CERN Document Server

Binary mass transfer via Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF) is a key channel for producing stripped-envelope Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars and may be critical to account for SN Ib/c progenitors. RY Scuti is an extremely rare example of a massive binary star caught in this brief but important phase. Its toroidal nebula indicates equatorial mass loss during RLOF, while the mass-gaining star is apparently embedded in an opaque accretion disk. RY Scuti's toroidal nebula has two components: an inner ionised double-ring system, and an outer dust torus that is twice the size of the ionised rings. We present two epochs of Lband Keck NGS-AO images of the dust torus, plus three epochs of HST images of the ionised gas rings. Proper motions show that the inner ionised rings and the outer dust torus came from two separate ejection events roughly 130 and 250 yr ago. This suggests that RLOF in massive contact binaries can be accompanied by eruptive and ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundSeventy percent of urban populations in sub-Saharan Africa live in slums. Sustaining HIV patients in these high-risk and highly mobile settings is a major future challenge....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundTrypanosomosis is a major impediment to livestock farming in sub-Saharan Africa and limits the full potential of agricultural development in the 36 countries where it is...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundIn malarious areas of the world, a higher proportion of the population has blood group O than in non-malarious areas. This is probably due to a survival advantage conferred...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

We analyzed the effects of the Colorado Medicaid Capitation Program on the duration and services of over 21,000 outpatient mental health episodes for young children. The study spanned a three year period before and after capitation was implemented, and compared episodes of outpatient care for children from 14 capitated Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) with those from three CMHCs that remained fee-for-service. Proportional hazards regressions revealed that capitation resulted in an increase in outpatient episode duration, over and above similar effects for the comparison fee-for-service episodes. The hypothesis that there were longer capitated episodes for children who were hospitalized was not supported. Children with behavioral and anxiety disorders had longer capitated episodes. Service intensity decreased over time in the managed care sites. Changes in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Bureau of Mines has investigated the hazards of military explosives dispersed as dust clouds in a 20-L test chamber. For purposes of personnel safety, the spark ignitability of the explosives in the form of unconfined dust layers was also studied. The 20-L data show that most of the explosives dusts were capable of sustaining explosions as dust clouds dispersed in air and some dusts were even capable of sustaining explosions when dispersed in nitrogen. The finest sizes of explosives dusts were less reactive than the larger sizes; this is opposite to the particle size effect observed previously for the pure fuel dusts. The data for the explosives dusts were compared to those for pure fuel dusts. 27 refs., 47 figs.

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesIn the long term, we aim to improve understanding of the relationships between ecosystem services, water resources, food production and poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, we seek to understand how local communities deal with climate-related risk and uncertainty and the opportunities they have - or could have - in shaping adaptation planning around pro-poor, small-scale irrigation and to identify priorities for ecosystem management, particularly in terms of pro-poor water allocation. In [continued...]DescriptionIncreased food production is widely considered to be a fundamental step toward the reduction of poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Although the agricultural sector account for two-thirds of the labour force, SSA is the only region in the world where per capita food production declined over the latter half of the 20th century. It also remains highly vulnerable to extreme climate variability and future climate change ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Necessary conditions are derived for compact aggregates of solid matter to develop from loose local clumps of dust grains in a contracting protostellar cloud.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundWith 2.5 million new HIV infections per year, effective preventive methods against HIV are urgently needed, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. MDP301 is an ongoing trial...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Seventy-seven patients developed retinal breaks following an episode of ocular contusion, and 65 (84.4%) of these developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Surgical treatment successfully restored...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The dramatic increase in diagnostic rates of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents in the USA has led to an intense interest in the phenomenology of the disorder. Here we present data from a newly-developed instrument to assess episodic mania-like symptoms in youth in a large population-based sample (N?=?5326) using parent- and self-report. We found that a substantial proportion of children screened positive for having episodes of ?going high? and were at an increased risk for morbidity and impairment. Using factor analysis, we identified that episodic mania-like symptoms comprised two dimensions: An under-controlled dimension that was associated with significant impairment, and a low-risk exuberant dimension. Using latent class analysis, we identified a small group of children scor...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Earth`s troposphere and hydrosphere contain abundant naturally generated dust. The ultimate source materials from which the terrestrially produced dust is generated are the various rock types exposed at the Earth`s surface. Natural dust is a composite of (1) lithic, primary mineral grains; (2) mineral grains formed by secondary chemical reactions; (3) volcanic ash and dust; (4) salts from sea sprays; (5) extra-terrestrial dust; and (6) biologic materials. In this paper the various pathways to the natural generation of dust (via the hydrologic cycle) will be discussed, and two geologically well-known natural dust sources will be described, paying particular attention to quantitative measurements of the dusts from these areas. General dust studies that provide data on possibly global background ...

Science.gov (United States)

If episodic memory is an adaptation, it must have evolved to benefit present or future survival and reproduction, rather than to provide an accurate record of the past per se. Recent research has documented various links between the ability to construct episodes of the past and imagine potential future episodes, and it has been argued that the former may be a design feature of the latter. Thus, claims about the existence of episodic memory in non-verbal organisms may be evaluated by examining behavioural evidence for foresight. Here we review recent data on foresight in animals and conclude that the evidence to suggest episodic memory so far is equivocal. We suggest specific experimental criteria that could provide stronger evidence. We maintain that there must be uniquely human traits for which there are no animal models and it remains possible that mental time travel depends on ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dust particles in a plasma are charged negatively and are subject to various types of forces, including a drag force by plasma particles and a force due to the collective nature of a plasma. Dust particles are found in a sheath in laboratories balanced by the gravitational force and the electric force, while dust particles in space are ubiquitous, including planetary magnetospheres and interstellar space. Because of the novel nature of a complex system involving plasma particles and dust particles in a collective way, the dusty plasma is often called a complex plasma. The complex plasma is characterized by two distinctly different scales in time and in space. The plasma with electrons, ions and neutrals is characterized by the collective motion with a fast time scale and a short wavelength, while the dust particles move in a slow time scale and a long spatial scale. Some fundamental ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundSensitization to house dust mite allergens is strongly correlated with asthma. Der p 7 elicits strong IgE antibody and T-cell responses in mite allergic...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

Canary Islands are normally interested by dominant North-East winds that, in some meteorological conditions, can transport sand at high altitude from the Sahara desert. The dust may affect the efficiency of the telescopes and decreases the transparency of the sky. In order to maximize the scientific return of the telescopes located at the ORM, we present an analysis of the atmospheric dust content and its effects on astronomical observations. B, V and I dust aerosol astronomical extinction are derived. Using a 5 years series database of data taken from the four channel TNG dust monitor, we compute a mean hourly and daily values of the dust content. We have detected particles having size 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 um. Using a power law we have derived the content of 10.0 um particles. We found a typical local dust concentration ranging from 3x10^6 particles per cubic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Results are presented of analysis of the dust content of air and the resources for removing sludge at the mines of the Kuzbass during drilling of ascending shafts. A design is proposed for sludge removing devices with automatic opening and closing of the valve hinges.

Science.gov (United States)

on the picture will download the highest resolution version available. M51: The Whirlpool Galaxy in Dust and Stars Credit: Credit: N. Scoville (Caltech), T. Rector (U....

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundFew studies have yet addressed the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in house dust on human nasal mucosa.ObjectivesWe investigated...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Animal studies demonstrated the powerful impact of maternal-infant social contact on the infant's physiological systems, yet the online effects of social interactions on the human infant's physiology remain poorly understood. Mothers and their 3-month old infants were observed during face-to-face interactions while cardiac output was collected from mother and child. Micro-analysis of the partners' behavior marked episodes of gaze, affect, and vocal synchrony. Time-series analysis showed that mother and infant coordinate heart rhythms within lags of less than 1s. Bootstrapping analysis indicated that the concordance between maternal and infant biological rhythms increased significantly during episodes of affect and vocal synchrony compared to non-synchronous moments. Humans, like other mamm...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe facial region has been the most common site of injury following violent episodes. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of maxillofacial...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Colorectal cancer is extremely rare in children. We report a case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with a five-month history of weight loss and anorexia, associated with vomiting episodes, dizziness,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Objective: Determine and compare the prevalence of known risk factors for cardiovascular disease among unselected individuals presenting with their first ever episode of...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Studies of the associations between air pollution and hospital admissions and emergency room use are reviewed, including studies of air pollution episodes, time-series analyses, and cross-sectional...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

When a plasma becomes contaminated by foreign particles, generically referred to as dust, the result is called a dusty plasma. At the present time there is a great deal of interest in dusty plasmas because of their roles in terrestrial and extra-terrestrial processes - semiconductor processing, high temperature fusion experiments, stellar formation and the rings of Saturn. This thesis is concerned with the role of dust in processing type plasmas. In the following experiments, artificial dust is introduced into a parallel electrode plasma chamber. Ions and electrons in the plasma charge the dust particles and they become suspended in the plasma due to the balancing of electric and gravitational forces. By illuminating the suspended dust with laser light and using an extremely high speed camera fitted with a macro lens to look at the scattered light, the dust ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Plasma surface interactions in tokamaks are known to create significant quantities of dust, which settles onto surfaces and accumulates in the vacuum vessel. In ITER, a loss of vacuum accident may result in the release of dust which will be radioactive and/or toxic, and provides increased surface area for chemical reactions or dust explosion. A new method of analysis has been developed for modeling dust resuspension and transport in loss of vacuum accidents. The aerosol dynamic equation is solved via the user defined scalar (UDS) capability in the commercial CFD code Fluent. Fluent solves up to 50 generic transport equations for user defined scalars, and allows customization of terms in these equations through user defined functions (UDF). This allows calculation of diffusion coefficients based on local flow properties, inclusion of body forces such as gravity and thermophoresis in the convection term, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Controlling acid mine drainage is one of the most important challenges facing the mining industry. One of the solutions to this problem is the use of soil covers. In this poster presentation, the author described the development of a soil barrier composed of cement kiln dust and fly ash. In the study, four different cement kiln dust were associated to three different fly ash types, for a total of twelve different mix. The objective was to develop a stable environmental barrier. The origin of the cement kiln dust was described, followed by the characterization and preparation of the different mix, and the monitoring of the hydration process. The results were discussed, and indicated that a barrier composed of cement kiln dust and fly ash seemed to have great potential. The results also indicated that the fly ash improve the properties of the cement kiln dust, but that the improvement ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Wood usage for cooking and heating is still very relevant in most developing countries especially those of sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia. Therefore, sustainable means of generating it for this and other purposes are necessary bearing in mind the influence of indigenous knowledge/users perspective on any production method regarding success and sustenance. In conformity with this view, questionnaires were administered on 240 respondents in 8 rural communities of Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria, to elicit information on species that can be used as fuelwood, preferred by the respondents for incorporation into and/or retention in agroforestry plots, out of which 179 (i.e. 75% of the total number of questionnaires administered) were successfully r...

Science.gov (United States)

Ever-present water vapor and dust distort or block incoming radiations. ... were among the first scientific sensors to be attached to the earliest space rockets. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fugitive dust emissions from stockpiles in the open storage yards of industrial zones and the subsequent atmospheric dust dispersion have brought about many ecological and economical problems. This paper introduces a new approach to reduce pollutant emissions by simply changing pile configuration and without affecting the operational activity on these parks. Flow around piles of different geometries and for various wind conditions was studied using previously validated Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations. Different pile height scenarios were investigated corresponding to a constant material volume and a fixed angle of repose under various wind magnitudes. The results obtained were integrated in order to evaluate the rate of dust emissions for the various configurations considered. It was found that, for the range of wind conditions and pile dimensions tested, an optimal geometry exists which corresponds to the ...

Science.gov (United States)

star formation. To either side of the center, a small bar of dust and gas is helping to fuel the new stars. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., manages the...

