriate than hospital...Full Text Available
This paper establishes a standardization procedure in which results are presented in ready-to-use charts for the economic evaluation of biogas plants. It is hoped this work will alleviate controversial reports on cost-effectiveness of biogas systems. Also, it is found that these systems are the most economic among renewable energy systems using a standardized procedure for their comparison augmented by the generated spider diagrams wherein most probable costing production values for each system are directly compared. (author).
Stability concerns of the Par Pond Dam, an embankment structure in the Savannah River Site complex, resulted in a comprehensive evaluation of the state of its integrity. Specifically, excessive seepage through the embankment, slope failure due to an earthquake event as well as liquefaction potential of the embankment and the foundation are addressed and the potential of failure is evaluated. Lastly, remedial benefits of the addition of a berm structure are also assessed.
BackgroundMultiple lines of evidence have suggested that valproic acid (VPA) might benefit patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The SMA CARNIVAL TRIAL was a two part prospective...Full Text Available
In January 2001, Husky Oil Operations Limited (Husky), in joint-venture with Petro-Canada, submitted a Benefits Plan for the White Rose Development to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB). It was prepared following the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation (Newfoundland) Act. In December 2001, the C-NLOPB approved the White Rose Benefits Plan. This document described the work that Husky proposes to undertake within its significant discovery license areas 1043 and 1044 for the development of the South White Rose Extension (SWRX) Tie-back to the White Rose Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel as it will require an amendment to the original White Rose Development Plan and is subject to the review and approval of the C-NLOPB. The statutory requirements as well as the actual policies and ...
Restructured power markets require concepts not only for extending the lifetime of existing plants, but also concepts for reducing the life-cycle costs of existing older steam power plants in order to remain competitive with the most modern and advanced power generation technology such as combined cycle power plants. Out of the broad range of methods to extend service life and increase availability, and to increase power output and efficiency, this paper focuses on full repowering. Full repowering replaces the old fired boiler with gas turbine(s) and heat-recovery steam generators (HRSG) as heat input to the existing bottoming cycle and reuses the steam turbine (ST) condenser and further balance of plant (BOP) equipment. The potential offered by this concept is demonstrated. Repowering and modernization projects are executed if they result in economic benefits for the operator. Investment decisions need to be prepared based on an estimate or proof of an adequate ...
Previous models and evaluation techniques based on the Monte Carlo simulation for the reliability assessment of mixed hydrothermal generation systems are extended. Models for reservoirs on multiple rivers and pumped storage plants are developed. Operating and water management policies are extended to include the relative economical effects of operating alternative sources of generation. These effects and the benefits are described and discussed using an extended IEEE reliability test system. (Author).
In the first part of this contribution, the definition of reference values is given and the theoretical and practical problems in the application of this concept are discussed. In this connection, the present resources on instrumentation and the technical requirements for dose assessment are described. In the second part, some consequences are taken and proposals for further actions are made. (orig.)
Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station has made a series of tries and efforts on radiation source control and benefited from them since it was put into commercial operation. Some of them were introduced from experience feedbacks of foreign nuclear power industry and others came from our own good practices
This paper suggests how nonlinear periodic optimal control of a pumped storage plant can be realized. The control problem consists in maximization of the plant benefits over an operational period. An optimal control law is proposed, yielding a bang-off-bang mode of operation. An algorithm for numerical solution of the problem was developed, and its effectiveness was demonstrated by simulation experiments.
Canadian railway traffic is delayed until lines are plowed of snow following heavy snowfalls. A modification that would permit higher plowing speeds and fewer delays could realize significant benefits in addition to direct fuel and labor savings. The objective of this project was to carry out a cost benefit analysis on a low-friction coating applied to a mainline railway snow plow. The assessment was carried out using old Canadian National Railway snow plows for test purposes. An analytical model was developed to estimate the importance of friction reduction to fuel consumption and power requirements. The sensitivity analysis revealed a bump or discontinuity in the power vs speed profile, corresponding to the minimum plow speed at which the snow will cease to flow over the plow. Reducing the coefficient of friction reduces this minimum plowing speed. This could mean the difference between success and failure in plowing some tight, heavily laden ...
