UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ecological approach to perception, as developed by James Gibson, is described and applied to how one knows, by means of the haptic perceptual system, various properties of hand-held objects. Four...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The effect of feedback and materials on perceptual learning was examined in normal hearing listeners exposed to cochlear implant simulations. Generalization was most robust when feedback paired...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Safety standards for exposure to radiofrequency radiation must be based upon biologic consequences of exposure to such environments. Behavioral-based measures are considered to be the most-sensitive indices of biological effects. Current safety guidelines are based upon average power density and may not be relevant to the high-peak-power, short pulse width microwave radiation produced by newly developed high peak power microwave sources. The effects of exposure to high-peak-power radiation on reflexive responding and motor function in Fischer 344/N rats were assessed by measuring startle and general activity, and disruption of on-going performance of a rotarod task, respectively. The emitter used was the TEMPO repeat pulse axially extracted vircator. Exposure to single pulses resulted in significant startle responses. Exposure to 1 pps for 10 s produced significant alterations in baseline activity and marked disruption of performance of the rotarod task. The apparently greater effect ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Four experiments investigated the novel issue of learning to accommodate the coarticulated nature of speech. Experiment 1 established a co-articulatory mismatch effect for a set of vowel-consonant...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

A technical committee reported on: (1) proposed water quality objectives for the San Joaquin River Basin; (2) proposed effluent limitations for agricultural drainage discharges in the basin to achieve these objectives; and (3) a proposal to regulate these discharges. The costs and economic impact of achieving various alternative water quality objectives were also evaluated. The information gathered by the technical committee will be used by the Regional Board along with other information in their review of the San Joaquin River Basin Water Quality Control Plan and their actions to regulate agricultural drainage in the San Joaquin Valley. The results of the Technical Committee's efforts as reported in Regulation of Agricultural Drainage to the San Joaquin River, August 1987. Based on the available information, the improvement in water ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

OBJECTIVE. This study was conducted to determine whether an index for measuring quality of care for psychiatric emergencies is reliable and valid. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING. The study used primary...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

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

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundProcessing of multimodal information is a critical capacity of the human brain, with classic studies showing bimodal stimulation either facilitating or interfering in perceptual...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The brain’s ability to bind incoming auditory and visual stimuli depends critically on the temporal structure of this information. Specifically, there exists a temporal window of audiovisual...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Several fixed classification experiments test the hypothesis that F₁, f₀, and closure voicing covary between intervocalic stops contrasting...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

ContextCost advantage has been one of the primary drivers of successful offshoring engagements of Indian software and services companies. However, the emphasis has shifted to the ability of the vendors to provide high quality over cost advantage in delivering software products and services. Meeting high quality requirements of the clients is a challenge due to the very nature of development and delivery of software through offshoring. ObjectiveThe objective of this research paper is to identify and evaluate the key determinants of quality in the case of software projects delivered through offshoring model. MethodA detailed survey was conducted among project managers/project leaders (leads) of a leading midsize Indian IT services company to evaluate the relationship of the determinants on t...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The primary objective of our study is to describe urinary symptoms in women treated for endometrial cancer. We performed a cross-sectional survey of women who had undergone surgical treatment...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The objectives of this research are: (1) to assess selected formulation-relevant physical properties of several commercial Feverfew extracts, including flowability, hygroscopicity, compressibility and...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionThe objective of this project is to relate the processing quality of wheat to the composition of the developing and mature grain using material grown under a range of nutrient regimes including long term organic and fertilised systems from the Rothamsted Broadbalk experiment, variety trials and organically grown wheat. Preliminary studies have indicated substantial differences in the transcriptome profiles of wheat grown with artificial fertiliser and with organic fertiliser on Broadbalk and tru [continued...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The environmental Restoration Remedial Action Quality Assurance Requirements Document (DOE/RL 90-28) defines the quality assurance program requirements for the US Department of Energy-Richland Field Office Environmental Restoration Remedial Action Program at the Hanford Site, Richland, Washington. This paper describes the objectives outlined in DOE/RL 90-28. The Environmental Restoration Remedial Action Program implements significant commitments made by the US Department of Energy in the Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order entered into with the Washington State Department of Ecology and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the past few decades, research on gender and language learning styles (LLSs) across various EFL/ESL contexts has received remarkable attention. From these studies, a multitude of contradictory and heterogeneous findings has been observed which justify additional research in SLA contexts in general and EFL contexts like Iran in particular. Hence, the present study attempted to explore the relationship between Iranian EFL students' perceptual learning styles and gender. For this aim, a 32-item questionnaire was administered to 105 EFL students at Ilam University, Iran. Results of quantitative research and statistical analysis of findings indicated that both male and female students inclined to be bimodal learners who were visual/non-verbal (V/NV) rather than being trimodal or single learn...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This document defines the quality assurance program requirements for the US Department of Energy, Richland Field Office, Environmental Restoration program at the Hanford Site. This document integrates quality assurance requirements from US Department of Energy Orders, the Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order, and applicable industry standards into a single source document for the development of quality assurance programs applicable to the Environmental Restoration program items and activities. This document has been configured into three parts and fifteen criteria to provide user organizations with a workable document that best facilitates line operations. When developing individual user organization quality assurance programs, the document configuration provides each organization with the Flexibility to incorporate only those parts and criteria that are applicable to their individual ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective To investigate the impact on life quality of women with traumatic and non-traumatic origin fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS]. Method Women affected with FMS were selected and divided into two groups: those with traumatic origin FMS [Group 1] and those with non-traumatic origin FMS [Group 2]. A standard question form was used for the research, as well as the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire [FIQ] for evaluation of life quality. Results Seventy-two patients, 34 for Group 1 and 38 for Group 2 were analyzed. The main triggering symptoms were divorce [23.5 percent of cases] and death in the family [23.5 percent of cases]. In addition to diffuse pain, the main symptoms presented were poor sleep quality, weariness, and paresthesia, with no difference between the groups; migraine had a greate...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The current Risk-informed Regulation (RIR) framework employs both a Level 1 Core Damage Frequency (CDF) and a Level 2 Large Early Release Frequency (LERF) as two surrogate measures for the plant risk. For their use in making regulatory decisions for the plant risk, it has been required to maintain an appropriate level of quality for the plant risk models. The first step for this purpose is to evaluate the quality of the PSA model in a qualitative or quantitative manner. Recently, a similar type of quality evaluation has been made for the KSNP Level 1 PSA model based on an ASME PRA Standard for the RIR application, but not for the corresponding LERF model. The main objective of this paper is to provide the ASME PRA Standard-based evaluation result for the existing KSNP Level 2 LERF model and the insights obtained from the evaluation process

Science.gov (United States)

Metadata can be used to support accessibility in connection with improved discovery. ...certain metadata elements provide information about what capabilities are needed--either perceptual-motor, cognitive, socio-economic or geographic--to make use of a resource. This cam improve the ability of users who are disadvantaged in these ways to find resources that meet their needs--and avoid ones [resources] that do not.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This document establishes the Quality Assurance (QA) Program requirements for the Hazards Waste remedial Actions Program (HASWRAP) for ensuring, with a high degree of confidence, that program objectives will be achieved as planned. The QA Program is introduced in Sect. 1. The HAZWRAP Support Contractor Office (SCO) functional organization and QA responsibilities are shown in Sect. 2. QA program requirements are contained in Sect. 3. These requiremens are pased on the American national Standard, American National Standards Institute/American Society of Mechanical Engineers NQA-1 Quality Assurance Program Requirements for Nuclear Facilities. The 18 elements defined in the standard are tailored to HAZWRAP's needs. The QA program requirements are delineated under the major headings: Quality Assurance Program, Organization, and Control of Quality;two additional program requirements, ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects health and quality of life and it has great impact on both health-care costs and costs to the society. Objectives The objective of this study was to develop a model to analyse the cost-effectiveness of a barrier-strengthening moisturizing cream as maintenance therapy compared with no treatment after initial treatment with betamethasone valerate in adult patients with AD in Sweden. A further aim was to apply a similar health-economic analysis for Denmark, Norway and Finland. Methods A Markov simulation model was developed including data from three sources: (i) efficacy data from a randomized controlled trial including patients with moderate AD treated with either a moisturizing cream or no treatment, (ii) resource utilization and quality of...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the San Joaquin River Basin, California, a realtime water quality forecasting model was developed to help improve the management of saline agricultural and wetland drainage to meet water quality objectives. Predicted salt loads from the water quality forecasting model, SJRIODAY, were consistently within +- 11 percent of actual, within +- 14 percent for seven-day forecasts, and with in +- 26 percent for 14-day forecasts for the 16-month trial period. When the 48 days dominated by rainfall/runoff events were eliminated from the data set, the error bar decreased to +- 9 percent for the model and +- 11 percent and +- 17 percent for the seven-day and 14-day forecasts, respectively. Constraints on the use of the model for salinity management on the San Joaquin River include the number of entities that control or influence water quality and the lack of a centralized authority to direct ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This document defines the quality system requirements for the US Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office (DOE-RL), Environmental Restoration (ER) Project at the Hanford Site. The Environmental Restoration Project Quality System Requirements for the Hanford Site integrates quality assurance requirements from the DOE Orders, the Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (Tri-Party Agreement), the Hanford Facility Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) Permit, and applicable Federal and Washington State regulations. This document, based on ten criteria, provides user organizations with the flexibility to incorporate only those criteria and paragraphs applicable to their specific scopes of work. The requirements of this document are to be applied based on a graded approach that takes into consideration the risk inherent in, as well as the importance of, specific items, services, and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

One of the significant factors of neutron radiographic image degradation is scattering blur from the object. A practical method is described to enhance image quality by eliminating the overlapping of scattered thermal neutrons component from the objects in ETRR-2 neutron radiography facility, using aluminum Gd-coated antiscatter grid. The MCNP code was used to determine the optimum grid dimensions that will reduce the scattered thermal neutrons from the object. An experiment was performed to determine the optimum grid height and irradiation time that gives the best image with acceptable geometric unsharpness. Using the MCNP code it was found that 97% of the scattered neutrons were removed by the grid. The wall dimensions and Gd coating are so small that the facility resolution cannot detect the image pattern superposition on the film.

