AGR-1 Post Irradiation Examination Final Report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Demkowicz, Paul Andrew [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2015-08-01

The post-irradiation examination (PIE) of the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR)-1 experiment was a multi-year, collaborative effort between Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to study the performance of UCO (uranium carbide, uranium oxide) tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel fabricated in the U.S. and irradiated at the Advanced Test Reactor at INL to a peak burnup of 19.6% fissions per initial metal atom. This work involved a broad array of experiments and analyses to evaluate the level of fission product retention by the fuel particles and compacts (both during irradiation and during post-irradiation heating tests to simulate reactor accident conditions), investigate the kernel and coating layer morphology evolution and the causes of coating failure, and explore the migration of fission products through the coating layers. The results have generally confirmed the excellent performance of the AGR-1 fuel, first indicated during the irradiation by the observation of zero TRISO coated particle failures out of 298,000 particles in the experiment. Overall release of fission products was determined by PIE to have been relatively low during the irradiation. A significant finding was the extremely low levels of cesium released through intact coatings. This was true both during the irradiation and during post-irradiation heating tests to temperatures as high as 1800°C. Post-irradiation safety test fuel performance was generally excellent. Silver release from the particles and compacts during irradiation was often very high. Extensive microanalysis of fuel particles was performed after irradiation and after high-temperature safety testing. The results of particle microanalysis indicate that the UCO fuel is effective at controlling the oxygen partial pressure within the particle and limiting kernel migration. Post-irradiation examination has provided the final body of data that speaks to the quality of the AGR-1 fuel, building

AGR 3/4 Irradiation Test Final As Run Report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Collin, Blaise P. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2015-06-01

Several fuel and material irradiation experiments have been planned for the Idaho National Laboratory Advanced Reactor Technologies Technology Development Office Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program (referred to as the INL ART TDO/AGR fuel program hereafter), which supports the development and qualification of tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel for use in HTGRs. The goals of these experiments are to provide irradiation performance data to support fuel process development, qualify fuel for normal operating conditions, support development and validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes, and provide irradiated fuel and materials for post irradiation examination and safety testing (INL 05/2015). AGR-3/4 combined the third and fourth in this series of planned experiments to test TRISO coated low enriched uranium (LEU) oxycarbide fuel. This combined experiment was intended to support the refinement of fission product transport models and to assess the effects of sweep gas impurities on fuel performance and fission product transport by irradiating designed-to-fail fuel particles and by measuring subsequent fission metal transport in fuel-compact matrix material and fuel-element graphite. The AGR 3/4 fuel test was successful in irradiating the fuel compacts to the burnup and fast fluence target ranges, considering the experiment was terminated short of its initial 400 EFPD target (Collin 2015). Out of the 48 AGR-3/4 compacts, 42 achieved the specified burnup of at least 6% fissions per initial heavy-metal atom (FIMA). Three capsules had a maximum fuel compact average burnup < 10% FIMA, one more than originally specified, and the maximum fuel compact average burnup was <19% FIMA for the remaining capsules, as specified. Fast neutron fluence fell in the expected range of 1.0 to 5.5×1025 n/m2 (E >0.18 MeV) for all compacts. In addition, the AGR-3/4 experiment was globally successful in keeping the

Commissioning methods applied to the Hunterston 'B' AGR operator training simulator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hacking, D.

1985-01-01

The Hunterston 'B' full scope AGR Simulator, built for the South of Scotland Electricity Board by Marconi Instruments, encompasses all systems under direct and indirect control of the Hunterston central control room operators. The resulting breadth and depth of simulation together with the specification for the real time implementation of a large number of highly interactive detailed plant models leads to the classic problem of identifying acceptance and acceptability criteria. For example, whilst the ultimate criterion for acceptability must clearly be that within the context of the training requirement the simulator should be indistinguishable from the actual plant, far more measurable (i.e. less subjective) statements are required if a formal contractual acceptance condition is to be achieved. Within the framework, individual models and processes can have radically different acceptance requirements which therefore reflect on the commissioning approach applied. This paper discusses the application of a combination of quality assurance methods, design code results, plant data, theoretical analysis and operator 'feel' in the commissioning of the Hunterston 'B' AGR Operator Training Simulator. (author)

Data Compilation for AGR-1 Baseline Coated Particle Composite LEU01-46T

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hunn, John D.; Lowden, Richard Andrew

2006-01-01

This document is a compilation of characterization data for the AGR-1 baseline coated particle composite LEU01-46T, a composite of four batches of TRISO-coated 350 (micro)m 19.7% low enrichment uranium oxide/uranium carbide kernels (LEUCO). The AGR-1 TRISO-coated particles consist of a spherical kernel coated with a ∼ 50% dense carbon buffer layer (100 (micro)m nominal thickness) followed by a dense inner pyrocarbonlayer (40 (micro)m nominal thickness) followed by a SiC layer (35 (micro)m nominal thickness) followed by another dense outer pyrocarbon layer (40 (micro)m nominal thickness). The coated particles, were produced by ORNL for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) program to be put into compacts for insertion in the first irradiation test capsule, AGR-1. The kernels were obtained from BWXT and identified as composite (G73D-20-69302). The BWXT kernel lot G73D-20-69302 was riffled into sublots for characterization and coating by ORNL and identified as LEU01-?? (where ?? is a series of integers beginning with 01). Additional particle batches were coated with only buffer or buffer plus inner pyrocarbon (IPyC) layers using similar process conditions as used for the full TRISO batches comprising the LEU01-46T composite. These batches were fabricated in order to qualify that the process conditions used for buffer and IPyC would produce acceptable densities, as described in sections 8 and 9. These qualifying batches used 350 (micro)m natural uranium oxide/uranium carbide kernels (NUCO). The kernels were obtained from BWXT and identified as composite G73B-NU-69300. The use of NUCO surrogate kernels is not expected to significantly effect the densities of the buffer and IPyC coatings. Confirmatory batches using LEUCO kernels from G73D-20-69302 were coated and characterized to verify this assumption. The AGR-1 Fuel Product Specification and Characterization Guidance (INL EDF-4380, Rev. 6) provides the requirements necessary for acceptance

AGR-2 Data Qualification Report for ATR Cycles 147A, 148A, 148B, and 149A

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abbott, Michael L.; Daum, Keith A.

2011-01-01

This report presents the data qualification status of fuel irradiation data from the first four reactor cycles (147A, 148A, 148B, and 149A) of the on-going second Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR-2) experiment as recorded in the NGNP Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS). This includes data received by NDMAS from the period June 22, 2010 through May 21, 2011. AGR-2 is the second in a series of eight planned irradiation experiments for the AGR Fuel Development and Qualification Program, which supports development of the very high temperature gas-cooled reactor (VHTR) under the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Project. Irradiation of the AGR-2 test train is being performed at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and is planned for 600 effective full power days (approximately 2.75 calendar years) (PLN-3798). The experiment is intended to demonstrate the performance of UCO (uranium oxycarbide) and UO2 (uranium dioxide) fuel produced in a large coater. Data qualification status of the AGR-1 experiment was reported in INL/EXT-10-17943 (Abbott et al. 2010).

AGR-2 Data Qualification Report for ATR Cycles 147A, 148A, 148B, and 149A

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Michael L. Abbott; Keith A. Daum

2011-08-01

This report presents the data qualification status of fuel irradiation data from the first four reactor cycles (147A, 148A, 148B, and 149A) of the on-going second Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR-2) experiment as recorded in the NGNP Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS). This includes data received by NDMAS from the period June 22, 2010 through May 21, 2011. AGR-2 is the second in a series of eight planned irradiation experiments for the AGR Fuel Development and Qualification Program, which supports development of the very high temperature gas-cooled reactor (VHTR) under the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Project. Irradiation of the AGR-2 test train is being performed at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and is planned for 600 effective full power days (approximately 2.75 calendar years) (PLN-3798). The experiment is intended to demonstrate the performance of UCO (uranium oxycarbide) and UO2 (uranium dioxide) fuel produced in a large coater. Data qualification status of the AGR-1 experiment was reported in INL/EXT-10-17943 (Abbott et al. 2010).

AGR-3/4 Final Data Qualification Report for ATR Cycles 151A through 155B-1

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pham, Binh T. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2015-03-01

This report provides the qualification status of experimental data for the entire Advanced Gas Reactor 3/4 (AGR 3/4) fuel irradiation. AGR-3/4 is the third in a series of planned irradiation experiments conducted in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for the AGR Fuel Development and Qualification Program, which supports development of the advanced reactor technology under the INL ART Technology Development Office (TDO). The main objective of AGR-3/4 irradiation is to provide a known source of fission products for subsequent transport through compact matrix and structural graphite materials due to the presence of designed-to-fail fuel particles. Full power irradiation of the AGR 3/4 test began on December 14, 2011 (ATR Cycle 151A), and was completed on April 12, 2014 (end of ATR Cycle 155B) after 369.1 effective full power days of irradiation. The AGR-3/4 test was in the reactor core for eight of the ten ATR cycles between 151A and 155B. During the unplanned outage cycle, 153A, the experiment was removed from the ATR northeast flux trap (NEFT) location and stored in the ATR canal. This was to prevent overheating of fuel compacts due to higher than normal ATR power during the subsequent Powered Axial Locator Mechanism cycle, 153B. The AGR 3/4 test was inserted back into the ATR NEFT location during the outage of ATR Cycle 154A on April 26, 2013. Therefore, the AGR-3/4 irradiation data received during these 2 cycles (153A and 153B) are irrelevant and their qualification status isnot included in this report. Additionally, during ATR Cycle 152A the ATR core ran at low power for a short enough duration that the irradiation data are not used for physics and thermal calculations. However, the qualification status of irradiation data for this cycle is still covered in this report. As a result, this report includes data from 8 ATR Cycles: 151A, 151B, 152A, 152B, 154A, 154B, 155A, and 155B, as recorded in the Nuclear Data Management and

Safety testing of AGR-2 UO₂ compacts 3-3-2 and 3-4-2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hunn, John D. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Morris, Robert Noel [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Baldwin, Charles A. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Montgomery, Fred C. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

2015-09-01

Post-irradiation examination (PIE) is in progress on tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) coated-particle fuel compacts from the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) Fuel Development and Qualification Program second irradiation experiment (AGR-2) [Collin 2014]. The AGR-2 PIE will build upon new information and understanding acquired throughout the recently-concluded six-year AGR-1 PIE campaign [Demkowicz et al. 2015] and establish a database for the different AGR-2 fuel designs.

AGR-2 Data Qualification Interim Report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abbott, Michael L.

2010-01-01

Projects for the very high temperature reactor (VHTR) Technology Development Office program provide data in support of Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing of the VHTR. Fuel and materials to be used in the reactor are tested and characterized to quantify performance in high temperature and high fluence environments. The VHTR program established the NGNP Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS) to manage and document VHTR data qualification, for storage of the data in a readily accessible electronic form, and to assist in the analysis and presentation of the data. This document gives the status of NDMAS processing and qualification of data associated with the initial reactor cycle (147A) of the second Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR-2) experiment which began on June 21, 2010. Because it is early in the AGR-2 experiment, data from only two AGR-2 data streams are reported on: Fuel Fabrication and Fuel Irradiation data. As of August 1, 2010, approximately 311,000 irradiation data records have been stored in NDMAS, and qualification tests are in progress. Preliminary information indicates that TC 2 in Capsule 2 failed prior to start of the experiment, and NDMAS testing has thus far identified only two invalid data values from the METSO data collection system Data from the Fission Product Monitoring System (FPMS) are not currently processed until after reactor cycle shutdown and have not yet been received. A description of the ATR operating conditions data associated with the AGR-2 experiment (e.g., power levels) are summarized in the AGR-1 data qualification report (INL/EXT-09-16460). Since ATR data are collected under ATR program data quality requirements (i.e., outside the VHTR program), the NGNP program and NDMAS do not take additional actions to qualify these data other than NDMAS capture testing. Data qualification of graphite characterization data collected under the Graphite Technology Development Project is reported in a separate status report (Hull 2010).

AGR-2 Data Qualification Interim Report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Michael L. Abbott

2010-09-01

Projects for the very high temperature reactor (VHTR) Technology Development Office program provide data in support of Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing of the VHTR. Fuel and materials to be used in the reactor are tested and characterized to quantify performance in high temperature and high fluence environments. The VHTR program established the NGNP Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS) to manage and document VHTR data qualification, for storage of the data in a readily accessible electronic form, and to assist in the analysis and presentation of the data. This document gives the status of NDMAS processing and qualification of data associated with the initial reactor cycle (147A) of the second Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR-2) experiment which began on June 21, 2010. Because it is early in the AGR-2 experiment, data from only two AGR-2 data streams are reported on: Fuel Fabrication and Fuel Irradiation data. As of August 1, 2010, approximately 311,000 irradiation data records have been stored in NDMAS, and qualification tests are in progress. Preliminary information indicates that TC 2 in Capsule 2 failed prior to start of the experiment, and NDMAS testing has thus far identified only two invalid data values from the METSO data collection system Data from the Fission Product Monitoring System (FPMS) are not currently processed until after reactor cycle shutdown and have not yet been received. A description of the ATR operating conditions data associated with the AGR-2 experiment (e.g., power levels) are summarized in the AGR-1 data qualification report (INL/EXT-09-16460). Since ATR data are collected under ATR program data quality requirements (i.e., outside the VHTR program), the NGNP program and NDMAS do not take additional actions to qualify these data other than NDMAS capture testing. Data qualification of graphite characterization data collected under the Graphite Technology Development Project is reported in a separate status report (Hull 2010).