Science.gov (United States)

star evolution, globular cluster structure and evolution, massive stars, supernova remnants, reflection nebulae, interstellar dust, structure of the ISM, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The D2 antidopaminergic drug Domperidone was evaluated singly and in combination with synthetic adrenocorticoid and an H2 antihistamine for its ability to reduce the acute emetic effects of /sup 60/Co whole-body radiation. Random-source adult male dogs were fasted 12 hours, fed a standard meal, injected 44 minutes later and irradiated 47 minutes after that. Four groups of dogs were radiated after drug injections as follows: saline (Con), domperidone (Dom), cimetidine + thiethylperazine (Cim+Thi), and dexamethasone + domperidone + cimetidine (Dex+Dom+Cim). Drug quantities for dogs represented 10 mg Dom, 10 mg Thi, 20 mg Dex, and 300 mg Cim for an average human (70 ka, 1.8 m2). Subjects were exposed on an up-down schedule to determine the radiation necessary to produce vomiting in 50% (ED50) of each group. Emesis onset times, offset times, and number of episodes were recorded. The ED50 of Dex+Dom+Cim was higher than Con. Dom produced more emetic ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nitrogen oxides (NOx=NO+NO2), total reactive nitrogen NOy, ozone (O_3), JNO_2 and volatile organic compounds (VOC) were measured for 10 weeks during spring and summer 1998 in the highly polluted Milan agglomeration. The concentrations during the episode of June 19 to 21 are analysed. During this period ozone peaks at 160 ppb, NOy at 36 ppb. The high NOz/NOy-ratio in the afternoon indicates aged air masses reaching the station. We refer to NOz as the difference between NOy and NOx. It stands for NOx consumed during the photochemical aging of the air mass. Depending on the origin of the air mass the limitation of the ozone production shifts between VOC- and NOx-sensitivity. (Author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The aims of the work described here were to provide an experimental basis for evaluating the committed effective dose equivalent per unit intake together with the ALI for four industrial oxide bearing dusts, and to assess the extent to which {sup 241}Am could be used for estimating the {sup 239}Pu content of the lung after an accidental intake of these materials. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Daily exposures of adult beagle dogs to inhaled radon daughters plus uranium ore dust, with and without concurrent cigarette smoking, for 2 to 5-1/2 yr have produced massive pulmonary fibrosis and severe emphysema. The cumulative exposure doses are similar to those associated with a 5-fold or greater increase in death rate of uranium miners due to chronic respiratory insufficiency, including pneumoconiosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and emphysema.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This book presents the papers given at a symposium on occupational safety in coal mines. Topics considered at the symposium included human factors, causes and prevention of personal injuries, remote sensing for ground control, respirable dust generation by continuous miners, accident analysis, hazard analysis of mining equipment, coal mine blasting accidents, coal mine respirable dust sampling, and noise in the mining industry.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Eight rabbits and 24 guinea-pigs were exposed to a silica dust cloud of about 40,000 pp./ml. (0·3-3·0 μ) and killed at four-weekly intervals up to 30 weeks. The guinea-pigs showed...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

A developed flue gas desulfurization and dust removal process with a cross-flow moving bed filled with activated coke (AC) was tested on a pilot scale with the gas treatment capacity of 1000 mg x h(-t). The results show that a easy-operating and stable-running pilot-scale testing equipment can be reached, and under the conditions of testing space velocity, the feed gas temperature of 120 degrees C, SO2 concentrations of 3232-6006 mg x m(-3) and dust concentration of 89.3-1599.7 mg x m(-3), the high efficiency of flue gas desulfurization and dust removal is reached with the purity of dust less than 50 mg x m(-3). In the technology, the spent AC was regenerated by heating, and the SO2 concentration in the desorption gas is about 40.1%, which can be efficiently recovered as a sulfur resource. Favorable economy benefit can be reached by using the process. PMID:16850821

CERN Document Server

AIM:Learn more about the origin of shells and dust in early type galaxies. METHOD: V-I colours of shells and underlying galaxies are derived, using HST Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) data. A galaxy model is made locally in wedges and subtracted to determine shell profiles and colours. We applied Voronoi binning to our data to get smoothed colour maps of the galaxies. Comparison with N-body simulations from the literature gives more insight to the origin of the shell features. Shell positions and dust characteristics are inferred from model galaxy subtracted images. RESULT: The ACS images reveal shells well within the effective radius in some galaxies (at 1.7 kpc in the case of NGC 5982). In some cases, strong nuclear dust patches prevent detection of inner shells. Most shells have colours which are similar to the underlying galaxy. Some inner shells are redder than the galaxy. All six shell galaxies show out of dynamical ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We apply our work on fracture- and matrix-dominated flow to develop a conceptual model of hydrological flow processes in the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain. The possibility of fracture-dominated flow is discussed, and various deductions are made on its impact on natural and total system performance, site characterization activities, and site suitability determination.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aiming to understand the formation mechanism of dioxins in the iron ore sintering process, dust samples obtained from some windboxes of a commercial iron ore sintering plant have been characterized with a powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), by the transmission electron microscope (TEM) equipped with an electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and by the temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) techniques. The elemental and XRD analyses reveal that the content of the Cl present in the samples ranges from 0.075 mass%-dry to 5.1 mass%-dry and tends to be higher at smaller dust particles, and that some of the Cl exists as KCl with the average crystalline size between 40 nm and 50 nm. Dust samples also contain a significant amount of unburned carbon, and the smallest dust particles, < 500 {mu}m, show the highest C contents in many cases and consist partly of C, ...

CERN Document Server

The emission of the plerion G21.5-0.9 appears more extended in X rays than in radio. This is an unexpected result because it would imply that short-lived X-ray electrons may reach distances even larger than radio electrons. Applying an empirical relationship between dust scattering optical depth and photoelectric column density, the measured column density leads to a large optical depth at 1 keV, of about 1. Therefore we investigate the hypothesis that the detected halo be an effect of dust scattering, re-analyzing an Cal/PV XMM-Newton observation of G21.5-0.9 and critically examining it in terms of a dust scattering model. We also present a spectral analysis of a prominent extended feature in the northern sector of the halo.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors study technological safety of installing a water spray pressure vessel between electrostatic deduster and coal sludge ducts. These sprays are in use elsewhere for steam generator ash removal. Dust ignition and explosion tests were carried out to examine flame and pressure wave propagation through the vessel into ducts. Water jet diameter, amount of water sprayed and coal dust removed were varied. Pressure waves exceeded 250 Pa. Test results show the vessel to be suitable for installation in briquetting plants due to its flame and explosion barrier effect and extermination of smoldering dust fires. The only disadvantage of the vessel is seen as its water and electric power consumption: about 8 m/sup 3//h of water and 1.5 kW/h of power per vessel serving dedusters of a 2,200 m/sup 2/ rotary brown coal dryer. (MOS).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Welded Ni-base alloys and Alloy 800 were exposed under metal dusting conditions at 600 C and 650 C for up to 6000 hours. Alloy 800 was attacked very strongly already in the first days and Alloy 600 also rather soon and widespread, on both materials attack started mainly in the heat affected zone. Several surface states of Alloy 600: brushed, ground, sand-blasted and pickled were tried only grinding caused a modest delay and decrease of metal dusting attack. Generally the attack was less widespread but deeper at 650 C than at 600 C, also for Alloy 601 and 602. The latter alloys show minor, mainly local attack, but especially the welds are affected. TIG welding led to better resistance than hand-welding. (Abstract Copyright [2003], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

New photometric observations of the variable star FG Sge, a rapidly evolving planetary nebula nucleus, were performed in 2003?2008. On 230 nights, we obtained 86 UBV and 155 BV RI (or R c , I c ) magnitude estimates. The maximum amplitude of the V-band light variations was >8 m . Six deep minima and four high maxima were observed. Analysis of the light curve has shown that the pulsation period of the star remained constant since 1991 and was P = 115 days. We have studied the wavelength dependence of the extinction at various phases of the light curve. The blueing of the B-V color at deep minima is interpreted as the result of light scattering in the circumstellar dust shell of the star formed by preceding dust ejections since 1992. Our spectroscopic observations performed on nine nights in...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Catalytic activity of industrial metallic wastes in coal liquefaction was examined in a 100lb/day continuous coal processing development unit. Red mud, a waste material from the aluminium industry, and an electric furnace flue dust containing Ni, Mo, Co and Fe showed a pronounced effect on the conversion of a Kentucky bituminous coal. Coal conversion and oil production increased significantly with the addition of red mud and flue dust. Comparison of the catalytic activity of pyrite, red mud, and flue dust, based on selectivity analysis, showed that red mud was the most desirable disposable catalyst. However, if the primary goal of coal liquefaction is high oil production, irrespective of hydrogen consumption, pyrite is the most active catalyst among those discussed in the paper.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract P/2004 A1 (LONEOS) is one of the few active objects in the dynamical class of Centaurs. It has been recently injected into an inner orbit with a perihelion distance-q-= 5.5 au. The aim of this paper is to characterize the dust coma of this peculiar object, 2.5 yr after its first -new- perihelion passage inside the Solar system. Broad-band visible images taken at the TNG telescope in 2007 February were analysed in order to characterize the dust coma of the Centaur: it was still quite active at-rh-= 6.5 au post-perihelion, with a coma and a well-developed wide tail-like structure, with a measured-R-Af= 162 10-cm in an aperture radius = 104 km. The (V---R) colour and the reddening values depict a scenario of a slightly red dust coma. A dust mass-loss rate of--= 133 kg-s-1 is derived ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We present photoelectric BVRI photometry for 16 T Tau and related stars in the Rho Oph dark cloud, as well as vidicon spectroscopic observations for nine stars. The color excesses of these stars favor circumstellar dust shells as the source of the observed infrared excesses.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

An aqueous house dust mite extract was separated by SDS-PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes by Western Blotting. Two major allergens, Der pI and Der pII associated with the mite faeces...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Coke-fired cupola furnaces were improved and made suitable for the production of high-quality casting melts by numerous additional devices. Moreover, they were equipped with environmental protection systems with numerous dust separation devices and afterb...

Science.gov (United States)

blast should have passed the Earth? Like: Follow APOD on Facebook Tomorrow's picture: whirlpool dust < | Archive | Index | Search | Calendar | RSS | Education | About APOD |...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Three samples of dusts generated by the non ferrous metallurgical industries are treated between 200 and 800 degree centigree in controlled oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. The objective of this study is to recover the valuable metals from these wastes. The treatments of these solids under oxidizing conditions at 700 degree centigree are well adapted for two samples. The totality of valuable elements are concentrated in the treatments residues. The use of hydrogen at 600 degree centigree, permits the removal of up to 100 % of valuable metals contained in the treated industrial wastes. The recovery rate of valuable metals (Pb, Zn, Cu) as well as the Global Decontamination Factor are reported. (Author) 9 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This work deals with kinetic description of carbothermic reduction of iron oxides using microwaves as power source. Previous researches show that it is possible to conduct this kind of process successfully, but real kinetic comparisons between conventional and microwaves procedure have been presented partially. The aim of this work is to describe reduction kinetics, taking into account how the iron oxide is reduced by microwaves compared with conventional energy supply. In this study the authors used iron ore in pellet shape and dust. They found that both, pellet and dust reduction stops when it reaches approximately 40%, even at whole power.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We present the first 3.8 {micro}m image of the dusty ring surrounding the young binary system GG Tau, obtained with the W. M. Keck II 10m telescope's adaptive optics system. THis is the longest wavelength at which the ring has been detected in scattered light so far, allowing a multi-wavelength analysis of the scattering proiperties of the dust grains present in this protoplanetary disk in combination with previous, shorter wavelengths, HST images. We find that the scattering phase function of the dust grains in the disk is only weakly dependent on the wavelength. This is inconsistent with dust models inferred from observations of the interstellar medium or dense molecular clouds. In particular, the strongly forward-throwing scattering phase function observed at 3.8 {micro}m implies a significant increase in the population of large ({approx}> 1 {micro}m) grains, which provides direct evidence for grain ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

'Improvement in understanding of the deposition of ambient dust particles on ECAM (Environmental Continuous Air Monitor) filters, reduction of the alpha-particle interference of radon progeny and other radioactive aerosols in different particle size ranges on filters, and development of ECAM''s with increased sensitivity under dusty outdoor conditions. As of May 1, 1998 (1/2 year into the project) the research-prototype 30-cm pulsed ionization chamber (PIC) is assembled and operational with an alpha particle energy resolution of better than 45 keV for 5-MeV alpha particles. Measurements of spectral resolution for alpha particles from radon decay products have been made as a function of filter type and dust loading conditions. So far, a study of ten filter types has found that the best combination of resolution and throughput is obtained with 3.0 \\265m Millipore fluoropore and 1.0 \\265m Corning FNMB filters. ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The paper takes as its starting point the diffusion of ICT applications associated with so-called 'customer relationship management' (CRM). CRM encourages organisations to shift their understanding of customers from an episodic and transaction-based perspective to one that emphasises continuous 'relationship management'. CRM applications thus promise to deliver more, real-time accurate information about consumer habits and behaviours therefore allowing organisations to maximise their extraction of business value. This paper explores the ways in which such inscriptive technologies are not merely referential but also constitutive of contemporary re-presentations and ideals of the consuming subject. Focusing on what we might call the 'digital doubles' of customer relationship management the a...