These are some interesting sites that will help you to understand networking and how it can benefit you. These sites contain sound so you may want to wear headphones if you are in a classroom. Learn how the internet began and the basics of the www. Learn why a network is useful. Jans network contains the important concepts of networking, Work through section 7 to learn about different types of connections, transmissions, media, and configurations. Then take the quiz at the end to see how ...
sinensis), the otter (Lutra lutra) and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) can be mentioned as ...conflict relates to damage caused by the grey seal to coastal fisheries, whereas in Germany damages ...For example species like the grey seal involved in the conflicts may benefit from the by-catch regulation.
This article analyzes the philosophical, sociological, and legal imperatives of including students with disabilities in ordinary schools. Some important global events that support inclusive education are discussed. The author reflects on Nigeria's newly revised National Policy on Education with its emphasis on inclusive education (2008), and the Universal Basic Education policy (1999). The article concludes with recommendations to improve the status quo.
A discussion is presented of the 750-KeV chopper experience with both proton and negative ion beams and the ability of these systems to tailor the Linac beam to the diverse requirements of its users; normal accelerator injection, neutron therapy beam, and electron cooling experiments. This flexibility plus a cleaner beam pulse, improved thyratron operation, and mechanical modularity are the results of recent improvements. Additional benefits have been increased reliability and ease of service to the 750-KeV chopper. 3 refs.
... Donation to charity A number of non-profit organisations collect electronic equipment including computers and printers, either for reuse or for de-manufacture and recycling. Recipients pay nothing for the equipment or buy it at a heavily discounted rate. Developing countries benefit most from these schemes, but recipients also include UK community groups. If you decide to donate your PC to charity, be sure to check that:...
Real-time horizon sensing on continuous mining machines is becoming an industry tool. Installation and testing of production-grade Horizon Sensor (HS) systems continued this quarter at Monterey Coal Company (ExxonMobil), Mountain Coal Company West Elk Mine (Arch), and Ohio Valley Coal Company (OVC). Monitoring of system function, user experience, and mining benefits is ongoing. All horizon sensor components have finished MSHA (U.S.) and IEC (International) certification.
... Social Capital Social capital describes circumstances in which individuals and organisations can use membership in groups and networks to secure benefits. Connections within and between networks reinforce the belief that these social networks have a value and can be used as a platform for further social progress. In this light, natural capital and social capital are closely related, and policies that build or destroy one often build ...
Power generated by manufacturers and third-party suppliers in venture capital projects is available to military and other government users at a cost 10 to 20% lower. Tax benefits and other financial incentives keep suppliers' costs low. Users are required to contract for a minimum amount of energy over a 20- to 30-year period. Military use of these energy projects includes sources based on solar energy, cogeneration, geothermal heat, and refuse-derived fuel. (DCK)
A report on the Canadian Nuclear Society Conference on robotics and remote handling in the nuclear industry, September 1984. Remote handling in reactor operations, particularly in the Candu reactors is discussed, and the costs and benefits of use of remote handling equipment are considered. Steam generator inspection and repair is an area in which practical application of robotic technology has made a major advance. (U.K.).
A brief article examines the controversy over food irradiation regarding the wholesomeness of irradiated food, its microbiological safety, loss of vitamins and changes in flavour. The benefits of food irradiation are also outlined including the destruction of certain food-borne pathogens and the prolongation of the shelf-life of food by killing pests and delaying the deterioration process. (UK).
The author describes the feasibility study on implementing 18-months fuel cycle project in Daya Bay NPP: content, steps and major results including objective determination, benefit/cost assessment, electric net demands investigation, risk assessment, technical targets
This report assesses the water quality related benefits that would be expected if the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopts the proposed effluent limitations, guidelines and pretreatment standards for the Centralized Waste Treatment (CWT) Industry. EPA estimates that under baseline conditions 205 CWT facilities discharge approximately 5.22 million lbs/year of metal and organic pollutants.
This paper presents a brief overview of refuse derived fuel (RDF) processing systems, and the different types of RDF. The quality of RDF, combustion of RDF in fluidized beds, and moving grate reactors, operating conditions, emissions (sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride) and thermal efficiency are discussed. (UK).
DescriptionProgramme background Nanotechnology is the design and manufacture of substances typically between one and several hundred billionths of a metre in size. In this size range the properties of substances can change quite radically, offering potentially large socio-economic, health and environmental benefits. For example, nanofuel additives could help reduce emissions and particles from diesel engines. Nanoparticles may also be able to help remove persistent pollutants in soils and groundwaters. Th [continued...
