Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An adaptive contingency selection process is set up which produces outage lists in order to guarantee on-line network security control. The quality index system used so far did not detect and reveal all critical variables due to observation problems in the mapping of two functions. The new process uses the results of the outage simulation computing of the system status just past for the drawing up of an up-to-date outage list. A linear correcting function transform the G{sub 2}-values of the standard quality index method - which still incorporate the observation problem effect - into improved values G. Studies which use data from realstic high-voltage networks prove that the detection of critical variables is far superior to ordinary methods. (orig.).

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

Science.gov (United States)

INTRODUCTION. We searched for a pathophysiologically based feature of major water electrolytes, which may define water quality better than the water hardness, respecting urinary calculus formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Utilizing a multistage stratified sampling, 2310 patients were diagnosed in the imaging centers of the provincial capitals in Iran between 2007 and 2008. These were composed of 1755 patients who were settled residents of 24 provincial capitals. Data on the regional drinking water composition, obtained from an accredited registry, and their relationships with the region's incidence of urinary calculi were evaluated by metaregression models. The stone risk index (defined as the ratio of calcium to magnesium-bicarbonate product in drinking water) was used to assess the risk of calculus formation. RESULTS. No correlation was found between the urinary calculus incidence and the amount of calcium, bicarbonate, or ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose - Holding the number of outside directorships constant, this paper aims to test whether executive directors from superior performing firms are subsequently rewarded with better quality outside directorships. Design/methodology/approach - The quality of new outside directorship appointments is modelled using a two-step Heckman selection procedure to control for the probability of acquiring a new outside board seat. Outside directorship quality is estimated using an index formed from series of observable firm-specific characteristics proxying for the following three latent aspects of quality: prestige, reputational risk and monetary rewards. The index aggregates across these three dimensions to produce an overall quality score, with higher scores signifying higher quality directorshi...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper reports thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) studies of an under-floor air-conditioning (UFAC) system in a hot and humid climate. Thermal comfort parameters were measured at pre-determined grid points within an imaginary plane to predict the air flow pattern of the supply air jet as well as to determine the occurrence of thermal stratification in the office space. Fanger's thermal comfort index was also computed to detect the occupants' thermal sensation. Besides, the concentration levels of dust and carbon dioxide were recorded with the intention to examine the quality of the indoor air. Statistical methods were applied to derive the relationship between air velocity and the other parameters as mentioned earlier. The main findings from the study revealed reasonable level of acceptability of IAQ associated with the UFAC system. However, occupants are likely to ...

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...

Wastenet

...and biological processes acting on recruitment and post-recruitment EU-Agrinet - Project sheet: Biological performance testing methodology to evaluate the durability of plywood as a quality indicator ... Project sheet: Biological performance testing methodology to evaluate the durability of plywood as a quali EU-Agrinet - Project sheet: Genetic evaluation of European ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

During 1993 and 1994 a working group of biologists operating in Region Lombardia has carried out a study to evaluate the reliability of artificial substrates in the assessment of water quality by the Extended Biotic Index. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected by means of hand net and artificial substrates (up to 3 replicates) in 22 sampling sites of 15 watercourses of different typology (river, stream, irrigation channel) and water quality. Sampling efficiency and reliability in the calculation of E.B.I. and Quality Class by 1, 2 and 3 artificial substrates with respect to hand net have been evaluated. Influence of water quality, typology and original prevailing substrate in watercourses on the performance of artificial substrates has also been investigated. Results show a good agreement with other Authors' papers, confirming that artificial substrates represent a valid ...

Science.gov (United States)

COATINGS FOR THE METAL-SEMICONDUCTOR SOLAR CELLS 3S GIVEN. THIS METHOD UTILIZES THE MEASURED EQUIVALENT INDEX OF. REFRACTION OBTAINED FROM ELLIPSOMETRY ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Specific structure of biota community condition can used as indicator for the ecosystem stability value or the waters pollution level where the aquatic biota exist. the macro invertebrates as bio indicator organism can used to assess the upper Cisadane Sub River Basin water quality. The grouping and calculation result from family number, Ept presences (sensitive macro invertebrate), Diversity index (H"'), DO value and TOC value showed 5 criteria of water quality as reference site. This criteria is used to determine water quality level from ten branches of rivers in the upper Cisadane Sub River Basin, Cijeruk districts. The biotic index calculation for ASPT (Average Score Per Taxon) and T and T (index Trihadiningrum and Tjindronegoro) is used to asses water quality based on macro invertebrate composition indicator. Both biotic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The project was designed to quantify the impacts of longwall mine subsidence (LWMS) on the production and quality of agricultural vegetated environments. This project utilised a variety of traditional ground based sampling techniques including biomass harvests and estimates, leaf area index (LAI), pasture height, species composition and soil sampling along with proximal sensor data capture using a Crop Circle{trademark} and an EM38. Satellite imagery was collected using the Quickbird satellite and the high resolution imagery was used to monitor large areas of LWMS affected areas and adjacent un-mined land. Two landscapes were investigated using a whole of mine site technique including remote sensing, ground survey and traditional agricultural monitoring methods. The landscapes were at the Kestrel site in Emerald, QLD including a forage sorghum and an improved pasture and at Beltana in the Hunter Valley, NSW including an ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors give a survey of the somatic radiation ris in X-ray diagnostics. A somatic dose index is calculated for different examination methods containing the organ doses to the red bone marrow, the lung, the female breast, and the thyroid gland and evaluating their somatic significance. If this somatic dose index by which the individual radiation risk is described, is multiplied by the examination frequencies per year in the German Federal Republic, one gets the somatically significant dose index, which is a measure of the collective somatic radiation risk. In this sense, mammography has the highest, and dental radiography the lowest collective radiation risk. (orig.).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Although nitrogen inputs to agricultural fields are necessary for global food sustainability, they present a major nutrient management challenge, because nitrogen inputs can increase nitrogen losses to the environment, which can negatively impact water quality across key surface and groundwater resources. The need to evaluate the potential risk of nitrogen losses for a given forage type, management scenario, and field quickly and easily can be met with new tools that assist in environmental risk assessment. An example is the Mexico Nitrogen Index: this new tool aims to help its users quickly evaluate the risk of nitrogen loss for a given field under a given set of management practices. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Mexico Nitrogen Index in ranking the risk...

Wastenet

... 1 (2008) Algorithms - Open Access Journal Algorithms (ISSN 1999-4893; CODEN: ALGOCH), an open access journal of computer science, theory, methods and interdisciplinary applications, data and information systems, software engineering, artificial intelligence, automation and control systems, is published online quarterly by MDPI. - free for readers, with low publishing fees paid by authors or their institutions High visibility: indexed in leading indexing and abstracting databases....

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: A semiempirical algorithm for absorbed dose calculation at off-axis points in irregular beams was implemented. It is well known that semiempirical methods are very useful because of their easy implementation and its helpfulness in dose calculation in the clinic. These methods can be used as independent tools for dosimetric calculation in many applications of quality assurance. However, the applicability of such methods has some limitations, even in homogeneous media, specially at off axis points, near beam fringes or outside the beam. Only methods derived from tissue-air-ratio (TAR) or scatter-maximum-ratio (SMR) have been devised for those situations, many years ago. Despite there have been improvements for these manual methods, like the Sc-Sp ones, no attempt has been made to extend their usage at off axis points. In this work, a semiempirical ...

Science.gov (United States)

Coke production from bitumens, coal, petroleum and lignite is covered in this compilation from worldwide research. Studies on coke oven design, performance, corrosion, and deterioration are cited. Blast furnace coke, additives, quality control, and chemical analysis are discussed. Byproduct recovery from coking processes is included. (This updated bibliography contains 369 citations, 110 of which are new entries to the previous edition.)

Science.gov (United States)

Coke production from bitumens, coal, petroleum and lignite is covered in this compilation from worldwide research. Studies on coke oven design, performance, corrosion, and deterioration are cited. Blast furnace coke, additives, quality control, and chemical analysis are discussed. Byproduct recovery from coking processes is included. (This updated bibliography contains 210 abstracts, 61 of which are new entries to the previous edition.)

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Acoustic pharyngometry is a relatively new noninvasive method that quantifies geometrically complexed pharyngeal dimensions. Our study aimed to investigate the predictability and usefulness of acoustic...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Using the transfer matrix method we calculate the omni-directional band gap of a 1-D photonic crystal consisting of alternating layers of two dielectric materials A and B with refractive index n{sub A} and n{sub B}, respectively. The refractive index of layer A is constant and the refractive index of layer B varies according to the envelope of a Gaussian function. We find that under certain circumstances it is possible to obtain 100% reflectivity for both polarizations and any value of the incident angle of the electromagnetic waves. Although the structure considered does not posses a higher omni-directional band gap than the periodic sequence of low and high constant refractive indexes, it can be used to produce a new type of omni-directional mirrors without abrupt interfaces. (copyright 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The following aspects will be discussed: The main function of the Division of Inspection Services and its role in the Marketing of agricultural products; the shelf life of agricultural products: short review of present methods with a practical example of losses incurred due to limited keeping quality; irradiation and heat treatment: advantages of inhibited microbiological activities and undesirable chemical changes from a quality control point of view; quality standards: the basic principles of quality control; consequences of effective post-harvest treatment: export of deciduous and citrus fruit; the magnitude of the problem of poor keeping quality and quality requirements; other fruit; quantities and export limitations and vegetables; quantity and quality requirements; local marketing: fruit and vegetables subjected to ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Terrain attributes derived from digital elevation models have been used widely for mapping soil organic matter (SOM). Among these attributes, the topographic wetness index (TWI), an index for quantitatively indicating the balance between water accumulation and drainage conditions at the local scale, has been shown to correlate with SOM. However, TWIs used in most studies are calculated using a single-flow-direction (SFD) algorithm, which assumes that all water from a grid cell flows into only one neighboring cell. This assumption is not always valid, especially in areas with low relief where movement of water may be divergent. To overcome this SFD limitation, a multiple-flow-direction (MFD) algorithm has been developed, which distributes flow from a grid cell to several downslope neighbors...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper discusses key methods for sustaining quality engineering data, the fundamental principles that these methods are based on, and the methods for supporting the performance of nuclear power plants by the provision of quality engineering data at all times. The concept of an 'engineering data foundation', and a Configuration Management data model are developed. The concepts and methods for managing the integrity of engineering data across many different databases and document systems are developed, including the key concepts of data-positions and data-values, Master Data and Copy Data, and the concept of a 'partnership between people and technology'. (author). 7 refs., 1 tab., 2 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This volume contains the corporate author index, author index, and subject index for publications entered into the IEA Biomass Conversion Technical Information System during the year 1986. (DT)

CERN Document Server

This paper describes an effective unsupervised speaker indexing approach. We suggest a two stage algorithm to speed-up the state-of-the-art algorithm based on the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). In the first stage of the merging process a computationally cheap method based on the vector quantization (VQ) is used. Then in the second stage a more computational expensive technique based on the BIC is applied. In the speaker indexing task a turning parameter or a threshold is used. We suggest an on-line procedure to define the value of a turning parameter without using development data. The results are evaluated using 10 hours of audio data.