Science.gov (United States)

Acute agitation is a frequent reason for emergency psychiatric intervention. It is important to intervene early to avoid escalation of agitation to aggression. Reducing risk by using effective treatments will result in fewer instances of seclusion and restraint, and fewer injuries to staff and patients. This paper will first review the epidemiology of aggressive behavior and mental disorders, followed by a discussion of assessment and diagnostic considerations. The pathophysiology of safety risk is discussed within the context of the model of the "triune brain." Pharmacological treatment strategies for acute episodes of agitated behavior will be discussed in detail. This includes newer formulations of novel antipsychotics such as liquids and rapidly disintegrating tablets, as well as intramuscular preparations. PMID:15335224

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An apparatus is provided for rapidly restarting the flow of coolant through the cold electromagnetic shield of a superconducting rotor following a thermal transient episode. A vortex diode inhibits coolant flow in the undesirable reverse direction and encourages the reestablishment of a normal thermosyphon cooling loop flow quickly following the termination of a thermal transient such as that caused by transmission line faults. The present invention requires no moving parts and may therefore be permanently sealed in the superconducting rotor without risk of costly repair efforts caused by components failure.

Science.gov (United States)

The definition of episodic memory includes the concept of mental time travel: the ability to re-experience a previously experienced trajectory through continuous dimensions of space and time, and to recall specific events or stimuli along this trajectory. Lesions of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex impair human episodic memory function and impair rat performance in tasks that could be solved by retrieval of trajectories. Recent physiological data suggests a novel model for encoding and retrieval of trajectories, and for associating specific stimuli with specific positions along the trajectory. During encoding in the model, external input drives the activity of head direction cells. Entorhinal grid cells integrate the head direction input to update an internal representation of location, and drive hippocampal place cells. Trajectories are encoded by Hebbian modification of excitatory synaptic connections between hippocampal place cells and ...

CERN Document Server

We study the stellar and dust properties of a well-defined sample of local elliptical galaxies to investigate the relationship between host galaxy properties and nuclear activity. We select a complete sample of 45 ellipticals from the Palomar spectroscopic survey of nearby galaxies, which includes 20 low-luminosity active galactic nuclei classified as LINERs and 25 inactive galaxies. Using a stellar population synthesis method, we compare the derived stellar population properties of the LINER versus the inactive subsamples. We also study the dust and stellar surface brightness distributions of the central regions of these galaxies using high-resolution images obtained with the {\\it Hubble Space Telescope}. Relative to the inactive subsample, ellipticals hosting LINERs share similar total optical and near-infrared luminosity, central stellar velocity dispersions, and nuclear stellar populations as judged from their luminosity-weighted ages and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pre-harvest sprays of bavistin (50% carbendazim) at 100, 200 and 400 g a.i/ha were ineffective in the control of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem in onion. The combination of gamma irradiation (0.1 kGy) with bavistin dust (0.33g a.i/kg bulbs) was effective to an extent of about 79% in reducing storage losses due to sprouting and rottage. This combination treatment was better than dust treatment alone and highly cost effective. Bavistin, when used as pre-harvest spray, did not leave any residue in the tissues, whereas the compound was seen to move deep into the tissues, when used as post-harvest dust treatment. Higher concentrations of carbendazim residues (2.1-3.4 mg/kg bulb) were detected in the outer scales of the bulbs, as compared to that of inner scales (0.6-1.6 mg/kg), and the residue decreased slightly with passage of storage time. (author). 19 refs., 2 tabs.

CERN Document Server

Ultra-luminous infrared galaxies are among the most luminous objects in the local universe and are thought to be powered by intense star formation. It has been shown that in these objects the rotational spectral lines of molecular hydrogen observed at mid-infrared wavelengths are not affected by dust obscuration, leaving unresolved the source of excitation of this emission. Here I report an analysis of archival Spitzer Space Telescope data on ultra-luminous infrared galaxies and demonstrate that star formation regions are buried inside optically thick clouds of gas and dust, so that dust obscuration affects star-formation indicators but not molecular hydrogen. I thereby establish that the emission of H_2 is not co-spatial with the buried starburst activity and originates outside the obscured regions. This is rather surprising in light of the standard view that H_2 emission is directly associated with star-formation ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objectives of this project were to develop technologies to manufacture self-reducing briquettes out of waste iron oxides and to recycle them in an electric arc furnace or a cupola furnace. CRM has investigated and determined the optimal characteristics (binder, size, grain size, compositions and activator for the reduction reaction) for briquettes containing mixtures of mill scales, mill sludges, electric arc furnace (EAF) dust and coal as reduction agent. The goal of obtaining briquettes, in which iron oxides are totally reduced when these briquettes are loaded with the scrap into an electric arc furnace, was achieved. Trials at ProfilARBED have shown that it is possible to recycle mill and EAF by-products conditioned in self-reducing briquettes in an electric arc furnace without influence on the performance and on the environment. The iron content of the slag does not increase as the iron of the by-product is almost completely reduced. Zinc is completely ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We present ultraviolet through far-infrared (FIR) surface brightness profiles for the 75 galaxies in the Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey (SINGS). The imagery used to measure the profiles includes Galaxy Evolution Explorer UV data, optical images from Kitt Peak National Observatory, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, and Sloan Digital Sky Survey, near-IR data from Two Micron All Sky Survey, and mid- and FIR images from Spitzer. Along with the radial profiles, we also provide multi-wavelength asymptotic magnitudes and several nonparametric indicators of galaxy morphology: the concentration index (C 42), the asymmetry (A), the Gini coefficient (G), and the normalized second-order moment of the brightest 20% of the galaxy's flux (M-bar20). In this paper, the first of a series, we describe the technical aspects regarding the surface photometry, and present a basic analysis of the global and structural properties of the SINGS galaxies at different wavelengths. The homogeneity ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The document presents an overview on atmospheric pollution in Lebanon, with an analysis of sources of pollution, their impact on local and global environment and their control.Local causes of pollution are mainly: -Thermal power plants of electric power production which produce 75% SO_2 emission and 60% dust - Industries, especially cement industry - Land transportation which produces 70% NOX emission and 50% CO_2 A description of air pollution caused by these three sectors is revealed. Pollutants derived from fuel combustion are analyzed. It is estimated that in 2010, Co_2 emission will reach 5204450 tons, SO_2 emission will be 136470 tons, NOX emissions 96870 and dust estimated to 4130 tons. CFC consumption and measures of control according to Montreal Protocol are described. Recommendations for control of air pollution in Lebanon within a national policy are presented.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this letter we discuss the connection between so-called homoclinic chaos and the violation of energy conditions in locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi type IX models, where the matter is assumed to be nontilted dust and a positive cosmological constant. We show that homoclinic chaos in these models is an artifact of unphysical assumptions: it requires that there exist solutions with positive matter energy density #rho#>0 that evolve through the singularity and beyond as solutions with negative matter energy density #rho#<0. Homoclinic chaos is absent when it is assumed that the dust particles always retain their positive mass. In addition, we discuss more general models: for solutions that are not locally rotationally symmetric we demonstrate that the construction of extensions through the singularity, which is required for homoclinic chaos, is not possible in general.

Science.gov (United States)

African bovine trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma sp., is a major constraint on cattle productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Some African Bos taurus breeds are highly tolerant of infection, but the potentially more productive Bos indicus zebu breeds are much more susceptible. Zebu cattle are well adapted for plowing and haulage, and increasing their tolerance of trypanosomiasis could have a major impact on crop cultivation as well as dairy and beef production. We used three strategies to obtain short lists of candidate genes within QTL that were previously shown to regulate response to infection. We analyzed the transcriptomes of trypanotolerant N'Dama and susceptible Boran cattle after infection with Trypanosoma congolense. We sequenced EST libraries from these two breeds to identify polymorphisms that might underlie previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL), and we assessed QTL regions and candidate loci for evidence of selective sweeps. The scan of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The environments on the drip shield and waste package outer barrier are controlled by the compositions of the waters that contact these components. the temperature (T) of these components, and the effective relative humidity (RH) at these components. Because the composition of the waters that are expected to enter the emplacement drifts (either by seepage flow or by episodic flow) have not been specified: well J13 water was chosen as the reference water (Harrar 1990). Section 6.2 discusses the accessible RH for the temperatures of interest at the repository horizon. Section 6.3 discusses the adsorption of water on metal alloys in the absence of hygroscopic salts. Because the temperatures of the DSs and the WPOBs are higher than those of the surrounding near-field environment, the relative humidity at the DSs and the WPOBs will be lower than that of the surrounding near-field environment. This difference is a result of the water partial pressure in the drift being ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Severe affective and behavioral dysregulation, labeled as severe mood dysregulation (SMD), is a widely spread phenomenon among adolescent psychiatric patients. This phenotype constitutes severe impairment across multiple settings, including various symptoms, such as non-episodic anger, mood instability, and hyperarousal. Moreover, SMD patients often show depression and reduced need for sleep. Despite a lifetime prevalence of 3.3%, systematic research is still scarce, and treatments that have been established do not account for the range of symptoms present in SMD. Considering the circadian dysfunctions, two hormones, melatonin and cortisol, are essential. When these hormones are dysregulated, the circadian rhythm gets out of synchrony. Since evidence is emerging showing that the worse the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Copy number variants (CNVs) are known to be associated with complex neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia and autism) but have not been explored in the isolated features of aggressive behaviors such as intermittent explosive disorder (IED). IED is characterized by recurrent episodes of aggression in which individuals act impulsively and grossly out of proportion from the involved stressors. Previous studies have identified genetic variants in the serotonergic pathway that play a role in susceptibility to this behavior, but additional contributors have not been identified. Therefore, to further delineate possible genetic influences, we investigated CNVs in individuals diagnosed with IED and/or personality disorder (PD). We carried out array comparative genomic hybridizati...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Multi-millennial climate changes were relatively minor over the mid-late Holocene in the British Isles, because orbitally forced insolation changes were smaller than those at higher latitudes. Centennial climate variability is thus likely to have exerted a greater influence on the environment and human society of the region. Proxy-climate records from the British Isles covering the last 4500years are assembled and re-evaluated with the aim of identifying centennial climate variability reflected by multi-proxy indicators. The proxies include bog oak populations, peatland surface wetness, flooding episodes from fluvial deposits, speleothem annual band width and oxygen isotopes, chironomids from lake sediments and sand and dune deposition. Most proxies reflect water balance rather than temper...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Mullin BC, Harvey AG, Hinshaw SP. A preliminary study of sleep in adolescents with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and non-patient controls.-Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 425-432. 2011 The Authors.-Journal compilation 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives:- To compare the sleep of adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) to groups of adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder-combined type (ADHD-C) and those without psychopathology. Methods:- A sample of 13 adolescents diagnosed with BD who were not in the midst of a mood episode, 14 adolescents with ADHD-C, and 21 healthy controls, all between the ages of 11 and 17 years served as participants. They were psychiatrically evaluated using a structured diagnostic interview and completed four nights of in-home sleep monitoring using actigraph...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The pyrometallurgic method consisting in introduction of refining agent into the liquid cadmium has been presented. The refining agent consisting of silicon nitride, carbon dust and sodium hydroxide has been added in several portion into the liquid cadmium. Iron has been removed from the cadmium surface in the form of floating slag.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Surface photometry of bulges and elliptical galaxies is reviewed. The properties of cores and nuclei as revealed by improvements in seeing and the use of CCDs are examined, and newly discovered structural details such as dust, shells, and dynamical subsystems which show the importance of accretion events in galactic evolution are addressed. Improved constraints on galaxy formation resulting from better measurements of parameter scaling laws are discussed, and accurate measurements of departures from elliptical isophotes and of color gradients obtained with CCDs are considered.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ammonium nitrate shale oil explosives are provided which are effective, powerful, inexpensive, and safe. The explosives contain about 2% to 10% by weight shale oil and about 90% to 98% by weight ammonium nitrate. The shale oil can be whole shale oil or heavy shale oil containing from 0.1% to 65% by weight oil shale dust. The ammonium nitrate is preferably in the form of explosive grade ammonium nitrate prills.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Here we report the first ¹H NMR metabolomics studies on excised lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from mice exposed to crystalline silica. High resolution ¹H...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