AGR-1 Compact 4-1-1 Post-Irradiation Examination Results

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Demkowicz, Paul Andrew [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Harp, Jason M. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Winston, Philip L. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Ploger, Scott A. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); van Rooyen, Isabella J. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2016-02-01

Destructive post-irradiation examination was performed on AGR-1 fuel Compact 4-1-1, which was irradiated to a final compact-average burnup of 19.4% FIMA (fissions per initial metal atom) and a time-average, volume-average temperature of 1072°C. The analysis of this compact focused on characterizing the extent of fission product release from the particles and examining particles to determine the condition of the kernels and coating layers. The work included deconsolidation of the compact and leach-burn-leach analysis, visual inspection and gamma counting of individual particles, metallurgical preparation of selected particles, and examination of particle cross-sections with optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and elemental analysis. Deconsolidation-leach-burn-leach (DLBL) analysis revealed no particles with failed TRISO or failed SiC layers (as indicated by very low uranium inventory in all of the leach solutions). The total fractions of the predicted compact inventories of fission products Ce-144, Cs-134, Cs-137, and Sr-90 that were present in the compact outside of the SiC layers were <2×10^-6, based on DLBL data. The Ag-110m fraction in the compact outside the SiC layers was 3.3×10^-2, indicating appreciable release of silver through the intact coatings and subsequent retention in the OPyC layers or matrix. The Eu-154 fraction was 2.4×10^-4, which is equivalent to the inventory in one average particle, and indicates a small but measurable level of release from the intact coatings. Gamma counting of 61 individual particles indicated no particles with anomalously low fission product retention. The average ratio of measured inventory to calculated inventory was close to a value of 1.0 for several fission product isotopes (Ce-144, Cs-134, and Cs-137), indicating good retention and reasonably good agreement with the predicted inventories. Measured-to-calculated (M/C) activity ratios for fission products Eu-154, Eu-155, Ru-106, Sb

Improving the AGR fuel testing power density profile versus irradiation-time in the advanced test reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chang, Gray S.; Lillo, Misti A.; Maki, John T.; Petti, David A.

2009-01-01

The Very High Temperature gas-cooled Reactor (VHTR), which is currently being developed, achieves simplification of safety through reliance on ceramic-coated fuel particles. Each TRISO-coated fuel particle has its own containment which serves as the principal barrier against radionuclide release under normal operating and accident conditions. These fuel particles, in the form of graphite fuel compacts, are currently undergoing a series of irradiation tests in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to support the Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (AGR) fuel qualification program. A representive coated fuel particle with an 235 U enrichment of 19.8 wt% was used in this analysis. The fuel burnup analysis tool used to perform the neutronics study reported herein, couples the Monte Carlo transport code MCNP, with the radioactive decay and burnup code ORIGEN2. The fuel burnup methodology known as Monte-Carlo with ORIGEN2 (MCWO) was used to evaluate the AGR experiment assembly and demonstrate compliance with ATR safety requirements. For the AGR graphite fuel compacts, the MCWO-calculated fission power density (FPD) due to neutron fission in 235 U is an important design parameter. One of the more important AGR fuel testing requirements is to maintain the peak fuel compact temperature close to 1250degC throughout the proposed irradiation campaign of 550 effective full power days (EFPDs). Based on the MCWO-calculated FPD, a fixed gas gap size was designed to allow regulation of the fuel compact temperatures throughout the entire fuel irradiation campaign by filling the gap with a mixture of helium and neon gases. The chosen fixed gas gap can only regulate the peak fuel compact temperature in the desired range during the irradiation test if the ratio of the peak power density to the time-dependent low power density (P/T) at 550 EFPDs is less than 2.5. However, given the near constant neutron flux within the ATR driver core and the depletion of 235 U

Ceramographic Examinations of Irradiated AGR-1 Fuel Compacts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Paul Demkowicz; Scott Ploger; John Hunn

2012-05-01

The AGR 1 experiment involved irradiating 72 cylindrical fuel compacts containing tri-structural isotropic (TRISO)-coated particles to a peak burnup of 19.5% fissions per initial metal atom with no in-pile failures observed out of almost 300,000 particles. Five irradiated AGR 1 fuel compacts were selected for microscopy that span a range of irradiation conditions (temperature, burnup, and fast fluence). These five compacts also included all four TRISO coating variations irradiated in the AGR experiment. The five compacts were cross-sectioned both transversely and longitudinally, mounted, ground, and polished after development of careful techniques for preserving particle structures against preparation damage. Approximately 40 to 80 particles within each cross section were exposed near enough to mid-plane for optical microscopy of kernel, buffer, and coating behavior. The microstructural analysis focused on kernel swelling and porosity, buffer densification and fracture, debonding between the buffer and inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layers, and fractures in the IPyC and SiC layers. Three basic particle morphologies were established according to the extent of bonding between the buffer and IPyC layers: complete debonding along the interface (Type A), no debonding along the interface (Type B), and partial debonding (Type AB). These basic morphologies were subdivided according to whether the buffer stayed intact or fractured. The resulting six characteristic morphologies were used to classify particles within each cross section, but no spatial patterns were clearly observed in any of the cross-sectional morphology maps. Although positions of particle types appeared random within compacts, examining a total of 830 classified particles allowed other relationships among morphological types to be established.

Ceramographic Examinations of Irradiated AGR-1 Fuel Compacts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Demkowicz, Paul; Ploger, Scott; Hunn, John

2012-01-01

The AGR 1 experiment involved irradiating 72 cylindrical fuel compacts containing tri-structural isotropic (TRISO)-coated particles to a peak burnup of 19.5% fissions per initial metal atom with no in-pile failures observed out of almost 300,000 particles. Five irradiated AGR 1 fuel compacts were selected for microscopy that span a range of irradiation conditions (temperature, burnup, and fast fluence). These five compacts also included all four TRISO coating variations irradiated in the AGR experiment. The five compacts were cross-sectioned both transversely and longitudinally, mounted, ground, and polished after development of careful techniques for preserving particle structures against preparation damage. Approximately 40 to 80 particles within each cross section were exposed near enough to mid-plane for optical microscopy of kernel, buffer, and coating behavior. The microstructural analysis focused on kernel swelling and porosity, buffer densification and fracture, debonding between the buffer and inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layers, and fractures in the IPyC and SiC layers. Three basic particle morphologies were established according to the extent of bonding between the buffer and IPyC layers: complete debonding along the interface (Type A), no debonding along the interface (Type B), and partial debonding (Type AB). These basic morphologies were subdivided according to whether the buffer stayed intact or fractured. The resulting six characteristic morphologies were used to classify particles within each cross section, but no spatial patterns were clearly observed in any of the cross-sectional morphology maps. Although positions of particle types appeared random within compacts, examining a total of 830 classified particles allowed other relationships among morphological types to be established.

Acceptance Test Data for the AGR-5/6/7 Irradiation Test Fuel Composite Defective IPyC Fraction and Pyrocarbon Anisotropy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Helmreich, Grant W. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Hunn, John D. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Skitt, Darren J. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Dyer, John A. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Schumacher, Austin T. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

2017-05-01

Coated particle composite J52R-16-98005 was produced by Babcock and Wilcox Technologies (BWXT) as fuel for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) Program’s AGR-5/6/7 irradiation test in the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). This composite was comprised of four coated particle fuel batches J52O-16-93165B (26%), 93168B (26%), 93169B (24%), and 93170B (24%), chosen based on the Quality Control (QC) data acquired for each individual candidate AGR-5/6/7 batch. Each batch was coated in a 150-mm-diameter production-scale fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coatings were deposited on 425-μm-nominal-diameter spherical kernels from BWXT Lot J52R-16-69317 containing a mixture of 15.5%-enriched uranium carbide and uranium oxide (UCO). The TRISO coatings consisted of four consecutive CVD layers: a ~50% dense carbon buffer layer with 100-μm-nominal thickness, a dense inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness, a silicon carbide (SiC) layer with 35-μm-nominal thickness, and a dense outer pyrolytic carbon (OPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness. The TRISO-coated particle batches were sieved to upgrade the particles by removing over-sized and under-sized material, and the upgraded batches were designated by appending the letter A to the end of the batch number (e.g., 93165A). Secondary upgrading by sieving was performed on the A-designated batches to remove particles with missing or very-thin buffer layers that were identified during previous analysis of the individual batches for defective IPyC, as reported in the acceptance test data report for the AGR-5/6/7 production batches [Hunn et al. 2017]. The additionally-upgraded batches were designated by appending the letter B to the end of the batch number (e.g., 93165B).

Ceramography of Irradiated tristructural isotropic (TRISO) Fuel from the AGR-2 Experiment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rice, Francine Joyce [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Stempien, John Dennis [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2016-09-01

Ceramography was performed on cross sections from four tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel compacts taken from the AGR-2 experiment, which was irradiated between June 2010 and October 2013 in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). The fuel compacts examined in this study contained TRISO-coated particles with either uranium oxide (UO2) kernels or uranium oxide/uranium carbide (UCO) kernels that were irradiated to final burnup values between 9.0 and 11.1% FIMA. These examinations are intended to explore kernel and coating morphology evolution during irradiation. This includes kernel porosity, swelling, and migration, and irradiation-induced coating fracture and separation. Variations in behavior within a specific cross section, which could be related to temperature or burnup gradients within the fuel compact, are also explored. The criteria for categorizing post-irradiation particle morphologies developed for AGR-1 ceramographic exams, was applied to the particles in the AGR-2 compacts particles examined. Results are compared with similar investigations performed as part of the earlier AGR-1 irradiation experiment. This paper presents the results of the AGR-2 examinations and discusses the key implications for fuel irradiation performance.

The 2009 Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting: Peter Agre, Chemistry 2003.

Science.gov (United States)

Agre, Peter

2009-12-09

Peter Agre, born in 1949 in Northfield Minnesota, shared the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Roderick MacKinnon for his discovery of aquaporins, the channel proteins that allow water to cross the cell membrane. Agre's interest medicine was inspired by the humanitarian efforts of the Medical Missionary program run by the Norwegians of his home community in Minnesota. Hoping to provide new treatments for diseases affecting the poor, he joined a cholera laboratory during medical school at Johns Hopkins. He found that he enjoyed biomedical research, and continued his laboratory studies for an additional year after medical school. Agre completed his clinical training at Case Western Hospitals of Cleveland and the University of North Carolina, and returned to Johns Hopkins in 1981. There, his serendipitous discovery of aquaporins was made while pursuing the identity of the Rhesus (Rh) antigen. For a century, physiologists and biophysicists had been trying to understand the mechanism by which fluid passed across the cell's plasma membrane. Biophysical evidence indicated a limit to passive diffusion of water, suggesting the existence of another mechanism for water transport across the membrane. The putative "water channel," however, could not be identified. In 1988, while attempting to purify the 30 kDa Rh protein, Agre and colleagues began investigating a 28 kDa contaminant that they believed to be a proteolytic fragment of the Rh protein. Subsequent studies over the next 3-4 years revealed that the contaminant was a membrane-spanning oligomeric protein, unrelated to the Rh antigen, and that it was highly abundant in renal tubules and red blood cells. Still, they could not assign a function to it. The breakthrough came following a visit with his friend and former mentor John Parker. After Agre described the properties of the mysterious 28 kDa protein, Parker suggested that it might be the long-sought-after water channel. Agre and colleagues tested this idea by

An analysis of nuclear fuel burnup in the AGR-1 TRISO fuel experiment using gamma spectrometry, mass spectrometry, and computational simulation techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harp, Jason M.; Demkowicz, Paul A.; Winston, Philip L.; Sterbentz, James W.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • The burnup of irradiated AGR-1 TRISO fuel was analyzed using gamma spectrometry. • The burnup of irradiated AGR-1 TRISO fuel was also analyzed using mass spectrometry. • Agreement between experimental results and neutron physics simulations was excellent. - Abstract: AGR-1 was the first in a series of experiments designed to test US TRISO fuel under high temperature gas-cooled reactor irradiation conditions. This experiment was irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and is currently undergoing post-irradiation examination (PIE) at INL and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. One component of the AGR-1 PIE is the experimental evaluation of the burnup of the fuel by two separate techniques. Gamma spectrometry was used to non-destructively evaluate the burnup of all 72 of the TRISO fuel compacts that comprised the AGR-1 experiment. Two methods for evaluating burnup by gamma spectrometry were developed, one based on the Cs-137 activity and the other based on the ratio of Cs-134 and Cs-137 activities. Burnup values determined from both methods compared well with the values predicted from simulations. The highest measured burnup was 20.1% FIMA (fissions per initial heavy metal atom) for the direct method and 20.0% FIMA for the ratio method (compared to 19.56% FIMA from simulations). An advantage of the ratio method is that the burnup of the cylindrical fuel compacts can be determined in small (2.5 mm) axial increments and an axial burnup profile can be produced. Destructive chemical analysis by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was then performed on selected compacts that were representative of the expected range of fuel burnups in the experiment to compare with the burnup values determined by gamma spectrometry. The compacts analyzed by mass spectrometry had a burnup range of 19.3% FIMA to 10.7% FIMA. The mass spectrometry evaluation of burnup for the four compacts agreed well with the gamma

How safe is an AGR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wilkinson, Max

1987-01-01

The paper concerns the safety of an AGR, in the light of the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island reactor accidents. To assess the safety systems the resources editor of the Financial Times newspaper spent an afternoon trying to do as much damage as possible to one of the Hinkley Point B advanced gas cooled reactors - on the simulator at the Central Electricity Generating Board's training centre at Oldbury. An account of the experience in the nuclear power control room is given. (U.K.)