Science.gov (United States)

USGS - science for a changing world USGS Home Contact USGS Search USGS USGS Water-Quality Information * Home * Data * Methods * Labs * Publications * Topics * Programs * Contact Us...

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.

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 ...

Science.gov (United States)

Overview  Package   Class  Use  Tree  Deprecated  Index  Help   PREV CLASS   NEXT CLASS FRAMES    NO FRAMES SUMMARY:  INNER | FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD DETAIL:  FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD gov.nih.nci.dc.builder Interface SAXFilter All Superinterfaces: org.xml.sax.XMLFilter,

Science.gov (United States)

A brief discussion on the effects of moisture on the quality of metallurgical coke was presented. Factors affecting the moisture content of coke were discussed. The adsorption of moisture by coke at 20/sup 0/C and 120-130/sup 0/C and the desorption of moisture from coke at 200/sup 0/C were investigated with respect to dynamics. It was concluded that the moisture content of coke should not be used as a rejection index, but should be used for computations by the user. Also, it was determined that work should continue to achieve a coke moisture range of 4-6%. The desorption of moisture from coke is an order of magnitude greater at 200/sup 0/C than at 20/sup 0/C, and increases with temperature.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper, firstly, introduces the background in developing a high quality water supply system, in which the drinking water system is isolated inside a building. Results of questionnaire on the high quality service water are illustrated. The results of questionnaire have revealed that the high quality service water is extremely interested. Then, are described the target quality of high quality water, the constitution of high quality water supply system, the treatment process, the measures to secure safety and sanitary, and the method of maintenance. The high quality water is produced through the activated charcoal absorption treatment, membrane treatment, ozonation, cooling, mineral addition, and disinfection of city water. Furthermore, application examples of this system adopted to a department store and a bachelor ...

Science.gov (United States)

Internal hydrological processes in suburban watersheds and their effects on water quality warrant investigation. Instrument clusters (throughfall collectors, suction lysimeters, monitoring wells, and shallow and deep piezometers) were installed at several locations within three small (50 - 70 ha) watersheds (one forested, two with different degrees of suburban development) in the Croton Watershed, southeastern New York. Biweekly and storm samples were analyzed for base cations, selected anions, and DOC over a one-year period. The topographic index (TI) quantified landscape position; flowpath analyses determined degree of development at each cluster, using % impervious cover as the metric. Water quality degradation was observed in sites with medium and high TI values; no such effect was observed along the ridges, i.e., low TI values. At medium TI values, areas with more than 5% impervious had degraded water ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the use of doxorubicin and radiation for treatment of human malignant tumors in vivo, the relationship between treatment-induced apoptosis and Ki-67 labeling index was investigated. Four human tumor xenografts (ependymoblastoma, NNE; primitive neuroectodermal tumor, YKP; small cell lung carcinoma, GLS; glioblastoma, KYG) were transplanted under the skin of thigh of the nude mice (BALB/cA JcL-nu). The mice were given a single radiation dose of 1 Gy, or doxorubicin alone intraperitoneally at a dose of 8 mg/kg. After treatment, sections of tumor specimens were prepared from paraffin-embedded tissues. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL staining, and immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67 were performed. In NNE, apoptotic cells appeared most frequently after treatment compared with all other tumors, and the incidence of apoptosis in the radiation-treated group was much higher than in the doxorubicintreated group. As the incidence of apoptosis in NNE increased, the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper discusses geology, coalfields, coal quality, seams and strata, coal reserves, mining methods, production, coal liquefaction, and research on spontaneous combustion and methane explosions.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 establishes overall quality assurance requirements for the design, construction and operation of safety-related structures, systems, and components. This guide presents a method acceptable to the Commission for complying with these regulations with regard to overall quality assurance program requirements during design and construction of nuclear power plants. Input to this guide has been provided by the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The bibliography contains citations concerning Federal and state laws and management programs for the protection and use of inland wetlands. Utilization of wetlands to control highway runoff and community wastewater is discussed. Wetlands protection programs, restoration projects, resource planning, and wetlands identification methods are cited. References to coastal and salt water wetlands are not included in this bibliography. (Contains 250 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Because of good thermal insulation of advanced energetic buildings and their good airtightness the air hygiene is insufficient. A normal ventilation behaviour by window opening consumes too much heating energy. A calculation method is shown taking into account a required air change number, flow rate and indoor air quality as thermal comfort in the rooms occupied by different number of persons. (GL)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background:- Surgical dislocation of the hip has been developed to deal with the problems causing femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This is a relatively recent procedure that was historically reserved for larger areas specializing in hip surgery. Methods:- We hypothesized that surgical dislocation can be used for symptomatic FAI in a typical Australasian tertiary orthopaedic centre with acceptable results. This prospective study reviews the results of 53 surgical dislocations in this setting, looking particularly at functional outcomes and early complications. Results:- There were significant improvements in the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index score at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years post-operatively. Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index ...

CERN Document Server

We empirically investigated the relationships between the degree of efficiency and the predictability in financial time-series data. The Hurst exponent was used as the measurement of the degree of efficiency, and the hit rate calculated from the nearest-neighbor prediction method was used for the prediction of the directions of future price changes. We used 60 market indexes of various countries. We empirically discovered that the relationship between the degree of efficiency (the Hurst exponent) and the predictability (the hit rate) is strongly positive. That is, a market index with a higher Hurst exponent tends to have a higher hit rate. These results suggested that the Hurst exponent is useful for predicting future price changes. Furthermore, we also discovered that the Hurst exponent and the hit rate are useful as standards that can distinguish emerging capital markets from mature capital markets.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Aims The aim of this study is to examine the dose?response relationships between age, ?lifestyle factors?? (body mass index, tobacco smoking, sports), and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in a population-based case?control study. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the mode of interaction between body mass index (BMI) and physical workload (occupational kneeling/squatting and lifting/carrying of loads) with respect to the risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Methods In five orthopedic clinics and five practices, 295 male patients aged 25?70 with radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis associated with chronic complaints were recruited. The control group comprised 327 male control subjects. In a structured personal interview, body weight at different ages, body height, cumu...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

BackgroundWave reflection during the systole increases left ventricular (LV) pressure, tension-time index (TTI) and myocardial oxygen requirement. The purpose of this study was to extract that component of extra myocardial oxygen requirement that is due to early systolic wave reflection, define it as wasted effort (?Ew), and examine its relationship to LV hypertrophy (LVH).MethodsRadial artery pressure waveforms were recorded using applanation tonometry and central aortic waveforms generated in 98 patients with untreated hypertension. Aortic augmentation index (AIa), wave reflection amplitude (i.e., aortic augmented pressure (AG)) and systolic duration (ED?Tr), ejection duration (ED) and round-trip travel time of the pressure wave (Tr) were calculated from the aortic waveform, a...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Screening Risk Evaluation (SRE) guidance document is a set of guidelines provided for the uniform implementation of SREs performed on decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) facilities. Although this method has been developed for D&D facilities, it can be used for transition (EM-60) facilities as well. The SRE guidance produces screening risk scores reflecting levels of risk through the use of risk ranking indices. Five types of possible risk are calculated from the SRE: current releases, worker exposures, future releases, physical hazards, and criticality. The Current Release Index (CRI) calculates the current risk to human health and the environment, exterior to the building, from ongoing or probable releases within a one-year time period. The Worker Exposure Index (WEI) calculates the current risk to workers, occupants and visitors inside contaminated D&D facilities due to contaminant exposure. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

New York State Electric and Gas Co. (NYSEG) has developed a tool called Coal Quality Engineering Analysis (CQEA) to evaluate the cost impacts of coal quality on its power plants. CQEA allows quantification of the effect of coal quality on plant operating costs and has become an important factor in coal purchasing. The article describes the development of the analysis method, including a logic diagram of CQEA relationships. The results of CQEA calculations on the impact of one coal on overall production costs of different units, the impact of different coals on overall production costs of one unit, and production cost vs. coal quality, are presented and discussed. The use of the CQEA system within NYSEG is described.

Science.gov (United States)

The metal-semiconductor solar cell is a potential candidate for converting solar energy to electrical energy for space and terrestrial application. In this paper, a method for obtaining parameters of practical antireflection (AR) coatings for the metal-semiconductor solar cells is given. This method utilizes the measured equivalent index of refraction obtained from ellipsometry, since the surface to be AR coated has a multilayer structure. Both the experimental results and theoretical calculations of optical parameters for Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5/ AR coatings on Au-GaAs and Au-GaAs/sub 0.78/P/sub 0.22/ solar cells are presented for comparison. (AIP)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper uses multi-pass iteration particle swarm optimization (MIPSO) to solve short term hydroelectric generation scheduling of a power system with wind turbine generators. MIPSO is a new algorithm for solving nonlinear optimal scheduling problems. A new index called iteration best (IB) is incorporated into particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve solution quality. The concept of multi-pass dynamic programming is applied to modify PSO further and improve computation efficiency.The feasible operational regions of the hydro units and pumped storage plants over the whole scheduling time range must be determined before applying MIPSO to the problem. Wind turbine power generation then shaves the power system load curves. Next, MIPSO calculates hydroelectric generation scheduling. It beg...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the universe there are two different kinds of uncertain phenomena: stochastic and fuzzy or vague. Both uncertain phenomena have been found in structural problems. Therefore, rational decisions concerning the design of marine structures cannot be made without resorting to the methods which can take the uncertainties into account. The fundamental concept of structural fuzzy reliability problems and the methods to give the fuzzy solution are introduced in the paper. Based on the principle of fuzzy decision-making the method to obtain the crisp solution of structural fuzzy reliability analysis is proposed by means of the Bound Search method. Illustrative numerical examples, ship bottom plates under slamming impact pressures are solved. The influence of variation of allowable tolerances in the fuzzy reliability indexes is discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective: The aim of this study was to obtain an overview of the methodological quality of studies on the measurement properties of neck pain and disability questionnaires and to describe how well various aspects of the design and statistical analyses of studies on measurement properties are performed. Methods: A systematic review was performed of published studies on the measurement properties of neck pain and disability questionnaires. Two reviewers independently rated the quality of the studies using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. This checklist was developed in an international Delphi consensus study. Results: A total of 47 articles were included on the measurement properties of 8 different questionnaires. The meth...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper uses multi-pass iteration particle swarm optimization (MIPSO) to solve short term hydroelectric generation scheduling of a power system with wind turbine generators. MIPSO is a new algorithm for solving nonlinear optimal scheduling problems. A new index called iteration best (IB) is incorporated into particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve solution quality. The concept of multi-pass dynamic programming is applied to modify PSO further and improve computation efficiency. The feasible operational regions of the hydro units and pumped storage plants over the whole scheduling time range must be determined before applying MIPSO to the problem. Wind turbine power generation then shaves the power system load curves. Next, MIPSO calculates hydroelectric generation scheduling. It begins with a coarse time stage and searching space and refines the time interval between two time stages and the search spacing pass by pass (iteration). With ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The present state of knowledge on the influence of stray radiation on image quality and its physical description and quantification is summarized. Experimental results on the influence of physical parameters on the fraction of scattered radiation and the effect of scatter reduction by air gap technique and secondary radiation grids are committed. Open theoretical and practical problems and the limitations of common methods of scatter reduction are pointed out. (author).