Science.gov (United States)

While levels of weight bias vary among individuals, it is not clear why one person possesses stronger anti-fat attitudes than another person. This investigation examined whether individual differences commonly associated with greater anti-fat bias are also associated with a greater preference for thinness among people of varying levels of weight. Young adults (62% women; 84% Caucasian) recruited from psychology classes (N=308) rated four male and female figures with approximate BMIs of 18.5, 25, 30, and 40, on measures of dislike and personality characteristics and completed measures assessing weight controllability, attitudes toward the obese, and perceptual reliance. Greater negative attitudes, weight controllability beliefs, and perceptual reliance were positively associated with greater dislike and negative personality attributes among obese/severely obese figures, but inversely related among low normal weight figures. Individuals who judge ...

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionEnzymes are natural catalysts that are used increasingly to replace environmentally harmful chemicals and to achieve better catalytic selectivity during pulp and paper processing. The main objective of this project is to identify novel plant enzymes for deeper understanding of the process of fibre formation and for future improvement of the quality parameters of wood fibres. Specific modification of the fibre characteristics will facilitate their use as raw materials for the current pulp and pap [continued...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The UK's reserves of crude oil could last another 300 years. This is the result it is hoped to obtain from tests currently being carried out in British Coal's liquefaction project of which the objective is to produce a high quality liquid fuel from coal. 1 fig.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Objective: To investigate the relationship between exposure dose and image quality for a direct digital radiography system and to determine the optimum exposure parameters for pelvic examination. Methods: A contrast-detail phantom CDRAD2.0 was exposed to different doses and the IQF of phantom images were calculated. The optimum exposure parameters were determined by ANOVA and SNK analysis. The image of an anthropomorphic phantom taken with optimized exposure parameters was verified using CEC image criteria. Results: The IQF of the images of CDRAD2.0 phantom was significantly different for different doses, as the exposure dose was greater than 0.61 mGy. The IQFs have no difference for different dose groups. The image quality between this optimized exposure dose and conventional exposure dose not was significantly different. Conclusion: The image quality of direct digital radiography system is improved as ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Modern digital radiographic 'flat panel' detectors can exhibit a progressive form of image degradation arising from non-functioning pixels. The effect of these 'dead pixels' on the quantitative image quality measures of modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is investigated by a simulated degradation of images obtained from an Hologic EPEX system. The effects on the semi-quantitive measures obtained from contrast threshold test objects and resolution gratings are also investigated. Results suggest that the contrast-detail tests often employed in quality assurance measures are not sufficient to reveal the presence of dead pixels until well beyond the recommended replacement point for the flat panel detector. However, measurements of spatial resolution using a line pairs phantom were found to be more sensitive to pixel loss. Measurement of the MTF, NPS and DQE can ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the Mediterranean arc, vines for wine production are mainly grown without the support of irrigation. Under such conditions, site variables affecting the extent and seasonal timing of water deficits are the dominant environmental constraints for grape production. Moreover, water availability and vine water status are the factors most comprehensively determining fruit composition and, thus, wine quality. Therefore, monitoring the extent of water stress in vines might be a valuable tool for the optimisation of grape yield and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the reflectance based Water Index (WI) to estimate vine water status at the leaf and canopy levels. The study was conducted on Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay potted plants submitted to contra...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Papers presented at the workshop include: the longterm viability of mined land in Queensland; the determination and achievement of rehabilitation objectives: a state government objective; monitoring native vegetation in regenerated bauxite mines at Weipa: a belt transect method; rehabilitation strategies at the Collinsville open cut coal mine; the alteration of the environment by the construction and operation of the coal export facility at Abbot Point; some aspects of the premining environment at Collinsville; the prospects for long term revegetation of acid coal mine spoil and reject materials; recovery and stability in disturbed and artificially revegetated plant communities: a theoretical viewpoint; revegetation in the arid tropics: Mount Isa Mines' experience; Nabralek and its rehabilitation; rehabilitation and management strategies for acid mine wastes; the purpose and design of water quality monitoring ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Neutron radiography has been put to practical use in foreign countries as one of nondestructive inspection technologies, but in Japan, its application to other scientific fields is mainly researched. The reason is, the neutron radiography apparatuses installed in Japan are hard to be industrially utilized for a number of reasons, but also the characteristics of neutron radiography are not clearly established, and it is not standardized. The part from a collimator through an object to a detector is called ``upstream``, the part of an image detector is called ``midstream``, and the part of image processing is called ``downstream``. The nonparallel property of beam, image distortion and the lack of sharpness, beam quality and the interaction of neutron beam with an object are discussed about the upstream. The intensity of neutron beam, the energy spectra, the effective total macroscopic cross section, the effective energy, the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As part of its air quality monitoring activities, Alberta Environment conducts unannounced mobile air quality surveys each year using the Department's Mobile Air Monitoring Laboratory (MAML). This laboratory provides a snapshot of the air quality at the location monitored for a particular time and space. The MAML measures several pollutants in the air including ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, ozone, particulate matter, reduced sulphur compounds and sulphur dioxide. Alberta Environment conducted a series of ambient air quality monitoring surveys in the Lloydminster Area in 2002, 2003 and 2004. This report presents the results of the five monitored locations over eight seasons of monitoring, which were selected in consultation with stakeholders and staff from Alberta Environment's Central Region office. Canister samples were also collected during these surveys ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tritium dose management is an important aspect of the radiation protection program at CANDU type reactor sites. This paper describes the bioassay and dosimetry of tritium at CANDU reactor sites, especially for Wolsung Nuclear Power Plant. It presents a compilation of information drawn from published papers, technical reports, international and national guidelines as well as practical experience both in Korean and Canadian CANDU Nuclear Power Plants. The implementation of this program would provide a technical basis for calculations and records should be of acceptable quality and should meet overall radiation protection program objectives.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of SEADEX was to acquire a comprehensive, high-quality data base for evaluating models of dispersion within coastal zones, it secondary objective was to provide data to help determine which meteorological measurements are most appropriate for emergency preparedness at nuclear power plant sites. The study was conducted in the vicinity of Kewannee, Wisconsin, on the western shore of Lake Michigan. This report describes the design of the study and the data base resulting from it. Both a gas tracer (SF/sub 6/) and a particulate tracer (oil fog) were used. (ACR)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Recreational Programming (RecPro) is the discipline that encourages the study of computer programming through ludic problems. Problems that are typically studied within this discipline are similar to those of Recreational Mathematics (RecMat), which sometimes leads to the confusion of these two disciplines. The objective for RecPro is to write programs, while RecMat practitioners can use these programs to state (and prove if possible) conjectures about the solution. This interaction leads to a mathematical quality production. In an educational framework, problems in elemental number theory (those that are formulated with a basic knowledge of arithmetic) are very interesting, leading to the revision of classical unsolved problems. One of these problems is the general form of Zumkeller numbe...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The objectives of this paper are to document the physicochemical and aquatic toxicological quality of a beneficial-use produced-water discharge and its effect on a receiving stream in Wyoming. Fish and water-flea survival, growth, and reproduction tests indicated that the discharge and all other sampling stations passed the state effluent biomonitoring acute toxicity testing endpoints. while benthic macroinvertebrates were absent at the discharge point designated by the Natl. Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), productive and reproducing populations were present at all other downstream and mixing-zone stations. This investigation confirmed the validity of the beneficial-use subcategory for this oilfield discharge.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recently the real-time neutron radiography system of the Kyoto University Reactor (KUR) has been developed and practically applied to penetrating the side plates of the MTR type reactor fuels and investigation of moving objects. In this paper an application of the KUR neutron TV system to neutron computed tomography (NCT) is described. By using the NTV system, projection data can be acquired in a single measurement and simultaneously the projection image can be observed on a CRT monitor. The Fourier-convolution technique is used to produce the reconstructed image and its image has a good enough quality for revealing water in a small hole of 1.5 mm in diameter.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The objectives of this paper are to: quickly outline the extent of the care gap in osteoporosis; define T-2 (knowledge) translation and its relationship to quality improvement; discuss the barriers to best practice in osteoporosis care after a fracture; convey the importance of rigor in design and evaluation of translational interventions by drawing upon examples from the broader literature; describe in some detail a series of post-fracture intervention trials conducted in Alberta, Canada; and make some conclusions specifically about osteoporosis interventions and more generally about T-2 translational research.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This document presents the way which the 8th principle of the quality management system 'Process approach' is applied, the principle that is identified and used by international standard ISO 9000. In order to understand the evolution of the management system requirements, as used today in different activities namely, industry, services, and nuclear activities, the authors present an evolution of the quality concept and its traceability to different standards, applicable in time. There are described the requirements of ISO 9001 standard, that represents the most widely spread model for modern organization management and the IAEA concerns related to integration of the above standard requirements into the most recent safety IAEA standard 'The Management System for facilities and activities'. The IAEA Safety Standard GS-R-3 describes a management model considering both the evolution of the quality requirements into the modern ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The principle of radiodiagnosis consists in the fact the X-ray beam is attenuated at different degrees by distinct tissues. For this reason, the anatomical structures have distinct radiological opacities, that produce the radiographic image. The progresses in radiology are related to the development if new radiographic image formation systems that enable an amplification in the quality, with low dose and/or risk to the patient. The objective of this work is the sensitometric valuation of a screen-film combination, that is still the most used, for the standardization, of radiographic images. Thinking about this, were constructed homogeneous phantoms of the chest, skull and pelvis, for the calibration of X-ray beams, with the purpose of obtaining radiographic images of good quality, basing in the routine of a radiodiagnosis service and in the scientific knowledge. Questions were approached about the choice of the suitable ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The goal of this project is to develop a bench-scale procedure to produce clean, desulfurized, premium-quality chars from the Illinois basin coals. This goal is achieved by utilizing the effective capabilty of smectites in combination with methane to manipulate the char yields. The major objectives are: to determine the optimum water- ground particle size for the maximum reduction of pyrite and minerals by the selective-bitumen agglomeration process; to evaluate the type of smectite and its interlamellar cation which enhances the premium-quality char yields; to find the mode of dispersion of smectites in clean coal which retards the agglomeration of char during mild gasification; to probe the conditions that maximize the desulfurized clean-char yields under a combination of methane+oxygen or helium+oxygen; to characterize and accomplish a material balance of chars, liquids, and gases produced during mild gasification; to ...