Microscopic analysis of irradiated AGR-1 coated particle fuel compacts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ploger, Scott A., E-mail: scott.ploger@inl.gov [Idaho National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3855 (United States); Demkowicz, Paul A. [Idaho National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3855 (United States); Hunn, John D.; Kehn, Jay S. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6093 (United States)

2014-05-01

The AGR-1 experiment involved irradiation of 72 TRISO-coated particle fuel compacts to a peak compact-average burnup of 19.5% FIMA with no in-pile failures observed out of 3 × 10{sup 5} total particles. Irradiated AGR-1 fuel compacts have been cross-sectioned and analyzed with optical microscopy to characterize kernel, buffer, and coating behavior. Six compacts have been examined, spanning a range of irradiation conditions (burnup, fast fluence, and irradiation temperature) and including all four TRISO coating variations irradiated in the AGR-1 experiment. The cylindrical specimens were sectioned both transversely and longitudinally, then polished to expose from 36 to 79 individual particles near midplane on each mount. The analysis focused primarily on kernel swelling and porosity, buffer densification and fracturing, buffer–IPyC debonding, and fractures in the IPyC and SiC layers. Characteristic morphologies have been identified, 981 particles have been classified, and spatial distributions of particle types have been mapped. No significant spatial patterns were discovered in these cross sections. However, some trends were found between morphological types and certain behavioral aspects. Buffer fractures were found in 23% of the particles, and these fractures often resulted in unconstrained kernel protrusion into the open cavities. Fractured buffers and buffers that stayed bonded to IPyC layers appear related to larger pore size in kernels. Buffer–IPyC interface integrity evidently factored into initiation of rare IPyC fractures. Fractures through part of the SiC layer were found in only four classified particles, all in conjunction with IPyC–SiC debonding. Compiled results suggest that the deliberate coating fabrication variations influenced the frequencies of IPyC fractures and IPyC–SiC debonds.

Advances in AGR fuel fabrication - now and the future

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bleasdale, P.A.

1995-01-01

To date, over 3 million AGR fuel pins have been manufactured at Springfields for the UK AGR programme. During this time, AGR fuel design and manufacture has developed and evolved in response to the needs of the reactor operators to enhance fuel reliability and performance. More recently, major advances have been made in the systems and organisational culture which support fuel manufacture at Fuel Division. The introduction of MRP II in 1989 into Fuel Division enabled significant reductions in stock and work-in-progress, together with reductions in manufacturing lead times. Other successful initiatives introduced into Fuel Division have been Just-in-Time (JIT) and AST (Additional Skills Training) which have built on the success of MRP II. All of these initiatives are evidence of Fuel Division's ''Total Quality'' approach to fabricating fuel. Fuel Division is currently in the final stages of commissioning the New Oxide Fuels Complex (NOFC) where both AGR and PWR fuel will be manufactured to the highest standards of quality, safety and environmental protection. NOFC is a totally integrated plant which represents a Pound 200M investment, demonstrating Fuel Division's commitment to building on its 40+ years of fuel fabrication experience and ensuring secure supply of fuel to its customers for years to come. (author)

AGR fuel pin pellet-clad interaction failure limits and activity release fractions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hughes, H.; Hargreaves, R.

1985-01-01

The limiting conditions beyond which pellet-clad interaction can flail AGR fuel are described. They have been determined by many experiments involving post-irradiation examination and testing, loop experiments and cycling and up-rating of both individual fuel stringers and the whole WAGR core. The mechanisms causing this interaction are well understood and are quantitatively expressed in computer codes. Strain concentration effects over fuel cracks determine power cycling endurance while additional strain concentrations at clad ridges and from cross pin temperature gradients contribute to up-rating failures. An equation summarising tube burst test data so as to determine the ductility available at any transient is given. The hollow fuel and more ductile clad of the Civil AGR fuel pins leads to a much improved performance over the original fuel design. The Civil AGRs operate well within these limiting conditions and substantial increases beyond the design burn-up are confidently expected. The activity release on pin failure and its development during continued operation of failed fuel have also been investigated. A retention of radioiodine and caesium of 90-99% compared to the noble gases has been demonstrated. Measured fission gas releases into the free volume of Civil AGR fuel pins have been very low (< 0.1%)

KEY RESULTS FROM IRRADIATION AND POST-IRRADIATION EXAMINATION OF AGR-1 UCO TRISO FUEL

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Demkowicz, Paul A.; Hunn, John D.; Petti, David A.; Morris, Robert N.

2016-11-01

The AGR-1 irradiation experiment was performed as the first test of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel in the US Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program. The experiment consisted of 72 right cylinder fuel compacts containing approximately 3×105 coated fuel particles with uranium oxide/uranium carbide (UCO) fuel kernels. The fuel was irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor for a total of 620 effective full power days. Fuel burnup ranged from 11.3 to 19.6% fissions per initial metal atom and time average, volume average irradiation temperatures of the individual compacts ranged from 955 to 1136°C. This paper focuses on key results from the irradiation and post-irradiation examination, which revealed a robust fuel with excellent performance characteristics under the conditions tested and have significantly improved the understanding of UCO coated particle fuel irradiation behavior within the US program. The fuel exhibited a very low incidence of TRISO coating failure during irradiation and post-irradiation safety testing at temperatures up to 1800°C. Advanced PIE methods have allowed particles with SiC coating failure to be isolated and meticulously examined, which has elucidated the specific causes of SiC failure in these specimens. The level of fission product release from the fuel during irradiation and post-irradiation safety testing has been studied in detail. Results indicated very low release of krypton and cesium through intact SiC and modest release of europium and strontium, while also confirming the potential for significant silver release through the coatings depending on irradiation conditions. Focused study of fission products within the coating layers of irradiated particles down to nanometer length scales has provided new insights into fission product transport through the coating layers and the role various fission products may have on coating integrity. The broader implications of these results and the application of

Improving thermal model prediction through statistical analysis of irradiation and post-irradiation data from AGR experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pham, Binh T.; Hawkes, Grant L.; Einerson, Jeffrey J.

2014-01-01

As part of the High Temperature Reactors (HTR) R and D program, a series of irradiation tests, designated as Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR), have been defined to support development and qualification of fuel design, fabrication process, and fuel performance under normal operation and accident conditions. The AGR tests employ fuel compacts placed in a graphite cylinder shrouded by a steel capsule and instrumented with thermocouples (TC) embedded in graphite blocks enabling temperature control. While not possible to obtain by direct measurements in the tests, crucial fuel conditions (e.g., temperature, neutron fast fluence, and burnup) are calculated using core physics and thermal modeling codes. This paper is focused on AGR test fuel temperature predicted by the ABAQUS code's finite element-based thermal models. The work follows up on a previous study, in which several statistical analysis methods were adapted, implemented in the NGNP Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS), and applied for qualification of AGR-1 thermocouple data. Abnormal trends in measured data revealed by the statistical analysis are traced to either measuring instrument deterioration or physical mechanisms in capsules that may have shifted the system thermal response. The main thrust of this work is to exploit the variety of data obtained in irradiation and post-irradiation examination (PIE) for assessment of modeling assumptions. As an example, the uneven reduction of the control gas gap in Capsule 5 found in the capsule metrology measurements in PIE helps identify mechanisms other than TC drift causing the decrease in TC readings. This suggests a more physics-based modification of the thermal model that leads to a better fit with experimental data, thus reducing model uncertainty and increasing confidence in the calculated fuel temperatures of the AGR-1 test

Improving thermal model prediction through statistical analysis of irradiation and post-irradiation data from AGR experiments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pham, Binh T., E-mail: Binh.Pham@inl.gov [Human Factor, Controls and Statistics Department, Nuclear Science and Technology, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 (United States); Hawkes, Grant L. [Thermal Science and Safety Analysis Department, Nuclear Science and Technology, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 (United States); Einerson, Jeffrey J. [Human Factor, Controls and Statistics Department, Nuclear Science and Technology, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 (United States)

2014-05-01

As part of the High Temperature Reactors (HTR) R and D program, a series of irradiation tests, designated as Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR), have been defined to support development and qualification of fuel design, fabrication process, and fuel performance under normal operation and accident conditions. The AGR tests employ fuel compacts placed in a graphite cylinder shrouded by a steel capsule and instrumented with thermocouples (TC) embedded in graphite blocks enabling temperature control. While not possible to obtain by direct measurements in the tests, crucial fuel conditions (e.g., temperature, neutron fast fluence, and burnup) are calculated using core physics and thermal modeling codes. This paper is focused on AGR test fuel temperature predicted by the ABAQUS code's finite element-based thermal models. The work follows up on a previous study, in which several statistical analysis methods were adapted, implemented in the NGNP Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS), and applied for qualification of AGR-1 thermocouple data. Abnormal trends in measured data revealed by the statistical analysis are traced to either measuring instrument deterioration or physical mechanisms in capsules that may have shifted the system thermal response. The main thrust of this work is to exploit the variety of data obtained in irradiation and post-irradiation examination (PIE) for assessment of modeling assumptions. As an example, the uneven reduction of the control gas gap in Capsule 5 found in the capsule metrology measurements in PIE helps identify mechanisms other than TC drift causing the decrease in TC readings. This suggests a more physics-based modification of the thermal model that leads to a better fit with experimental data, thus reducing model uncertainty and increasing confidence in the calculated fuel temperatures of the AGR-1 test.

Analysis of fission gas release-to-birth ratio data from the AGR irradiations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Einerson, Jeffrey J.; Pham, Binh T.; Scates, Dawn M.; Maki, John T.; Petti, David A.

2016-01-01

A series of advanced gas reactor (AGR) irradiation tests is being conducted in the advanced test reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in support of development and qualification of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel used in the High temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). Each AGR test consists of multiple independent capsules containing fuel compacts placed in a graphite cylinder shrouded by a steel shell. These capsules are instrumented with thermocouples (TC) embedded in the graphite enabling temperature control. For AGR-1, the first US irradiation of modern TRISO fuel completed in 2009, there were no particle failures detected. For AGR-2, a few exposed kernels existed in the fuel compacts based upon quality control data. For the AGR-3/4 experiment, particle failures in all capsules were expected because of the use of designed-to-fail (DTF) fuel particles whose kernels are identical to the driver fuel kernels and whose coatings are designed to fail under irradiation. The release-rate-to-birth-rate ratio (R/B) for each of krypton and xenon isotopes is calculated from release rates measured by the germanium detectors used in the AGR fission product monitoring (FPM) system installed downstream from each irradiated capsule. Birth rates are calculated based on the fission power in the experiment and fission product generation models. Thus, this R/B is a measure of the ability of fuel particle coating layers and compact matrix to retain fission gas atoms preventing their release into the sweep gas flow. The major factors that govern gaseous diffusion and release processes are found to be fuel material diffusion coefficient, temperature, and isotopic decay constant. To compare the release behavior among the AGR capsules and historic experiments, the R/B per failed particle is used. HTGR designers use this parameter in their fission product behavior models. For the U.S. TRISO fuel, a regression analysis is performed to establish functional relationships

Analysis of Fission Gas Release-to-Birth Ratio Data from the AGR Irradiations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Einerson, Jeffrey J.; Pham, Binh T.; Scates, Dawn M.; Maki, John T.; Petti, David A.