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...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

ObjectivesVaricocele is a common cause of infertility, and varicocele-associated testicular hypotrophy has been described as a potential cause of decreased semen quality. We investigated the relationship between testicular hypotrophy and poor semen quality in infertile men with varicoceles. We hypothesized that bilateral hypotrophy is required before the semen quality is severely impaired.MethodsWe retrospectively identified consecutive patients with palpable varicoceles undergoing an infertility evaluation at a single academic center. Each patient was evaluated by the same clinician with history and physical examination. Testicular hypotrophy was defined as a size discrepancy of greater than 3 mL or an absolute size of less than 14 mL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Scatter correction is crucial to the quality of reconstructed images in x-ray cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Most of existing scatter correction methods assume smooth scatter distributions. The...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ammonium sulfate is produced from spent sulfuric acid from the production of alcohols. Certain mineral and organic impurities exist in the sulfuric acid that impair the quality of the ammonium sulfate. A detailed method for the chemical analysis for the impurities is presented.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundWe were commissioned to carry out three health assessments in urban areas of Dublin in Ireland. We required an epidemiologically robust method that could collect data rapidly...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The bibliography contains citations concerning the pitting corrosion of copper and copper alloys by different media, with some references to methods that protect against such corrosion. Included are factors contributing to the onset of pitting corrosion. Emphasis is placed on exposure to water, especially in heat exchanger tubing and water conduits. Studies are included which examine corrosion in metals containing small amonts of copper where corrosion is attributable to changes in alloying. (Contains a minimum of 158 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An interferometric technique for hard X-rays is presented. It is based on two transmission gratings and a phase-stepping technique, and it provides separate radiographs of the phase and absorption profiles of bulk samples. Tomographic reconstruction yields quantitative three-dimensional maps of the X-ray refractive index and of the attenuation coefficient, with a spatial resolution down to a few microns. The method is mechanically robust, it requires little monochromaticity, and can be scaled up to large fields of view. These are important prerequisites for use with laboratory X-ray sources. Numerous applications ranging from wave front sensing to medical radiography are presently under investigation.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This handbook breaks down the complex field of nuclear reactor calculations into major steps. Each step presents a detailed analysis of the problems to be solved, the parameters involved, and the elaborate computer programs developed to perform the calculations. This book bridges the gap between nuclear reactor theory and the implementation of that theory, including the problems to be encountered and the level of confidence that should be given to the methods described. Volume II: Monte Carlo Calculations for Nuclear Reactors. In-Core Management of Four Reactor Types. In-Core Management in CANDU-PHW Reactors. Reactor Dynamics. The Theory of Neutron Leakage in Reactor Lattices. Index.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors propose a method for determining the risk of femoral neck fracture in osteoporotic patients that is not based on densitometric techniques. The method is based on a structural analysis performed by a computer on data taken from a single digital anteroposterior projection of the hip. From the image, the effective cross-sectional area and cross-sectional moment of inertia are computed from attenuation principles. Together with other geometric measurements, these data are used in an engineering analysis to compute the yield strength of the proximal femur, under stress applied through the acetabulum in a one-legged stance. An index of fracture risk based on the ratio of estimated yield strength to body weight is proposed. Ultimately it is expected that this work will allow the clinician to estimate hip fracture risk in osteoporotic patient using widely available existing technology, a goal which has eluded bone ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article describes acoustic methods used in the in-service inspection of the dams and peripheral concrete structures of the Toktogul, Kurpsai, and Bratsk hydroelectric and pumped storage plants. The tests were conducted to assess the compression strength, elasticity, and tensile strength of the concretes. Comparative evaluations against drill core studies proved the acoustic methods to be sufficiently accurate in predicting aging behavior and loss of mechanical and physical integrity in the concretes.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose Nonpoint sources (NPS) pollution has been an important cause for water quality impairment worldwide. To take the temporal variations of both NPS pollution and in-stream attenuation into consideration, an inverse modeling approach and the load duration curve (LDC) method were combined for variable nutrient total maximum daily load (TMDL) development. Methods Water quality and hydrological parameters were monitored monthly along the ChangLe River system in 2004?2008. The catchment NPS export load (EL) and TMDL for total nitrogen (TN) were estimated by the inverse format of an existing stream nutrient transport equation. The LDC method was used to describe the variability of EL, TMDL, requiring load (RLR) and percent (the ratio between the RLR and the EL, RPR) reduction, and then to s...

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Biomass Abstracts - Cumulative Indexes is an annual publication prepared by the Information Technology Group of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards. This book indexes compiled biomass publications by corporate author, author and subject. (DT)

Science.gov (United States)

BackgroundThe interactions between torus and several factors such as age, gender, and dental status have not been studied comprehensively. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gender on the mandibular cortical index (MCI) and to investigate a possible association between torus mandibularis (TM) and MCI.MethodsThe study consisted of 189 consecutive patients referred to Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology of Hacettepe University within 30 workdays. Patients who did not have systemic disorders affecting bone density were included; and the age, gender, dental status and existing TM of the patients were recorded. Morphology of the mandibular inferior cortex was determined according to Klemitti's classification on panoramic radiographs.ResultsMCI was affected by age and gender (P 0.05).ConclusionIn the study population, MCI was affected by age and gender. As age increased, semilunar defects could be seen on the cortex of ...

Science.gov (United States)

In this paper we present a novel approach to personal photo album management allowing the end user to efficiently access the collection without any need for tedious manual annotation or indexing of the photos. The proposed work exploits methods and technology from the field of computer vision and pattern recognition for face detection, face representation and image annotation to automatically create description of images useful for content-based searching and retrieval. In fact, even if most of the used techniques are not reliable enough to address the general problem of content-based image retrieval, we show that, in a limited domain such as the one of personal photo album, it is possible to obtain results that improve the browsing capabilities of current photo album management systems. In particular, starting from the observation that most personal photos depict a usually small number of people in a relatively small number of different ...

Science.gov (United States)

Sep 1, 2011 ... Publication Information. Bookmark and Share. Title: Arc Habitat Suitability Index computer software. Author: Juntti, Thomas M.; Rumble, Mark A. ...

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This paper proposes a method that can incorporate system contingencies into power system stabilizer (PSS) design. Selection of critical contingencies is first performed by a ranking of contingencies under a wide range of operating conditions according to a small signal stability index. A multi-objective optimization model is formulated to pursue satisfactory system damping performance under both pre-contingency and post-contingency situations. A recursive Genetic Algorithm is then presented to tune the PSS parameters so that the dynamic security criteria subject to contingencies are met under a wide range of operating conditions. Finally, an eight-machine system is utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and a comparison of the proposed method with a pre-contingency tuning scheme is reported. (author)

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A method of increasing information content for content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems includes the steps of providing a CBIR database, the database having an index for a plurality of stored digital images using a plurality of feature vectors, the feature vectors corresponding to distinct descriptive characteristics of the images. A visual similarity parameter value is calculated based on a degree of visual similarity between features vectors of an incoming image being considered for entry into the database and feature vectors associated with a most similar of the stored images. Based on said visual similarity parameter value it is determined whether to store or how long to store the feature vectors associated with the incoming image in the database.

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A practical method to determine the ionic diffusion coefficient and activation energy by using quasielastic light scattering (QELS) is presented. It is shown that a temperature dependence curve of the QELS intensity at a fixed frequency can be well fitted by Jonscher's formula and that the diffusion parameters can be obtained from this curve fitting. This method is successfully applied not only to crystals with high optical quality, as reported earlier, but also to opaque ceramics, which are more important than the crystals from a practical point of view. The composition dependence of the ionic diffusion coefficient is studied in sintered YbSZ to show the usefulness of this method.

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Development of surface monitoring of the quality of round rubber packing rings for well instruments is discussed. A method is shown for testing the rings under conditions which simulate the operating conditions. A method is proposed for rapid monitoring of the conditions for vulcanization of the rings by the method of determining the ''ring modulus.''

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One of the most important factors affecting the postharvest life and quality of horticultural crops is temperature. Quality loss after harvest occurs as a result of physiological and biological processes, the rates of which are influenced primarily by product temperature. As the maintenance of market quality is of vital importance to the success of the horticultural industry, it is necessary not only to cool the product but to cool it as quickly as possible after harvest. The process of precooling is the removal of field heat which arrest the deteriorative and senescence processes so as to maintain a high level of quality that ensures customer satisfaction. This paper provides a critical review to portray precooling as an intricate part of temperature management and to highlight the importance of its utilisation for extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Objective: To evaluate the quality and usefulness of direct digital radiography system in roentgenogram of chest in clinical practice. Methods: 1000 cases of chest roentgenograms with digital radiography and high kV conventional radiography were selected for analysis by 3 senior radiologists. Results: 1. With digital radiography system, the quality of chest film was assessed as grade A in 50.6%, grade B in 38.5%, grade C in 10.9%, and no waste film. 2. With conventional high kV radiography, the quality of chest film was assessed as grade A in 41.1%, grade B in 44.1%, grade C in 13.3%, and waste film in 1.5%. The direct digital radiography was statistically superior to the conventional high kV radiography. 3. The fine structure of the lungs could be revealed in 100.0% of chest roentgenogram with direct digital radiograph system, which was significantly higher than that acquired with the conventional high ...

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The effects of proximate and ultimate analysis, maceral content, and coal rank (R{sub max}) for a wide range of Kentucky coal samples from calorific value of 4320 to 14960 (BTU/lb) (10.05 to 34.80 MJ/kg) on Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) have been investigated by multivariable regression and artificial neural network methods (ANN). The stepwise least square mathematical method shows that the relationship between (a) Moisture, ash, volatile matter, and total sulfur; (b) ln (total sulfur), hydrogen, ash, ln ((oxygen + nitrogen)/carbon) and moisture; (c) ln (exinite), semifusinite, micrinite, macrinite, resinite, and R{sub max} input sets with HGI in linear condition can achieve the correlation coefficients (R{sup 2}) of 0.77, 0.75, and 0.81, respectively. The ANN, which adequately recognized the characteristics of the coal samples, can predict HGI with correlation coefficients of 0.89, 0.89 and 0.95 respectively in ...

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The ventilation performance of cold-air distribution systems was investigated in a full-scale test room for three different designs of ceiling-mounted diffusers: a large square radial, a small square radial, and two linear diffusers. The supply air temperature was 38 F (3.3 C). Tests were conducted with internal heat loads and with and without furnishings. The local mean ages of air, air diffusion effectiveness, and contaminant-removal efficiency were measured using tracer gas techniques to assess the performance of the ventilation system in maintaining adequate air quality conditions in the occupied region. Air velocities and temperatures were also measured in the occupied region to calculate the air diffusion performance index (ADPI). It was found that the cold-air distribution system provided satisfactory air quality and thermal comfort conditions to the occupied region of the room. It was also found that internal ...