Science.gov (United States)

The objective of the study was the kinetic modeling of the effect of storage temperature on the quality and shelf life of chilled fish, modified atmosphere-packed (MAP), and osmotically pretreated with the addition of nisin as antimicrobial agent. Fresh gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fillets were osmotically treated with 50% high dextrose equivalent maltodextrin (DE 47) plus 5% NaCl. Water loss, solid gain, salt content, and water activity were monitored throughout treatment and treatment conditions were selected for the shelf life study. Untreated and osmotically pretreated slices with and without nisin (2 x 10(4) IU/100 g osmotic solution), packed in air or modified atmosphere (50% CO(2)-50% air), and stored at controlled isothermal conditions (0, 5, 10, and 15 degrees C) were studied. Quality assessment and modeling were based on growth of several microbial indices, total volatile nitrogen, trimethylamine nitrogen, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An important aspect of water quality modeling is forecasting water quality variables for real-time management and control applications to enhance, maintain and sustain desirable water qualities. The major objective of this research is to develop daily time series models for forecasting river dissolved-oxygen (DO). The modeling approach adopted herein combines deterministic and stochastic concepts for determining properties of the DO process based on time series data and dynamic mechanisms governing the said process. This is accomplished by deriving a general DO stochastic model structure based on a modified Streeter-Phelps DO-BOD dynamic model. Then some types of nonlinear models namely, self-exciting threshold autoregressive-moving average (SETARMA), amplitude-dependent autoregressive (ADAR) and bilinear (BL) models, and the class of linear autoregressive-moving average (ARMA) models are adopted for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As the surroundings of objects of oil exploration grow more complicated, seismic survey methods have turned 3-dimensional and, in this report, several models are examined using the 3-dimensional simulation technology. The result obtained by the conventional wave tracking method is different from actual wavefields, and is unrealistic. The difference method among the fullwave modelling methods demands an exorbitantly long computation time and high cost. A pseudospectral method has been developed which is superior to the difference method, and has been put to practical use thanks to the advent of parallel computers. It is found that a 3-dimensional survey is mandatory in describing faults. After examining the SEG/EAGE Salt model, it is learned that the salt is well-developed and that 3-dimensional depth migration is required for sub-salt exploration. It is also found through simulation of the EAGE/S Overthrust model, which is an elastic model, that no ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of partially substituting cottonseed cake with graded levels of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) seed cake (BSC) on milk yield and quality in Guernsey cows. Sixteen cows in mid-lactation and in their third parity were allocated to diets containing 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 15% BSC in a completely randomized design. Each cow was given a daily feed ration of 6?kg and a basal diet of soya bean stover ad libitum. There were no differences in daily feed intake (P?>?0.05), but basal intake differed among all treatment groups with cows on the control diet having the highest intake (30???0.34?kg/day). Mean daily milk yield differed (P?P?P?P?P?>?0.05). These results indicate that BSC can substitute soya bean cake in dairy diets, but milk produ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Selective alveolo-bronchography (SAB) has been routinely used to evaluate anatomical changes in the bronchiole and its distal air spaces. A narrowing of the bronchiole and abnormal pooling of contrast medium in the destroyed air space are the prime findings. Since the object of radiography is extremely thin, direct magnification radiography is mandatory to obtain radiologic details. However, the problem with this technique is that radiographic quality varies depending upon the size of the patient and the concentration of contrast medium to be introduced in the lung. This study had two goals. One was to improve the image quality of SAB by Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR). FCR provides radiographs with a good contrast and stable density throughout a wide range of exposure factors which occur in the use of SAB. The other goal was to separately evaluate morphological abnormalities in the outer and inner zones of the lung using ...

Science.gov (United States)

The objectives of this contract are to conduct exploratory coal liquefaction research on modified solvents with slurry phase catalysts and on coal pretreatment. This report describes a review of the existing literature as well as currently on-going research in the areas of: (1) solvent quality effects on coal liquefaction; (2) role of heteroatoms in liquefaction of coal; (3) heteroatoms removal through solvent treatment, extraction and hydrogenation; (4) slurry phase catalysts in hydroprocessing of coal; and (5) effect of coal preparation and pretreatment on liquefaction. The review encompasses both technical papers and presentations as well as the patent literature. This report is comprised of two distinct parts. In Part I all the literature available on the effect of solvent quality, heteroatoms, heteroatoms removal, and slurry phase catalysts on coal liquefaction is incorporated. The existing literature and currently ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is increasingly used in food supplements due to its dietary and medicinal compounds with a beneficial role in human diet and health. As many other medicinal plants, sea buckthorn can be contaminated with microorganisms which exerts an important impact on the overall quality of the products. Irradiation is an effective method for food preservation because it is able to destroy pathogenic microorganisms keeping the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of the foods. The objective of the present study was to investigate the application of electron beam irradiation in order to improve the microbiological safety of sea buckthorn. The experimental results indicated that the electron beam treatment might be a good method to remove undesirable microorganisms from sea buckthorn without significant changes in its active principles.

CERN Document Server

We describe features of the LSST science database that are amenable to scientific data mining, object classification, outlier identification, anomaly detection, image quality assurance, and survey science validation. The data mining research agenda includes: scalability (at petabytes scales) of existing machine learning and data mining algorithms; development of grid-enabled parallel data mining algorithms; designing a robust system for brokering classifications from the LSST event pipeline (which may produce 10,000 or more event alerts per night); multi-resolution methods for exploration of petascale databases; indexing of multi-attribute multi-dimensional astronomical databases (beyond spatial indexing) for rapid querying of petabyte databases; and more.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The major problem of measurement of a power spectral density (PSD) distribution of surface heights with surface profilometers arises due to the unknown Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the instruments, which tends to distort the PSD at higher spatial frequencies. The special mathematical properties of binary pseudo-random patterns make them an ideal basis for developing MTF calibration test surfaces. Two-dimensional binary pseudo-random arrays (BPRAs) have been fabricated and used for the MTF calibration of the MicroMap{trademark}-570 interferometric microscope with all available objectives. An investigation into the effects of fabrication imperfections on the quality of the MTF calibration and a procedure for accounting for such imperfections are presented.

Science.gov (United States)

In August 1995, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a policy statement proposing improved regulatory decisionmaking by increasing the use of PRA [probabilistic risk assessment] in all regulatory matters to the extent supported by the state-of-the-art in PRA methods and data. A key aspect in using PRA in risk-informed regulatory activities is establishing the appropriate scope and attributes of the PRA. In this regard, ASME decided to develop a consensus PRA Standard. The objective is to develop a PRA Standard such that the technical quality of nuclear plant PRAs will be sufficient to support risk-informed regulatory applications. This paper presents examples recommendations for the systems analysis element of a PRA for incorporation into the ASME PRA Standard.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Objectives: ED is a common condition in psychiatric patients, which can modify their quality of life. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and the severity of ED in psychiatric patients. Methods: This naturalistic, observational study was conducted during a six months period. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) 15-item questionnaire was used to assess 144 male inpatients with different psychiatric disorders. IIEF is a brief, cross-culturally valid, self-administered scale for detecting treatment-related changes in patients with erectile dysfunction and addresses the relevant domains of male sexual function: erectile functi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In 2009, following approval of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC), the European Commission (EC) created task groups to develop guidance for eleven quality descriptors that form the basis for evaluating ecosystem function. The objective was to provide European countries with practical guidelines for implementing the MSFD, and to produce a Commission Decision that encapsulated key points of the work in a legal framework. This paper presents a review of work carried out by the eutrophication task group, and reports our main findings to the scientific community. On the basis of an operational, management-oriented definition, we discuss the main methodologies that could be used for coastal and marine eutrophication assessment. Emphasis is placed on integrated ap...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this study was to provide a framework for land use and resource allocation decisions in the Northeast Coal Block of British Columbia. The area was divided into a number of sites, and information gathered in two main areas, 1) status of the resource base, and 2) resource management/planning/development. A map and physical description of each site is provided as well as such information as - air quality, soils, vegetation, water resources, petroleum and natural gas resources, coal resources, and gravel resources, agricultural resources, timber resources, fisheries and wildlife resources, recreatational and aesthetic (visual) resources. The appendix volume provides a summary of the institutional management framework and approval procedures for all significant resource sectors. Provincial legislation and government acts are identified.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes progress during the first year of a three-year project. The objective of the research is to examine new design approaches for achieving very high conversion efficiencies. The program is divided into two areas. The first centers on exploring new thin-film approaches specifically designed for III-V semiconductors. The second area centers on exploring design approaches for achieving high conversion efficiencies without requiring extremely high quality material. Research activities consisted of an experimental study of minority carrier recombination in n-type, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)-deposited GaAs, an assessment of the minority carrier lifetimes in n-GaAs grown by molecular beam epitaxy, and developing a high-efficiency cell fabrication process.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this paper is to communicate how new and established management techniques are applied to environmental restoration projects at the Savannah River Site. Specifically, the paper discusses application of four (4) management approaches: Total Quality Principles; Task Team Structure; Cost Time Management; SAFER (Streamlined Approach for Environmental Restoration). The objective is to share Savannah River Site experience and document case studies where certain approaches have enhanced projects at hand. Each management approach is demonstrated by its project application and impact on performance. The visibility given the project is discussed to emphasize communications as avenues for public information, technical exchange, and employee motivation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A thermal neutron imaging facility for real-time neutron radiography and computed tomography has been developed at the University of Texas reactor. The facility produced a good-quality radiographs and two-dimensional tomograms. Further developments have been recently accomplished. Further developments have been recently accomplished. A computer software has been developed to automate and expedite the data acquisition and reconstruction processes. Volume tomographic visualization using Interactive Data Language (IDL) software has been demonstrated and will be further developed. Volume tomography provides the additional flexibility of producing slices of the object using software and thus avoids redoing the measurements.