An observational and modeling study was performed over the Arabian Gulf region to investigate the coastal circulations and aerosol transport in the area. Climatological data and observations from the United Arab Emirates' Unified Aerosol Experiment were used to develop a better understanding of the complex meteorological processes in the Arabian Gulf region. Climatological data suggests that sea breezes occur on more than 77 percent of days in all months of the year and land breezes occur on more than 70 percent of the days. The occurrence of the sea and land breeze circulations are higher (90-99 percent) during the summer months when large-scale weather patterns are quiescent. Measurements of aerosol concentrations taken during the Unified Aerosol Experiment(2004) experiment are used to investigate aerosols, namely dust, transported in the Arabian Gulf region. Vertical profiles of dust concentration along with vertical profiles of potential ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

I present a study of two Herbig Ae stars that are in completely different evolutionary stages: V892 Tau and PV Cep. Using sub-arcsecond interferometric observations obtained with the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy at #lambda# = 1.3 and 2.7 mm, I have for the first time resolved their disks. I deduce that the 5 Myr old V892 Tau has a low dust opacity index #beta# = 1.1 and a disk mass of #approx#0.03 M_s_u_n. These values correspond to the growth of its dust into large, up to centimeters size, structures. In contrast, the very young (a few x10"5 yr) PV Cep has a quite high opacity index #beta# = 1.75 and a more massive disk 0.8 M_s_u_n. PV Cep has the youngest resolved disk around any Herbig Ae star. Unlike the youngest T Tauri and Class 0 stars, which contain large and processed grains, the young Herbig Ae star, PV Cep, disk contains interstellar-medium-like unprocessed dust. This suggests that PV ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We use deep HST/ACS observations to calculate the star formation history (SFH) of the Cetus dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy. Our photometry reaches below the oldest main-sequence turnoffs, which allows us to estimate the age and duration of the main episode of star formation in Cetus. This is well approximated by a single episode that peaked roughly 12 #+-# 0.5 Gyr ago and lasted no longer than about 1.9 #+-# 0.5 Gyr (FWHM). Our solution also suggests that essentially no stars formed in Cetus during the past 8 Gyr. This makes Cetus' SFH comparable to that of the oldest Milky Way dSphs. Given the current isolation of Cetus in the outer fringes of the Local Group, the dominant old population implies that Cetus is a clear outlier in the morphology-Galactocentric distance relation that holds for the majority of the Milky Way dwarf satellites. Our results also show that Cetus continued forming stars until z#approx =# 1, long after the universe was ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood usage for cooking and heating is still very relevant in most developing countries especially those of sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia. Therefore, sustainable means of generating it for this and other purposes are necessary bearing in mind the influence of indigenous knowledge/users' perspective on any production method regarding success and sustenance. In conformity with this view, questionnaires were administered on 240 respondents in 8 rural communities of Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria, to elicit information on species that can be used as fuelwood, preferred by the respondents for incorporation into and/or retention in agroforestry plots, out of which 179 (i.e. 75% of the total number of questionnaires administered) were successfully retrieved for statistical analyses. Twelve woody species namely: Annona senegalensis, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Bridelia ferruginea, Daniellia oliveri, Detarium microcarpum, ...

CERN Document Server

We study the structure of the medium surrounding sites of high-mass star formation to determine the interrelation between the HII regions and the environment from which they were formed. The density distribution of the surroundings is key in determining how the radiation of the newly formed stars interacts with the surrounds in a way that allows it to be used as a star formation tracer. We present new Herschel/SPIRE 250, 350 and 500 mum data of LHA 120-N44 and LHA 120-N63 in the LMC. We construct average spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for annuli centered on the IR bright part of the star formation sites. The annuli cover ~10-~100 pc. We use a phenomenological dust model to fit these SEDs to derive the dust column densities, characterise the incident radiation field and the abundance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules. We see a factor 5 decrease in the radiation field energy density as a function of radial distance around N63. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A measurement of environmental radioactivity in Tokyo was started from 1974. We have been executing fixed time and fixed point observation since 1983 in Tokyo continuously. Measurement item is rain water, airborne dust, activated sludge at sewage treatment plants and external dose rate. Measurement data from 1983 to 1995 is reported in this paper. Moreover, we have been carried out the measurement of radon concentration in air from 1988 to 1991 in different types of residental buildings. The measurement results of rain water, airborne dust, external dose rate were approximately a background level respectively except for the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. Radionuclides used as radiopharmaceuticals were detected in the activated sludge at every sewage treatment plant but its concentration was lower than concentration limit in Japan. From a result of radon concentration measurements, there were no place which exceeds a radon concentration ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Acid mine drainage is a serious environmental problem caused by the oxidation of sulfide minerals that releases highly acidic, sulfate, and metals-rich drainage. In this study, alkaline industrial wastes were mixed with acid mine tailings in order to obtain neutral conditions. A series of column leaching tests were performed to evaluate the behavior of reactive mine tailings amended with alkaline-additions under dynamic conditions. Column tests were conducted of oxidized mine tailings combined with cement kiln dust, red mud bauxite, and mixtures of cement kiln dust with red mud bauxite. The pH results show the addition of 10% of alkaline materials permits the maintenance of near neutral conditions. In the presence of 10% alkaline material, the concentration of toxic metals such as Al, Cu, Fe, Zn are significantly reduced as well as the number of viable cells (Thiobacillus ferrooxidans) compared to control samples.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Twenty years after its building, the tertiary sector of La Defense district near Paris has been rehabilitated. The main reason is not only the age and wear of materials but the heating costs, the fire protection regulations, the search for a better air quality and air renewing with less dusts, smells and noise and a controlled moisture. This paper describes first the original installation of the Monge CB 6 office building and then the renovated installation: the central hot and cold air-treatment plant, the variable flow ventilation system, the air extraction and supply system threw the roofs and the pressure and thermal regulation of the installation. (J.S.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The article is an overview on atmospheric pollution in Lebanon. It presents an analysis of sources of pollution in the country and their impacts on local and global environment and describes their control. Air pollution is mainly due to the industrial, electrical and transportation sectors. Pollutants from fuel combustion are analyzed. It is estimated that in 2010, CO_2 emissions will reach 5987250 tons, SO_2 emissions is estimated to be 182950 tons, Nox to 105180 and dusts to 4965 tons. CFC consumption and measures of control according to Montreal protocol are described. Consumption of primary energy, consumption of petroleum products, quantity of petroleum in refineries and production of cement in Lebanon are also presented in tables

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to improve the handling capability of red mud, it is mixed with fine-grain coal material such as brown coal or lignite in dust form, in a ratio by weight of between 0.5-10:1. The liquid present in the red mud is bound by the very fine coal admixed therewith so that the resulting mixture can be stored in a silo and even pneumatically conveyed, and the oily properties of the red mud are removed by the treatment. The mixture is particularly suitable for use in connection with the hydrogenating liquefaction of coal in which the red mud is used as a catalyst.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Attention is given to the folowing topics: population I and II variable stars; LP variables, the sun, and mass determination; and predegenerate and degenerate variables. Particular papers are presented on alternative evolutionary approaches to the absolute magnitude of the RR Lyrae variables; the evolution of the Cepheid stars; nonradial pulsations in rapidly rotating Delta Scuti stars; dynamical models of dust shells around Mira variables; and pulsations of central stars of planetary nebulae.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The NPPs safety system in Germany is discussed. It is shown that there exists no threat for the German NPPs at the peace times. They release insignificant quantities of radioactive substances into the water and atmosphere. The average equivalent dose constitutes 0.0005 mSv annually. The annual equivalent dose for the personnel is equal to 4.4 mSv. At the same time, the NPPs contribute to a certain degree to the environmental medium improvement, preventing the ingress therein of the sulfur and carbon dioxide, dust and nitrogen oxides by application of fossil fuels. Attention is also paid to reprocessing facilities and also to the nuclear fuel wastes disposal. The advantages of the nuclear power engineering in comparison with the fossil fuel power engineering are enumerated

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The possibilities for heat recovery in a cast iron melting furnace were studied. A cupola furnace which produces 40 tonnes steel per hour, produces 25,000 Nm/sup 3//h of flue gases which contain 16-22% CO. Taking into account the heat losses at the chimney where fumes are cooled to 200/sup 0/C the recoverable heat is about 12.4-10/sup 6/ kcal/h which mainly consists of combustion heat in CO. This study showed that the heat can be used for the production of electricity, which will be used in the plant. Recovery of 87 kWh of electricity per tonne of steel produced is possible. A steam turbine driven generator of 3.5 MW will be required. The combustion of the low calorific gas (approximately 400 kcal/Nm/sup 3/) has been studied and gave positive results: wet CO gas can be burnt without addition of methane and preheating of air is not required. The pilot plant consisting of a thermic system (combustion chamber and equipment to produce and condense steam without turbine and generator) was ...

Science.gov (United States)

The paper presents differential-diagnostic signs of phobic disorders of different etiology. Acute episodes of depersonalization preceding phobias and fears arising during the first age crisis are considered as some diagnostic signs of endogenous phobias. The significant criteria for diagnosis of psychogenic phobias are anxious suspiciousness, affective instability, susceptibility, spontaneity of reactivity and the presence of personally important psychic trauma. An autonomic paroxysm caused by alcoholic situation in exogenic organic pathology (alcoholism) was transformed quite fast into some senestopathias, which themselves maintained the of fear. The relationships of phobias and depressions in endogenous disorders was different: in slow-progredient variations of the disease depression resulted in a decrease of the manifestations of the phobias, and vice versa; in shift-like variations depression is an independent syndrome in the depressive-phobic complex. ...