Science.gov (United States)

A film of GaSb grown epitaxially on a Si substrate is a direct transition semiconductor useful for application as a light source in Si photonics and channel material in next-generation field effect transistors because its energy bandgap is close to the optical fibre communication wavelength and it possesses high carrier mobility. Here, we report a novel method for heteroepitaxial growth of high-quality GaSb/Si films, despite having a lattice mismatch as large as ? 12%, using elastically strain-relaxed GaSb nanodots with ultrahigh density as seed crystals for film growth. The nanodot seed crystals were grown epitaxially by restricted contact with the Si substrate through nanowindows in an ultrathin SiO(2) film on the Si substrate. A light-emitting diode containing GaSb/Si films with a thickness of ? 90 nm fabricated by this method operated at room temperature. The growth method was also used to fabricate ...

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A new article identification method based on the measurement of Bragg-curve centroids using a gas-filled ionization chamber has been improved for detection of low-energy particles around 1 MeV per nucleon by introducing a nonuniform distribution of resistance on the anode electrode. Almost the same quality of Z-resolutions as in the conventional ..delta..E-E method could be obtained up to Z=19.

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Technological processes of welding are significant sources of pollution in the working area. Evaluation of chemical quality of working area was made by means of radionuclide x-ray fluorescence analysis and activation analysis with fast neutrons. Welding aerosols were sampled by filtration method on Synpor 4 membrane ultra-filters. For selected types of welding filter metals, determination of heavy metals in aerosols was performed.

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Aim: To systematically review the currently available high quality evidence evaluating treatments for moist desquamation in radiotherapy patients. Design: Systematic literature review. Methods: Electronic databases, websites, reference lists, key journals and conference proceedings were searched. Attempts were also made to uncover unpublished material. Relevant studies proceeded to data extraction and quality assessment. Results: Twenty studies were found; 10 were eligible for inclusion. Although many studies were small, none had unacceptably poor quality. No meta-analysis was undertaken as the studies were not homogenous in their interventions or methods. No convincing evidence for any intervention was found. Conclusion: Despite being recommended by many guidelines (College of Radiographers Summary of Intervention for Acute Radiotherapy Induced Skin Reactions in Cancer Patients ...

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AbstractBackground: Quality of life in Parkinson patients with subthreshold depression could be improved if the prevalence and symptom profile were better understood. Methods: Our study used standard DSM-IV and Judd criteria as well as motor, depression, and quality-of-life scales to investigate a sample of 110 nondemented Parkinson patients. This led to formation of nondepressed (48.2%), subthreshold depressed (25.5%), and depressed (26.4%) groups. Results: Quality of life was seen to be significantly lower in subthreshold depressed patients than in the nondepressed, and there were differences in the frequency of depressive symptoms that partially overlapped with nonmotor symptoms of vegetative origin in Parkinson's disease (appetite, sleep disorders). Key measures of depression (diminish...

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Aims.- To examine the relationships between depression, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and quality of life in Taiwanese adults from a cardiovascular department of a major hospital in Taiwan. Background.- Research suggests associations between depression, metabolic syndrome and quality of life. Despite this fact, few studies have investigated these relationships among Taiwanese. Design.- A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used to conduct this study. Methods.- A convenience sample of 140 adults participated in the study. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, Pearson-s correlations, hierarchical regression and t-tests. Results.- Almost a half of the subjects (465%) had metabolic syndrome. The most common combination of metabolic synd...

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A review of the literature was undertaken to determine the potential for development of instrumentation for on-board remote sensing of coal quality. This review report acts as an inventory of commercially available techniques being tested or under development, particularly in the areas of the cutting horizon measurement methods associated with longwall mining equipment and coal/waste monitoring techniques in coal handling systems. While technology is available which can discriminate rocks from coal on a conveyor belt, the literature indicates that this hardware has yet to be adapted to continuous surface mining machines. 23 refs., 18 figs.

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The measurement of air pollutants is no more sufficient. It is necessary to assess the risk induced by air pollution, and then to put in place actions to reduce it. The air quality monitoring takes into account different pollutants: nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulates for the traffic; sulfur dioxide and particulates for use of fuel or coal or chemical transformations in air; ozone and nitrogen dioxide from hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxides emissions; the use of simulation methods allow to calculate the concentrations levels for these pollutants taken as indicators. (N.C.)

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Changes in the phosphate metabolism of the transplanted SCCVII (squamous cell carcinoma VII) tumor were studied before and after irradiation using in vivo [sup 31]P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Phosphocreatine (PCr), [gamma]-, [alpha]-, [beta]-ATP, inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphomonoester (PME), and phosphodiester (PDE) were detected in [sup 31]P-MR spectra of tumor tissues. The curve fitting method was employed for calculating each peak of [sup 31]P-MR spectra (PCr, [beta]-ATP, Pi, PME, PDE). The values of PCr, PCr/Pi, [beta]-ATP/Pi and pH decreased in proportion to the growth of tumor, whereas that of Pi, PME and PDE increased. But the changes of [beta]-ATP were minimal in degree. Based on the fact that the ratio of PCr/Pi highly correlated with tumor volume and showed the most remarkable change among various parameters, it might be the useful index for the tumor growth. Because the phospholipid metabolite PME was detected in the ...

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There are few studies on coke's micro-pore structure in recent years, however, micro-pore structure of foundry coke determines its macroscopically quality index and reactivity in cupola furnace. Effect of such factors on micro-pore structure were investigated under different carbonization conditions with certain ratio of raw materials and material forming process in this article as charging temperature (A); braised furnace time (B); heating rate of the first stage (C)and the second stage (D) and holding time of ultimate temperature (E). Research showed that charging temperature was the most influential factor on the coke porosity, pore volume, pore size and specific surface area. It is suggested that formation of plastic mass and releasing rate of volatile during carbonization period are two main factors on microstructure of foundry coke while charging temperature contributes most to the above factors. 6 refs., 4 figs., 9 tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gas Distribution Companies have long paid great attention to improving the quality of gas supply service to the consumer. This has involved them in an on-going attempt to successfully define and establish a clear computer assisted replacement programme which, when drawn up on a reliability basis, may also prove cost effective. The reasons which drive any gas line replacement programme are mainly related to the necessity: to improve the gas network asset so as to face a striking expected growth in gas demand; to refurbish old distribution systems with the purpose not only to increase the reliability and continuity of gas supply but also to reduce the rate of maintenance costs due to frequent repair works; to prevent the possibility of massive replacement works for a progressing ageing of the network. This paper will present the computer assisted procedure being implemented by Italgas. It ranks well defined network areas which urgently need renewal and also have a ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Udgivelsesdato: May 2009

Science.gov (United States)

PMID:19923207

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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 ...

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The authors experimentally study the separate stages of the determination of iodine in thyroidin by the combustion method in a flask with oxygen. The monotypic, conventional procedures and the procedure of Kolii and Pakhomov were studied. With addition of potassium iodide, a sixfold amount (compared with the initial) of iodine is liberated. Further, the liberated iodine is titrated by sodium thiosulfate. The authors find the degree of influence of a high nitrogen content on the determination of iodine in organic compounds. The procedure developed for the quantitative determination of the iodine in thyroidin by the combustion method is simple, fairly rapid, and can be used for the reliable control of the quality of thyroidin preparations and its starting raw material.

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The bibliography contains citations concerning waste treatment and disposal in the food processing industry. Methods, equipment, and technology are considered. References discuss waste heat recovery and examine treatment of wastes resulting from meat and seafood processing, dairy and beverage production, and fruit and vegetable processing. The citations explore conversion of the treated waste to fertilizer and for use in animal feeds, combustion for energy production, biogas production, and composting. The recovery and recycling of usable chemicals from the food waste are also covered. Food packaging recycling is considered in a related bibliography. (Contains 250 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)

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Abstract Aims: The aim of this study was to examine whether metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with periodontitis in a representative sample of Korean adults, who were involved in the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Materials and Methods: A total of 7178 subjects over the age of 19 years who participated in KNHANES were examined. MS was defined as the definition proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and the abdominal obesity cut-off line based on Korean Society for the Study of Obesity. The periodontal status was assessed by the Community Periodontal Index. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out adjusting for the sociodemographics, oral health behaviours and status, and health behaviou...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effect of different factors on survival of patients with Ewing sarcoma (20 people), primary bone reticulosarcoma (43) and myeloma (10) of pelvic bones, has been studied. Independently of the method of treatment, the rate of 3-year survival from reticulosarcoma start constituted (31.5+-7.1)%, Ewing sarcoma - (33.0+-10.8)%, myeloma - (36.0+-15.9)%. Index of 5-year survival in case of reticulosarcoma constituted (20.9+-6.4)%, Ewing sarcoma - (23.6+-11.0)%, myeloma - (36.0+-15.9)%. Improvement of delayed results after prophylactic therapy courses is pointed out. Degree of pelvic bone affection is of a very important prognostic value.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose. To compare erectile function (EF) recovery of patients treated by early penile rehabilitation therapy (PRT) with sildenafil and with control group. Method. Forty men treated by bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP) and with a normal pre-operative EF were enrolled. Fourteen days after surgery, they were randomised to a flexible-dose sildenafil group and to a control group. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was completed before surgery and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after NSRP. Results. In the group treated, the mean IIEF score before surgery was 26.2 and 14.1, 16.2, 22.5 and 25.2 at 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after NSRP, respectively. In the control group, the respective scores were 26.5 and 12.4, 15.8, 15.3 and 17.4. There was a significant ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The latent heat of evapotranspiration (ET) plays an important role in the assessment of drought severity as one sensitive indicator of land drought status. A simple and accurate method of estimating global ET for the monitoring of global land surface droughts from remote sensing data is essential. The objective of this research is to develop a hybrid ET model by introducing empirical coefficients based on a simple linear two-source land ET model, and to then use this model to calculate the Evaporative Drought Index (EDI) based on the actual estimated ET and the potential ET in order to characterize global surface drought conditions. This is done using the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Surface Radiation Budget (SRB) products, AVHRR-NDVI products from the Global Inventory ...

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Dynamic stability enhancement of composite mode oscillations of interconnected power systems by means of a hybrid power system stabilizer is discussed here. The proposed Hybrid PSS is of a two-level structure composed of a local PSS for local mode and a global PSS for inter-area mode damping. Here, the input of the global stabilizer is the center of inertia speed deviation of slow-coherent generators. The paper is focused on the practical considerations in implementation of the proposed stabilizer. First, the optimum allocation of this stabilizer is discussed. The authors introduce an index of mode-input-assignability, by which the best sites of the stabilizer can be identified. Next, for practical applications, an estimation method for the approximation of the input of the global PSS is introduced. An approximated value of the center of inertia speed is obtained from a suitable combination of the rotor speed data of a few properly selected key ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose In literature, few papers compare different hemostatic devices in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This sequential cohort study analyzes the outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed by different hemostatic instruments, to evaluate if any of them has any advantage over the other and as secondary endpoints, the impact of body mass index (BMI) and tumor size on the indication, and the outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Methods Forty-six patients, aged 54.6???46?years, underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy over 5?years. Mean BMI was 27???4.8?kg/m2. Twenty-four patients had a left tumor, and 22 had a right one. Patients were divided into two groups according to the hemostatic device: Ultracision was used in 26 patients, and Ligasure was used in 20. Groups were well matched for his...