Science.gov (United States)

The primary objective was to assess the effects and clinical safety of a single high-dose of the third generation GnRH antagonist, acyline, on testicular characteristics in male dogs. Seven dogs were followed up weekly for six, 2-week periods (-2, -1, 1, 2, 3 and 4). At the end of the second period, they were given acyline (330 microg/kg sc). Responses to treatment varied among individual animals. Testicular consistency and scrotal diameter were slightly diminished (P>0.05) in Periods 1, 2, and 3. Libido and erection decreased during Periods 1 and 2 (Pdecreased semen quality with no adverse effects. PMID:17586037

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objectives of the project were to make significant improvements in the production of stall regulated blades in the areas of (a) the tip box, its housing, its mechanism and small GRP parts; (b) mould technology; (c) resins and glues and (d) root tooling. Although wood composite had been identified as a competitive technology for blades, compared with GRP blades, production volumes had been lower; reasons are given. The way in which the four areas identified for investigation were tackled are discussed. The study showed that the mould cycle time can be reduced to two days for a stall regulated blade and the blade quality can be improved by using the composite tip box and new resins. The time required for replication of moulds can be reduced by 40%.

CERN Document Server

In this paper we present an approach for supporting users in the difficult task of searching for video. We use collaborative feedback mined from the interactions of earlier users of a video search system to help users in their current search tasks. Our objective is to improve the quality of the results that users find, and in doing so also assist users to explore a large and complex information space. It is hoped that this will lead to them considering search options that they may not have considered otherwise. We performed a user centred evaluation. The results of our evaluation indicate that we achieved our goals, the performance of the users in finding relevant video clips was enhanced with our system; users were able to explore the collection of video clips more and users demonstrated a preference for our system that provided recommendations.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Frozen boiled shrimp and dried shrimp are among the high-value fishery products of Thailand. During the production of these products boiling is one of the most important steps that affects significantly the product physicochemical properties, especially the quantity and quality of proteins, which in turn affect other apparent properties perceived by consumers. The protein changes are, however, difficult to evaluate comparing to other typical physical properties of shrimp. The objective of this study was therefore to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the protein changes of shrimp in terms of protein loss and protein denaturation as a function of the boiling conditions, namely, concentration of salt solution and boiling time, as well as a rather easily determined ch...

Science.gov (United States)

In the Advance Coal Liquefaction Concept Proposal (ACLCP) carbon monoxide (CO) and water have been proposed as the primary reagents in the pretreatment process. The main objective of this project is to develop a methodology for pretreating coal under mild conditions based on a combination of existing processes which have shown great promise in liquefaction, extraction and pyrolysis studies. The aim of this pretreatment process is to partially depolymerise the coal, eliminate oxygen and diminish the propensity for retograde reactions during subsequent liquefaction. The desirable outcome of the CO pretreatment step should be: (1) enhanced liquefaction activity and/or selectivity toward products of higher quality due to chemical modification of the coal structure; (2) cleaner downstream products; (3) overall improvement in operability and process economics.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The objective of the present investigation was to develop a Bayesian framework for updating and integrating covariate information into key parameters of metabolizable energy (ME) systems for dairy cows. The study addressed specifically the effects of genetic improvements and feed quality on key parameters in current ME systems. These are net and metabolizable energy for maintenance (NEM and MEM, respectively), efficiency of utilization of ME for milk production (kL) and growth (kG), and efficiency of utilization of body stores for milk production (kT). Data were collated from 38 studies, yielding 701 individual cow observations on milk energy, ME intake, and tissue gain and loss. A function based on a linear relationship between milk energy and ME intake and correcting for tissue energy lo...

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe main objective of this study is to address the following specific questions: 1. Are the delayed effects of poor early diet on whole organism performance and senescence contingent on, or exacerbated by, the subsequent occurrence of compensatory growth? 2. Does the rate of growth influence levels of resting metabolism and/or oxidative stress, and if so, for how long does this persist? 3. How are the levels of early nutrition, growth, resting metabolism and oxidative stress linked to the lev [continued...]DescriptionIt is now widely appreciated that, while animals may appear to recover from periods of poor food quality or quantity experienced in early development, adverse effects may occur later in adult life. Such effects can influence the performance of complete cohorts of animals, and have important consequences for population dynamics. The reasons why such delayed effects occur across the animals' lifetimes ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Changes facing the electricity supply industry are significant, and the challenges these changes pose are enormous. There are major changes to the business environment of transitional electric utilities. There are also changes in the management of the companies in that nontechnical people are taking over the leadership of traditionally technical companies to deal with the new business scenario. This raises the concern that there may be a lack of familiarity by management of the technical issues involved with the result that the quality of the product may be at risk over the long term. This article deals with the future. It describes a vision for the control center energy management systems (EMS) network security applications as a function of the current and expected changes in the electric supply industry. The objective is to present a conceptual specification. It suggests possible approaches to the problems control centers are likely to ...

Science.gov (United States)

Visual Sample Plan (VSP) is an easy-to-use visual and graphic statistically-based software tool being developed by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to help determine the appropriate number and location of environmental samples so that environmental decisions can be made with the required confidence. The VSP software, which is available free at http://dqo.pnl.gov/vsp, is a significant aid in developing probability-based sampling designs (number and location of samples and measurements) using the Data Quality Objectives (DQO) planning process developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). VSP also has the capability of conducted statistical analyses to provide descriptive statistical summaries of data sets, to test whether data are normally distributed, and to compute upper confidence limits on means. This report is the latest in a series of reports that document the statistical methods used in VSP [Davidson (2001), ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The standard protocol in multislice spiral CT (MSCT) angiography for coronary arteries with fixed tube current-time settings leads to an overexposure and thus to an unnecessary high radiation dose in patients with lower weight when compared to heavier patients. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of reducing the radiation dose by adapting the tube current-time settings individually. Fifty patients underwent retrospectively ECG-gated MSCT of the heart. In 25 patients (group A_1) a standard protocol with constant tube current-time settings was used (4 x 1-mm collimation, 120 kV, 400 mAs_e_f_f). Subsequently, artificial image noise was added to the data of these patients simulating a directive for weight-adapted tube current-time settings (group A_2). In the other 25 patients (group B) an alternative protocol with individually weight-adapted tube current-time settings was applied. The data of all groups were evaluated by a regression analysis. The image ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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

Science.gov (United States)

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder, for which various conservative treatment options are available. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of the various conservative treatment options for relieving the symptoms of CTS. Computer-aided searches of MEDLINE (1/1966 to 3/2000), EMBASE (1/1988 to 2/2000) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (2000, issue 1) were conducted, together with reference checking. Included were randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of conservative treatment options in a study population of CTS patients, with a full report published in English, German, French or Dutch. Two reviewers independently selected the studies. Fourteen randomised controlled trials were included in the review. Assessment of methodological quality and data-extraction was independently performed by two reviewers. A rating system, based on the number of studies and their methodological ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This handbook provides guidance in the application of quality assurance to measurement activities. It is intended to help those persons making measurements in applying quality assurance to their work activities by showing how laboratory practices and quality assurance requirements are integrated to provide control within those activities. The use of the guidance found in this handbook should help provide consistency in the interpretation of quality assurance requirements across all types of measurement laboratories. This handbook also can assist quality assurance personnel in understanding the relationships between laboratory practices and quality assurance requirements. The handbook is composed of three chapters and several appendices. Basic guidance is provided by the three chapters. In Chapter 1, the role of quality assurance in obtaining ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Before low-level waste may be disposed of, a performance assessment must be written and then approved by the DOE (DOE 1988a DOE 1999a). The performance assessment is to determine whether ''reasonable assurance'' exists that the performance objectives of the disposal facility will be met. The DOE requirements for waste disposal (DOE 1988a DOE 1999a) require the protection of public health and safety; and the protection of the environment. Although quantitative limits are sometimes stated (for example, the all-pathways exposure limit is 25 mrem/year), usually the requirements are stated in a general nature. Quantitative limits were established by: investigating all potentially applicable regulations as well as interpretations of the review panels which DOE has established to review performance assessments, interacting with program management to establish the additional requirements of the program, and interacting with the public ...

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesObjectives Not AvailableDescriptionAbstract Not Available

Science.gov (United States)

Clean Water Act You are here: Water Laws & Regulations Policy & Guidance Clean Water Act Water Quality and 401 Certification Water Quality and 401 Certification Water Quality...

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Archived Web resource. Information about the impacts of global warming on the environmental quality and recreation, such as ... ...

Science.gov (United States)

The role of nurse practitioner has been established because of a shortage of doctors. In May 2007, the first cohort of 582 nurse practitioners were licensed in Taiwan. The post of nurse practitioner in Taiwan is formally moving towards systematization and the most urgent matters in that regard are the sorting out of contentious issues and the establishment of clear job descriptions. Competence in critical thinking and problem-based learning is important and has to be improved with practice. The application of teaching assessment tools such as direct observation procedural skills (DOPS), objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), miniclinical evaluation exercises (Mini-CEX), and 360 degree assessments may contribute to the improvement of nurse practitioners' skills in conducting research, appraising evidence-based nursing literature, and developing teaching strategies and advanced systems by making policy clear, evaluating, auditing and monitoring the ...