DescriptionAs part of a wider effort to develop new approaches to evaluating and quantifying the benefits of chemicals regulation, this project will review the effectiveness of existing information provision tools (such as classification and labelling for hazardous properties) in terms of affecting user behaviour. As some EC legislation relating to regulation of chemicals has been in place for some time, an assumption is made that the information provided by it is leading to an improvement in the way chem [continued...
Table of Contents: Executive Summary; Introduction; Data Sources; Industry Profile and Economic Baseline; Industry Compliance Costs; Industry Impacts; Additional Economic Impacts; Cost-Effectiveness; Environmental Impacts and Benefits; Social Costs and Be...
This paper describes the research and development activities in three areas of radiation processing, namely: food irradiation, medical product sterilization and wood plastic combination. Plans and efforts exerted to acquire a larger gamma source to augment our present 5,000 curie source are discussed. Cost estimates for a radiation facility are presented on the basis of the market potential of food irradiation and medical product sterilization. Existing local industries that can benefit from the adaptation of irradiation technology in their processing requirements are described.
The economic benefits of pulverized coal-injected (PCI) blast furnaces have meant that the number of such furnaces in Japan has steadily increased since their introduction in 1981. Aspects of PCI discussed in the article include: PCI system configuration; evaluation of coals for PCI (e.g. dryability; pulverisability and combustibility) and the possibility of a technical ceiling for pulverized coal rate. 4 refs., 11 figs., 2 tabs.
Supplement B to the Terra Nova Development Application provides a description of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel system selected for the development, a summary of the reasons for selecting the system, and the impact of this selection on the Development Plan, the Benefits Plan, the Environmental Impact Statement and the Socio-Economic Impact Statement. There is also a description of the contractor alliance approach to be used in the Terra Nova Development. Refs., tabs., figs.
AGROSTER Co irradiates food packaging material and some types of spices for the meat industry. The step by step strategy of AGROSTER has been very successful. In the last year, its gamma facility was used as much as possible to irradiate food items. The government of Hungary has recognized the benefit of this technology and has given financial assistance to establish a large commercial gamma irradiator in Budapest.
For many industrial applications, materials are desired which combine light weight, high temperature strength, and stability in corrosive environments. Among competing materials, ceramics are noteworthy candidates for such applications. The use of ceramics is often constrained, however, by brittleness; i.e., low toughness. Ceramic composites are being developed to overcome this limitation. With recent advances in ceramic fiber technology, it is possible to design a composite material based on continuous ceramic fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix. The use of ceramic composites in industrial applications will result in reduced fuel consumption, but will also prevent airborne pollution (principally NO, SO{sub x}, CO{sub 2}, and particulates), and economically benefit the end user through energy and environmental savings and increased competitiveness. Industry will also benefit through increased productivity and consumers will ...
A reciprocal relationship informing both research and practice is one of the primary goals in the emerging field of Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE), yet the field has little documentation and analysis of such collaborations. In this article, we present case studies of three research-practice partnerships taking place between scientists and educators. By comparing and contrasting these three partnerships we expect to illuminate common characteristics, challenges, and benefits that come with doing MBE work.
Implementation of a plan to charge waste management costs to the facility that generates such waste requires a long-term commitment and consistent administration. The benefit is that generators are provided the incentive to optimize waste management practices if the charges are appropriately applied. This paper summarizes (1) a plan to charge waste generators, (2) the administrative structure of the plan, (3) a comparison between the rate structure and changes in waste disposal operations, and (4) issues that have surfaced as the plan is implemented. 2 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Design-for-reliability concepts can be applied to the products of the construction industry, which includes buildings, bridges, transportation systems, dams, and other structures. The application of a systems approach to designing in reliability emphasizes the importance of incorporating uncertainty in the analyses, the benefits of optimization analyses, and the importance of integrating reliability, safety, and security. 4 refs., 3 figs.
In clinical situations where a diagnostic real-time PCR assay is not sensitive enough, leading to low or falsely negative results, or where detection earlier in a disease progression would benefit the...Full Text Available
A case is presented in which the diagnosis of acute myelomonocytic leukemia was made 16 months after the start of irradation and chemotherapy for Ewing's sarcoma. The association of these two diseases is rare. The etiologic role of therapy in the development of leukemia is speculative in this case. However, there is need for surveillance for secondary neoplasms of all types so that the benefits of therapy may be properly weighed against the risks.