2014-01-01

A series of Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) irradiation tests is being conducted in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in support of development and qualification of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel used in the High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR). Each AGR test consists of multiple independent capsules containing fuel compacts placed in a graphite cylinder shrouded by a steel shell. These capsules are instrumented with thermocouples (TC) embedded in the graphite enabling temperature control. For AGR-1, the first US irradiation of modern TRISO fuel completed in 2009, there were no particle failures detected. For AGR-2, a few exposed kernels existed in the fuel compacts based upon quality control data. For the AGR-3/4 experiment, particle failures in all capsules were expected because of the use of designed-to-fail (DTF) fuel particles whose kernels are identical to the driver fuel kernels and whose coatings are designed to fail under irradiation. The release-rate-to-birth-rate ratio (R/B) for each of krypton and xenon isotopes is calculated from release rates measured by the germanium detectors used in the AGR Fission Product Monitoring (FPM) System installed downstream from each irradiated capsule. Birth rates are calculated based on the fission power in the experiment and fission product generation models. Thus, this R/B is a measure of the ability of fuel particle coating layers and compact matrix to retain fission gas atoms preventing their release into the sweep gas flow. The major factors that govern gaseous diffusion and release processes are found to be fuel material diffusion coefficient, temperature, and isotopic decay constant. To compare the release behavior among the AGR capsules and historic experiments, the R/B per failed particle is used. HTGR designers use this parameter in their fission product behavior models. For the U.S. TRISO fuel, a regression analysis is performed to establish functional relationships

Analysis of fission gas release-to-birth ratio data from the AGR irradiations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Einerson, Jeffrey J., E-mail: jeffrey.einerson@inl.gov; Pham, Binh T.; Scates, Dawn M.; Maki, John T.; Petti, David A.

2016-09-15

A series of advanced gas reactor (AGR) irradiation tests is being conducted in the advanced test reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in support of development and qualification of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel used in the High temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). Each AGR test consists of multiple independent capsules containing fuel compacts placed in a graphite cylinder shrouded by a steel shell. These capsules are instrumented with thermocouples (TC) embedded in the graphite enabling temperature control. For AGR-1, the first US irradiation of modern TRISO fuel completed in 2009, there were no particle failures detected. For AGR-2, a few exposed kernels existed in the fuel compacts based upon quality control data. For the AGR-3/4 experiment, particle failures in all capsules were expected because of the use of designed-to-fail (DTF) fuel particles whose kernels are identical to the driver fuel kernels and whose coatings are designed to fail under irradiation. The release-rate-to-birth-rate ratio (R/B) for each of krypton and xenon isotopes is calculated from release rates measured by the germanium detectors used in the AGR fission product monitoring (FPM) system installed downstream from each irradiated capsule. Birth rates are calculated based on the fission power in the experiment and fission product generation models. Thus, this R/B is a measure of the ability of fuel particle coating layers and compact matrix to retain fission gas atoms preventing their release into the sweep gas flow. The major factors that govern gaseous diffusion and release processes are found to be fuel material diffusion coefficient, temperature, and isotopic decay constant. To compare the release behavior among the AGR capsules and historic experiments, the R/B per failed particle is used. HTGR designers use this parameter in their fission product behavior models. For the U.S. TRISO fuel, a regression analysis is performed to establish functional relationships

Uncertainty Quantification of Calculated Temperatures for the AGR 3/4 Experiment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pham, Binh Thi-Cam

2015-01-01

A series of Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) irradiation experiments are being conducted within the Advanced Reactor Technology (ART) Fuel Development and Qualification Program. The main objectives of the fuel experimental campaign are to provide the necessary data on fuel performance to support fuel process development, qualify a fuel design and fabrication process for normal operation and accident conditions, and support development and validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes (PLN 3636, 'Technical Program Plan for INL Advanced Reactor Technologies Technology Development Office/Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program'). The AGR 3/4 test was inserted in the Northeast Flux Trap position in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) core at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in December 2011 and successfully completed irradiation in mid-April 2014, resulting in irradiation of the tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel for 369.1 effective full-power days (EFPDs) during approximately 2.4 calendar years. The AGR 3/4 data, including the irradiation data and calculated results, were qualified and stored in the Nuclear Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS). To support the U.S. TRISO fuel performance assessment and to provide data for validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes, the daily as run thermal analysis has been performed separately on each of twelve AGR 3/4 capsules for the entire irradiation as discussed in ECAR-2807, 'AGR 3/4 Daily As Run Thermal Analyses'. The ABAQUS code's finite element-based thermal model predicts the daily average volume average (VA) fuel temperature (FT), peak FT, and graphite matrix, sleeve, and sink temperature in each capsule. The JMOCUP simulation codes were also created to perform depletion calculations for the AGR 3/4 experiment (ECAR-2753, 'JMOCUP As-Run Daily Physics Depletion Calculation for the AGR 3/4 TRISO Particle

Uncertainty Quantification of Calculated Temperatures for the AGR 3/4 Experiment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pham, Binh Thi-Cam [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2015-09-01

A series of Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) irradiation experiments are being conducted within the Advanced Reactor Technology (ART) Fuel Development and Qualification Program. The main objectives of the fuel experimental campaign are to provide the necessary data on fuel performance to support fuel process development, qualify a fuel design and fabrication process for normal operation and accident conditions, and support development and validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes (PLN 3636, “Technical Program Plan for INL Advanced Reactor Technologies Technology Development Office/Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program”). The AGR 3/4 test was inserted in the Northeast Flux Trap position in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) core at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in December 2011 and successfully completed irradiation in mid-April 2014, resulting in irradiation of the tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel for 369.1 effective full-power days (EFPDs) during approximately 2.4 calendar years. The AGR 3/4 data, including the irradiation data and calculated results, were qualified and stored in the Nuclear Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS). To support the U.S. TRISO fuel performance assessment and to provide data for validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes, the daily as run thermal analysis has been performed separately on each of twelve AGR 3/4 capsules for the entire irradiation as discussed in ECAR-2807, “AGR 3/4 Daily As Run Thermal Analyses”. The ABAQUS code’s finite element-based thermal model predicts the daily average volume average (VA) fuel temperature (FT), peak FT, and graphite matrix, sleeve, and sink temperature in each capsule. The JMOCUP simulation codes were also created to perform depletion calculations for the AGR 3/4 experiment (ECAR-2753, “JMOCUP As-Run Daily Physics Depletion Calculation for the AGR 3/4 TRISO Particle Experiment in ATR

MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF FISSION PRODUCT TRANSPORT IN THE AGR-3/4 EXPERIMENT

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Humrickhouse, Paul W.; Collin, Blaise P.; Hawkes, Grant L.; Harp, Jason M.; Demkowicz, Paul A.; Petti, David A.

2016-11-01

In this work we describe the ongoing modeling and analysis efforts in support of the AGR-3/4 experiment. AGR-3/4 is intended to provide data to assess fission product retention and transport (e.g., diffusion coefficients) in fuel matrix and graphite materials. We describe a set of pre-test predictions that incorporate the results of detailed thermal and fission product release models into a coupled 1D radial diffusion model of the experiment, using diffusion coefficients reported in the literature for Ag, Cs, and Sr. We make some comparisons of the predicted Cs profiles to preliminary measured data for Cs and find these to be reasonable, in most cases within an order of magnitude. Our ultimate objective is to refine the diffusion coefficients using AGR-3/4 data, so we identify an analytical method for doing so and demonstrate its efficacy via a series of numerical experiments using the model predictions. Finally, we discuss development of a post-irradiation examination plan informed by the modeling effort and simulate some of the heating tests that are tentatively planned.

Sensitivity Evaluation of the Daily Thermal Predictions of the AGR-1 Experiment in the Advanced Test Reactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Grant Hawkes; James Sterbentz; John Maki

2011-05-01

A temperature sensitivity evaluation has been performed for the AGR-1 fuel experiment on an individual capsule. A series of cases were compared to a base case by varying different input parameters into the ABAQUS finite element thermal model. These input parameters were varied by ±10% to show the temperature sensitivity to each parameter. The most sensitive parameters are the outer control gap distance, heat rate in the fuel compacts, and neon gas fraction. Thermal conductivity of the compacts and graphite holder were in the middle of the list for sensitivity. The smallest effects were for the emissivities of the stainless steel, graphite, and thru tubes. Sensitivity calculations were also performed varying with fluence. These calculations showed a general temperature rise with an increase in fluence. This is a result of the thermal conductivity of the fuel compacts and graphite holder decreasing with fluence.

Developing equipment for AGR remote visual inspection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

James, P.W.; Walton, P.J.

1985-01-01

The Remote Inspection Group is part of the CEGB's Generation Development and Construction Division, and has responsibility for the design, development, procurement, testing and setting to work of the equipment provided to carry out routine remote visual inspections of its AGRs. This equipment includes both the viewing devices and the necessary placement equipment. (author)

Antisense locked nucleic acids targeting agrA inhibit quorum sensing and pathogenesis of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Science.gov (United States)

Da, F; Yao, L; Su, Z; Hou, Z; Li, Z; Xue, X; Meng, J; Luo, X

2017-01-01

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is commonly associated with nonnosocomial skin and soft tissue infections due to its virulence, which is mainly controlled by the accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing (QS) system. In this study (KFF) 3 K peptide-conjugated locked nucleic acids (PLNAs) targeting agrA mRNA were developed to inhibit agr activity and arrest the pathogenicity of CA-MRSA. Two PLNAs were designed, and synthesized, after predicting the secondary structure of agrA mRNA. The influence on bacterial growth was tested using a growth curve assay. RT-qPCR, haemolysis assay, lactate dehydrogenase release assay and chemotaxis assay were used to evaluate the effects of the PLNAs on inhibiting agr QS. A mouse skin infection model was employed to test the protective effect of the PLNAs in vivo. None of the PLNAs were found to be bacteriostatic or bactericidal in vitro. However, one PLNA, PLNA34, showed strong ability to suppress expression of agrA and the effector molecule RNAIII in USA300 LAC strain. Furthermore, PLNA34 inhibited the expression of virulence genes that are upregulated by agr, including hla, psmα, psmβ and pvl. The haemolytic activity of the supernatants from PLNA34-treated bacteria was also dramatically reduced, as well as the capacity to lyse and recruit neutrophils. Moreover, PLNA34 showed high levels of protection in the CA-MRSA mouse skin infection model. The anti-agrA PLNA34 can effectively inhibit the agr QS and suppress CA-MRSA pathogenicity. agrA is a promising target for the development of antisense oligonucleotides to block agr QS. Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

The Agr Quorum Sensing System Represses Persister Formation through Regulation of Phenol Soluble Modulins in Staphylococcus aureus

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tao Xu

2017-11-01

Full Text Available The opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus has become an increasing threat to public health. While the Agr quorum sensing (QS system is a master regulator of S. aureus virulence, its dysfunction has been frequently reported to promote bacteremia and mortality in clinical infections. Here we show that the Agr system is involved in persister formation in S. aureus. Mutation of either agrCA or agrD but not RNAIII resulted in increased persister formation of stationary phase cultures. RNA-seq analysis showed that in stationary phase AgrCA/AgrD and RNAIII mutants showed consistent up-regulation of virulence associated genes (lip and splE, etc. and down-regulation of metabolism genes (bioA and nanK, etc.. Meanwhile, though knockout of agrCA or agrD strongly repressed expression of phenol soluble modulin encoding genes psmα1-4, psmβ1-2 and phenol soluble modulins (PSM transporter encoding genes in the pmt operon, mutation of RNAIII enhanced expression of the genes. We further found that knockout of psmα1-4 or psmβ1-2 augmented persister formation and that co-overexpression of PSMαs and PSMβs reversed the effects of AgrCA mutation on persister formation. We also detected the effects on persister formation by mutations of metabolism genes (arcA, hutU, narG, nanK, etc. that are potentially regulated by Agr system. It was found that deletion of the ManNAc kinase encoding gene nanK decreased persister formation. Taken together, these results shed new light on the PSM dependent regulatory role of Agr system in persister formation and may have implications for clinical treatment of MRSA persistent infections.

Materials and boiler rig testing to support chemical cleaning of once-through AGR boilers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tice, D.R.; Platts, N.; Raffel, A.S.; Rudge, A.