Environmental Research Database

SummaryIntended Outputs: Identification and evaluation, using participatory approaches, of demand management options:*Technical*Allocative and market based*Impact on target beneficiariesSupporting measures required when introducing water demand management options above:*Extension services & training*Water licences/rights*Institutional changes*Legal measures and regulation*Education*Support in diversifying to less water demanding activities*S [continued...]ObjectivesIdentification of the most appropriate demand management strategies for ground water abstraction, where aquifiers are being over-exploited, ensuring sustainable livelihoods of the vulnerable and poor are safeguarded. Poverty reduction strategies for areas where groundwater is being over-exploited.DescriptionProject Background: Groundwater is the principal source of both irrigation and domestic water supplies in many arid and semi-arid countries. However, many of these countries are already consuming ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this paper, molecular quantum computation is numerically studied with the quantum search algorithm (Grover's algorithm) by means of optimal control simulation. Qubits are implemented in the vibronic states of I_2, while gate operations are realized by optimally designed laser pulses. The methodological aspects of the simulation are discussed in detail. We show that the algorithm for solving a gate pulse-design problem has the same mathematical form as a state-to-state control problem in the density matrix formalism, which provides monotonically convergent algorithms as an alternative to the Krotov method. The sequential irradiation of separately designed gate pulses leads to the population distribution predicted by Grover's algorithm. The computational accuracy is reduced by the imperfect quality of the pulse design and by the electronic decoherence processes that are modeled by the non-Markovian master equation. However, as long as we focus on the population ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This dissertation concerns a study of the utilization of sorghum biomass as the fuel for a methane production system. The objective of this research is to determine an optimal sorghum-methane production system based on anaerobic batch digestion technology. The system is described as the interaction of three components: estimation of available biomass, storage of biomass, and the gas production. Levelized costs are obtained for each component. The biomass supply is assumed to decay exponentially in quality with storage time. The gas production process is a batch type of digestion with an exponential production rate. Gas production is formulated for a fixed planning horizon (one year) as a function of the number of batches and the batch residence times. The cost equation is then described as a function of these gas production equations and their levelized costs. The structure of this resulting equation is exploited to obtain the minimum unit gas ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The specific objectives of the work were defined by the Environmental Evaluation Group (EEG) as follows: (1) assess the stability of panel 1 during the proposed operation of waste emplacement; (2) estimate the amount of time before room closure would be expected to transfer rock loads to the waste packages. The work consisted of (1) an analysis of geotechnical data and a review of the Department of Energy`s (DOE) plans for waste emplacement in panel 1, (2) an evaluation of ground conditions based on data analysis and observations of changes in ground conditions since the first evaluation in 1993 (USBM 1993), and (3) preparation of a report and presentation of the results to EEG staff. Excluded from this study are radiological safety issues and policies. The study is based on data provided by DOE and Westinghouse Electric Corporation (operator of the site) and conversations with DOE and Westinghouse personnel. MTI cannot independently verify the accuracy of the data ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In October last year the first intercomparison of measurements of the soil radon concentrations between various laboratories in Slovakia was realised. The organisation of this intercomparison was conducted by the Slovak Legal Metrology in Banska Bystrica together with the Slovak National Accreditation Service in Bratislava (SNAS). The scientific guarantee of the exercise was the State metrological Centre for radon quantities, which is working at the Research base of Slovak Medical University in Bratislava. The main objective of the intercomparison was to verify the correctness of the methods for the soil radon measurements of the authorised laboratories for radon volume activities in soil air. The intercomparison (signed as SLM ILC 3/03) was performed as a 'circular' metrology comparison, in accordance with a methodical directive MSA 0117-98, published by SNAS. Six laboratories were participating on the intercomparison and there have been two stages of the work one ...

Environmental Research Database

Objectives- Investigate the potential for the use of enzymes to bring about improvements in the recycling of recovered waste paper sources~%~~%~- Optimise enzyme formulations and process conditions to maximise benefits. - Produce recovered fibre at lower energy and chemical costs than is currently achievable using 'classical' de-inking techniques.~%~~%~- Improve recycled fibre quality and~%~~%~- All of the above will allow a greater use of recovered paper resources, which would otherwise be diposed of by [continued...]DescriptionThe project proposes to carry out an initial literature review to update the consortium on the currently available publications relating to the use of enzymes in de-inking.. This will be followed by an intensive laboratory study in an upgraded facility which will allow enzyme formulations and mechanisms to be studied. This work will also eliminate the need for an ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The object of briquetting coal fines is to convert a low grade fuel into one of superior quality coal. Briquetting techniques make coal an attractive substitute fuel by converting it into a compact, stable and inexpensive fuel. The briquetting of coal fines and char fines from coal and lignite, coke breeze, charcoal fines and similar materials is an important process for producing shaped fuel for a number of uses. Formed-coke made from non-caking coal for use in a blast furnace or in a cupola furnace involves the briquetting of treated char fines and further processing of the briquettes by means of carbonizing and curing. Briquettes may be made with or without binders, brown coal is particularly suitable for briquetting without a binder. Heat treatment may enable a higher rank coal to be briquetted without a binder, but binders are usually used so as to improve the combustion properties of the coal, they may include pitch, bitumen, sulphite ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The increasing number of hazardous materials accidents in the United States has resulted in new federal regulations addressing the emergency response activities associated with chemical releases. A significant part of these new federal standards (29 CFR 1910.120 and 40 CFR Part 311) requires compliance with specific criteria by all personnel involved in a hazardous material emergency. This study investigated alternative lesson design models applicable to instruction for hazardous material emergencies. A specialized design checklist was created based on the work of Gagne, Briggs, and Wager (1988), Merrill (1987), and Clark (1989). This checklist was used in the development of lesson plan templates for the hazardous materials incident commander course. Qualitative data for establishing learning objectives was collected by conducting a needs assessment and a job analysis of the incident commander position. Incident commanders from 14 public and private organizations ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The neutron radiography system installed at the E-2 experimental hole of the KUR (Kyoto University Reactor) has been used for some NDT applications in the nuclear field. The on-line video image processing system of this facility is introduced in this paper. A 0.5 mm resolution in images was obtained by using a super high quality TV camera developed for X-radiography viewing a NE-426 neutron-sensitive scintillator. The image of the NE-426 on a CRT can be observed directly and visually, thus many test samples can be sequentially observed when necessary for industrial purposes. The video image signals from the TV camera are digitized, with a 33 ms delay, through a video A/D converter (ADC) and can be stored in the image buffer (32 KB DRAM) of a microcomputer (Z-80) system. The digitized pictures are taken with 16 levels of gray scale and resolved to 240 x 256 picture elements (pixels) on a monochrome CRT, with the capability also to display 16 distinct colors on a RGB ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper described a newly developed chipper device for mounting on Claas Jaguar chipper harvesters for short rotation forestry harvesting. It was designed by the Agriculture Engineering Research Unit of the Agricultural Research Council in Rome, Italy. The new rotor has a lower number of blades compared to standard rotors and has a different cutting angle and drum insertion. This study evaluated the particle-size distribution of wood chips produced by standard rotors compared to those with the experimental rotor. The objective was to distinguish the particle size distribution of chips produced using the two types of chippers in order to evaluate the influence of wooden species in the chip formation process. Tests were conducted using 860 and 890 Claas Jaguar chipper harvesters, both equipped with standard and CRA-ING rotors. The experiment was conducted on poplar cultivations on biennial shift and on arboreal cultivations. Compared to traditional rotors, CRA-ING ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A distinguishing design feature of CANDU nuclear reactors is the use of horizontal fuel channels housed in a horizontal vessel called a calandria, which is made of stainless steel 304L. Each channel consists of a Zr-2.5%Nb alloy pressure tube and an externally concentric Zr-2 calandria tube. The calandria tubes are joined to the end plates (tubesheets) of the calandria vessel by joints formed by roller expansion. The bores in the tubesheets are grooved. Roller expanded joints provide a cost effective means of joining dissimilar materials, require minimal space and no maintenance. The quality of these roller expanded joints is important from a sealing, strength and stress corrosion point of view. The roller expansion process consists of expanding the calandria tubes to deform them plastically against the bores and into the grooves of the tubesheets. Therefore, understanding the effect of the number, geometry and the pitch of the grooves on the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This Packaging Review Guide (PRG) provides guidance for Department of Energy (DOE) review and approval of packagings to transport fissile and Type B quantities of radioactive material. It fulfills, in part, the requirements of DOE Order 460.1B for the Headquarters Certifying Official to establish standards and to provide guidance for the preparation of Safety Analysis Reports for Packagings (SARPs). This PRG is intended for use by the Headquarters Certifying Official and his or her review staff, DOE Secretarial offices, operations/field offices, and applicants for DOE packaging approval. This PRG is generally organized at the section level in a format similar to that recommended in Regulatory Guide 7.9 (RG 7.9). One notable exception is the addition of Section 9 (Quality Assurance), which is not included as a separate chapter in RG 7.9. Within each section, this PRG addresses the technical and regulatory bases for the review, the manner in which the review is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With the end of the Cold War and the election of President Clinton, the Department of Energy (DOE) set a new course which began with the publication of its first departmental strategic plan in April 1994. Entitled ``Fueling a Competitive Economy, it provided the framework and shared vision for meeting responsibilities in energy, national security, environmental quality, and science and technology. The strategic plan was the guidepost for the formulation of the Department`s FY 1996, FY 1997, and FY 1998 budgets and was critical to the development of the Department`s Strategic Alignment Initiative, designed to save $1.7 billion over five years. This current plan, which has been significantly improved through a very close consultation process with Congress and customers stakeholders, takes DOE to the next important performance level by being more directly linked to actions and results. It defines a strategic goal for each of the Department`s four business lines and, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This thesis is concerned with the optimization and development of the production of nanofocusing refractive X-ray lenses. These optics made of either silicon or diamond are well-suited for high resolution X-ray microscopy. The goal of this work is the design of a reproducible manufacturing process which allows the production of silicon lenses with high precision, high quality and high piece number. Furthermore a process for the production of diamond lenses is to be developed and established. In this work, the theoretical basics of X-rays and their interaction with matter are described. Especially, aspects of synchrotron radiation are emphasized. Important in X-ray microscopy are the different optics. The details, advantages and disadvantages, in particular those of refractive lenses are given. To achieve small X-ray beams well beyond the 100 nm range a small focal length is required. This is achieved in refractive lenses by moving to a compact lens design where ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The generation of thermal energy is the great importance for the agribusiness of dairy industry to conservation the quality of milk, taking into account that the electricity is the main source currently used for the thermal energy input. The small agribusiness dairy industry currently practiced in Brazil faces several problems related to the cost of electricity and the distance of rural properties of networks of power. In the current scenario of Brazilian dairy production, there is need for the generation of cold for the milk cooling, and also the heat for the production of hot water around 50 deg C to 60 deg C and also for cleaning of equipment used for milk production and processing. The main objective of this study is the modeling and simulation of integrated recovery process of solid waste, effluents and bioconversion. The specific project objectives are: comparison study of options and technological routes of low cost ...