Science.gov (United States)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common problem in the female population. Women with diabetes mellitus are possibly at a higher risk. The usual medical therapy for UTI is antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study is to explore strategies employed by diabetic women for prevention and self-treatment of UTI. Forty-two women with diabetes mellitus who had experienced at least one episode of UTI in the last six months were included. Data collection included background information, questions about prevention and self-treatment strategies and a clinical examination to measure maximal urine flow, residual urine, a blood test evaluating diabetic control (HbA1c) and a urine test strip for determination of glucose, leucocytes, nitrite, blood, protein and pH. Thirty-five participants (83.3%) reported changes in daily routines like 'always keeping warm', 'increased fluid intake', 'good personal hygiene' as prevention strategies. Different herb and plant extracts were used ...

Science.gov (United States)

A population of male civil servants in Rome, Italy, was investigated to determine the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstone disease. Field activities started in December, 1982 and were concluded in July, 1984. Diagnosis was made using real-time ultrasonography. Participation in the study was 71.5%. Prevalence of gallstone disease was 8.2% and increased with age from 2.3% in the 20- to 25-year-old age group to 14.4% in the 60- to 69-year-old age group, based on both presence of gallstones and history of cholecystectomy. About one-third of the subjects with gallstone disease had previously been submitted to cholecystectomy. Only 7.7% of the subjects with presence of gallstones complained of at least one episode of biliary pain in the preceding 5 years. Frequency of "minor" dyspeptic symptoms was not different between men with and those without gallstones. PMID:3391519

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The trace element selenium (Se) is required in the production of enzymes that protect mammalian cells from oxidative damage due to the byproducts of aerobic respiration. Its deficiency in livestock results in the nutritional muscular dystrophy called white muscle disease. This especially affects juveniles in the preweaning period. Symptoms have also been reported in wild herbivores on low-Se forage, and their appearance may be episodic, suggesting temporal variations in Se uptake by plants. Here, we report variations in selenium concentrations in Carex spp. sedges used as forage by bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) on summer range in the Wyoming, Wind River Mountains, and correlate those variations with soil conditions that affect the bioavailability of selenium. Variations in available Se are explained based upon the known oxidation/reduction chemistry of the element. It is concluded that water-saturated, alpine soils provide conditions suitable for the reduction of ...

Science.gov (United States)

A population of female civil servants in Rome, Italy, was investigated to determine the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstone disease and to define the associated factors. Field activities started in February 1981 and concluded in April 1982. Diagnosis was assessed by real time ultrasonography. Prevalence of gallstone disease increased with age from 2.5% in the 20- to 29-year-old age group to 25.0% in the 60- to 64-year-old age group, based on both presence of gallstones and history of cholecystectomy. Only one third of the women with gallstones had complained of at least one episode of biliary pain in the last five years. Frequency of "minor" dyspeptic symptoms was not different between women with and those without gallstones. In a multiple logistic function analysis, a positive association was found between age, body mass index, parity, and prevalence of gallstone disease. No association was demonstrated between the presence of gallstones or ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Love Canal episode began the long battle on hazardous wastes in the United States. Obviously, the potential danger of hazardous wastes is one of the hottest issues among environmental professionals as well as the public. The problems of hazardous wastes in economically booming Taiwan are also alarming. Several farmlands in northern Taiwan were contaminated heavily by industrial effluents containing heavy metals (cadmium and lead) in the early 1980s. Regardless of the many studies that have been conducted about these polluted farmlands, there has not been any remediation - just a passive abandonment of farming activities with minimal compensation. This paper addresses a heavy-metal-contaminated fanning area. A pollution profile across time is delineated using information from the abundance of reports, and the contamination is modeled mathematically. The past, the present, and future exposures are also modeled. The results are presented in terms of societal ...

Science.gov (United States)

The MISR instrument aboard NASA's Terra satellite participated in the UAE-2 campaign, August-October 2004. This campaign represented a unique opportunity to study the complex aerosol situation in the Arabian Gulf region, in the context of a first-rate collection of aircraft and surface-based instruments, giving us the opportunity to do some groundbreaking satellite aerosol validation work. We aimed (1) to validate MISR aerosol retrieval results for dust and pollution particles over dark and light surfaces, and (2) to contribute regional maps of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and particle micro-physical properties, giving spatial context to the field-instrument measurements, and moving toward a satellite-based regional aerosol climatology. The validation effort benefited from the combination of an instrumented aircraft and a regional network of surface-based sun photometers. We obtained high-quality sub-orbital data coincident with MISR overpasses on three days: ...

CERN Document Server

We present physical properties of two submillimeter selected gravitationally lensed sources, identified in the Herschel Astrophysical Terahertz Large Area Survey. These submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) have flux densities > 100 mJy at 500 um, but are not visible in existing optical imaging. We fit light profiles to each component of the lensing systems in Spitzer IRAC 3.6 and 4.5 um data and successfully disentangle the foreground lens from the background source in each case, providing important constraints on the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of the background SMG at rest-frame optical-near-infrared wavelengths. The SED fits show that these two SMGs have high dust obscuration with Av ~4 to 5 and star formation rates of ~100 M_sun/yr. They have low gas fractions and low dynamical masses compared to 850 um selected galaxies.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study investigated the occurrence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in immunodeficiency wards of hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A total of 70 dust and biofilm samples from wards serving transplant, pediatric (malignancies), HIV, leukemia and oncology patients of five university hospitals were collected and examined for the presence of FLA using culturing and molecular approaches. Based on the morphology of the amoebae in plate cultures, primer sets were applied for molecular identification of Acanthamoeba, vahlkampfiid amoebae and Hartmannella. Out of 70 samples, 37 (52.9%) were positive for FLA. Acanthamoeba belonged to the T4 genotype was the most prevalent isolate. Presence of the T4 genotype on medical instruments, including an oxygen mask in an isolation room of an immunodeficiency pediat...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thermoluminescence of inorganic dust extract from herbs and spices has been demonstrated to be a useful method to discriminate irradiated food products as well as to estimate the total dose exposure. The time evolution of infrared stimulated luminescence has been systematically investigated in potassium feldspar and albite minerals subjected to different doses of gamma irradiation (ranging from 0 to 8 kGy). Experimental results reveal a 300-600 nm signal which is greatly intensified for irradiated samples, following the same irradiation dose dependence observed in thermoluminescence. The luminescence intensity disappears after few seconds of illumination, following a time evolution which is proportional to (1 + Bt){sup -P}. The influence of both B and P factors upon the irradiation dose has been systematically analysed. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The production of atmospheric pollutants in combustion processes depends on plant characteristic, combustion conditions and fuel quality. The influence of fuel quality on the emission of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, dust and carbon dioxide and on the emission of some toxic pollutants, such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is analysed. The comparison between the emission limits, fixed by the Italian legislation, and the uncontrolled pollutant emissions, produced by fossil fuel combustion in power plants and industrial use, shows that, in order to comply with the limits, a reduction of pollutant emissions is required through the use of abatement systems and cleaner fuels where natural gas has a primary role. The use of cleaner fuels is particularly required in heating plants and appliances for the residential sector, where the development of new gas technologies further increases the environmental advantages of natural gas in ...

CERN Document Server

The junction conditions for General Relativity in the presence of domain walls with intrinsic spin are derived in three and higher dimensions. A stress tensor and a spin current can be defined just by requiring the existence of a well defined volume element instead of an induced metric, so as to allow for generic torsion sources. In general, when the torsion is localized on the domain wall, it is necessary to relax the continuity of the tangential components of the vielbein. In fact it is found that the spin current is proportional to the jump in the vielbein and the stress-energy tensor is proportional to the jump in the spin connection. The consistency of the junction conditions implies a constraint between the direction of flow of energy and the orientation of the spin. As an application, we derive the circularly symmetric solutions for both the rotating string with tension and the spinning dust string in three dimensions. The rotating string with tension ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A totally-enclosed, fan-cooled, rib-cooled type induction motor is adopted for an exhauster which is to be installed in a ventilation station for dust catcher in a tunnel. It has the highest capacity in Japan for the above purpose, and is provided with a cooling fan inside to recirculate cooled air, thereby improving cooling efficiency and reducing size and weight. Three-row combined angular ball bearings are used as the thrust bearings, and grease lubrication system is adopted to simplify the inspection/maintenance works. It is to be delivered to Japan Highway Public Corporation's Shizuoka Construction Bureau, Yaizu site office. Its electric specifications are 455 kW, 440 V, 890 A and 510 rpm, and its mechanical specifications are thrust load: 16 kN and impeller load: 7.2 kN. (translated by NEDO)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Flame propagating through zirconium particle cloud in a small-scale vertical rectangle chamber was investigated experimentally. In the experiments, the zirconium quoted 99% purity was used and the diameter of particles was distributed 1?22 ?m. The zirconium dust was dispersed into the chamber by air flow and ignited by an electrode spark. A high-speed video camera was used to record the images of the propagating flame. Micro-thermocouples, schlieren optical system and microscopic lens were used to obtain temperature profiles and flame structure, respectively. Based on the experimental results, flame propagation characteristics and flame structure of zirconium particle cloud were analyzed. The propagation velocity of the flame is quite slow in the initial 14 ms and then accelerates to maxim...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Explosives have rarely been used in decommissioning of nuclear reactors. Nevertheless, controlled blasting can be used advantageously during careful destruction of nuclear power plants for removal of concrete, pipe systems, and other components. Experiments performed within a former nuclear power plant demonstrate the feasibility of this method, employing explosive masses up to 15 kg per blast. The loadings of the components and the total plant structure were measured and compared with code predictions. The experiments show a response of the containment predominantly in frequency ranges above 100 Hz, thus keeping the building and components below German regulation limits for shock excitation. The blast wave pressures are reduced drastically within short distances in the building. Dust and debris can be contained with simple methods such as curtains. Use of this method seems to be applicable to actual dismantling projects.

CERN Document Server

The lowest-mass stars, brown dwarfs and extrasolar planets present challenges and opportunities for understanding dynamics and cloud formation processes in low-temperature atmospheres. For brown dwarfs, the formation, variation and rapid depletion of photospheric clouds in L- and T-type dwarfs, and spectroscopic evidence for non-equilibrium chemistry associated with vertical mixing, all point to a fundamental role for dynamics in vertical abundance distributions and cloud/grain formation cycles. For exoplanets, azimuthal heat variations and the detection of stratospheric and exospheric layers indicate multi-layered, asymmetric atmospheres that may also be time-variable (particularly for systems with highly elliptical orbits). Dust and clouds may also play an important role in the thermal energy balance of exoplanets through albedo effects. For all of these cases, 3D atmosphere models are becoming an increasingly essential tool for understanding spectral and ...