2002-01-01

An extensive programme of work has been carried out to evaluate two candidate inhibited cleaning solutions for possible implementation on plant, which would be the first chemical clean of an AGR boiler. The two candidate cleaning solutions considered were a Stannine-inhibited citric acid/formic acid mixture (GOM106) and inhibited hydrofluoric acid. Citric acid-based cleaning processes are widely used within the UK Power Industry. The GOM106 solution, comprising a mixture of 3% citric acid, 0.5% formic acid and 0.05% Stannine LTP inhibitor, buffered with ammonia to pH 3.5, was developed specifically for the AGR boilers during the 1970's. Although a considerable amount of materials testing work was carried out by British Energy's predecessor companies to produce a recommended cleaning procedure there were some remaining concerns with the use of GOM106, from these earlier studies, for example, an increased risk of pitting attack associated with the removal of thick 9Cr oxide deposits and a risk of unacceptable damage in critical locations such as the upper transition joints and other weld locations. Hence, additional testing was still required to validate the solution for use on plant. Inhibited hydrofluoric acid (HFA) was also evaluated as an alternative reagent to GOM106. HFA has been used extensively for cleaning mild and low'alloy steel boiler tubes in fossil-fired plant in the UK and elsewhere in Europe and is known to remove oxide quickly. Waste treatment is also easier than for the GOM106 process and some protection against damage to the boiler tube materials is provided by complexing of fluoride with ferric ion. Validation of the potential reagents and inhibitors was achieved by assessing the rate and effectiveness of oxide removal from specimens of helical boiler tubing and welds, together with establishing the extent of any metal loss or localised damage. The initial materials testing resulted in the inhibited ammoniated citric / formic acid reagent being

AgrAbility Project

Science.gov (United States)

... Cordless Ratchet Wrench ClampTite Wire Clamping Tool iBlue Smart Gate/Door Opener Full Toolbox AT Database Extranet ... in-person NTW - March 19-22, Portland, Maine House and Senate Appropriations Committees recommend restoring AgrAbility funding... ...

Progress with the AGR system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Merrett, D.J.

1984-01-01

The AGR programme was initiated in 1965 with the ordering of the Dungeness 'B' reactor, followed by Hinkley point 'B' (1965), Hunterston 'B' (1968), Hartlepool (1970), Heysham I (1970) and the two latest stations at Heysham II and Torness. The paper reviews the achievements and prospects for the AGR system under 6 topic headings. These include: operational experience at Hinkley Point 'B' and Hunterston'B', commissioning of Dungeness 'B', Hartlepool and Heysham I, Heysham II/Torness design, Heysham II/Torness programme and finally future prospects. (U.K.)

Electron Microscopic Examination of Irradiated TRISO Coated Particles of Compact 6-3-2 of AGR-1 Experiment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Van Rooyen, Isabella Johanna [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Demkowicz, Paul Andrew [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Riesterer, Jessica Lori [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Miller, Brandon Douglas [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Janney, Dawn Elizabeth [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Harp, Jason Michael [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Ploger, Scott Arden [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2012-12-01

The electron microscopic examination of selected irradiated TRISO coated particles of the AGR-1 experiment of fuel compact 6-3-2 are presented in this report. Compact 6-3-2 refers to the compact in Capsule 6 at level 3 of Stack 2. The fuel used in capsule 6 compacts, are called the “baseline” fuel as it is fabricated with refined coating process conditions used to fabricate historic German fuel, because of its excellent irradiation performance with UO2 kernels. The AGR-1 fuel is however made of low-enriched uranium oxycarbide (UCO). Kernel diameters are approximately 350 µm with a U-235 enrichment of approximately 19.7%. Compact 6-3-2 has been irradiated to 11.3% FIMA compact average burn-up with a time average, volume average temperature of 1070.2°C and with a compact average fast fluence of 2.38E21 n/cm

Electron Microscopic Examination of Irradiated TRISO Coated Particles of Compact 6-3-2 of AGR-1 Experiment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Van Rooyen, Isabella Johanna [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Demkowicz, Paul Andrew [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Riesterer, Jessica Lori [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Miller, Brandon Douglas [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Janney, Dawn Elizabeth [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Harp, Jason Michael [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Ploger, Scott Arden [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2012-12-01

The electron microscopic examination of selected irradiated TRISO coated particles of the AGR-1 experiment of fuel compact 6-3-2 are presented in this report. Compact 6-3-2 refers to the compact in Capsule 6 at level 3 of Stack 2. The fuel used in capsule 6 compacts, are called the “baseline” fuel as it is fabricated with refined coating process conditions used to fabricate historic German fuel, because of its excellent irradiation performance with UO₂ kernels. The AGR-1 fuel is however made of low-enriched uranium oxycarbide (UCO). Kernel diameters are approximately 350 µm with a U-235 enrichment of approximately 19.7%. Compact 6-3-2 has been irradiated to 11.3% FIMA compact average burn-up with a time average, volume average temperature of 1070.2°C and with a compact average fast fluence of 2.38E21 n/cm

AGR v PWR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Green, D.

1986-01-01

When the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) invited tenders and placed a contract for the Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) at Dungeness B in 1965 -preferring it to the Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) -the AGR was lamentably ill developed. The effects of the decision were widely felt, for it took the British nuclear industry off the light water reactor highway of world reactor business and up and idiosyncratic private highway of its own, excluding it altogether from any material export business in the two decades which followed. Yet although the UK may have made wrong decisions in rejecting the PWR in 1965, that does not mean that it can necessarily now either correct them, or redeem their consequence, by reversing the choice in 1985. In the 20 years since 1965 the whole world economic and energy picture has been transformed and the national picture with it. Picking up the PWR now could prove as big a disaster as rejecting it may have been in 1965. (author)

Description of the advanced gas cooled type of reactor (AGR)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nonboel, E. [Risoe National Lab., Roskilde (Denmark)

1996-11-01

The present report comprises a technical description of the Advanced Gas cooled Reactor (AGR), a reactor type which has only been built in Great Britain. 14 AGR reactors have been built, located at 6 different sites and each station is supplied with twin-reactors. The Torness AGR plant on the Lothian coastline of Scotland, 60 km east of Edinburgh, has been chosen as the reference plant and is described in some detail. Data on the other 6 stations, Dungeness B, Hinkely Point B, Hunterston G, Hartlepool, Heysham I and Heysham II, are given only in tables with a summary of design data. Where specific data for Torness AGR has not been available, corresponding data from other AGR plans has been used, primarily from Heysham II, which belongs to the same generation of AGR reactors. The information presented is based on the open literature. The report is written as a part of the NKS/RAK-2 subproject 3: `Reactors in Nordic Surroundings`, which comprises a description of nuclear power plants neighbouring the Nordic countries. (au) 11 refs.

Description of the advanced gas cooled type of reactor (AGR)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nonboel, E.

1996-11-01

The present report comprises a technical description of the Advanced Gas cooled Reactor (AGR), a reactor type which has only been built in Great Britain. 14 AGR reactors have been built, located at 6 different sites and each station is supplied with twin-reactors. The Torness AGR plant on the Lothian coastline of Scotland, 60 km east of Edinburgh, has been chosen as the reference plant and is described in some detail. Data on the other 6 stations, Dungeness B, Hinkely Point B, Hunterston G, Hartlepool, Heysham I and Heysham II, are given only in tables with a summary of design data. Where specific data for Torness AGR has not been available, corresponding data from other AGR plans has been used, primarily from Heysham II, which belongs to the same generation of AGR reactors. The information presented is based on the open literature. The report is written as a part of the NKS/RAK-2 subproject 3: 'Reactors in Nordic Surroundings', which comprises a description of nuclear power plants neighbouring the Nordic countries. (au) 11 refs

Anterior Gradient 2 (AGR2) Induced Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Signaling Is Essential for Murine Pancreatitis-Associated Tissue Regeneration

Science.gov (United States)

Wodziak, Dariusz; Dong, Aiwen; Basin, Michael F.; Lowe, Anson W.

2016-01-01

A recently published study identified Anterior Gradient 2 (AGR2) as a regulator of EGFR signaling by promoting receptor presentation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. AGR2 also promotes tissue regeneration in amphibians and fish. Whether AGR2-induced EGFR signaling is essential for tissue regeneration in higher vertebrates was evaluated using a well-characterized murine model for pancreatitis. The impact of AGR2 expression and EGFR signaling on tissue regeneration was evaluated using the caerulein-induced pancreatitis mouse model. EGFR signaling and cell proliferation were examined in the context of the AGR2-/- null mouse or with the EGFR-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, AG1478. In addition, the Hippo signaling coactivator YAP1 was evaluated in the context of AGR2 expression during pancreatitis. Pancreatitis-induced AGR2 expression enabled EGFR translocation to the plasma membrane, the initiation of cell signaling, and cell proliferation. EGFR signaling and tissue regeneration were partially inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478, but absent in the AGR2-/- null mouse. AG1478-treated and AGR2-/- null mice with pancreatitis died whereas all wild-type controls recovered. YAP1 activation was also dependent on pancreatitis-induced AGR2 expression. AGR2-induced EGFR signaling was essential for tissue regeneration and recovery from pancreatitis. The results establish tissue regeneration as a major function of AGR2-induced EGFR signaling in adult higher vertebrates. Enhanced AGR2 expression and EGFR signaling are also universally present in human pancreatic cancer, which support a linkage between tissue injury, regeneration, and cancer pathogenesis. PMID:27764193

Saúde e mercado de trabalho no Brasil: diferenciais entre ocupados agrícolas e não agrícolas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexandre Gori Maia

2010-12-01

Full Text Available Este trabalho analisa as diferenças no estado de saúde entre e dentro dos grupos de ocupados agrícolas e não agrícolas no Brasil, utilizando medidas de autoavaliação do estado de saúde captadas no suplemento da PNAD (Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios de 2008. As análises baseiam-se na composição socioeconômica dos ocupados agrícolas e não agrícolas e nas estimativas de equações simultâneas para captar as relações não lineares entre saúde, renda e jornada de trabalho. Um dos pressupostos do trabalho é que a baixa prevalência de saudáveis entre os ocupados agrícolas estaria associada, sobretudo, à composição socioeconômica desse grupo, e não à maior insalubridade a que os ocupados das atividades agrícolas estariam submetidos em condições socioeconômicas semelhantes às dos não agrícolas. Analogamente, a desigualdade no estado de saúde seria menor entre os ocupados agrícolas devido aos hábitos mais homogêneos, não só no que se refere ao tipo de atividade, mas também em relação à qualidade de vida e ao acesso a uma série de itens de consumo, típico das localidades menos desenvolvidas onde as atividades agrícolas prevalecem.This paper analyzes differences of health conditions between and within agricultural and non-agricultural workers in Brazil. Self-reported health measures of the Health Supplement of Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD, from 2008, are used. Results are based on the description of the socioeconomic characteristics of each group of employees and on estimates of a simultaneous equation to measure non-linear relations between health conditions, income and work hours. The main hypothesis is that the lower prevalence of workers with good health among agricultural workers is mainly due to socioeconomic characteristics of this group and not necessarily to higher insalubrious conditions that such workers would be submitted to in equivalent socioeconomic conditions

A formação de Licenciados em Ciências Agrícolas/Agrárias: o conhecimento e suas conexões

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marco Antonio de Moraes

2014-11-01

Full Text Available http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984644413683Este trabalho visa identificar os perfis de formação dos licenciados de Ciências Agrícolas/Agrárias e os objetivos dos cursos que formam estes profissionais no Brasil. Neste estudo exploratório, os dados foram coletados através da Internet no site do MEC e das Instituições de Ensino Superior. O perfil geralmente proposto na formação do professor em Ciências Agrícolas/Agrícolas é amplo, com atuação em diferentes campos das Ciências Agrárias com finalidades econômicas, mas com atenção às questões sócio-políticas e culturais presentes no meio rural brasileiro. Percebe-se a intenção de formar licenciados que atendam alguns aspectos ou demandas regionais e que estejam preparados para as questões da atualidade. Destaca-se a preocupação com o desenvolvimento de algumas competências importantes na formação do profissional que irá atuar na educação escolar.

Measurements of fuel temperature coefficient of reactivity on a commercial AGR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Telford, A.; Bridge, M.J.

1978-01-01

Tests have been carried out on the commercial AGR at Hikley Point to determine the fuel temperature coefficient of reactivity, an important safety related parameter. Reactor neutron flux was measured during transients induced by movement of a bank of control rods from one steady position to another. An inverse kinetics analysis was applied to the measured flux to determine the change which occured in core reactivity as the fuel temperature changed. The variation of mean fuel temperature was deduced from the flux transient by means of a nine-plane thermal hydraulics representation of the AGR fuel channel. Results so far obtained confirm the predicted variation of fuel temperature coefficient with butn-up. (author)

Mecanização Agrícola - Análise de aspectos de operacionalidade de máquinas agrícolas

OpenAIRE

Peça, José

2012-01-01

Este trabalho destina-se a apoiar a aprendizagem de estudantes do ramo das ciências agrárias sobre aspectos relevantes à operacionalidade das máquinas agrícolas. Utilização das equações de equilíbrio na previsão de esforços sobre os eixos de tractores com alfaias montadas e semi-montadas com vista a salvaguardar os limites técnicos, a estabilidade em declives e a qualidade do solo. Dada a importância que têm as operações de manuseamento de carga nas explorações agrícolas, é abordado o...