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Abstract Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is one of the most common non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of B cells, being closely associated with a t(14;18) translocation. Detection of t(14;18), which is present in 70-95% of FL, might aid in FL diagnosis. Objective: To compare the efficacy of routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques in detecting t(14;18) in paraffin-embedded tissue samples of FL patients at different stages. Combined with other immunophenotypic biological determinants, detection of t(14;18) might help to determine patients at increased risk according to the FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) and therefore facilitate appropriate treatment. Design and Methods: This study was mainly based on a retrospective examination of...

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Calcaneus quantitative ultrasound (QUS) assessment is a safe and reliable method for evaluating skeletal status. Until now, considerable data have been accumulated on the distribution of QUS in Caucasian populations, whereas such data are still insufficient in Asian populations, especially in Chinese mainland. The present study aimed to obtain the distribution characteristic of calcaneus QUS in healthy Chinese women, and to further investigate the distribution of low bone mass by QUS stiffness index (SI). This study included 2,498 healthy Chinese females aged 10-87 yr. The QUS exhibited a characteristic mild rise and then fall pattern with increasing age. Age, body height, and weight were significant influencing factors on SI, especially age and weight. The prevalence of osteoporosis detec...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The final product of the radwaste conditioning process must satisfy certain requirments and physico-chemical properties in order to assure its safe long-term behaviour. Of course, the foreseen quality assurance and quality control should be conducted by means of non-destructive techniques. This work presents an over-view of various applicable non-destructive methods of analysis, showing their fields of investigation in testing waste packages, together with some arising practical problems. The most promising methods, such as eddy current testing, ultrasonic testing, #gamma#-scanning, #gamma#-spectroscopy, neutron counting and computerized tomography, are treated more deeply and some applications are presented. Particular attention is devoted to the development of a device based on computerized tomography; its essential components are reported and some design problems are also discussed.

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Monitoring of groundwater quality from boreholes in and around the former Yotsugi open-pit mining site in the Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, JNC, have been carried out to estimate extent and quality of contaminated water plume from the buried heap-leaching residue. In this report, data collected from 1979 to 1998 fiscal year were listed and their spatial and time variation of physicochemical parameters, uranium and radium were also summarized. Additionally, groundwater sampler has been improved and analytical method has been modified. Some results from groundwater quality were; 1. Generally, electric conductivity and concentrations of uranium and radium outside of the site tend to lower than one from the inside area. 2. Data from borehole No. 13, installed outside of the site, exceptionally little higher than one from the inside area. (author)

Science.gov (United States)

Variations in skin perfusion are easily detected by laser speckle contrast maps, but a robust interpretation of the information has been lacking. We show that multiple-exposure laser speckle methods produce the same spectral information as laser Doppler methods when applied to targets with embedded moving scatterers. This enables laser speckle measurements to be interpreted more quantitatively. We do this by using computer simulation of speckle data, and by experimental measurements on Brownian motion and skin perfusion using a laser Doppler system and a multiple-exposure laser speckle system. The power spectral density measurements of the light fluctuations derived using both techniques are exactly equivalent. Dermal perfusion can therefore be measured by laser Doppler or laser speckle contrast methods. In particular, multiexposure laser speckle can be rapidly processed to generate a full-field map of the perfusion ...

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Both x-ray and optical cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanners are limited by scattered photons that contaminate the primary images. Transparent radiochromic gels and plastics are anticipated to produce less scattering than polymerization gels and hence result in reconstructed dose distributions with greater contrast and dynamic range. Four methods of scatter measurement were investigated to quantify scatter fractions using an in-house optical CBCT scanner. The methods consisted of generating either 'coin' shadows or primary beamlets in transmission images. The four methods generated similar results of 10% scatter fractions in gel transmission images for this particular scanner configuration with both leuco crystal violet and carbon black micelle gels. The scatter contributions were distributed as 5% from micelle gel, 2% from Teflon wall, 2% from refractive index matching liquid and 1% other ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Objective: To investigate transcutaneous oximetry as parameter of the microcirculation is correlated to ankle-brachial-index as parameter of the macrocirculation after peripheral angioplasty procedures. Design: Prospective study. Materials and methods: 60 patients suffering from intermittent claudication were scheduled for angioplasty treatment. 45 patients were considered as eligible for angioplasty after angiographic evaluation, 15 patients underwent angiography only. Transcutaneous oximetry measurements were performed before the procedure, at the end of intervention, 24 h as well as 2 and 4 weeks after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Ankle-brachial-indices were obtained before intervention, 24 h as well as 2 and 4 weeks later. Results: Ankle-brachial-indices increased significantly at 24 h after angioplasty in patients being treated with angioplasty. Transcutaneous oximetry values dropped significantly at the end of the procedure and ...

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In principle four different methods (ultrasound, microwaves, {gamma}-radiation and x-rays) are available for the non-destructive testing of refractories. Three of these methods, i.e. ultrasound, microwaves and {gamma}-radiation, are in use by different producers of AZS materials to carry out the quality control of their products. This paper will compare the three methods on the basis of the physical properties, present the existing devices, and show the advantages as well as the limits of the different methods. {gamma}-radiography, the oldest method in use, has one main disadvantage, which is the requirement of protection against radioactive radiation. Furthermore, while cracks and cavities can be detected with this method, structural changes can not be monitored. Therefore, the ultrasonic method was developed that ...

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A monolithic micromachined waveguide device or devices with low-loss, high-power handling, and near-optical frequency ranges is set forth. The waveguide and integrated devices are capable of transmitting near-optical frequencies due to optical-quality sidewall roughness. The device or devices are fabricated in parallel, may be mass produced using a LIGA manufacturing process, and may include a passive component such as a diplexer and/or an active capping layer capable of particularized signal processing of the waveforms propagated by the waveguide.

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The failure of receivers has been one of the main operating problems at the White Cliffs solar thermal power plant. This Technical Note reports the results of an initial investigation that identifies the cause as having been their thermal fatiguing of the tube walls. The fatigue appears to be caused by unstable heat transfer at vapor qualities below the point where critical heat flux is generally exceeded. Methods for avoiding this problem are tested.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The image processing system for the dynamic neutron radiography has been developed. It is based on the hardware subset, composed by the method of the pipe-line and use of algorithm of local statistics. The processing speed per one pixel is shorter than 100 n sec and video-rate processing can be executed on it. Some image processes for improving the quality of the real-time neutron image, noise reduction and contrast stretching would be attempted by the use of this system. (author).

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Contents of this report are under the following topical sections: Legal Authority; Summary and Scope; Data Collection Activities; Industry Description; Industry Subcategorization; Water Use and Wastewater Characterization; Pollutants Selected for Regulation; Pollution Prevention and Wastewater Treatment Technologies; Development of Control and Treatment Options; Costs of Technology Bases for Regulations; Pollutant Reduction Estimates; Non-Water Quality Impacts; Implementation of Proposed Effluent Limitation Guidelines and Standards; Analytical Methods; and Glossary.

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This paper describes the method to estimate the true formation temperature using temperature recovery logging data after the well reach to total depth (T.D.). The method designated as ''Curve-fitting method (CFM)'' is based on mathematical model proposed by Middleton (1979, 1982). The accuracy and applicability of this method are evaluated with several field data and compared advantageously with the Horner-plot method. Then, real-time data acquisition system including interpretation software has also been successfully developed. As a conclusion, the followings are confirmed: (1) The developed CFM can be applicable to the estimation of the true formation temperature even using 24 hours temperature recovery data, although the Horner-plot method might need up to 120 hours recovery data, usually. (2) Though depending upon the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Many analytical chemistry methods normally used at the Savannah River site require repetitive procedures and handling of radioactive and other hazardous solutions. Robotics is being investigated as a method of reducing personnel fatigue and radiation exposure and also increasing product quality. Several applications of various commercially available robot systems are discussed involving cold (nonradioactive) and hot (radioactive) sample preparations and glovebox waste removal. Problems encountered in robot programming, parts fixturing, design of special robot hands and other support equipment, glovebox operation, and operator-system interaction are discussed. A typical robot system cost analysis for one application is given.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In modern quality engineering, dual response surface methodology is a powerful tool to model an industrial process by using both the mean and the standard deviation of the measurements as the responses. The least squares method in regression is often used to estimate the coefficients in the mean and standard deviation models, and various decision criteria are proposed by researchers to find the optimal conditions. Based on the inherent hierarchical structure of the dual response problems, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical approach to model dual response surfaces. Such an approach is compared with two frequentist least squares methods by using two real data sets and simulated data.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

For the determination of the thermal-hydraulic performances of rough surfaces, the method of evaluation is particularly important. In order to increase confidence in the results, a new evaluation procedure was introduced. This procedure is based on the transformation of simple channel experimental results to equal boundary conditions, and on the suitable application and confirmation of these transformed values in more complicated flow channel geometries. Existing methods, applied to the results obtained in an annular channel, do not fulfil all the transformation requirements. Thus a new, more complete transformation method, which uses the turbulent eddy diffusivity model, was developed. To check the quality of this transformation, within the scope of the new evaluation procedure, the results of experimental investigation in annular channels and in a bundle of hexagonal geometry were used together with ...

Science.gov (United States)

We propose a combined migration velocity analysis and imaging method based on Kirchhoff integral migration and reverse time migration, using the residual curvature analysis and layer stripping strategy to build the velocity model. This method improves the image resolution of Kirchhoff integral migration and reduces the computations of the reverse time migration. It combines the advantages of efficiency and accuracy of the two migration methods. Its application in tunnel seismic prediction shows good results. Numerical experiments show that the imaging results of reverse time migration are better than the imaging results of Kirchhoff integral migration in many aspects of tunnel prediction. Field data show that this method has efficient computations and can establish a reasonable velocity model and a high quality imaging section. Combination with geological information can make an ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

High quality single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) have been synthesized at large scales by the method of direct evaporation of carbon black and metallic catalyst mixtures, using induction thermal plasma technology. The processing system consists mainly of an RF plasma torch, which generates a plasma jet of extremely high temperature (?15 000 K), with a high energy density and abundance of reactive species (ions and neutrals). With the present reactor system, it has been demonstrated that carbon soot product which contains approximately 40 wt% of SWNT can be continuously synthesized at the high production rate of ?100 g h-1. The processing parameters involved have been examined closely in order to evaluate their individual influences on SWNT synthesis. The results have shown that the quality and purity of the SWNT produced are critically affected by the grade of carbon black, the plasma gas composition and the metallic ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The objective of the current research was to examine the association of herd level disease incidence with the return over feed (ROF) (milk income minus feed cost) herd profit index offered through Canwest...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