CERN Document Server

We consider the simplest scenario when black strings (cigars) penetrate the cosmological brane. As a result, the brane has a Swiss-cheese structure, with Schwarzschild black holes immersed in a Friedmann-Lema\\^{\\i}tre-Robertson-Walker brane. There is no dark radiation in the model, the cosmological regions of the brane are characterized by a cosmological constant $\\Lambda$ and flat spatial sections. Regardless of the value of $\\Lambda$, these brane-world universes forever expand and forever decelerate. The totality of source terms in the modified Einstein equation sum up to a dust, establishing a formal equivalence with the general relativistic Einstein-Straus model. However in this brane-world scenario with black strings the evolution of the cosmological fluid strongly depends on $\\Lambda$. For $\\Lambda$ less or equal to zero it has positive energy density $\\rho$ and negative pressure $p$ and at late times it behaves as in the Einstein-Straus model. For ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The report presents details of the distributions of air pollution in the Berlin area and the developments of the past 20 years. Highly polluted areas are indicated in which air pollution reduction measures are particularly urgent. The report therefore intends not only to inform but also to point out the deficiencies of air pollution abatement measures, so that political consequences can be derived and measures can be taken. In all, data were recorded by 39 measuring stations in West Berlin, 16 in East Berlin, and 7 in Potsdam and Frankfurt/Oder. In most stations, sulphur dioxide and airborne dust were measured; 14 stations in West Berlin and one in East Berlin measured carbon monoxide and nitric oxides; 8 stations in West Berlin recorded ozone concentrations. (orig./KW).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Forests on the Kola Peninsula in Northern Russia grow close to the northern tree line. They are subjected to both natural and anthropogenic stress factors. The Cu-Ni smelter 'Severonikel' (Lat. 67 deg 55'N; Long. 32 deg 57'E) near Monchegorsk is one of the two major sources of sulphur dioxide and heavy metals emissions on the Kola Peninsula. These emissions have caused significant deterioration of the surrounding vegetation. The thesis demonstrates how methods of Remote sensing, ground survey and mathematical modelling can be integrated for monitoring of the smelter's environmental impact on the surrounding vegetation: ground truth data are used for calibration of remote-sensed data, which further serve to verify mathematical models. The study aims were: * to estimate the scale of airborne sulphur pollution from the smelting industry on the Kola Peninsula and its effect on vegetation; * to assess spatial extent of the forest decline in the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During earlier work rapid and highly sensitive Jet-REMPI (resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization) mass spectrometry was applied for monitoring the effluent from thermal treatment of a filter dust during a de novo test under laboratory conditions. The sample, from ESP-Field 2 of an iron ore sintering plant, was already loaded with dioxins ({sigma}PCDD/F = 132 ng/g), their precursors (PCBz, PCPh) and other products of incomplete combustion. Heating filter dust in a temperature window 200-350 C under a flow of air results in further formation of these pollutants. As described elsewhere, on-line detection was mostly carried out using a non-selective ionization mode, to measure a wide range of compounds simultaneously. The changes of output suggest that the reaction products increase in chlorination level with time. Another explanation is that higherchlorinated compounds appear later as a consequence of lower volatility and stronger adsorption. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Worker exposures to arsenic (7440382) (As), cadmium (7440439) (Cd), copper (7440508) (Cu), lead (7439921) (Pb) and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2) were surveyed at ASARCO, Incorporated (SIC-3331) in Hayden, Arizona on April 23 and 24, 1980. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the United Steel Workers, Local 886, on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. Personal and area air samples were collected in the pug mill department, and workers were tested for blood Pb and urinary As concentrations. All four personal samples for As exceeded the OSHA standard of 10 micrograms per cubic meter, one sample exceeded the Cu dust standard of 1 milligram per cubic meter (mg/cu m), and one sample exceeded the Pb standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Exposures to Cd fume, Cd dust, and SO2 were below the respective OSHA standard of 0.2mg/cu m, 1.0mg/cu m, and 5 parts per million. One worker had a urinary As concentration that ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report provides information to government and industry to enable decision-making and management of local environmental quality conditions. The need for a summary air quality report has arisen in recent years due to growing concerns about air quality. Increased growth in population and the tourism industry is placing additional pressures on environmental quality. The report summarized meteorological and air quality data collected by the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection in the Sea-to-Sky airshed from 1984 to 2001. The airshed is located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. Air quality monitoring was conducted for various periods at 18 different stations and meteorological monitoring was conducted at 4 locations. A list of both provincial and national air quality objectives and standards was provided, with definitions and reference levels from the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Meteorological data was presented on a station by station ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Late plagiogranite bodies in the Semail ophiolite have been previously suggested to represent late stage fractionates within an episodic spreading center magma chamber or the roots of seamount chains. Field and lab observations suggest that these late silicic magma chambers represent zones of repeated injection by dikes of intermediate to mafic composition. Multiple generations of intrusion, partial resorption and reintrusion are preserved in the plagiogranite as 1) relict phantom xenoliths, 2) angular xenoliths with quartz-rich margins, 3) deformed fine-grained dikes with distinct chilled margins, and 4) planes of rectangular blocks with cuspate margins or ellipsoids of similar fine grained mafic materials. The blocks and ellipsoids are actually dismembered mafic dikes that chilled by intruding a cooler silicic liquid and were either thermally fractured or pinched out. All of the dikes are hydrothermally altered to assemblages including amph., qtz., epi., preh., ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pulsatile hormone secretion is observed in almost every hormonal system. The frequency of episodic hormone release ranges from approximately 10 to 100 pulses in 24 hours. This temporal mode of secretion is an important feature of intercellular information transfer in addition to a dose-response dependent regulation. It has been demonstrated in a number of experiments that changes in the temporal pattern of pulsatile hormone secretion specifically regulate cellular and organ function and structure. Recent evidence links osteoporosis, a disease characterized by loss of bone mass and structure, to changes in the dynamics of pulsatile parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. In our study we applied nonlinear and linear time series prediction to characterize the secretory dynamics of PTH in both healthy human subjects and patients with osteoporosis. Osteoporotic patients appear to lack periods of high predictability found in normal humans. In contrast to patients with ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Laron syndrome (LS) is an autosomal recessively inherited condition characterized by insensitivity to endogenous and exogenous GH. Affected individuals have severe episodes and other characteristic features. GH receptor gene mutations are present in all affected individuals in whom molecular studies have been reported. The GH receptor is a plasma membrane-spanning protein in which the extracellular domain binds circulating GH and the intracellular domain interacts with the JAK-2 kinase and possibly other intracellular signaling molecules. GH receptor dimerization occurs on GH binding and is thought to be required for normal signal transduction. We have studied the GH receptor genes of four unrelated individuals affected with LS from the United States, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and India. We have identified four different missense mutations that alter consecutive amino acids 152 to 155 in or near the dimerization domain of the GH receptor. One of these mutations, D152H, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Archean core of the Laramide Wind River uplift records evidence of at least three major granitoid-forming episodes. The oldest, the Dry Creek gneiss (DCG), was emplaced by 2.8 Ga and occupies the northeastern part of the range. Mafic, pelitic and ultramafic inclusions occur in the DCG. Elsewhere in the Wind River Mountains there is evidence for crustal components as old as 3.8 Ga. The Bridger batholith (BB), intruded at 2.67 Ga, is found in the west-central Wind River Mountains. The Wind River batholith (WRB) refers to the youngest Late Archean granodiorites and granites which are found throughout the range and includes granitoids previously name the Louis Lake, Bears Ears, Popo Agie, and Middle Mountain intrusions. Although granitoids of the Wind River batholith have been dated at 2.63 and 2.55 Ga, they are considered together here because there is a complete gradation in rock type and because definite intrusive contacts are scarce. The DCG, BB, and WRB each ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Homologous and heterologous arterial segments were implanted in Fisher rats subcutaneously for the purpose of examining the antibody titer of the recipients' serum after implantation by means of the immune-adherence hemagglutination method. The antibody titer after implantation both of homologous and heterologous grafts decreased to 1/8 by 2.0 million (M) rads irradiation of high voltage cathode rays. The results suggested that high voltage cathode ray irradiation was not enough for heterologous graft to suppress its tissue reaction. Homografts taken from dogs 3 or 6 hours after sacrifice were irradiated with 2.0 M rads and transplanted in canine carotid artery using the technic of end-to-end anastomosis. Angiograms 6 months after operation revealed excellent patency rate in all the grafts of 28 dogs. furthermore, findings of the grafts from 1 week to 5 years after operation on scanning and transmission electron microscopies were evaluated. Clinical application of bypass ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone, secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast cells of the fertilized ovum, that enters the maternal circulation at the time of endometrial implantation. It is composed of two nonidentical subunits; ..cap alpha.. and ..beta.., with molecular weights of 14 kD and 23 kD, respectively. Human chorionic gonadotropin binds to the same receptor as hLH and displays the same biological response, namely, to stimulate the declining function of the corpus luteum to produce progestins and estrogen late in the menstrual cycle. The differences in the structures of hCG and hLH have been exploited to develop antibodies that can measure hCG specifically in the presence of hLH. Two-site antibody binding assays have been developed, based on a surface immunological concept of hCG epitopes, that involve four distinct regions to which antibodies against hCG can bind simultaneously. Antibody cooperative effects, in conjunction with kinetic advantages derived ...

Science.gov (United States)

Asymptomatic cholelithiasis is increasingly diagnosed today, mainly as a result of the widespread use of abdominal ultrasonography for the evaluation of patients for unrelated or vague abdominal complaints. About 10-20% of people in most western countries have gallstones, and among them 50-70% are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Asymptomatic gallstone disease has a benign natural course; the progression of asymptomatic to symptomatic disease is relatively low, ranging from 10-25%. The majority of patients rarely develop gallstone-related complications without first having at least one episode of biliary pain ("colic"). In the prelaparoscopy era, (open) cholecystectomy was generally performed for symptomatic disease. The minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy refueled the discussion about the optimal management of asymptomatic cholelithiasis. Despite some controversy, most authors agree that the vast majority of subjects should be managed by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The urban zone needs clean air to assure public health. To achieve this goal several filter samples were collected in different sites in Algiers city. Toxic elements such as: Na, Mg, Cl, Sc, Cr, Ti, V, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Ag, Sb, Ce, La, Hf, Ta and Hg have been measured in the filters using neutron activation analysis technique. Irradiation of filter samples and standards were carried out in Es-Salem reactor. The experimental procedure and the results are discussed. We noted during this work that the upper limit values for suspended dusts and the high concentrations for some toxic elements found are due to the weather conditions and intense road traffic around collecting sites. (authors)

CERN Document Server

The origin of life and the origin of the universe represent two of the most important problems of science. Both are resolved by hydro-gravitational dynamics (HGD) cosmology (Gibson 1996, Schild 1996, Gibson 2009ab), which predicts frozen primordial hydrogen-helium gas planets in clumps as the dark matter of galaxies. Merging Earth-mass planets formed stars, moons and comets to incubate and cosmically seed the first life. Cometary panspermia (Hoyle and Wickramasinghe 1981, 1982; Wickramasinghe et al. 2009) occurs naturally by HGD mechanisms. Comets and moons are fragments from mergers of stardust covered frozen gas planets in their step-wise growth to star mass. Supernovae from stellar over-accretion of planets produce stardust (C, N, O, P etc.) chemical fertilizer. Planets collect this infected radioactive dust gravitationally, to provide liquid water domains in contact with life nutrients seeded with life prototypes. The first mutating, evolving, life from HGD ...

CERN Document Server

Terrestrial planets form in a series of dynamical steps from the solid component of circumstellar disks. First, km-sized planetesimals form likely via a combination of sticky collisions, turbulent concentration of solids, and gravitational collapse from micron-sized dust grains in the thin disk midplane. Second, planetesimals coalesce to form Moon- to Mars-sized protoplanets, also called "planetary embryos". Finally, full-sized terrestrial planets accrete from protoplanets and planetesimals. This final stage of accretion lasts about 10-100 Myr and is strongly affected by gravitational perturbations from any gas giant planets, which are constrained to form more quickly, during the 1-10 Myr lifetime of the gaseous component of the disk. It is during this final stage that the bulk compositions and volatile (e.g., water) contents of terrestrial planets are set, depending on their feeding zones and the amount of radial mixing that occurs. The main factors that influence ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This decision document presents the selected remedial action for the Ruston/North Tacoma Study Area, in Ruston and Tacoma, Washington. The EPA has divided the Commencement Bay/Nearshore Tideflats Superfund site into seven operable units (OU's) in order to facilitate the investigation, analysis, and cleanup of this very large site. Four of these OU's are associated with the Asarco smelter: OU 02 - Asarco Tacoma Smelter; OU 04 - Asarco Off-Property (Ruston/North Tacoma Study Area); OU 06 - Asarco Sediments; and OU 07 - Asarco Demolition. The remedy described in this ROD addresses OU 04 and involves the cleanup of arsenic and lead contaminated soils and slag in the Study Area, the residential community surrounding the smelter. This remedy will address the principal threat posed by conditions at the site, which is the ingestion of contaminated soil and dust.