BACKGROUND:Despite an increasing body of evidence on the benefit of lowering elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), there is still considerable concern that...Full Text Available
This Pollution Prevention Design Assessment (PPDA) provides data for cost-benefit analysis of the potential environmental impact of the APT, is an integral part of pollution prevention/waste minimization, and is required by DOE for any activity generating radioactive, hazardous, and mixed wastes. It will also better position the APT to meet future requirements, since it is anticipated that regulatory and other requirements will continue to become more restrictive and demanding.
Radiotherapy has been reported to be of benefit in prolonging the survival of patients with cholangiocarcinoma. This study examined whether radiotherapy in addition to endoscopic stenting improved survival. The survival advantage of radiotherapy in those with a type II/III stricture is seen only in the first 10 months after diagnosis. The costs of radiotherapy and significantly increased time spent in hospital, however, raise doubts over its routine use in the management of non-resectable cholangiocarcinoma. (Author).
The application of 3D rotational angiography marks a breakthrough in endovascular treatment of aneurysmas of the brain. 3D images are produced based on image series obtained by rotational angiography, so that the anatomic details of interest can be visualized from any requested angle. (orig./CB)
The instability of the phonon spectrum in liquid Helium for T < 1 K is a well established experimental fact. We discuss the role of q-deformation as a possible mechanism to supply the energy deficit that forbidden one-phonon decay into two phonons when the constant {gamma} in the phonon anomalous dispersion relation ({omega}{sup ph} = c{sub 0} p(1 - {gamma}p{sup 2})) is positive, through the analysis of three-phonon processes in a q-phonons gas. (author). 19 refs.
A nonlinear relationship between the time of accelerated aging of Lupine seeds and the indices of its survival as well as the single-strand DNA amount in cells from these seeds is established. The character of this relationship is essentially altered in chronically irradiated lupine seeds from the Chernobyl NPP exclusion zone and seems more complicated. The possible role of repair systems in these effects is discussed. The fact that chronic irradiation in low doses can modify the course of senescence in lupine seeds reflects its high biological efficiency comparing with acute irradiation.
The paper presents results of measurements of the natural radioactivity of tap water where samples were taken in front of, and behind the ceramic filter commonly used in houses for the purification of tap water. Altogether, 289 samples were taken, processed and measured during 1985-1986 in Kuwait. Results reveal the fact that ceramic filters reduce substantially the natural radioactivity in water (the 'gross' alpha activity reduced by the factor 2.18 #+-# 18%; the 'gross' beta by 1.53 #+-# 1.6%. (author).
Major similarities between robustness assessment and seismic design exist, and significant information can be brought from seismic design to robustness design. As will be discussed, although some methods and limitations considered in seismic design can improve robustness, the capacity of the structure to sustain limited damage without disproportionate effects is significantly more complex. In fact, seismic design can either improve or reduce the resistance of structures to unforeseeable events, depending on the structural type, triggering event, structural material, among others. Based on a case study, the influence of redundancy and ductility on the seismic behavior and robustness of a long-span timber structure is assessed.
Subcritical source-driven noise measurements are simultaneous Rossia and randomly pulsed neutron measurements that provide measured quantities that can be related to the subcritical neutron multiplication factor. In fact, subcritical source-driven noise measurements should be performed in lieu of Rossia measurements because of the additional information that is obtained from noise measurements such as the spectral ratio and the coherence functions. The basic understanding of source-driven noise analysis measurements can be developed from a point reactor kinetics model to demonstrate how the measured quantities relate to the subcritical neutron multiplication factor.
This paper is concerned with the study of insurance related derivatives on financial markets that are based on non-tradable underlyings, but are correlated with tradable assets. We calculate exponential utility-based indifference prices, and corresponding derivative hedges. We use the fact that they can be represented in terms of solutions of forward-backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDE) with quadratic growth generators. We derive the Markov property of such FBSDE and generalize results on the differentiability relative to the initial value of their forward components. In this case the optimal hedge can be represented by the price gradient multiplied with the correlation coefficient. This way we obtain a generalization of the classical 'delta hedge' in complete markets.
An overview of current concepts on neuroinflammation and on the dialogue between neurons and non-neuronal cells in three important infections of the central nervous systems (rabies, cerebral malaria, and human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness) is here presented. Large numbers of cases affected by these diseases are currently reported. In the context of an issue dedicated to Camillo Golgi, historical notes on seminal discoveries on these diseases are also presented. Neuroinflammation is currently closely associated with pathogenetic mechanisms of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammatory signaling in brain infections is instead relatively neglected in the neuroscience community, despite the fact that the above infections provide paradigmatic examples of alterations o...