This paper hopes to share the insights we experienced during designing, building, and running an indexing solution for a large set of radiological reports and images in a production environment for...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Quantitative bone scans were evaluated in 16 patients with osteoporosis and in a control group of 7 healthy subjects. Along with a detailed biochemical analysis of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and standartized reongenographs, a quantitative dynamic bone scintigraphy was performed according to the method proposed by the authors. The bone-accumulating factor K_b was determined on the base of mathematical analysis of the graph reflecting activity changes in bone tissue unit during the investigation, the blood-elimination factor K_h and kidney-elimination factor K_k. In addition the accumulation index AI (in %) was calculated as a relation between the activity in bone tissue unit, registered in 20 min interval, and the activity in soft tissues for the same time. Whereas the static gamma camera scintigraphy, made 3-4 hrs after injecting of the osteotrope radiopharmaceuticals, showed no specific changes in the patients examined, the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scenarios are developed for spent fuel that is taken out of the nuclear reactor and stored for 20 years before reprocessing, and three storage techniques which use a water pool, dry cask or vault are compared with respect to their costs. The storage price (storage cost per kilogram of spent fuel), which is employed as the economic index, is calculated on the assumption that all the charge is paid when the spent fuel is brought in the storage facilities. Four scenarios are assumed for spent PWR and BWR fuels to be stored in at-reactor (AT) or away-from-reactor (AFR) facilities. The capital costs cover the buildings of the storage facilities, equipment, decommissioning, casks for transportation and storage (for cask storage) and casks for transportation (for water pool or vault storage). Costs for operation and maintenance of the facilities are also considered in evaluating these methods. Evaluation results show that the dry cask ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this study is to identify the radiative heat transfer augmentation by a coaxial cylinder introduced in the infinite cylindrical pipe enclosing a participating gas. The gas is either a mixture of water vapor and carbon dioxide or gray. The gas is assumed to be homogeneous at a constant temperature, and has a refractive index of unity. All of the surfaces are opaque and gray, diffusely emitting and reflecting at a constant temperature. The effect of system diameter, diameter ratio, wall emittances, gas and surface temperatures, mixture component on heat transfer augmentation are studied by using the zone method with participating gas radiative properties evaluated from the weighted sum of gray gases model. From the radiative equilibrium condition, the installed wall temperature is formulated and calculated by the iteration method. If the medium is a gray gas, the augmentation observed are negligible. For the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This publication is the collection of the paper presented at the title meeting. The 19 of the presented papers are indexed individually. (J.P.N.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Separate entries are individually indexed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of submucosal versus intramuscular administration of dexamethasone sodium phosphate on patients' quality of life after surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. Patients and MethodsA randomized, non-blind, clinical trial was planned. The sample was composed of patients requiring extraction under local anesthesia of a single partial bony impacted mandibular third molar with Class II or III and position B or C, according to the Pell and Gregory classification. The patients were randomly distributed into 1 of 3 groups: submucosal dexamethasone, intramuscular dexamethasone, and a control group that received no steroid. A modified translated questionnaire was used to assess the patients' perception regarding different qual...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: A method to measure noise power spectrum of a full field digital mammography system is presented. The effect of X-ray radiation dose, size and configuration of region of interest on normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS) was investigated. Flat field images were acquired using RQA-M2 beam quality technique (Mo/Mo anode-filter, 28 kV, 2 mm Al) with different clinical radiation doses. The images were cropped at about 4 cm from the edge of the breast wall and then divided into different size of non-overlapping or overlapping segments. NNPS was determined through de trending, 2-D fast Fourier transformation and normalization. Our measurement shows that high radiation dose gave lower NNPS at a specific beam quality. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background Despite the undeniable impact of systemic sclerosis (SS) on quality of life, only a few studies so far have focused on its psychiatric or psychological aspects. We aimed at assessing psychiatric symptoms and self-image in inpatients with SS and comparing them with patients with either a very mild skin condition or a serious skin condition. Methods Three groups were recruited: (i) 38 consecutive female inpatients with SS; (ii) 38 age-matched female outpatients with melanocytic naevi; (iii) 35 age-matched female inpatients with melanoma. All participants completed the Zung Anxiety Scale, the Zung Depression Scale and a self-report questionnaire measuring self-perceived personal qualities. Patients with SS were also clinically interviewed by a psychologist. Results The cli...

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...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Twenty-six patients with late complications following femoral neck fracture were examined with both skeletal and bone marrow radionuclide scintimetry. There was no correlation between the methods with respect to the quantitative assessment of femoral head vascularity based on different uptake ratios comparing the fractured and the intact side. Skeletal scintimetry always had good image quality and permitted reliable differentation between nonunion of the fracture and late segmental collapse, in contrast to bone marrow scintimetry which gave poor image quality. Skeletal scintimetry thus seems superior to bone marrow scintimetry for assessment and differential diagnosis of late complications following femoral neck fracture. It is emphasized that the physiological mechanisms for radionuclide uptake must be taken into account when comparing scintimetric studies using different tracers. (author).

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...notice de en es fr it nl European Commission Research Index aeronews All keywords Index feedback The number of documents that contain the keyword aeronews is: 1 EU Transport lsquo;AERONEWSrsquo; -good news for early detection of microdamage European Commission - lsquo;AERONEWSrsquo; -good news for early detection of microdamage ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The procedure and operation-by-operation methods of the quality control of structural and fuel materials, mixed fuel pellets of UO_2-PuO_2, fuel element cans made of the AISI-316 steel and ready fuel elements are described as well as spacer wires (steel AISI-316), cases of fuel assemblies (FA) and completed FAs. The methods are used in manifacturing fuel elements and FAs for the FFTF reactor. The RDT standards that regulate the structure and functioning of the system of fuel element and FA production management are outlined. Destructive analytical methods characterized by sufficient accuracy but low productivity are noted to represent a considerable share of operations. Some specialized means of nondestructive testing are developed, such as the gauge to measure the total plutonium content in a fuel element, neutron radiography deVice and a laser gauge to measure the FA dimensions. The experience gained ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR-1000) was used to quantitatively analyze the diagnosis and prevention of osteoporosis. The peak bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine appeared in normal men in their twenties and in normal women in their thirties. There was acceleration of bone loss in the 50 to 60 year age bracket (premenopause and postmenopause) in normal women. On the contrary, the peak BMD of the femoral neck in normal men and women appeared in their twenties after which it decreased slightly with age. Comparison showed that the femoral neck BMD of normal women was lower than that of men throughout all ages. The fracture threshold, 0.756 g/cm[sup 2] for the spine, was obtained by scanning 73 females with spinal fractures, the mean BMDs for L2-L4 at the 90th percentile level were used as the fracture threshold. The fracture threshold of femoral neck fracture was the femoral proximal BMD of the 9th decile. Classification by the Public Welfare Silver Science ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: The predictive potential of tumor cell kinetic parameters may be improved when they are studied in relation to other microenvironmental parameters. The purpose of this investigation was to quantitatively categorize human tumor samples according to proliferation patterns. Second, it was examined whether these characteristics are retained after xenotransplantation. Methods and Materials: Fifty tumor samples from head-and-neck cancer patients were immunohistochemically stained for Ki-67 and vessels. Also, parts of the samples were transplanted into nude mice. Tumors were categorized according to previously described patterns of proliferation. Vascular and proliferation patterns were analyzed using an image processing system. Results: The 50 tumors were categorized into four patterns of proliferation by visual assessment: marginal (6), intermediate (10), random (21), and mixed (12). One tumor could not be classified. These patterns were quantified by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents the results of a study carried out at three sites in Madurai, India in order to assess ambient air quality levels and their impact on public health in urban areas. Indicators of public health were sought through primary and secondary health data and blood lead concentrations of male and female inhabitants and shopkeepers. Lean concentrations in blood samples were examined according to distance from the road, age, smoking status, hours of stay per day in the city, and period of stay in years in Madurai. Ambient air quality level indicators included the level of gaseous and particulate pollution using Central Pollution Control Board standard estimation methods. Observed atmospheric conditions across the three sites are examined according to mean solar insolation, mean temperature, mean relative humidity and mean wind velocity. The study concluded that pollution abatement measures must be implemented to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The first automated method for the determination of mexiletine hydrochloride - an antiarrhythmic agent - is reported. The method is based on the reaction of the analyte with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) in the presence of sulfite in basic medium using a sequential injection (SI) manifold. The reaction product was monitored spectrofluorimetrically (lex=350nm/lem=446nm). A simple and effective on-line dilution approach was adopted in order to expand the linearity and apply the method to assay, dosage uniformity and dissolution tests with minimum sample preparation. Chemical (pH, amount concentrations of OPA and sulfite) and instrumental variables (temperature, flow rate, injection volumes, etc.) that affected the determination were studied. The developed assay was validated in terms of linearity, ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Isolation of functional and intact mitochondria from solid tissue is crucial for studies that focus on the elucidation of normal mitochondrial physiology and/or mitochondrial dysfunction in conditions such as aging, diabetes, and cancer. There is growing recognition of the importance of mitochondria both as targets for drug development and as off-target mediators of drug side effects. Unfortunately, mitochondrial isolation from tissue is generally carried out using homogenizer-based methods that require extensive operator experience to obtain reproducible high-quality preparations. These methods limit dissemination, impede scale-up, and contribute to difficulties in reproducing experimental results over time and across laboratories. Here we describe semiautomated methods to disrupt tissue ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Even before Egyptian times, fiber and paper-based methods were used to manage time, tasks, and priorities. Papyrus and paper were effective in their time, but now is the time for the even more effective computer-based methods of time management. This study compares paper and computer methods of the management of time, tasks, and priorities. Discussed are recommended strengths of off-the-shelf software for time management. Integrated software is recommended. A case study of the use of idea processing software to manage publication tasks and priorities is examined. Illustrated--for classroom-style training--are uses of a computer to enhance the quality and increase the efficiency of the coordination of publications from conception and research to printing and issuance. 3 refs., 43 figs.