Training of engineers for nuclear power station operation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Myerscough, P.B.

1980-01-01

The requirements for staffing and training of a nuclear electric utility are described. Current training facilities at the Central Electricity Generating Board are applicable to gas-cooled technology with the possibility of the introduction of a thermal water system and fast reactors in the future. The CEGB training centres provide for the initial training of operational staff, revision training of experienced operational staff, and training of non-operational staff from the stations and supporting departments. Details are given of the content of the training courses which also provide simulation facilities of the basic dynamics of the CEGB stations. Further developments in simulation will include dynamics of the boiler and turbine plants in Magnox stations. The flexibility of the AGR simulations will enable the training exercises to be adjusted to meet changing operating patterns for each AGR station. (U.K.)

Readiness Review of BWXT for Fabrication of AGR 5/6/7 Compacts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Marshall, Douglas William [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Sharp, Michelle Tracy [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2017-02-01

In support of preparations for fabricating compacts for the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) fuel qualification irradiation experiments (AGR-5/6/7), Idaho National Laboratory (INL) conducted a readiness review of the BWX Technology (BWXT) procedures, processes, and equipment associated with compact fabrication activities at the BWXT Nuclear Operations Group (BWXT-NOG) facility outside Lynchburg, VirginiaVA. The readiness review used quality assurance requirements taken from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Nuclear Quality Assurance Standard (NQA-1-2008/1a-2009) as a basis to assess readiness to start compact fabrication.

Detection and Analysis of Particles with Failed SiC in AGR-1 Fuel Compacts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hunn, John D.; Baldwin, Charles A.; Gerczak, Tyler J.; Montgomery, Fred C.; Morris, Robert N.; Silva, Chinthaka M.; Demkowicz, Paul A.; Harp, Jason M.; Ploger, Scott A.

2014-01-01

As the primary barrier to release of radioactive isotopes emitted from the fuel kernel, retention performance of the SiC layer in tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particles is critical to the overall safety of reactors that utilize this fuel design. Most isotopes are well-retained by intact SiC coatings, so pathways through this layer due to cracking, structural defects, or chemical attack can significantly contribute to radioisotope release. In the US TRISO fuel development effort, release of "1"3"4Cs and "1"3"7Cs are used to detect SiC failure during fuel compact irradiation and safety testing because the amount of cesium released by a compact containing one particle with failed SiC is typically ten or more times higher than that released by compacts without failed SiC. Compacts with particles that released cesium during the AGR-1 irradiation test or post-irradiation safety testing at 1600– 1800°C were identified, and individual particles with abnormally low cesium retention were sorted out with the ORNL Irradiated Microsphere Gamma Analyzer (IMGA). X-ray tomography was used for three-dimensional imaging of the internal coating structure to locate low-density pathways through the SiC layer and guide subsequent materialography by optical and scanning electron microscopy. All three cesium-releasing particles recovered from as-irradiated compacts showed a region where the inner pyrocarbon (IPyC) had cracked due to radiation-induced dimensional changes in the shrinking buffer and the exposed SiC had experienced concentrated attack by palladium; SiC failures observed in particles subjected to safety testing were related to either fabrication defects or showed extensive Pd corrosion through the SiC where it had been exposed by similar IPyC cracking. (author)

Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Soil Requires AgrA-Mediated Regulation.

Science.gov (United States)

Vivant, Anne-Laure; Garmyn, Dominique; Gal, Laurent; Hartmann, Alain; Piveteau, Pascal

2015-08-01

In a recent paper, we demonstrated that inactivation of the Agr system affects the patterns of survival of Listeria monocytogenes (A.-L. Vivant, D. Garmyn, L. Gal, and P. Piveteau, Front Cell Infect Microbiol 4:160, http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2014.00160). In this study, we investigated whether the Agr-mediated response is triggered during adaptation in soil, and we compared survival patterns in a set of 10 soils. The fate of the parental strain L. monocytogenes L9 (a rifampin-resistant mutant of L. monocytogenes EGD-e) and that of a ΔagrA deletion mutant were compared in a collection of 10 soil microcosms. The ΔagrA mutant displayed significantly reduced survival in these biotic soil microcosms, and differential transcriptome analyses showed large alterations of the transcriptome when AgrA was not functional, while the variations in the transcriptomes between the wild type and the ΔagrA deletion mutant were modest under abiotic conditions. Indeed, in biotic soil environments, 578 protein-coding genes and an extensive repertoire of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) were differentially transcribed. The transcription of genes coding for proteins involved in cell envelope and cellular processes, including the phosphotransferase system and ABC transporters, and proteins involved in resistance to antimicrobial peptides was affected. Under sterilized soil conditions, the differences were limited to 86 genes and 29 ncRNAs. These results suggest that the response regulator AgrA of the Agr communication system plays important roles during the saprophytic life of L. monocytogenes in soil. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Investigation of thermally sensitised stainless steels as analogues for spent AGR fuel cladding to test a corrosion inhibitor for intergranular stress corrosion cracking

Science.gov (United States)

Whillock, Guy O. H.; Hands, Brian J.; Majchrowski, Tom P.; Hambley, David I.

2018-01-01

A small proportion of irradiated Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) fuel cladding can be susceptible to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) when stored in pond water containing low chloride concentrations, but corrosion is known to be prevented by an inhibitor at the storage temperatures that have applied so far. It may be necessary in the future to increase the storage temperature by up to ∼20 °C and to demonstrate the impact of higher temperatures for safety case purposes. Accordingly, corrosion testing is needed to establish the effect of temperature increases on the efficacy of the inhibitor. This paper presents the results of studies carried out on thermally sensitised 304 and 20Cr-25Ni-Nb stainless steels, investigating their grain boundary compositions and their IGSCC behaviour over a range of test temperatures (30-60 °C) and chloride concentrations (0.3-10 mg/L). Monitoring of crack initiation and propagation is presented along with preliminary results as to the effect of the corrosion inhibitor. 304 stainless steel aged for 72 h at 600 °C provided a close match to the known pond storage corrosion behaviour of spent AGR fuel cladding.

Building Of Training Program Of Non-Destructive Testing For Concrete Structures (Part 1: Radiographic testing; Ultrasonic pulse velocity measurement; Nuclear moisture-density gauge)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nguyen Le Son; Phan Chanh Vu; Pham The Hung; Vu Huy Thuc

2007-01-01

Non-destructive testing methods (NDT) have been identified as a strong candidate for remote sensing of concrete structures over recent years. This has accelerated the powerful development of the NDT techniques in Vietnam. Hence, there is an urgent need to promote the awareness of NDT methods which could give an improved estimate of the condition concrete. Building of training program of non-destructive testing for concrete structures is a necessary duty, in aiming to build a unified training program, possibly satisfying the requirements on training as well as researching. Under the framework of the basic VAEC project (CS/07/02-03), a training program for the first 03 NDT methods: 1. Radiographic testing; 2. Ultrasonic pulse velocity measurement; 3. Nuclear moisture- density gauge was prepared. The main products of this project include: 1. Set out 03 training notes for 03 methods; 2. Set out the practical exercises to train for 03 methods; 3. Editing a set of examination questions in aiming to familiarize with various questions in 03 trained methods; 4. Fabricating practical test specimens to demonstrate for 03 techniques. (author)

AGR fuel management using PANTHER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haddock, S.A.; Parks, G.T.

1995-01-01

This paper describes recent improvements in the AGR fuel management methodology implemented within PANTHER and the use of the code both for stand-alone calculations and within an automatic optimisation procedure. (author)

Irradiation performance of AGR-1 high temperature reactor fuel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Demkowicz, Paul A., E-mail: paul.demkowicz@inl.gov [Idaho National Laboratory, PO Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-6188 (United States); Hunn, John D. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, PO Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6093 (United States); Ploger, Scott A. [Idaho National Laboratory, PO Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-6188 (United States); Morris, Robert N.; Baldwin, Charles A. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, PO Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6093 (United States); Harp, Jason M.; Winston, Philip L. [Idaho National Laboratory, PO Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-6188 (United States); Gerczak, Tyler J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, PO Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6093 (United States); Rooyen, Isabella J. van [Idaho National Laboratory, PO Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-6188 (United States); Montgomery, Fred C.; Silva, Chinthaka M. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, PO Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6093 (United States)

2016-09-15

Highlights: • Post-irradiation examination was performed on AGR-1 coated particle fuel. • Cesium release from the particles was very low in the absence of failed SiC layers. • Silver release was often substantial, and varied considerably with temperature. • Buffer and IPyC layers were found to play a key role in TRISO coating behavior. • Fission products palladium and silver were found in the SiC layer of particles. - Abstract: The AGR-1 experiment contained 72 low-enriched uranium oxide/uranium carbide TRISO coated particle fuel compacts in six capsules irradiated to burnups of 11.2 to 19.6% FIMA, with zero TRISO coating failures detected during the irradiation. The irradiation performance of the fuel including the extent of fission product release and the evolution of kernel and coating microstructures was evaluated based on detailed examination of the irradiation capsules, the fuel compacts, and individual particles. Fractional release of {sup 110m}Ag from the fuel compacts was often significant, with capsule-average values ranging from 0.01 to 0.38. Analysis of silver release from individual compacts indicated that it was primarily dependent on fuel temperature history. Europium and strontium were released in small amounts through intact coatings, but were found to be significantly retained in the outer pyrocarbon and compact matrix. The capsule-average fractional release from the compacts was 1 × 10{sup −4} to 5 × 10{sup −4} for {sup 154}Eu and 8 × 10{sup −7} to 3 × 10{sup −5} for {sup 90}Sr. The average {sup 134}Cs fractional release from compacts was <3 × 10{sup −6} when all particles maintained intact SiC. An estimated four particles out of 2.98 × 10{sup 5} in the experiment experienced partial cesium release due to SiC failure during the irradiation, driving {sup 134}Cs fractional release in two capsules to approximately 10{sup −5}. Identification and characterization of these particles has provided unprecedented insight into

Scottish Nuclear Limited: the AGR - past, present and future

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anderson, D.; Barnes, G.G.

1993-01-01

This article reviews the historical development of the AGR (advanced gas-cooled reactor) in Scotland from its inception to its current successfully established position. It examines where the AGRs will go in the future and concludes with the strategic role of the existing and new plant in the market-led electricity supply industry. (Author)

X-ray Analysis of Defects and Anomalies in AGR-5/6/7 TRISO Particles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Helmreich, Grant W. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Hunn, John D. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Skitt, Darren J. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Dyer, John A. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Schumacher, Austin T. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

2017-06-01

Coated particle fuel batches J52O-16-93164, 93165, 93166, 93168, 93169, 93170, and 93172 were produced by Babcock and Wilcox Technologies (BWXT) for possible selection as fuel for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) Program’s AGR-5/6/7 irradiation test in the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), or may be used for other tests. Each batch was coated in a 150-mm-diameter production-scale fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coatings were deposited on 425-μm-nominal-diameter spherical kernels from BWXT lot J52R-16-69317 containing a mixture of 15.4%-enriched uranium carbide and uranium oxide (UCO), with the exception of Batch 93164, which used similar kernels from BWXT lot J52L-16-69316. The TRISO-coatings consisted of a ~50% dense carbon buffer layer with 100-μmnominal thickness, a dense inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness, a silicon carbide (SiC) layer with 35-μm-nominal thickness, and a dense outer pyrolytic carbon (OPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness. Each coated particle batch was sieved to upgrade the particles by removing over-sized and under-sized material, and the upgraded batch was designated by appending the letter A to the end of the batch number (e.g., 93164A). Secondary upgrading by sieving was performed on the upgraded batches to remove specific anomalies identified during analysis for Defective IPyC, and the upgraded batches were designated by appending the letter B to the end of the batch number (e.g., 93165B). Following this secondary upgrading, coated particle composite J52R-16-98005 was produced by BWXT as fuel for the AGR Program’s AGR-5/6/7 irradiation test in the INL ATR. This composite was comprised of coated particle fuel batches J52O-16-93165B, 93168B, 93169B, and 93170B.

Crystal Structure of AGR_C_4470p from Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vorobiev,S.; Neely, H.; Seetharaman, J.; Ma, L.; Xiao, R.; Acton, T.; Montelione, G.; Tong, L.

2007-01-01

We report here the crystal structure at 2.0 {angstrom} resolution of the AGR{_}C{_}4470p protein from the Gram-negative bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The protein is a tightly associated dimer, each subunit of which bears strong structural homology with the two domains of the heme utilization protein ChuS from Escherichia coli and HemS from Yersinia enterocolitica. Remarkably, the organization of the AGR{_}C{_}4470p dimer is the same as that of the two domains in ChuS and HemS, providing structural evidence that these two proteins evolved by gene duplication. However, the binding site for heme, while conserved in HemS and ChuS, is not conserved in AGR{_}C{_}4470p, suggesting that it probably has a different function. This is supported by the presence of two homologs of AGR{_}C{_}4470p in E. coli, in addition to the ChuS protein.