CERN Document Server

A debris disk is a constituent of any planetary system surrounding a main sequence star. We study whether close stellar encounters can disrupt and strip a debris disk of its planetesimals in the expanding open cluster of its birth. Such stripping would affect the dust production and hence detectability of the disk. We tabulated the fractions of planetesimals stripped off during stellar flybys of miss distances between 100 and 1000 AU and for several mass ratios of the central to passing stars. We then estimated the numbers of close stellar encounters over the lifetime of several expanding open clusters characterized by their initial star densities. We found that a standard disk, with inner and outer radii of 40 and 100 AU, suffers no loss of planetesimals around a star born in a common embedded cluster with star density 20 000 pc^-3. In this environment, a disk loses >97% of its planetesimals around an M-dwarf, >63% around a solar-type star, and >42% ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Studies are made on coal in terms of its effective utilization, coal cleaning, fluidization and production of new fuel, and issues globally raised. Coal is abundant in reserves and high in supply stability and economic efficiency. However, it is much in CO2 emission per calorific value. To control as much CO2 emission as possible, effective utilization such as increasing of power generation efficiency has been proceeded with. In addition to ultra supercritical pressure and fluidized bed combustion, cited are coal gasification combined cycle power generation and high temperature type fuel cell. Coal has 5-20% ash and impurities like sulfur/nitrogen. Coal should be used clean by pollution abatement measures such as dust collecting, desulfurization and denitrification. Japan is at a world top level of these technologies. Coal is solid, and therefore, is more difficult to handle than liquid fuel. To use it easily, coal is liquefied into slurry such as COM and CWM, and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

With the exception of some minerals, the specific activity of natural radioactive material is below 370 Bq/g, their handling thus not being subject to authorization or the duty of reporting according to section 4 para. 2 of the Radiological Protection Ordinance. Moreover, there is required no handling license for prospecting, mining and processing of radioactive minerals; they are subject to the procedures for the plans of operation of the mining laws of the Federal States. License-free handling of natural radioactive material may result in the production of radioactive waste, the disposal of which must be authorized according to sect. 47 of the Radiological Protection Ordinance if the specific activity exceeds the free amounts of column 4 in Table IV of Appendix IV by a factor of 10"-"4/g. This inconsistency is discussed by means of the following examples: (1) fly ash and slag from coal power plants, (2) flue dust from sintering plants, (3) red mud from aluminium ...

CERN Document Server

Context. We present a multi-wavelength, high-resolution observational survey of the young binary system Haro 6-10 (GV Tau, IRAS 04263+2426), which is harbouring one of the few known infrared companions. Aims. The primary goal of this project is to determine the physical and geometrical properties of the circumstellar and circumbinary material in the Haro 6-10 system. Methods. High-resolution optical (HST/WFPC2) and near-infrared (VLT/NACO) images in different bands were analysed to investigate the large-scale structures of the material around the binary.Mid-infrared interferometry (VLTI/MIDI) and spectroscopy (TIMMI2 at the 3.6m ESO telescope) were carried out to determine the structure and optical depth of the circumstellar material around the individual components. Results. The multi-wavelength observations suggest that both components of the binary system Haro 6-10 are embedded in a common envelope. The measured extinction indicates a dust composition of the ...

CERN Document Server

For purposes of designing targeted cataclysmic variable (CV) detection surveys and interpreting results of other projects with many CV detections such as the ChaMPlane Survey, we have created a model of the CV distribution in the Galaxy. It is modeled as a warped, flared exponential disk with a gaussian vertical distribution. Extinction is based on a detailed Galactic dust and gas model. A luminosity function for CVs is also incorporated, based on a smoothed version of published data. We calculate predicted field detection rates as a function of the limiting magnitude expected for the detecting system (i.e. WIYN/Hydra or NOAO 4m/Mosaic). Monte-Carlo techniques are used to assess statistical fluctuations in these rates. We have created maps of the expected CV distribution for the full non-bulge Galactic plane (20

CERN Document Server

The traditional view that Ly-alpha emission and dust should be mutually exclusive has been questioned more and more often, notably the observations of Ly-alpha emission from ULIRGs seems to counter this view. In this paper we seek to address the reverse question: How large a fraction of Ly-alpha selected galaxies are ULIRGs? Using two samples of 24/25 Ly-alpha emitting galaxies at z = 0.3/2.3 we perform this test, also including results at z = 3.1, and find that whereas the ULIRG fraction at z = 3.1 is very small, it systematically increases towards lower redshifts. There is a hint that this evolution may be quite sudden and that it happens around a redshift of z ~ 2.5. Measuring the infrared luminosities of the Ly-alpha emitters, we find that they are in the normal to ULIRG range in the lower redshift sample, whereas the higher redshift galaxies all have luminosities in the ULIRG category. The Ly-alpha escape fractions for these infrared bright galaxies are in the ...

CERN Document Server

We report results from a 50 ks XMM-Newton observation of the dust-reddened broad-line quasar FTM 0830+3759 (z=0.413) selected from the FIRST/2MASS Red Quasar survey. For this AGN, a very short 9 ks Chandra exposure had suggested a feature-rich X-ray spectrum and HST images revealed a very disturbed host galaxy morphology. Contrary to classical, optically-selected quasars, the X-ray properties of red (i.e. with J-Ks> 1.7 and R-Ks> 4) broad line quasars are still quite unexplored, although there is a growing consensus that, due to moderate obscuration, these objects can offer a unique view of spectral components typically swamped by the AGN light in normal, blue quasars. The XMM-Newton observation discussed here has definitely confirmed the complexity of the X-ray spectrum revealing the presence of a cold (or mildly-ionized) absorber with Nh ~10^{22} cm^-2 along the line of sight to the nucleus and a Compton reflection component accompanied by an intense Fe K ...

Science.gov (United States)

An in-depth industrial hygiene survey was conducted to evaluate worker exposures to phosphine during fumigation of grain at the Early and Daniel Co. grain elevator in Louisville, Kentucky. Stored grain was fumigated using aluminum phosphide. Aluminum-phosphide pellets were also added directly to the grain by the blender as it was poured into the storage containers. Local exhaust ventilation was used at points in the grain-moving system where grain dust was generated. Air samples were taken during full-shift periods at the breathing zone of the weighmaster, two bin floormen, and the blender. Area monitoring samples were also taken. If the operators spend considerable time in the vicinity of a bin which is being filled with grain, there is a likelihood of far greater exposure levels being noted. According to the author, further studies of the use of phosphide products at other elevators should be conducted to determine the effect of environmental and process ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Photometric and kinematic observations of the peculiar S0 galaxy IC 4767, the X-galaxy, are presented. At various intensities the bulge of this galaxy looks like a normal spheroidal system with elliptical isophotes, a well-defined rectangle, and a peanut-shaped or X-shaped structure with components aligned at oblique angles to the major axis. The observations reveal a rapidly rotating inner disk of gas and dust which is nearly aligned with the major axis. The presence of gaseous emission alone suggests an accretion event. The stars in the outer regions of the X-component are rotating nearly as rapidly as the gas in the main disk, indicating that they are in relatively circular orbits. The five most prominent peanut-shaped bulges all have several nearby companions, evidence that the peanut deformity is due to interaction between galaxies. An analogy with the formation mechanism proposed for polar-ring galaxies suggests how an X-shaped component could develop from ...

Science.gov (United States)

An evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the ASARCO Globe facility, Denver, Colorado. The facility was involved in the recovery of cadmium from baghouse dust, a waste byproduct of nonferrous smelters. A medical study of kidney function was conducted in 45 current or former cadmium production workers; results were compared to those for 35 hospital workers. Kidney abnormalities were more common and more severe in the cadmium workers than in the hospital workers. Abnormalities of proximal tubular function included reduced reabsorption of beta-2-microglobulin, retinol binding protein, calcium and phosphate. Glomerular dysfunction was evidenced as elevated serum creatinine. As length of exposure to cadmium increased, changes became more apparent in workers. No reversal of the conditions was noted in workers who had ceased to be exposed to cadmium some time before the study. The authors conclude that occupational overexposure to cadmium caused ...

CERN Document Server

We present the discovery of a Baldwin effect in 8 nearby Seyfert galaxies for the three most prominent mid-infrared forbidden emission lines observable from the ground that are commonly found in AGN, [ArIII](8.99 micron), [SIV](10.51 micron), and [NeII](12.81 micron). The observations were carried out using the VLT/VISIR imager and spectroraph at the ESO/Paranal observatory. The bulk of the observed line emission comes from the inner <0.4 arcsec which corresponds to spatial scales <100 pc in our object sample. The correlation index is approximately -0.6 without significant difference among the lines. This is the strongest anti-correlation between line equivalent width and continuum luminosity found so far. In the case of Circinus, we show that despite the use of mid-infrared lines, obscuration by either the host galaxy or the circumnuclear dust torus might affect the equivalent widths. Given the small observed spatial scales from which most of the line ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

DF (decontamination factor) of two types of air filter was investigated against "1"9"8Au aerosol particles with AMAD (activity median aerodynamic diameter) = 1.2 #mu#m and #sigma#g (geometric standard deviation) = 2.0. One of the filters, SO filter, is HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter media with 46 mm#phi#, and the other is HE-40T (cellulose-glass fiber filter for dust sampling) filter media with 40 mm#phi#. DF of the SO filter was found to be over 5 x 10"4 at air flow rate of 1 l/min. And DF of HE-40 T filter was determined to be 94#+-#4 at the same airflow rate. In the multistage HE-40 T filter system, DF decreased at each succeeding stage. It was confirmed by numerical simulation that the decrease of DF was not inconsistent with the decrease of collection performance in each successive filter. It was also confirmed that DF could be predicted by the numerical simulaiton, if particle penetration function of filter and size distribution function of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Developments in the past 10 -15 years in the fiels of `steel`, `boilers`, `steam turbines` and `environmental protection` show that the advanced coal dust furnace technology is another option of clean coal technology. The contribution discusses some of the current problems facing the main partners of the coal sector, e.g. coal producers, public utilities and suppliers of steel, boilers and turbines. (orig./GL) [Deutsch] Die Entwicklung der vergangenen 10-15 Jahre in den Bereichen `Stahl`, `Kessel`, `Dampfturbinen` und `umweltschutztechnische Anlagen` verdeutlicht, dass die fortgeschrittene Kohlestaubfeuerungstechnologie ebenfalls eine Option der `Clean Coal Technologies` ist. Im Rahmen dieses kurzen Aufsatzes wird nun versucht, einige zeitgemaesse Problemkreise der Hauptakteure des Strommarktes, wie z.B. des Kohlefoerderers, der Stromproduzenten und der Stahl-, Kessel- sowie Turbinenhersteller anzudeuten. (orig./GL)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the future fossil fuelled power plants are realised/laid down as combined cycle power plants with high current generation efficiencies. The method of pressure fluidized-bed combustion with downstream hot gas cleaning is going to compete with methods combined with a pressure coal gasification or a pressure dust combustion. The advantages of the pressure fluidized bed combustion are the simpler method set-up and consequently lower investment costs. (orig./CD) [Deutsch] Kohlegefeuerte Kraftwerke werden zukuenftig als kombinierte Gas/Dampfturbinen-Kraftwerke mit hohen Stromerzeugungswirkungsgraden ausgefuehrt werden. Das Verfahren der Druckwirbelschichtverbrennung mit nachgeschalteter Heissgasreinigung und Rauchgasturbine wird dabei mit Verfahren mit einer vorgeschalteten Kohledruckvergasung oder mit einer Druckstaubfeuerung konkurrieren. Die Vorteile der Druckwirbelschichtverbrennung liegen dabei auf dem insgesamt einfacheren Verfahrensaufbau und damit wohl auch ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