CERN Document Server

We introduce reflexive polytopes of index l as a natural generalisation of the notion of a reflexive polytope of index 1. These l-reflexive polytopes also appear as dual pairs. In dimension two we show that they arise from reflexive polygons via a change of the underlying lattice. This allows us to efficiently classify all isomorphism classes of l-reflexive polygons up to index 200. As another application, we show that any reflexive polygon of arbitrary index satisfies the famous "number 12" property. This is a new, infinite class of lattice polygons possessing this property, and extends the previously known sixteen instances. The number 12 property also holds more generally for l-reflexive non-convex or self-intersecting polygonal loops. We conclude by discussing higher-dimensional examples and open questions.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Objective: To explore the feasibility of real-time monitoring exposure dose and image quality by using the data stored in the DICOM image archive of direct digital radiography system. Methods: Model TO. 16 was exposed, the current increased gradually from 0.5 to 125 mAs. The displayed number of model A( diameter 11.1 mm), D (diameter 4.0 mm) and J( diameter 0.7 mm) were recorded, and the detect factors (H_T) was also calculated. Images were sent to workstation before the end of DR examination. An automatic procedure was implemented to extract dose data and exposure parameters from the DICOM header file. Maximum, minimum and 3rd quartile values were preinstalled. Mean values exceeding the threshold trigger alarm signal to guide radiologist to explore the cause. Results: When the current of point A was less than 10 mAs and the current of point D and J were less than 16 mAs, the detect factor (H_T) increased with the rise of current. While point A ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A wide variety of thin film coatings, deposited by different techniques and with potential applications in various important areas, have been characterised by the Phase Modulated Spectroscopic Ellipsometer, installed recently in the Spectroscopy Division, B.A.R.C. The Phase Modulated technique provides a faster and more accurate data acquisition process than the conventional ellipsometry. The measured Ellipsometry spectra are fitted with theoretical spectra generated assuming an appropriate model regarding the sample. The fittings have been done objectively by minimising the squared difference (#chi#"2) between the measured and calculated values of the ellipsometric parameters and thus accurate information have been derived regarding the thickness and optical constants (viz, the refractive index and extinction coefficient) of the different layers, the surface roughness and the inhomogeneities present in the layers. Measurements have been done on (i) ion-implanted ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this study is to develop a method to aid in the selection of an overburden handling system in surface coal mining. The selection procedure consists of three major parts. The first part is aimed at rating the equipment's potential to perform the environmental protection related activities and then integrating this rating into the system selection process. The second part is an engineering analysis of the design of pit layouts and the operation of alternative overburden handling systems. The third part consists of a cost and sensitivity analysis of alternative systems on different mining situations. Specifically, the work includes: (1) a Delphi study to determine the magnitude of the environmental impacts and to quantify the relationship between mining practices and environmental remedies, (2) a scoring model to set up an index of the relative capability of equipment to do the environmental protection related jobs, (3) ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This invention relates with a pot-type catalyst carrier which excels as a catalyst carrier when such heavy oils as ordinary pressure distillation residue, oil sand oil, and shale oil are decomposed or treated by hydrogenation. The conventional pot-type carrier is produced by dropping a small drop of a slurry (containing a catalyst component) onto a particle bed and drying it. But the demerit is a large particle size and less catalyst activity or strength. In this invention, a mixture of such carrier components as allophane, red mud, bauxite and latellite, etc.. 60 - 80 weight parts. and a binder 20 - 40 weight parts is added with water to form a slurry of 10 - 30 weight% solid concentration. Slurry is wet-crushed to make the average particle size 0.6 - 2.0 micron, then spray-dried and burned to obtain a pot-type catalyst carrier with average particle size 30 - 200 micron and abrasion index below 10. This catalyst showed high yield of kerosene and light oil in the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The electrochemical method has been used to deposit zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films from aqueous zinc nitrate solution at 80 deg. C onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates. ZnO thin films were grown between - 0.900 and - 1.025 V vs Ag/AgCl as established by voltammogram. Characterisation of ZnO films was carried out for both as-deposited and annealed films in order to study the effect of annealing. Structural analysis of the ZnO films was performed using X-ray diffraction, which showed polycrystalline films of hexagonal phase with (002) preferential orientation. Atomic force microscopy was used to study the surface morphology. Optical studies identified the bandgap to be {approx} 3.20 eV and refractive index to 2.35. The photoelectrochemical cell signal indicated that the films had n-type electrical conductivity and current-voltage measurements showed the glass/FTO/ZnO/Au devices exhibit rectifying properties. The thickness of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The genetically significant dose (GSD) is an index variable which exclusively allows to describe the genetic risk in the progeny of a population due to the application of ionizing radiation and radioactive substances in one part of this population. It may result in wrong interpretation of population exposure at increasing incidence of examinations in a population involving ionizing radiation and radioactive drugs at simultaneously increasing application of alternative methods in children and adolescents owing to the fact that it indicates a downward trend although somatic exposure of this population has increased. Therefore, it is recommended to state both the GSD and the level of somatic radiation exposure of the population taken from the individual sources for the comparison and assessment of radiation exposure from various sources in future. Although the somatically significant dose constitutes the suitable variable complementary to GSD in ...

Science.gov (United States)

A method of producing blast furnace coke from bituminous coals, particularly coals having poor coking capacities in which the coal to be carbonized is ground, predried or preheated, mixed with binders, compressed or formed into briquets having small mechanical resistances and charged into oven chambers, is characterized by fine coals or fine coal mixtures having a swelling index in mixture according to DIN 51741, smaller than 7, and preferably, below 6, and comprising more than 50% of poorly or non-baking coal having a content of volatile matter in excess of 30% or less than 20% which coals or coal mixtures are ground up to attain a surface per unit mass, according to DIN 66145, of from 400 cm/sup 2/ to 1200 cm/sup 2/ per gram, with from 3% to 8% by weight of organic binders, compressing the mixture to form it into a briquet at a temperature range of from 70/sup 0/C to 300/sup 0/C and charging the compressed briquet into the oven chambers ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Analyzed are methods for optimizing productivity of coal surface mining systems which consist of bucket wheel excavators, belt conveyors, and dumping conveyors. System productivity depends on adjustment of belt conveyor capacity to productivity of bucket wheel excavators. Factors which influence productivity of bucket wheel excavators are analyzed: dimensions and geometry of bucket wheels, rated power of drive systems for bucket wheels and properties of mined materials (coal or overburden). Indices used in Czechoslovakia for assessing productivity of bucket wheel excavators are compared. Factors which influence capacity of belt conveyors are also analysed: belt dimensions, belt geometry, angle of repose of hauled coal or overburden, and haulage speed of a belt conveyor. Investigations carried out in brown coal surface mines in Czechoslovakia show that conveyor capacity should exceed productivity of bucket wheel excavators. In the majority of cases the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Subject of this study is the question of whether cone beam CT (CBCT) images with reduced projection data are suitable for use in adaptive radiation therapy (ART) treatment planning. For this purpose image quality and dose calculation accuracy depending on imaging modality were analysed. In this context, two CBCT-methods will be indicated having reduced projection data sets: Scans acquired with 200^o rotation angle in order to accelerate the CBCT process (half scan), or scans with an asymmetric cone beam and detector offset, used to enlarge the field-of-view (half fan). Methods: For three different CBCT-modes (On-Board-Imaging, Varian Medical Systems), two of them based on reduced projection data, and a conventional multidetector CT system, the main image quality parameters were studied. Tr...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report is a summary of the contribution of nitrogen and phosphorus in the eutrophication process of inland and coastal waters. Special attention was paid to the mechanisms of these nutrients in regulating biological processes and to the methods available in estimating their effects in the eutrophication of water bodies. The report includes five chapters which are entitled: Introduction, which is a general background to the subject with special attention to the requirements of the Finnish Water Act. Phosphorus and nitrogen as factors regulating biological processes. The topics included are: definition of eutrophication, forms of phosphorus and nitrogen and their sources to inland and coastal waters, effects of these nutrients as growth factors of phytoplankton and macrophytes and consequences of eutrophication. Estimation of the effects of phosphorus and nitrogen. The topics discussed from the point of view of the tasks of the National Board of Waters and the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The reliability of the surface condenser is a key factor in plant performance level and maintenance cost optimization. This is especially the case for thermal nuclear plants where condenser raw wa-ter ingress can introduce contamination into the chemically-controlled, steam/water loop potentially causing damage to sensitive equipment. Two important parameters must be taken into account when attempting to optimize the quality and the reliability of condenser tubing. They include selecting the appropriate material according to the cooling water corrosion level present. A second and equally important parameter is the manufac-turing of the tubing product itself. This paper will identify methods to optimize manufacturing processes and improve tubing quality, according to VALTIMET's 30 years of condenser welded tubing production experience. Those methods complete the core manufacturing process ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Two-phase pressure drop and fluctuating static pressures were measured in a small horizontal rectangular channel (hydraulic diameter = 5.44 mm). The two-phase fluid was an air/water mixture at atmospheric pressure tested over a mass flux range of 50 to 2,000 kg/m[sup 2] [center dot] s. Two-phase flow patterns were identified and an objective method was found for determining the flow pattern transition from bubble or plug flow to slug flow. The method is based on an RMS static pressure measurement. In particular, it is shown that the transition is accompanied by a clear and abrupt increase in the RMS pressure when plotted as a function of mass quality. Use of the RMS pressure as a two-phase flow pattern transition indicator is shown to have advantages over pressure-versus-time trace evaluations reported in the literature. The transition is substantiated by a clear local change in slope in the curve of two-phase pressure drop ...

Science.gov (United States)

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

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Selection of the appropriate radiation quality is an important aspect of optimisation for every clinical imaging task in radiology, since it affects both image quality and patient dose. Spreadsheet...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A simple and cheap method is described for the manufacturing of individual positioning aids made of foamed polyurethane. Some examples are given to demonstrate the applicability of these positioning aids for the irradiation of different body regions. The reproducibility of the radiation field in the head and neck area was investigated with and without positioning aid. It was proved that the field is adjusted more exactly when positioning aids are applied. The dosimetric investigations performed showed a negligible influence of foamed polyurethane on the radiation quality. So the positioning aids could be left within the radiation field when drawing the field borders.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the Wajima lung cancer screening program conducted under the auspices of Kanazawa University Hospital, Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) was utilized in a new chest radiography trial. The results of the screening program are that the necessity of repeat examinations due to poor image quality are less common and the method enables detection of small pulmonary nodular shadows which are possibly candidates for surgery. Oblique chest X-ray with FCR is remarkably effective for the detection and the identification of small lesions. However, the disadvantage of slow processing and high cost must be fully satisfied if FCR is to become a new imaging modality for mass screening. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fins serve as heat transfer augmentation features in solar air heaters; however, they increase pressure drop in flow channels. Pin fins are relatively good heat transfer augmentation features with superior aerodynamic performance, and as a result find application in some solar air heaters. The exergy optimization method is employed in sizing the pin fin. Results indicate that high efficiency of the optimized fin improves the heat absorption and dissipation potential of a solar air heater. With optimum fin efficiency and superior absorptive coating quality, useful energy losses can be minimized. Some important observations pertinent in design are made. (author)

Science.gov (United States)

The effects of variable hardness, pH, alkalinity, humics, and suspended clay on the chemical speciation of copper and its toxicity to fathead minnow larvae in Lake Superior water were investigated. Two proposed methods (toxicity factors and chemical speciation) for predicting LC50 values in specific natural waters from laboratory toxicity data and the average site specific values of general water quality parameters were evaluated. The accuracy of the cupric ion-selective electrode in determining CU/sup +2/ activities in ambient and chemically altered Lake Superior water was also determined.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A core preservation package was developed to maintain the reservoir characteristics of core samples and consequently to improve the quality of data obtained through laboratory core analyses. The package is a heat-sealable plastic-aluminum laminate similar to those common in the food-packaging industry. The laminated core preservation package acts as an impermeable barrier to water vapor and gases, and is resistant to chemical alteration and degradation by core fluids. These performance characteristics result in effective core preservation by maintaining the fluid content of the core. Other advantages of the laminated package are that it is fast and simple to use and eliminates the cumbersome dip-coat step used in some core preservation methods.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Biogas supply to the public gas grid is a new option discussed in the most recent publication of Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (FNR) e.V. The biogas is purified, upgraded to natural gas quality and fed into an existing gas grid. Once there, it can be transported across long distances and also used for electric power generation at the consumer side. The study investigates inhowfar and in what instances this method is feasible and promising. It discusses the technical background and the regional potential of biogas. Seven model biogas systems are presented as examples. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The anaerobic biogasification of organic wastes generates two useful products: a medium-Btu fuel gas and a compost-quality organic residue. Although commercial-scale digestion systems are used to treat municipal sewage wastes, the disposal of solid organic wastes, including municipal solid wastes (MSW), requires a more cost-efficient process. Modern biogasification systems employ high-rate, high-solids fermentation methods to improve process efficiency and reduce capital costs. The design criteria and development stages are discussed. These systems are also compared with conventional low-solids fermentation technology.