Trace organics in AGR coolants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, R.; Green, L.O.; Johnson, P.A.V.

1980-01-01

Several analytical techniques have been employed in previous studies of the stable organic compounds arising from the radiolysis of methane/carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide coolants. The majority of this early information was collected from the Windscale AGR prototype. Analyses were also carried out on the liquors obtained from the WAGR humidryers. Three classes of compound were found in the liquors; aliphatic acids in the aqueous phase and methyl ketones and aromatic hydrocarbons in the oily phase. Acetic acid was found to be the predominant carboxylic acid. This paper outlines the major findings from a recent analytical survey of coolants taken over a wide range of dose rate, pressure, temperature and composition, from materials testing reactor facilities, WAGR and CAGR. (author)

Inverse kinetics technique for reactor shutdown measurement: an experimental assessment. [AGR

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lewis, T. A.; McDonald, D.

1975-09-15

It is proposed to use the Inverse Kinetics Technique to measure the subcritical reactivity as a function of time during the testing of the nitrogen injection systems on AGRs. A description is given of an experimental assessment of the technique by investigating known transients created by control rod movements on a small experimental reactor, (2m high, 1m radius). Spatial effects were observed close to the moving rods but otherwise derived reactivities were independent of detector position and agreed well with the existing calibrations. This prompted the suggestion that data from installed reactor instrumentation could be used to calibrate CAGR control rods.

AGR core safety assessment methodologies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McLachlan, N.; Reed, J.; Metcalfe, M.P.

1996-01-01

To demonstrate the safety of its gas-cooled graphite-moderated AGR reactors, nuclear safety assessments of the cores are based upon a methodology which demonstrates no component failures, geometrical stability of the structure and material properties bounded by a database. All AGRs continue to meet these three criteria. However, predictions of future core behaviour indicate that the safety case methodology will eventually need to be modified to deal with new phenomena. A new approach to the safety assessment of the cores is currently under development, which can take account of these factors while at the same time providing the same level of protection for the cores. This approach will be based on the functionality of the core: unhindered movement of control rods, continued adequate cooling of the fuel and the core, continued ability to charge and discharge fuel. (author). 5 figs

The use of simulation on courses at the CEGB's nuclear power training centre

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Madden, V.J.; Tompsett, P.A.

1986-01-01

Simulation used during training courses held at the Central Electricity Generating Board's (CEGB's) Nuclear Power Training Centre takes the form of desk-top kinetics units, generic Magnox and plant specific Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) simulators. This paper reviews the CEGB's experience in the training use of the first three AGR simulators and describes both the developments made since their first commissioning and those currently envisaged. The Heysham 2 simulator is compared with the earlier units and its use during training courses is discussed. The role of the tutor in the provision of simulator training is considered together with the various facilities which he controls. (author)

La Elvira, desarrollo agrícola olvidado (caso real

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Álvaro Camacho Caicedo

2007-01-01

Full Text Available En éste artículo, se hace una reflexión crítica sobre la concepción que tradicionalmente han tenido los lideres y dirigentes de las instituciones gubernamentales, privadas y académicas relacionadas con el Desarrollo Rural del Municipio, sobre la importancia de "la contribución del "subsector agrícola campesino caleño" al PIB municipal. Se resalta la relación fundamental que existe entre el nivel de productividad y competitividad que pueden llegar a alcanzar los corregimientos caleños en sus cosechas de hortalizas con los acompañamientos, fomento y apoyos de asistencia tecnológica, crédito agrícola, administración de cultivos y comercialización por parte de las instituciones mencionadas. La falta de apoyos interinstitucionales genera en la comunidad el efecto contrario. En el presente artículo se plantean propuestas, estrategias y políticas para el desarrollo agrícola del corregimiento caleño de La Elvira, basadas en la experiencia del autor como economista agrícola y de otras personas interesadas y conocedoras del tema.

Uncertainty Quantification of Calculated Temperatures for the U.S. Capsules in the AGR-2 Experiment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lybeck, Nancy [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Einerson, Jeffrey J. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Pham, Binh T. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Hawkes, Grant L. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2015-03-01

A series of Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) irradiation experiments are being conducted within the Advanced Reactor Technology (ART) Fuel Development and Qualification Program. The main objectives of the fuel experimental campaign are to provide the necessary data on fuel performance to support fuel process development, qualify a fuel design and fabrication process for normal operation and accident conditions, and support development and validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes (PLN-3636). The AGR-2 test was inserted in the B-12 position in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) core at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in June 2010 and successfully completed irradiation in October 2013, resulting in irradiation of the TRISO fuel for 559.2 effective full power days (EFPDs) during approximately 3.3 calendar years. The AGR-2 data, including the irradiation data and calculated results, were qualified and stored in the Nuclear Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS) (Pham and Einerson 2014). To support the U.S. TRISO fuel performance assessment and to provide data for validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes, the daily as-run thermal analysis has been performed separately on each of four AGR-2 U.S. capsules for the entire irradiation as discussed in (Hawkes 2014). The ABAQUS code’s finite element-based thermal model predicts the daily average volume-average fuel temperature and peak fuel temperature in each capsule. This thermal model involves complex physical mechanisms (e.g., graphite holder and fuel compact shrinkage) and properties (e.g., conductivity and density). Therefore, the thermal model predictions are affected by uncertainty in input parameters and by incomplete knowledge of the underlying physics leading to modeling assumptions. Therefore, alongside with the deterministic predictions from a set of input thermal conditions, information about prediction uncertainty is instrumental for the ART

Corrosion inhibition studies in support of the long term storage of AGR fuel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Standring, P [Sellafield Limited (United Kingdom)

2012-07-01

Thorp Receipt and Storage (at Sellafield, UK) is currently being investigated as a bridging solution for the storage of AGR fuel pending the out-come of a national review into spent fuel management. AGR spent fuel is known to be susceptible to corrosion through inter-granular attack. To avoid this, the chosen storage regime for AGR fuel is sodium hydroxide dosed pond water to pH 11.4; now 22 years of operating experience. The conversion of TR and S will require a phased transition. During this transition sodium hydroxide cannot be used due to materials compatibility issues. Alternative corrosion inhibitors have been investigated as an interim measure and sodium nitrate has been selected as a suitable candidate. The efficiency of sodium nitrate to inhibit propagating inter-granular attack of active AGR materials has yet to be established. In the longer term sodium hydroxide will be deployed along with a move to a closed loop pond water management system. Given that carbon dioxide is known to be absorbed by sodium hydroxide dosed water and can affect fuel integrity, in the case of Magnox fuel, there is a need to establish its impact on AGR fuel. The objectives are: To establish the impact of carbonate on AGR fuel corrosion; To establish the efficiency of sodium nitrate to inhibit propagating inter-granular attack of irradiated AGR materials.

Saberes agrícolas tradicionales como programa académico

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. Antonio Gómez Espinoza

2008-01-01

Full Text Available En el marco de las crisis social y ambiental del tercer milenio, se hace necesario repensar la universidad, sus paradigmas, el concepto de educación y su modelo educativo para impactar en la construcción de la nueva sociedad. Los Saberes Agrícolas Tradicionales (SAT aportan elementos conceptuales básicos para la implementación y desarrollo de una sociedad sustentable. A partir del rescate, la sistematización de los SAT y el diálogo intercultural SAT-ciencia, se propone incorporar los Saberes Agrícolas Tradicionales como programa académico en las Instituciones de Enseñanza y Aprendizaje Agrícola del nivel Superior (IEAS.

Operator training facilities for CEGB advanced gas cooled reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Green, J.F.; Birnie, S.

1980-01-01

The facilities provided at the Nuclear Power Training Centre of the CEGB for the training of operators fo the AGR are described. The simulator control desks are replicas of three AGR designs with, in addition, simulation of the Data Processing System for each station. Three modes of operation are envisaged: a.) Demonstration where the simulator is used by the tutor to illustrate lecture on plant behaviour. b.) Interaction where the student carries out normal procedures and experiences plant failure situations. c.) Investigation where engineering staff use the simulator for validation of modified operational procedures, ergonomic studies etc. (orig./HP)

Comparison of fission product release predictions using PARFUME with results from the AGR-1 irradiation experiment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Collin, Blaise P.; Petti, David A.; Demkowicz, Paul A.; Maki, John T.

2014-01-01

The PARFUME (PARticle FUel ModEl) code was used to predict fission product release from tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated fuel particles and compacts during the first irradiation experiment (AGR-1) of the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification program. The PARFUME model for the AGR-1 experiment used the fuel compact volume average temperature for each of the 620 days of irradiation to calculate the release of fission products silver, cesium, and strontium from a representative particle for a select number of AGR-1 compacts. Post-irradiation examination (PIE) measurements provided data on release of fission products from fuel compacts and fuel particles, and retention of fission products in the compacts outside of the silicon carbide (SiC) layer. PARFUME-predicted fractional release of these fission products was determined and compared to the PIE measurements. Results show an overall over-prediction of the fractional release of cesium by PARFUME. For particles with failed SiC layers, the over-prediction is by a factor of about two, corresponding to an over-estimation of the diffusivity in uranium oxycarbide (UCO) by a factor of about 100. For intact particles, whose release is much lower, the over-prediction is by an average of about an order of magnitude, which could additionally be attributed to an over-estimated diffusivity in SiC by about 30%. The release of strontium from intact particles is also over-estimated by PARFUME, which also points towards an over-estimated diffusivity of strontium in either SiC or UCO, or possibly both. The measured strontium fractional release from intact particles varied considerably from compact to compact, making it difficult to assess the effective over-estimation of the diffusivities. Furthermore, the release of strontium from particles with failed SiC is difficult to observe experimentally due to the release from intact particles, preventing any conclusions to be made on the accuracy or validity of the

AGR-1 Fuel Compact 6-3-2 Post-Irradiation Examination Results

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Paul demkowicz; jason Harp; Scott Ploger

2012-12-01

Destructive post-irradiation examination was performed on fuel Compact 6-3-2, which was irradiated in the AGR-1 experiment to a final compact average burnup of 11.3% FIMA and a time-average, volume-average temperature of 1070°C. The analysis of this compact was focused on characterizing the extent of fission product release from the particles and examining particles to determine the condition of the kernels and coating layers. The work included deconsolidation of the compact and leach-burn-leach analysis, visual inspection and gamma counting of individual particles, measurement of fuel burnup by several methods, metallurgical preparation of selected particles, and examination of particle cross-sections with optical microscopy. A single particle with a defective SiC layer was identified during deconsolidation-leach-burn-leach analysis, which is in agreement with previous measurements showing elevated cesium in the Capsule 6 graphite fuel holder associated with this fuel compact. The fraction of the compact europium inventory released from the particles and retained in the matrix was relatively high (approximately 6E-3), indicating release from intact particle coatings. The Ag-110m inventory in individual particles exhibited a very broad distribution, with some particles retaining =80% of the predicted inventory and others retaining less than 25%. The average degree of Ag-110m retention in 60 gamma counted particles was approximately 50%. This elevated silver release is in agreement with analysis of silver on the Capsule 6 components, which indicated an average release of 38% of the Capsule 6 inventory from the fuel compacts. In spite of the relatively high degree of silver release from the particles, virtually none of the Ag-110m released was found in the compact matrix, and presumably migrated out of the compact and was deposited on the irradiation capsule components. Release of all other fission products from the particles appears to be less than a single

The Staphylococcus aureus Two-Component System AgrAC Displays Four Distinct Genomic Arrangements That Delineate Genomic Virulence Factor Signatures

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kumari S. Choudhary

2018-05-01

Full Text Available Two-component systems (TCSs consist of a histidine kinase and a response regulator. Here, we evaluated the conservation of the AgrAC TCS among 149 completely sequenced Staphylococcus aureus strains. It is composed of four genes: agrBDCA. We found that: (i AgrAC system (agr was found in all but one of the 149 strains, (ii the agr positive strains were further classified into four agr types based on AgrD protein sequences, (iii the four agr types not only specified the chromosomal arrangement of the agr genes but also the sequence divergence of AgrC histidine kinase protein, which confers signal specificity, (iv the sequence divergence was reflected in distinct structural properties especially in the transmembrane region and second extracellular binding domain, and (v there was a strong correlation between the agr type and the virulence genomic profile of the organism. Taken together, these results demonstrate that bioinformatic analysis of the agr locus leads to a classification system that correlates with the presence of virulence factors and protein structural properties.

The Staphylococcus aureus Two-Component System AgrAC Displays Four Distinct Genomic Arrangements That Delineate Genomic Virulence Factor Signatures

Science.gov (United States)

Choudhary, Kumari S.; Mih, Nathan; Monk, Jonathan; Kavvas, Erol; Yurkovich, James T.; Sakoulas, George; Palsson, Bernhard O.