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In Hungary, legislation for nuclear power plants was developed at the end of the 1970s, among which is the quality assurance code for nuclear power plants. Hungarian practice is presented, including discussion of the requirements for quality assurance, qualification of the suppliers and inspection practices. The general requirements of quality assurance in the course of construction of a nuclear power plant are presented: quality assurance of technological equipment, fuel, electrical equipment, automatic instrumentations, building structures and technology.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cadmium is a non-essential heavy metal found abundantly in the environment. Children of women exposed to cadmium during pregnancy display lower motor and perceptual abilities. High cadmium body burden in children is also related to impaired intelligence and lowered school achievement. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular basis of developmental neurotoxicity in the sensitive early life stages of animals. In this study, we explore neurological deficits caused by cadmium during early embryonic stages in zebrafish by examining regionalization of the neural tube, pattern formation and cell fate determination, commitment of proneural genes and induction of neurogenesis. We show that cadmium-treated embryos developed a smaller head with unclear boundaries between the brain subdivisions, particularly in the mid-hindbrain region. Embryos display normal anterior to posterior regionalization; however, the commitment of neural progenitor cells was affected ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to validate the questionnaire ECOS-16 (Assessment of health related quality of life in osteoporosis) for the evaluation of health related quality...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Quality reporting tools, integrated with ambulatory electronic health records, can help clinicians and administrators understand performance, manage populations, and improve quality. Report Central...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The `Procurement Quality Function` is an element of the Body of Knowledge of Quality Engineering, as defined by the American Society for Quality Control (ASQC). This paper describes the Procurement Quality function which has been installed as an integral part of the Quality Engineering group of the Technical and Management Support Services (T&MSS) contractor to the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project. Each of the elements of the T&MSS Procurement Quality Engineering (PQE) system is discussed along with the measurements obtained. With the installation and development of the PQE system we have attained more meaningful evaluation of supplier capability, reduction of procurement document review reject ratios from 31% to less than 2% per quarter, more effective measurement and control of supplier performance, ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BACKGROUND: This prospective and retrospective study carried out over a period of one month (50 patients) looked at the quality of hospital records of urethral catheterisation with reference to the...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

As controlled clinical vocabularies assume an increasing role in modern clinical information systems, so the issue of their quality demands greater attention. In order to meet the resulting stringent...Full Text Available

Wastenet

...Air Quality Monitoring Networks Products and Equipment Find and compare a variety of air quality monitoring networks products and equipment on the world's largest environmental industry portal. ...

CERN Document Server

\\end{abstract}

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(1974). United States Lingafelter, JW Nuclear Services Corp., Campbell, CA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The general requirements applicable to the quality assurance of the Finnish nuclear power plants are presented in the Council of State Decision (395/91) and in the guide YVL 1.4. This guide specifies the quality assurance requirements to be applied during the operation of the nuclear power plants as well as of the other nuclear facilities. Quality assurance applies to all the activities and organizations with a bearing on the safe operation of the nuclear power plants. (5 refs.).

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Quality assurance data for FFTF reactor fuel pellets are presented.

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... dose rates inhalation iodine 134 krypton 88 nuclear decay quality factor

KoreaScience (Korea)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

One of the refinements of modern Nuclear Medicine is the capacity of providing dynamic and kinetics images of the administered radiopharmaceutical, reproducing its transport mechanism, action sites, receptor binding and excretion route. With the continues technological advances new radiopharmaceuticals have been developed in order to express higher specificity and with higher characters of affinity between receptor/complex. One radiopharmaceutical is formed by a reagent or bio molecule that has in its structure a radioisotope, that has the objectives of carrying it to the organs of affinity or to benign or malign tumoral process. Somatostatin inhibits the growing and proliferation of several tumoral cells. Somatostatin analogs bind to somatostatic receptors that are expressed in different kind of neoplasia DOTA-LANREOTIDE (DOTALAN) is an octapeptide analog to somatostatin. The interest of labeling the bio conjugate with gallium-67 in Nuclear Medicine comes from its ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Fuzzy theory has been regarded as a very important technique for quality management (QM) of distributed manufacturing system and attracts the attentions of academic and industry; however, there is a lack of a comprehensive literature review and a classification scheme for it. This paper is the first academic literature review of the fuzzy theory applied in quality management of distributed manufacturing system. It involves five most popular databases in this research area and covers more than 20 journals, proposes a classification scheme using clustering analysis method. Sixty-one journal articles were finally selected, reviewed and classified. Each selected article was classified firstly based on four QM dimensions (quality planning, quality control, quality assurance and quality improvem...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic quality and adverse events of the water-soluble, non-ionic, iso-osmolar, dimeric contrast media iodixanol and iotrolan in hysterosalpingography (HSG). Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients participated in a double-blind randomized parallel-group phase-III study. Questionnaires and patient interviews were used. Diagnostic quality was assessed using a visual analogue scale and the quality in specific regions was rated using a categorical scale. Results: Overall diagnostic quality was equal for the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in diagnostic quality in the specific regions of interest. No differences between the contrast media were found with regard to adverse events. Conclusion: Both contrast media provided images of high diagnostic quality in HSG. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Immunoassays are versatile analytical techniques that had a leading role in various clinical applications, during the last four decades. The studies carried out by Rosalyn Yalow, Solomon Berson and Roger Ekins in the 1960s gave a breakthrough in the development of this novel analytical method. Sensitivity up to femtomolar concentrations, high specificity and universal application to different classes of molecular species made immunoassay a very useful tool in analytical investigation. The expertise acquired by immunochemists in producing antibodies against any antigen and the ability of radiochemists in labeling the antigens with "1"2"5I without affecting the active site are the two main factors responsible for the above development. There are concerns about the safety and health of humans due to the high-level contamination of environment by pesticides, industrial compounds and metals, anabolic steroids in milk and meat products, and presence of mycotoxins in food and feed ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper develops a model of nonlinear pricing with competition. The novel element is that each consumer's willingness to pay for quality is private information and is allowed to differ across brands. The consumer's preferences are represented by a multidimensional type containing the marginal value of quality for different products. Buyers with high willingness to pay for quality also display strong preferences for particular brands, and require higher discounts in order to switch away from their favorite product. Therefore, competition is fiercer for buyers with lower tastes for quality, and hence more elastic demands. This is in sharp contrast to earlier models in which competition is fiercer for higher-taste, more valuable buyers. In equilibrium, firms either compete intensively for ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

When we perceive a visual object, we implicitly or explicitly associate it with an object category we know. Recent research has shown that the visual system can use local, informative image fragments...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

Real-time digital libraries based on widely distributed, high performance management of large-data-objects