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)

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.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this work, chromatographic separation of niacin and niacinamide using pure water as the sole component in the mobile phase has been investigated. The separation and analysis of niacinamide have been optimized using three columns at different temperatures and various flow rates. Our results clearly demonstrate that separation and analysis of niacinamide from skincare products can be achieved using pure water as the eluent at 60^oC on a Waters XTerra MS C18 column, a Waters XBridge C18 column, or at 80^oC on a Hamilton PRP-1 column. The separation efficiency, quantification quality, and analysis time of this new method are at least comparable with those of the traditional HPLC methods. Compared with traditional HPLC, the major advantage of this newly developed green chromatography techniq...

Science.gov (United States)

Collective methods of ion acceleration using intense relativistic electron beams (IREB) have stimulated a great deal of interest in the past few years. The main virtue of an IREB collective ion accelerator is the high internal electric field strength. The primary drawback has been an insufficient ion energy gain or inadequate scaleability. An extensive study for generating a high quality electron beam has been done and is presented in Section 2. In Section 3 an intense ion injector study was conducted by the method of computer simulation. The last addition to the proposal was a design for producing a toroidal magnetic field. This field will be needed in a future study of high energy and high current electron beams.

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...

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this report we assessed retrospectively the usefulness of Thallium-201 chloride scintigraphy for diagnosing malignant tumors of the maxillofacial region. Thallium-201 chloride scintigraphy was performed on 74 patients with malignant tumors and 8 patients with benign tumors, and a retention index was calculated from the early and delayed scintigrams (delayed accumulation ratio/ early accumulation ratio). This retention index depended on the blood flow of tumors and the affinity of tumors with Thallium-201 chloride. The retention index was large for malignant tumors (avg.: 1.05) and small for benign tumors (avg.: 0.78). Concerning the degree of malignancy (the histological type and the degree of tumor involvement), the retention index was higher in highly malignant tumors (1.20 for poorly-differentiated tumors and 1.19 for aggressive-involvement-type tumors) and lower for tumors of low malignancy (1.02 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To assess the prognostic value of biologic (p53, Ki-67) and clinical factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx after radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (RT). Methods and Materials: Between 1985 and 1995, a total of 102 patients with 104 tumor sites were entered onto the study. Fifty-five primary tumors (53%) involved the tonsils, 26 (25%) the soft palate, and 23 (22%) the base of the tongue. Median age was 53 years (range 36-80 years). The clinical T- and N-categories (UICC 1997) were: T1 (30), T2 (47), T3 (22), T4 (5), N0 (33), N1 (28), N2 (42), and N3 (1). Histologically-clear margins were achieved in all patients by initial surgery. Postoperative RT to the primary and regional lymphatics was given, to a total of 60 Gy in 6 weeks, and single daily fractions of 2 Gy. The expression of the nuclear p53- and Ki-67-labeling index (LI) was investigated by immunostaining using the monoclonal antibodies DO-7 and MIB 1. ...

Science.gov (United States)

Effective-index approach is applied for modeling of channel plasmon polaritons (CPPs) propagating in rectangular grooves (trenches) and triangular (V-shaped) grooves in gold, accounting for the main features of CPP guiding and elucidating its underlying physics. The effective indexes of CPP modes along with the corresponding propagation lengths are calculated for different configurations and wavelengths while varying the groove depth. The results obtained allow one to identify the parameter range for realizing the single-mode CPP guiding featuring subwavelength confinement and moderate propagation loss at telecom wavelengths.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Iron overload has been described in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate a rapid, noninvasive method for determination of skin iron by the technique of diagnostic x-ray spectrometry (DXS). Thirty-five patients receiving chronic hemodialysis treatment entered the study and were compared with 25 normal controls. Since pathological skin iron deposition occurs mainly at the dermal-epidermal junction in the basal cells of the epidermis, measurements were made in the thenar eminence representing mainly epidermal tissue (FeE), and in the forearm representative mainly of dermis (FeD). The mean +/- SD FeE iron concentrations were equivalent to 14.5 +/- 8.8 and 18.2 +/- 10.2 parts per million wet weight tissue (ppm) and both were significantly higher than in normal controls in which they averaged 9.2 +/- 2.5 ppm (P less than 0.005) and 10.2 +/- 3.2 ppm (P less than 0.001), respectively. There was significant positive ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This issue is the collection of the papers on progress of researches by common utilization of JAERI nuclear facilities. The 43 of the papers are indexed individually. (J.P.N.)

Science.gov (United States)

... Preston, G. Merritt, 194; Princeton, NJ, 375; Project Horizon, 9; Project Rand, 4; Puerto Rico, 352; "Purple Plague," 236; Purser, Paul E., 49 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Much research has been carried out in order to manage structured documents such as SGML documents and to provide powerful query facilities which exploit document structures as well as document contents. In order to perform structure queries efficiently in a structured document management system, an index structure which supports fast document element access must be provided. However, there has been little research on the index structures for structured documents. In this paper, we propose various kinds of new inverted indexing schemes and signature file schemes for efficient structure query processing. We evaluate the storage requirements and disk access time of our schemes and present the analytical and experimental results.

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... where i is the wavelength index (ranging from 1 to 4), while Esb and FHb02 are the molar extinction coefficients of deoxy-hemoglobin and oxy ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Sensitivity Index (ESI) data for Cook Inlet and Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. ESI data characterize the marine and ... ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe function of a cylinder allowing simultaneous measurements of the opposition axis of the index finger and thumb of the hand and the magnitude of pinch force is described.Full Text Available

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to be similar to the system of face-on spiral and small companion known as M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy. Tomorrow's picture: Beta Pic < | Archive | Index | Search | Calendar | RSS |...

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Buildings Energy-Efficient Research Laboratories Energy Efficiency in Federal Facilities Energy Efficiency Standards Group Energy Efficient Windows Collaborative Energy &...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thinning specimens to electron transparency for electron microscopy analysis can be done by conventional (2-4 kV) argon ion milling or focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out techniques. Both these methods tend to leave 'mottling' visible on thin specimen areas, and this is believed to be surface damage caused by ion implantation and amorphisation. A low energy (250-500 V) Argon ion polish has been shown to greatly improve specimen quality for crystalline silicon samples. Here we investigate the preparation of technologically important materials for nanoanalysis using conventional and lift-out methods followed by a low energy polish in a GentleMill"T"M low energy ion mill. We use a low energy, low angle (6-8 deg.) ion beam to remove the surface damage from previous processing steps. We assess this method for the preparation of technologically important materials, such as steel, silicon and GaAs. For these ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Processing of food with ionizing radiation is a method suitable to enhance shelf-life and hygienic quality. Up to a dose of 10 kGy the method is considered wholesome. In many countries the practical use of food irradiation is increasing, however, in the Federal Republic of Germany the process is strictly forbidden. Applications and methods for radiation processing of food are compiled, limits and prospects are explained, and advantages and disadvantages are compared with traditional methods. Identification of irradiated foods and dosimetry and process control for radiation processing of food are areas where further research is needed. Continuous processing of particulate foods in bulk is an application where electron accelerators might be profitable. Beam parameters and velocity distribution of food particles in the treatment area can be matched for an effective result. Thus, dose ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Marketing of minimally processed vegetables (MPV) are gaining impetus due to its convenience, freshness and apparent health effect. However, minimal processing does not reduce pathogenic microorganisms to safe levels. Food irradiation is used to extend the shelf life and to inactivate food-borne pathogens. In combination with minimal processing it could improve safety and quality of MPV. A microbiological screening method based on the use of direct epifluorescent filter technique (DEFT) and aerobic plate count (APC) has been established for the detection of irradiated foodstuffs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of this technique in detecting MPV irradiation. Samples from retail markets were irradiated with 0.5 and 1.0 kGy using a {sup 60}Co facility. In general, with a dose increment, DEFT counts remained similar independent of the irradiation while APC counts decreased gradually. The difference of the two counts ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Environmental exposure measurements are, in general, positive and may be subject to left censoring; i.e,. the measured value is less than a ''detection limit''. In occupational monitoring, strategies for assessing workplace exposures typically focus on the mean exposure level or the probability that any measurement exceeds a limit. Parametric methods used to determine acceptable levels of exposure, are often based on a two parameter lognormal distribution. The mean exposure level, an upper percentile, and the exceedance fraction are used to characterize exposure levels, and confidence limits are used to describe the uncertainty in these estimates. Statistical methods for random samples (without non-detects) from the lognormal distribution are well known for each of these situations. In this report, methods for estimating these quantities based on the maximum likelihood ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, using the ASME PRA Standard, evaluated the PSA model of the Korea Standard Nuclear Power Plant (KSNP) and identified the items to be improved to enhance its quality. The new risk monitor PSA model for the KSNP of which quality was enhanced is called as PRiME-U3i. The evaluation results of human reliability analysis (HRA) of the post-accident human errors in the PSA model of the KSNP showed that 10 items among 19 items of supporting requirements for those in the ASME PRA Standard were identified as them to be improved. Thus, we newly carried out a HRA for post-accident human errors for the KSNP PSA model as the target of grading its quality above ASME PRA Standard Category I+. Following tasks were additionally major tasks performed in the HRA of post-accident human errors of PRiME-U3i compared with the previous PSA model of the KSNP: interviews with operators in the collection and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the future, the demand for energy is predicted to grow and more countries plan to utilize nuclear energy as their source of electric energy. This gives rise to many important issues connected to nuclear energy, such as finding methods that can verify that the spent nuclear fuel has been handled safely and used in ordinary power producing cycles as stated by the operators. Gamma ray spectroscopy is one method used for identification and verification of spent nuclear fuel. In the specific gamma ray spectroscopy method called gamma scanning the gamma radiation from the fission products Cs-137, Cs-134 and Eu-154 are measured in a spent fuel assembly. From the results, conclusions can be drawn about the fuels characteristics. This degree project examines the possibilities of using alternative measuring approaches when using the gamma scanning method. The focus is on examining how to increase the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Magnesium alloys have replaced resins as a material for the components of electronic products such as cell phone and notebook personal computer mainly, because of their lightness and rigidity. Thin walls, a complicated shape, and high appearance quality are all needed in the external parts. Die-casting and injection molding are the main method of manufacturing magnesium alloy parts. The optimal cast conditions and mold design have been investigated in order that a few defects such as surface cracks and mold cavities in casting parts would be reduced. Instead of cast, plastic forming technologies such as warm drawing and hot forging have been developed to form thinner walls and less defects. Plastic formability of magnesium alloy in hot working is dependent on a grain size of material. The material with fine grains has advantage of being formed at high strain rate. The characteristics of forming processes of magnesium parts for Japanese home ...