ARIES-AT is a 1000 MWe conceptual fusion power plant design with a very low projected cost of electricity. The design contains many innovative features to improve both the physics and engineering performance of the system. From the safety and environmental perspective, there is greater depth to the overall analysis than in past ARIES studies. For ARIES-AT, the overall spectrum of off-normal events to be examined has been broadened. They include conventional loss of coolant and loss of flow events, an ex-vessel loss of coolant, and in-vessel off-normal events that mobilize in-vessel inventories (e.g., tritium and tokamak dust) and bypass primary confinement such as a loss of vacuum and an in-vessel loss of coolant with bypass. This broader examination of accidents improves the robustness of the design from the safety perspective and gives additional confidence that the facility can meet the no-evacuation requirement under average weather conditions. We also provide ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper gives an overview on the technologies and applications of automatic wood furnaces. The combustion systems are defined by the flow condition: With increasing gas velocity, fixed bed, stationary fluidized bed (SFB), circulating fluidized bed (CFB), and entrained flow reactors are distinguished. The furnace design and typical applications are described. Further, a comparison is presented which gives data of the typical size range and fuel types for the different combustion systems. The most common fixed bed reactors are under-stoker and grate furnaces. While under-stoker furnaces are applied in the size range from 20 kW to 2.5 MW, grate furnaces cover the size range from a few 100 kW up to more than 50 MW. Under-stoker furnaces are well suited for wood fuel with low ash content, moderate water content and limited fuel size. Grate furnaces are also suited for fuel with high ash and water content and large fuel sizes. Hence grate furnaces are nowadays most common. Due to the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The R and D activities of the institute focused on two major projects, ``Molecular and cellular environmental toxicology``, and ``Biophysics of multi-cellular systems``. For assessment of health risks emanating from the uptake of heavy metal compounds, work performed under the first mentioned project studies the formation of allergy-inducing metabolic products from membrane lipids, and the effects of related cellular signaling processes. These studies are accompanied by an approach to quantify and classify the toxicity of environmental organometallic compounds. Another major task is research into the pathogenesis of lung disease induced by dusts, gases, and gas-dust mixtures and the liberation of inflammatory agents by immunological cell reactions (alveolar macrophages). Atomic force microscopy is the tool used to visualize the related dynamic changes in bronchial cells. Studies for detection of the localisation and structure of the Fe-Mo ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Due to the large number of chemicals in commerce without adequate toxicity characterization data, coupled with an ineffective federal policy for chemical management in the United States, many states are grappling with the challenge to identify toxic chemicals that may pose a risk to human health and the environment. Specific populations (e.g., children, elderly) are particularly sensitive to these toxic chemicals. In 2008, the Children's Safe Product Act (CSPA) was passed in Washington State. The CSPA included specific requirements to identify High Priority Chemicals (HPCs) and Chemicals of High Concern to Children (CHCCs). To implement this legislation, a methodology was developed to identify HPCs from authoritative scientific and regulatory sources on the basis of toxicity criteria. Another set of chemicals of concern was then identified from authoritative sources, based on their potential exposure to children. Exposure potential was evaluated by identifying chemicals detected in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The massive star-forming core MM1 of W75N was observed using the Submillimeter Array with #approx#1'' and 2'' spatial resolutions at 217 and 347 GHz, respectively. From the 217 GHz continuum we found that the MM1 core consists of two sources, separated by about 1'': MM1a (#approx#0.6 M_s_u_n) and MM1b (#approx#1.4 M_s_u_n), located near the radio continuum sources VLA 2/VLA 3 and VLA 1, respectively. Within MM1b, two gas clumps were found to be expanding away from VLA 1 at about #+-#3 km s"-"1, as a result of the most recent star formation activity in the region. Observed molecular lines show emission peaks at two positions, MM1a and MM1b: sulfur-bearing species have emission peaks toward MM1a, but methanol and saturated species at MM1b. We identified high-temperature (#approx#200 K) gas toward MM1a and the hot core in MM1b. This segregation may result from the evolution of the massive star-forming core. In the very early phase of star formation, the hot core is seen through the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Only about 25% of residue accumulating in the Federal Republic of Germany is currently used for the purposes of energy. This residue will be converted into fuel for power stations by the Omega process when the dumping of waste with a calorific value in excess of 5 MJ/kg is prohibited with effect from 2005. This oxygen melting process is suitable for the local use of substitute fuels. Waste is converted into a high-quality synthesis gas with a wide range of uses. The Omega process combines drying, thermal decomposition, gasification and melting of the material used in a single-stage process. This is now technologically possible for the first time by combining a metallurgical cupola furnace with a traditional gas producer. The highly-calorific synthesis gas produced by the Omega process can be used in block heat and power stations or as an industrial fuel gas, instead of natural gas. It is also suitable as a starting material for synthesising methanol. The gas is specifically processed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A numeric method for predicting mineral ash deposition in coal dust furnaces is presented which is based on a bidirectional working time coupling of thermodynamic calculation routines (ChemApp{sup TM}) with the commercial CFD code FLUENT{sup TM}. The deposition characteristics of particles and wall surfaces is assessed on the basis of evaluations of flow simulation parameters and results of thermodynamic calculations for the mineral matter contained in the fuel particles, taking into account the complete energy, momentum and mass exchange history of the ash and the mineral conversion. The models enables calculations of the gaseous release of mineral components (e.g. alkaline substances and chlorine) from ash during combustion and its distribution inside a combustion chamber. The method and model are validated using experimental data. (orig.) [German] In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird ein numerisches Verfahren beschrieben, mit dem die Ansatzbildung in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, Akron, Ohio, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions at two American Smelting and Refining Company (SIC-1031) zinc mines (New Market and Young) in Mascot, Tennessee. Specifically, exposures to asbestos (1332214), silica (14808607), and diesel emissions were determined. At both mines overexposures were found to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2) and coal-tar pitch volatiles. Twenty-four percent of the NO2 measurements taken were above the NIOSH recommended ceiling of 1 part per million (ppm), but none exceeded the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) ceiling of 5ppm. Exposure to diesel particulates ranged from 0.24 to 1.06mg/cu m. None of the 52 respirable dust samples collected exceeded the calculated MSHA limits for free silica exposure. A medical evaluation was offered and 83 of the 400 current employees and one retired employee participated. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The risk to human health from fragments of depleted uranium (DU) at Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG) was estimated using two types of ecosystem pathway models. A steady-state, model of the JPG area was developed to examine the effects of DU in soils, water, and vegetation on deer that were hunted and consumed by humans. The RESRAD code was also used to estimate the effects of farming the impact area and consuming the products derived from the farm. The steady-state model showed that minimal doses to humans are expected from consumption of deer that inhabit the impact area. Median values for doses to humans range from about 1 mrem ({plus_minus}2.4) to 0.04 mrem ({plus_minus}0.13) and translate to less than 1 {times} 10{sup {minus}6} detriments (excess cancers) in the population. Monte Carlo simulation of the steady-state model was used to derive the probability distributions from which the median values were drawn. Sensitivity analyses of the steady-state model showed that the amount of ...

Science.gov (United States)

Respiratory allergy affects all age groups but the children are the worst affected by the respiratory allergy. Bioparticles from different biological sources are the main cause of allergy. Pollen grains, fungal spores, insect and other materials of biological origin form the most important allergen load in the air. For the efficient diagnosis of the allergy and its effective treatment it is very important to know about the prevalence, seasonal and annual variations of aeroallergens of the area. India being the climatically diversed country, there is diversity in the flora and fauna of different parts of the country. Atmospheric surveys carried out in different parts of India reveal that, Alanus nitida, Amarantus spinosus, Argemone mexicana Cocos nucifera, Betula utilis, Borasus flabellifer, Caraica papaya, Cedrus deodara, Cassia fistula, Parthenium, Chenopodium album, Dodonaea viscosa, Malotus phillipensis, Plantago ovata, Prosopis juliflora, Ricinus communis, Holoptelea intergifolia ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Each disease affecting the bile ducts tends to produce characteristic pattern of biliary dilatation: recurrent pyogenic cholangitis causes dilatation and straightening of the larger (central) intrahepatic ducts: clonorchiasis causes dilatation of the smaller (peripheral) intrahepatic ducts; and carcinoma along the extrahepatic ducts causes (proportional) dilatation and tortuosity of both larger and smaller intrahepatic ducts. To evaluate the specificity of the pattern and morphology of the dilated biliary tree on CT scans (CT characterization) three independent radiologists who were unifamiliar with the cases were asked to classify 62 CT scans in patients with obstructive jaundice. The case population consisted of 14 cases with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, 18 cases with clonorchiasis and 30 cases with carcinoma along the extrahepatic ducts, which were intermixed randomly. Classification was made only on the basis of CT characterization: those scans showing primary lesions, i.t., ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The kraft recovery boiler is of critical importance for the paper and pulp industry. From only energy point of view, kraft recovery boilers supply more than 50% of total thermal energy consumed in the paper and pulp industry. A kraft recovery boiler has two main functions: firstly to recover the inorganic cooking chemicals in the black liquor for reuse in the pulping process, and secondly to make use of the chemical energy in the organic portion of the black liquor to generate super-heated steam for the plant. The twin objectives of recovering chemicals and energy makes the recovery boiler design and operation more complex than virtually any other boiler application. Thus there is a demand for development of an analytical tool that can be used to predict the performance of a kraft recovery boiler. This paper presents the results achieved from a project jointly financed by Swedish National Energy Administration and the industry (Iggesund Paperboard). In this project, a three-dimensional ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aim: Changes within the brain detected by MRI after chronic manganese poisoning raised the question whether morphological changes of the basal ganglia, particularly of the globus pallidus, could be detected after chronic occupational exposure to manganese dioxide. Results: No cases of parkinsonism were detected in clinical examinations or by other means. The mean manganese concentration in blood was 12 {mu}g/l (range: 3.9-23.3 {mu}g/l). In comparison to the upper reference value of 10 {mu}g/l, 42 workers (56%) had a higher body burden. A significant positive correlation between manganese levels in blood and the PI (indicated by T{sub 1}-shortening) was observed as well as between the CBI and workplace-specific exposure. Brain atrophy was not detected in any of the observed cases. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to manganese dioxide dust correlates with the Pallidum-Index in MRI scans. Although the MRI findings have no current clinical relevance for individuals, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This assessment is a feasibility study according to ISO 14024. It deals with the question whether an ecolabel is suitable for wood pellet heating systems and how concrete criteria for an ecolabel for wood pellet heating plants could be specified. The study begins with a comprehensive market analysis in order to identify possible plants for which an ecolabel would make sense. In the main part of the study, the environmental relevance of the chosen plants is analysed. For this analysis, plant manufacturers were interviewed and a comparison between wood pellet heating systems and heating systems which use gas, oil or wood was carried out. On the basis of this analysis, it was possible to derive a number of criteria which were discussed with company representatives and other experts in this field. As a result of this dialogue and the investigation process as a whole, the introduction of an ecolabel for wood pellet heating plants can be recommended. Wood pellet heating systems are ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An IAEA databank lists a number of reported cases of illicitly trafficked nuclear or other radioactive materials. Apart from the traditional concern with nuclear proliferation, the post September 11th public is now wary of a possible attack by terrorists with a nuclear or radiation dispersion device (RDD). Until now, the seized quantities have not been sufficient to manufacture a nuclear explosive device, but they might be enough to construct an RDD. Recognizing the latent global challenge to public health and safety, the G8 States (Japan, USA, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Canada, and Russia) have called for 'joint international efforts to identify and suppress illicit supply' of, and demand for, nuclear material and to deter potential traffickers. One measure gaining in significance is to identify seized material and trace it back to its origin the objective of an emerging science known as nuclear forensics. Repeatedly nuclear or other radioactive material of unknown origin are ...