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document is intended as an addendum to the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) Work Plan for the Salmon Site (SS) (formerly the Tatum Dome Test Site) Lamar County, Mississippi. The original work plan - Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study of the Tatum Dome Test Site, Lamar County, Mississippi (herein after called the Work Plan) was approved by the state of Mississippi in 1992 and was intended as the operative document for investigative activities at the Tatum Dome Test Site. Subsequent to the approval of the document a series of activities were undertaken under the auspices of the work plan. This document is organized in the same manner as the original work plan: (1) Introduction; (2) Site Background and History; (3) Initial Evaluation; (4) Data Quality Objectives; (5) RI/FS Tasks; (6) Project Schedule; (7) Project Management; and (8) Reference. This addendum will identify changes to the original work plan that are ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Two-phase flow patterns and frictional pressure gradients in flow in small, rectangular channels are being studies as part of a larger research program addressing phase-change heat transfer of pure refrigerants and refrigerant mixtures in plate-fin heat exchangers. Small rectangular flow channels were selected as representative of plain fin geometries. The particular channel reported herein has dimensions of 19.05 {times} 3.18 mm. Adiabatic flows of air/water mixtures, with the flow channel horizontal and the channel exit at near-atmospheric conditions, were utilized in the experiments. Analysis and interpretation of the pressure data relative to observed flow pattern transitions led to an objective method for determining the plug/bubble-to-slug flow transition. This method, together with visual observations, supplemented with photographic data, was used to develop a flow pattern man. A comparison of existing flow pattern maps for circular pipes, capillary tubes, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The object of the present study is to develop a high performance evaporator for automotive air conditioner. The experiment has been conducted on evaporative heat transfer coefficient inside a plate type heat exchanger with a sharp 180-degree turn flow. The test plates have different formed surface, cross-ribboned channel and elliptical-ribbed channel. Also experimental study has been performed to determine optimal design in elliptical-ribbed plate heat exchanger with different turn clearance. In addition to the above experiments, refrigerant behavior and surface temperature distribution in the plate heat exchanger were observed using color thermo viewer(infrared thermometer). In this experiment, working fluid was used R-12 and test conditions were as follows : (1) saturation pressure of 2,116 kg/cm{sup 2}, (2) mass fluxes of 40 to 70 kg/m{sup 2} s, (3) heat fluxes of 4,500 to 7,300 W/m{sup 2}, (4) inlet quality of 0.1 to 0.7. The results ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main objective of the present thesis was develop and get operational a real-time neutron radiography system, at the IPEN-CNEN/SP. This system is installed inside the shielding of an old facility, designed in 1988, for film radiography, which is installed at the beam-hole 08 of the 5 MW, IEA-R1 Nuclear Research Reactor. The most important modifications at the such facility were the increase of the #gamma#-radiation filter thickness, increase of the inner area of the shielding, design of a neutron collimator and a light tight box. The main characteristics of the neutron beam at the irradiation position are: flux: 1 x 10"6n/cm"2s, collimation ratio 70, effective energy 7 meV, diameter 20 cm, neutron/#gamma# ratio #approx# 10"6n/cm"2mrem. The real-time images have been obtained by means of an imaging system that consists of a screen scintillator, a light intensifier, a video camera, a digitizing frame grabber and a computer. The device composed by the scintillator ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It has been five years since the last in-depth American College of Nuclear Physicians/Society of Nuclear Medicine Symposium on the subject of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was held. Because this subject was nominated as the single most desired topic we have selected SPECT imaging as the basis for this year's program. The objectives of this symposium are to survey the progress of SPECT clinical applications that have taken place over the last five years and to provide practical and timely guidelines to users of SPECT so that this exciting imaging modality can be fully integrated into the evaluation of pathologic processes. The first half was devoted to a consideration of technical factors important in SPECT acquisition and the second half was devoted to those organ systems about which sufficient clinical SPECT imaging data are available. With respect to the technical aspect of the program we have selected the key areas which demand awareness and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To realise the Dutch objectives of energy saving and emission reductions in the built environment, the use of 'Low Valued Energy' will be necessary in the future. Low Valued Energy is available from residual, ambient heat and renewable sources. Using Low Valued Energy for space heating in commercial and residential buildings requires adjusting the design of the installations, i.e. lowering the design supply temperature of the heating system from 90C to 55C or less. Appropriate heat distribution systems, e.g. floor or wall heating and radiators, have a life cycle of 40 to 50 years. The application (on a large scale in buildings), however, requires an enormous change in the installation and building branch. To enable the application of low temperature sources in the future, the building and installation designs should be based on low temperature distribution systems. Being aware of this need, a broad implementation programme has been drawn up in the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this project is to develop improved seismic event location techniques that can be used to generate more and better quality reference events using data from local and regional seismic networks. Their approach is to extend existing methods of multiple-event location with more general models of the errors affecting seismic arrival time data, including picking errors and errors in model-based travel-times (path corrections). Toward this end, they are integrating a grid-search based algorithm for multiple-event location (GMEL) with a new parameterization of travel-time corrections and new kriging method for estimating the correction parameters from observed travel-time residuals. Like several other multiple-event location algorithms, GMEL currently assumes event-independent path corrections and is thus restricted to small event clusters. The new parameterization assumes that travel-time corrections are a function of both the event ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Before the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on Climate Protection, the fluorinated greenhouse gases HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 (F-gases) aroused little public attention. Since then, the standards on surveying and reporting on national emissions have been rising constantly. Amongst others, the annual reporting to the UNFCCC secretariat makes detailed declarations on use and emissions of F-gases necessary, which have to be filled in specified formats for submission (Common Reporting Format = CRF). The scientific basis has been set out by the UNFCCC guidelines on reporting, in accordance with the instructions laid down in IPCC good practice guidance. Additionally, in Germany the Centralised System of Emissions (ZSE) shall provide a suitable tool to satisfy any quality needs of both activity data and emission factors. From 1995 onwards, activity data and emissions of each individual application sector shall be presented in a comprehensible and transparent way. Therefore, the way of data ...

Science.gov (United States)

A 2009 paper considered possibilities for applying a common display suite to various front-line bubble canopy fighters, whereas further research suggests the cost savings, post Milestone C production/deployment, might not be advantageous. The situation for military cargo and tanker aircraft, may offer a different paradigm. The primary objective of Defense acquisition is to acquire quality products that satisfy user needs with measurable improvements to mission capability and operational support, in a timely manner, and at a fair and reasonable price. DODD 5000.01 specifies that all participants in the acquisition system shall recognize the reality of fiscal constraints, viewing cost as an independent variable. DoD Components must therefore plan programs based on realistic projections of the dollars and manpower likely to be available in future years and also identify the total costs of ownership, as well as the major drivers of total ownership ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The advantages offered by green roofs range from improvement in architectural and landscape aesthetics to reductions in building energy costs. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is encouraging sustainable community development through new policies and regulations that promote green roof installation on public and commercial rooftops in Seattle's urban center. An understanding of climate-specific green roof performance is required in order to develop an accurate representation of the stormwater benefits of green roofs. This paper explored the relative importance of green roofs in storm water management and low impact development (LID) in various areas of Seattle. It also examined the relative effectiveness and applicability of green roofs under various conditions and in various parts of the city compared to other LID strategies such as Seattle's natural drainage systems (NDS) designs, swales and ponds, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, and porous pavements. SPU has ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Small circular and noncircular channels are representative of flow passages in compact evaporators and condensers. This paper describes results of an experimental study on heat transfer to the flow boiling of refrigerant- 12 in a small circular tube of diameter = 2.46 mm. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of channel size on the heat transfer coefficient and to obtain additional insights relative to the heat transfer mechanisms. The flow channel was made of brass and had an overall length of 0.9 m. The channel wall was electrically heated, and temperatures were measured on the channel wall and in the bulk fluid stream. Voltage taps were located at the same axial locations as the stream thermocouples to allow testing over an exit quality range of 0.21 to 0.94 and a large range of mass flux (63 to 832 kg/m{sup 2}s) and heat flux (2.5 to 59 kW/m{sup 2}). Saturation pressure was nearly constant, averaging 0.82 MPa for most of the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Objective: To apply the obtained results from 3 stages of research in Chinese radiation protection field. Methods: Based on the identification of physical, chemical and biological qualities for element and its radionuclides under equilibrium condition, main application of these results in Chinese radiation protection field have been discussed by using reported methods in literature. Results: Based on developing elemental reference values of organs or tissues, whole body burdens and their distribution for Chinese Reference Man, discussed in the above 3 articles, current dietary elemental intakes of 42 elements have been updated, and related basis for certain important parameters of bio-kinetic model for use in radiation protection (for example, f_l, T_e and T_b) have been provided. The internal doses from primordial radionuclides and transfer coefficients of elements from environment into the critical organs of Chinese adult men have been ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As part of an ongoing strategic research project to find barrels of radioactive waste off San Francisco, the U.S. Navy (USN), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) pooled their expertise, resources, and technology to form a partnership to verify new computer enhancement techniques developed for detecting targets the size of 55 gallon barrels on sidescan sonar images. Between 1946 and 1970, approximately 47,800 large barrels and other containers of radioactive waste were dumped in the ocean west of San Francisco; the containers litter an area of the sea floor of at least 1400 km {sup 2} knows as the Farallon Island Radioactive Waste Dump. The exact location of the containers and the potential hazard the containers pose to the environment is unknown. The USGS developed computer techniques and contracted with private industry to enhance sidescan data, collected in cooperation with the GFNMS, to detect ...

Science.gov (United States)

The objectives of this project are to support the DOE direct coal liquefaction process development program and to improve the useful application of analytical chemistry to direct coal liquefaction process development. Independent analyses by well-established methods will be obtained of samples produced in direct coal liquefaction processes under evaluation by DOE. Additionally, analytical instruments and techniques which are currently underutilized for the purpose of examining coal-derived samples will be evaluated. The data obtained from this study will be used to help guide current process development and to develop an improved data base on coal and coal liquids properties. A sample bank will be established and maintained for use in this project and will be available for use by other researchers. The reactivity of the non-distillable resids toward hydrocracking at liquefaction conditions (i.e., resid reactivity) will be examined. From the literature and data ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Proper use of quality assurance will provide the basis for an effective management control system for nuclear waste management programs. Control is essential for achieving successful programs free from costly losses and failures and for assuring the public and regulators that the environment and health and safety are being protected. The essence of quality assurance is the conscientious use of planned and systematic actions, based on selecting and applying appropriate requirements from an established quality assurance standard. Developing a quality assurance program consists of using knowledge of the technical and managerial aspects of a project to identify and evaluate risks of loss and failure and then to select appropriate quality assurance requirements that will minimize the risks. Those requirements are integrated into the project planning documents and are carried out as ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study was designed to identify the relationship between free time management and quality of life, exploring whether the amount of free time or the way people using their free time relates to their quality of life. Data were collected from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. Of the 500 questionnaires distribute, 403 usable questionnaires were received with an 81% response rate. The result has found a positive relationship between free time management and quality of life. Contrary to this, there was no significant relationship between time allocation and quality of life. Results might indicate that people who manage their free time well lead to better quality of life. Suggestions based on the observed relationship and directions for future researches were d...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Managing service quality is vital to retain customer satisfaction and augment revenues for any business organization. Often it is difficult to assess service quality due to lack of quantifiable measures and limited data. In this paper, we present a hybrid approach based on SERVQUAL and fuzzy TOPSIS for evaluating service quality of urban transportation systems. The proposed approach consists of three steps. The first step involves development of a SERVQUAL based questionnaire to collect data for measuring transportation service quality. The participants provide linguistic assessments to rate the service quality criteria and the alternatives. In step 2, the linguistic ratings are combined through fuzzy TOPSIS to generate an overall performance score for each alternative. The alternative wit...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