Object: To limit the discharge amount of reactor water in a primary system at the time of scram to prevent excessive outflow of reactor water outside the system. Structure: A signal from an upper limit position indicator detects the fact that control rods are completely inserted when the reactor is urgently stopped and the detection signal causes a valve in an outflow line of the discharge water from a control rod driving mechanism to be closed to limit the amount of discharge flown into the scram discharge vessel, thus preventing outflow of reactor water in the primary system after the scram has been initiated. (Kamimura, M.).
The susceptibility to intergranular corrosion of different heats of Alloy 800 was evaluated by three different methods: the ASTM A 262 Practice E (or modified Strauss test), the Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation method, and by magnetic-susceptibility measurements. Reasonably good agreement was found between the sensitization areas as defined by the three methods in the TTS diagrams. In some cases the area defined by the Strauss test was slightly smaller than that determined by the other two tests. The differences might be explained by the fact that the methods present different sensitivities to the chromium concentration at the grain boundaries. 27 references, 11 figures, 3 tables.
The capability of screen-film combinations of detection and representation of information is described by the detective quantum efficiency (DQE). The DQE may be calculated from the sensitivity, the gradient of the characteristic curve, the modulation transfer function and the Wiener spectrum. These parameters have been determined for fourteen screen-film combinations and the DQE's have been calculated. It is shown that the low frequency region the DQE does not depend on spatial frequency. This constant level of DQE is mostly dependent on the absorbance of the screens. Consequences from this fact, as well for the manufacturer as for the user of the screens, are discussed.
The capability of screen-film combinations of detection and representation of information is described by the detective quantum efficiency (DQE). The DQE may be calculated from the sensitivity, the gradient of the characteristic curve, the modulation transfer function and the Wiener spectrum. These parameters have been determined for fourteen screen-film combinations and the DQE's have been calculated. It is shown that the low frequency region the DQE does not depend on spatial frequency. This constant level of DQE is mostly dependent on the absorbance of the screens. Consequences from this fact, as well for the manufacturer as for the user of the screens, are discussed. (orig.).
Transmissions of sperm by unirradiated and irradiated cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, were studied by live dissection of females immediately after the initiation of mating. In cotton bollworm the sperm transfer was rather a complex process. In fact unirradiated males failed to transfer sperm in about 19% of their matings. When irradiated with 250 Gy and 400 Gy, aberrations of sperm transmission were about 21% and 50% respectively. The failure of spermatophore 'cap' location was an important reason of sperm transmission aberrations. When females mated to high-dose-irradiated males, their oviposition response appeared abnormal
The distributions of the effective numbers of 6q-fluctons in the energy, momentum and distance to the center of mass of nucleus are studied. Many characteristics of these distributions are shown to be universal, i.e. independent of the flucton size. The saturation of the flucton density in A > 80 nuclei and other peculiarities are found, which define different behavior of the effective numbers of fluctons and deuterons. This fact provides an explanation of the known underestimate by a factor of 1.5-6 of the cross sections of hard inclusive (p, p'd) process on nuclei calculated in the quasi-elastic approximation.
Marburg virus belongs to the genus Marburgvirus in the family Filoviridae and causes a severe hemorrhagic fever, known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever (MHF), in both humans and nonhuman primates. Similar to the more widely known Ebola hemorrhagic fever, MHF is characterized by systemic viral replication, immunosuppression and abnormal inflammatory responses. These pathological features of the disease contribute to a number of systemic dysfunctions including hemorrhages, edema, coagulation abnormalities and, ultimately, multiorgan failure and shock, often resulting in death. A detailed understanding of the pathological processes that lead to this devastating disease remains elusive, a fact that contributes to the lack of licensed vaccines or effective therapeutics. This article will review the...
An aspiration cover is proposed for the site of loading a belt conveyer including a housing arranged above the belt conveyer in whose cover there is an aspiration sleeve and a discharge chute from the upper wall and a guide having a cushioning plate on the lower end. It is distinguished by the fact that in order to improve the effectiveness of removing dust by decreasing the volume of aspirated air, the cover between the aspiration sleeve and the upper wall of the loading chute is convex in the inside of the housing and has a smooth connection to the upper wall of the discharge chute turned towards the cushioning plate.