CERN Document Server

We survey a new area of parameter-free similarity distance measures useful in data-mining, pattern recognition, learning and automatic semantics extraction. Given a family of distances on a set of objects, a distance is universal up to a certain precision for that family if it minorizes every distance in the family between every two objects in the set, up to the stated precision (we do not require the universal distance to be an element of the family). We consider similarity distances for two types of objects: literal objects that as such contain all of their meaning, like genomes or books, and names for objects. meaning, like genomes or books, and names for objects. The latter may have literal embodyments like the first type, but may also be abstract like ``red'' or ``christianity.'' For the first type we consider a family of computable distance measures ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

This paper describes how a computerized MIS is used to assist HMO management to conduct utilization and quality of care review activities in a prepaid medical care network. The HMO is a ‘network’...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH) has continuously emphasized improvement in the quality of care provided in hospitals as the central purpose of the accreditation process. In...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents a brief account of Lingling Hydroelectric Power Equipment General Works, the capacity of equipment production, the organization body, the quality assurance system and supervision of government department on its product quality.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Requirements for the installation, inspection, and testing that assure the quality of important components of a nuclear power plant during construction are presented.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundQuality of Life measurements are necessary tools for effectively evaluating health services. In the population of patients afflicted with war-related blindness in Iran,...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The guide describes a method acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with the Commission's regulations with regard to quality assurance requirements for installation, inspection, and testing of mechanical equipment and systems for water-cooled and high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear power plants.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Experience of the Westinghouse Water Reactors Division with indoctrination and training of quality engineers includes training of personnel from Westinghouse divisions in the USA and overseas as well as of customers' personnel. A written plan is prepared for each trainee in order to fit the training to the individual's needs, and to cover the full range of information and activities. The trainee is also given work assignments, working closely with experienced quality engineers. He may prepare inspection plans and audit check lists, assist in the preparation of QA training modules, write procedures, and perform supplier surveillance and data analyses, or make special studies of operating systems. The trainee attends seminars and special courses on work-related technical subjects. Throughout the training period, emphasis is placed on inculcating an attitude of team work in the trainee so that the result of the training is the achievement of both ...

Science.gov (United States)

This plan describes the Quality Assurance Program which will be applied to spent fuel handling and packaging tests conducted at the Area 25 E-MAD facility, Nevada Test Site (NTS).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AimsTo describe nurse burnout, job dissatisfaction, and quality of care in Japanese hospitals, and to determine how these outcomes are associated with work environment...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundAlthough considerable progress has been made in the treatment of chronic kidney disease, compromised quality of life continues to be a significant problem for patients...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the RIR (Risk-informed Regulation), PSA (Probabilistic Safety Assessment) plays a major role because it provides overall risk insights for the regulatory body and utility. Therefore, the scope, the level of details and the technical adequacy of PSA, i.e. the quality of PSA is to be ensured for the successful RIR. To improve the quality of Korean PSA, we evaluate the quality of the KSNP (Korean Standard Nuclear Power Plant) internal full-power PSA model based on the 'ASME PRA Standard' and the 'NEI PRA Peer Review Process Guidance.' As a working group, PSA experts of the regulatory body and industry also participated in the evaluation process. It is finally judged that the overall quality of the KSNP PSA is between the ASME Standard Capability Category I and II. We also derive some items to be improved for upgrading the quality of the PSA up to ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

PURPOSE This study was designed to evaluate the impact of electronic medical record (EMR) implementation on quality of diabetes care.METHODS We conducted a 5-year longitudinal...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to develop a menopause-specific, preference-based health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) index reflecting both menopausal symptoms and potential...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Are economic resources related to relationship quality among young couples, and to what extent does this vary by relationship type? To answer these questions, we estimated regression models...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Total quality management strategy and the worldwide introduction of the DIN/ISO 9000 (EN 29 000) series of standards have given new impetus to traditional quality assurance. The most important change must surely be seen in the holistic approach of total quality management and its strict orientation towards customer requirements and satisfaction. International codes and standards for the nuclear industry will also have to be brought into line as part of the process of harmonizing quality assurance system standards. One possible approach is simply to specify a supplementary 'delta' of nuclear-specific requirements to be appended to the broad range of conventional requirements. It is a particular feature of quality-assured procedures in Germany that product and/or component related quality requirements and quality verifications are defined in ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundEvidence on human semen quality as it relates to exposure to various metals, both essential (e.g., zinc, copper) and nonessential (e.g., cadmium, lead), is inconsistent....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundParents of chronically ill children are at risk for a lower Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Insight in the dynamics of factors influencing parental HRQoL is necessary...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Problems of classification and regression estimation in which objects are represented by multidimensional arrays of features are considered. Many practical statements can be reduced to such problems, for example, the popular approach to the description of images as a set of patches and a set of descriptors in each patch or the description of an object in the form of a set of distances from it to certain support objects selected based on a set of features. For solving problems concerning the objects thus described, a generalization of the relevance vector model is proposed. In this generalization, specific regularization coefficients are defined for each dimension of the multidimensional array of the object description; the resultant regularization coefficient for a given element in the mul...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scattered radiation generated in patient and imaging system has to be considered when quality-assurance tests involve dose detection or image-quality estimations. Measurement of automatic-exposure control dose can be altered by backscattering from intensifying screens of more than 10% and the equipment transmission factor can be overestimated up to a factor of 10 when only primary radiation is used. The sensitivity of intensifying screens depends on the angle of incidence of the radiation and so primary and scattered radiation are detected differently. The quality-control aspects of anti-scatter grids are discussed. (author).

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

German 2006 [1 p.] Germany Karger, Christian Heeg, Peter Jaekel, Oliver

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oct 1973. 1 p. United States USAEC Directorate of Regulatory Standards,

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This document presents the basic Quality Assurance (QA) requirements which shall be included in the Quality Assurance Program established by sites planning to certify Transuranic (TRU) Waste to Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Waste Acceptance Criteria. These QA requirements were modeled after ANSI/ASME NQA-1-1979. The application of quality assurance to Waste Certification Programs is required by WIPP-DOE-069 and DOE Order 5700.6A, as implemented by DOE Order AL 5700.6A.

Science.gov (United States)

... s excellent water quality and ideal temperature conditions. Oyster aquaculture operations on the Damariscotta lease about 100 acres ... ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

start within 6-12 months with small number of journals test and quality check with these journals already having full text sites ...

Science.gov (United States)

... and implement high-quality instructional materials; ? Provide stimulating environments outside of ...

Science.gov (United States)

... The total hemispherical emittance rig has been returned to service and the quality of temperature measurement has been investigated. ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The report is the second of three describing the geology of coal quality variations in the foothills and mountains region of Alberta. The Lower Cretaceous Luscar Group, Lower Paleocene Coalspur Formation, and the Upper Paleocene Paskapoo Formation (Obed-Marsh coal zone, which is classified as a foothills deposit) are evaluated. Data on proximate and ultimate analysis variables, calorific analysis, vitrinite reflectance, maceral analyses, and coal quality relationships are presented. The coals range from low volatile bituminous to subbituminous A. Regional and local in seam coal quality variations are examined. 49 refs., 39 figs., 6 tabs.

Wastenet

... The colored background is an isopleth map showing change in sulfate concentrations as measured by the CASTNET rural air quality monitoring network , leading to significant improvements in air quality and human health. Wet sulfate deposition decreased 43 percent in the Northeast and 44 percent in the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The document reports the main issues discussed during the first course-debate on quality controls in radiotherapy, held in Rome in December 3-4, 1998 and May 3-5 1999 in collaboration between the Istituto Superiore di Sanita' and the Istituto Regina Elena. The points considered critical to the quality assurance in radiotherapy by the participants are presented in relation to the total radiotherapy procedure.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Apppendix B of 10 CFR Part 50 establishes quality assurance requirements for the operation of nuclear power plant safety-related structures, systems and components. This Guide describes an acceptable method for complying with these regulations with regard to overall quality assurance program requirements for the operation phase of nuclear power plants. Input to this Guide has been provided by the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper discusses the clean-up of an Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) site utilized for disposal of transuranic contaminated waste from 1954 until 1970. The author presents requirements of the environmental protection statutes that have generated quality assurance requirements in addition to those historically implemented as a part of facility design, construction and operation. A hierarchy of program guidance quality documentation and procedures is discussed. Data qualification and computer database management are identified as requirements.

Wastenet

...and supply ensuring better food quality for the consumer developing safer and more flexible food production processes and technologies raw materials for food production; production and processing systems; by-products and wastes from fisheries and agro-industry; new food sources; packaging systems; quality monitoring; traceability Food contamination detecting and eliminating infectious and toxic agents throughout the food chain establishing the hazards and origins of food contaminants producing food more safely rapid ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document describes the 2003 SNL ASCI Software Quality Engineering (SQE) assessment of twenty ASCI application code teams and the results of that assessment. The purpose of this assessment was to determine code team compliance with the Sandia National Laboratories ASCI Applications Software Quality Engineering Practices, Version 2.0 as part of an overall program assessment.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper introduces a robust searching hybrid evolutionary algorithm to solve the multi-objective Distribution Feeder Reconfiguration (DFR). The main objective of the DFR is to minimize the real power loss, deviation of the nodes' voltage, the number of switching operations, and balance the loads on the feeders. Because of the fact that the objectives are different and no commensurable, it is difficult to solve the problem by conventional approaches that may optimize a single objective. This paper presents a new approach based on norm3 for the DFR problem. In the proposed method, the objective functions are considered as a vector and the aim is to maximize the distance (norm2) between the objective function vector and the worst objective function vector while the constraints are met. Since the proposed DFR is a multi ...