2018-01-01

Two-component systems (TCSs) consist of a histidine kinase and a response regulator. Here, we evaluated the conservation of the AgrAC TCS among 149 completely sequenced Staphylococcus aureus strains. It is composed of four genes: agrBDCA. We found that: (i) AgrAC system (agr) was found in all but one of the 149 strains, (ii) the agr positive strains were further classified into four agr types based on AgrD protein sequences, (iii) the four agr types not only specified the chromosomal arrangement of the agr genes but also the sequence divergence of AgrC histidine kinase protein, which confers signal specificity, (iv) the sequence divergence was reflected in distinct structural properties especially in the transmembrane region and second extracellular binding domain, and (v) there was a strong correlation between the agr type and the virulence genomic profile of the organism. Taken together, these results demonstrate that bioinformatic analysis of the agr locus leads to a classification system that correlates with the presence of virulence factors and protein structural properties. PMID:29887846

Caracterização dos acidentes com tratores agrícolas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Schlosser José Fernando

2002-01-01

Full Text Available Em despeito à sua importância, poucas pesquisas vêm sendo executadas com o intuito de caracterizar os acidentes de trabalho com tratores agrícolas, identificando sua natureza (tipo bem como suas causas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar os acidentes envolvendo tratores agrícolas ocorridos na região da Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul e, a partir disto, delinear estratégias eficientes na sua prevenção. Para o levantamento dos dados, foi aplicado um questionário aos operadores de tratores agrícolas da região da Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados demonstraram que 39% dos trabalhadores rurais entrevistados já sofreram algum tipo de acidente de trabalho com tratores agrícolas. Dentre os tipos de acidentes com tratores agrícolas detectados na pesquisa, destacam-se o capotamento, que correspondeu a 51,71% do total de acidentes graves, e os escorregões, que corresponderam a 40,82% dos acidentes leves. As principais causas dos acidentes relatados foram a falta de conhecimento a respeito das medidas de segurança na operação de tratores (32,77%, a falta de atenção (32,22% para a tarefa executada e o equipamento inadequado (22,22%. Os acidentes graves tiveram causas diferentes comparativamente aos leves. Operadores sem treinamento adequado, a não observação de regras básicas de segurança e a longa jornada de trabalho são tendências observadas neste trabalho que ampliam os riscos de ocorrência de acidentes. A inclusão de dispositivos que tornem a máquina mais segura e confortável, bem como o treinamento dos operadores de tratores agrícolas são práticas de importância fundamental para a prevenção dos acidentes com tratores agrícolas.

Trabajadores agrícolas y subjetividad en California

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Florencio Posadas Segura

2014-01-01

Full Text Available En este trabajo se explora el problema de la subjetividad de los trabajadores agríco - las, partiendo de la hipótesis de que éstos consideran malas sus condiciones de vida y de trabajo. Mediante el trabajo de campo se demostraron sus conocimientos y opi - niones sobre su situación laboral y existencial en el Valle de San Joaquín California durante 2007 y 2008. Se descubrió que la visión del trabajador agrícola está basada en la subjetivación y reinterpretación de sus circunstancias objetivas de trabajo y de vida. Se concluyó que los trabajadores agrícolas opinan que sus condiciones son pé - simas porque sus derechos laborales, sociales y humanos no se reconocen o respetan, la crisis económica, social y política de Estados Unidos les perjudica y el Tratado de Libre Comercio entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá ( TLCAN sólo podría beneficiarles con una reforma migratoria.

The design and development of AGR fuelling machines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calnan, J.P.; Hardon, L.

1986-01-01

The main functional requirements and essential generic design aspects of the UK AGR fuelling machines are listed and described as a precursor to reviewing some detail features of the individual station designs. The paper highlights the variability of engineering solutions adopted to meet the common challenge of on-load refuelling the first generation AGR stations. Design development from first to second generation stations is illustrated by detailed reference to the Hinkley B/Hunterston B and Heysham II/Torness fuelling machine designs. The paper concludes with a brief speculative view on the possible direction of future design development. (author)

Daily Thermal Predictions of the AGR-1 Experiment with Gas Gaps Varying with Time

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Grant Hawkes; James Sterbentz; John Maki; Binh Pham

2012-06-01

A new daily as-run thermal analysis was performed at the Idaho National Laboratory on the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) test experiment number one at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). This thermal analysis incorporates gas gaps changing with time during the irradiation experiment. The purpose of this analysis was to calculate the daily average temperatures of each compact to compare with experimental results. Post irradiation examination (PIE) measurements of the graphite holder and fuel compacts showed the gas gaps varying from the beginning of life. The control temperature gas gap and the fuel compact – graphite holder gas gaps were linearly changed from the original fabrication dimensions, to the end of irradiation measurements. A steady-state thermal analysis was performed for each daily calculation. These new thermal predictions more closely match the experimental data taken during the experiment than previous analyses. Results are presented comparing normalized compact average temperatures to normalized log(R/B) Kr-85m. The R/B term is the measured release rate divided by the predicted birth rate for the isotope Kr-85m. Correlations between these two normalized values are presented.

Heysham II/Torness AGR steam generator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Charcharos, A.N.; Wood, M.B.; Glasgow, J.R.

1988-01-01

The AGR Steam Generators for Heysham II and Torness Power Stations have been installed at site and are being operated in the initial low temperature commissioning plant engineering tests. In this paper a description of the high pressure once-through steam generators together with layout arrangements, materials employed, operating parameters, plant operating conditions and constraints is given. An outline of the development of the design through thermo-hydraulic considerations, mechanical design, instrumentation to component testing is presented. Special features of the design directed to accommodate such requirements as seismic loadings, waterside static and dynamic stability, gas flow induced vibration, thermal expansions are described in detail. The fabrication facilities employed and techniques selected and developed for the manufacture and assembly of the heating surfaces are presented. These include welding processes, tube manipulation and heat treatment with details of the automation applied to the processes. Operating experience in the early commissioning plant engineering tests at Site is described with an emphasis on those tests which provide the final confirmation of the design prior to operation at full load. The paper concludes with a description of the outstanding commissioning activities up to raise power. (author)

Heysham II/Torness AGR steam generator

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Charcharos, A N [National Nuclear Corporation Ltd., Knutsford (United Kingdom); Wood, M B; Glasgow, J R [NEI Power Projects Ltd., Gateshead (United Kingdom)

1988-07-01

The AGR Steam Generators for Heysham II and Torness Power Stations have been installed at site and are being operated in the initial low temperature commissioning plant engineering tests. In this paper a description of the high pressure once-through steam generators together with layout arrangements, materials employed, operating parameters, plant operating conditions and constraints is given. An outline of the development of the design through thermo-hydraulic considerations, mechanical design, instrumentation to component testing is presented. Special features of the design directed to accommodate such requirements as seismic loadings, waterside static and dynamic stability, gas flow induced vibration, thermal expansions are described in detail. The fabrication facilities employed and techniques selected and developed for the manufacture and assembly of the heating surfaces are presented. These include welding processes, tube manipulation and heat treatment with details of the automation applied to the processes. Operating experience in the early commissioning plant engineering tests at Site is described with an emphasis on those tests which provide the final confirmation of the design prior to operation at full load. The paper concludes with a description of the outstanding commissioning activities up to raise power. (author)

Acceptance Test Data for Candidate AGR-5/6/7 TRISO Particle Batches BWXT Coater Batches 93165 93172 Defective IPyC Fraction and Pyrocarbon Anisotropy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Helmreich, Grant W. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Hunn, John D. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Skitt, Darren J. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Dyer, John A. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Schumacher, Austin T. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

2017-03-01

Coated particle fuel batches J52O-16-93165, 93166, 93168, 93169, 93170, and 93172 were produced by Babcock and Wilcox Technologies (BWXT) for possible selection as fuel for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) Program’s AGR-5/6/7 irradiation test in the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). Some of these batches may alternately be used as demonstration coated particle fuel for other experiments. Each batch was coated in a 150-mm-diameter production-scale fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coatings were deposited on 425-μm-nominal-diameter spherical kernels from BWXT lot J52R-16-69317 containing a mixture of 15.5%-enriched uranium carbide and uranium oxide (UCO). The TRISO coatings consisted of four consecutive CVD layers: a ~50% dense carbon buffer layer with 100-μm-nominal thickness, a dense inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness, a silicon carbide (SiC) layer with 35-μm-nominal thickness, and a dense outer pyrolytic carbon (OPyC) layer with 40-μmnominal thickness. The TRISO-coated particle batches were sieved to upgrade the particles by removing over-sized and under-sized material, and the upgraded batches were designated by appending the letter A to the end of the batch number (e.g., 93165A).

PIE on Safety-Tested Loose Particles from Irradiated Compact 4-4-2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hunn, John D. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Gerczak, Tyler J. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Morris, Robert Noel [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Baldwin, Charles A. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Montgomery, Fred C. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

2016-04-01

Post-irradiation examination (PIE) is being performed in support of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel development and qualification for High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). This work is sponsored by the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) through the Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) Office under the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) Program. The AGR-1 experiment was the first in a series of TRISO fuel irradiation tests initiated in 2006. The AGR-1 TRISO particles and fuel compacts were fabricated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in 2006 using laboratory-scale equipment and irradiated for 3 years in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to demonstrate and evaluate fuel performance under HTGR irradiation conditions. Post-irradiation examination was performed at INL and ORNL to study how the fuel behaved during irradiation, and to test fuel performance during exposure to elevated temperatures at or above temperatures that could occur during a depressurized conduction cooldown event. This report summarizes safety testing and post-safety testing PIE conducted at ORNL on loose particles extracted from irradiated AGR-1 Compact 4-4-2.

Performance Tests of Three Flow Distributors Using SMART-ITL with 1-Train CMT

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bae, Hwang; Ryu, Sung Uk; Shin, Yong-Cheol; Ko, Yung-Joo; Min, Kyoung-Ho; Ryu, Hyo Bong; Park, Jong-Kuk; Bang, Yun-Gon; Chae, Young-Jong; Yi, Sung-Jae; Park, Hyun-Sik [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2014-10-15

Passive safety systems (PSSs) are key tools to remove the heat from the core or containment. Safety improvements for SMART have been studied since the Standard Design Approval (SDA) for SMART was certificated in 2012. Active safety systems such as safety injection pumps are replaced by a passive system, which is a kind of the gravity injection system with core makeup tanks (CMT) and safety injection tanks (SIT). All tanks for the passive safety systems are located higher than a pressurized reactor vessel, whose injection nozzles are located around the reactor coolant pumps (RCP). An Integral Test Loop for the SMART design (SMART-ITL) has been constructed and its commissioning tests finished in 2012. SMART-ITL is scaled down by the volume scaling methodology. Its height is conserved and its volume scale ratio is 1/49. The SMART-ITL has all fluid systems of SMART together with a break system and instruments. Recently, a test program to validate the performance of SMART Passive Safety System (PSS) was launched. A scaled-down test facility for SMART PSS was additionally installed at the existing SMART-ITL facility and a set of validation tests were performed. In this paper, the performance tests of the flow distributors using SMART-ITL with 1-train CMT will be discussed. A 1-train passive safety system including a CMT and SIT, which is operated only by gravity force, was additionally installed in the SMART-ITL to replace the active safety system for the SMART design. Several performance tests for the flow distributors were carried out to estimate a designed flow rate. 1. The peak flow rate in a hot test does not reach the value in a cold test, and the approaching time to peak is also delayed during the early stage of gravity injection. 2.. It is verified that the flow rate from a gravity injection depends on the differential pressure in the injection pipe line including a friction and form drag, which can be adjusted by controlling the resistance coefficient.

AGR-2 Final Data Qualification Report for U.S. Capsules - ATR Cycles 147A Through 154B

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pham, Binh T. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States). Very High-Temperature Reactor Technology Development Office; Einerson, Jeffrey J. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States). Very High-Temperature Reactor Technology Development Office

2014-07-01

This report provides the data qualification status of AGR-2 fuel irradiation experimental data in four U.S. capsules from all 15 Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) Cycles 147A, 148A, 148B, 149A, 149B, 150A, 150B, 151A, 151B, 152A, 152B, 153A, 153B, 154A, and 154B, as recorded in the Nuclear Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS). Thus, this report covers data qualification status for the entire AGR-2 irradiation and will replace four previously issued AGR-2 data qualification reports (e.g., INL/EXT-11-22798, INL/EXT-12-26184, INL/EXT-13-29701, and INL/EXT-13-30750). During AGR-2 irradiation, two cycles, 152A and 153A, occurred when the ATR core was briefly at low power, so AGR-2 irradiation data are not used for physics and thermal calculations. Also, two cycles, 150A and 153B, are Power Axial Locator Mechanism (PALM) cycles when the ATR power is higher than during normal cycles. During the first PALM cycle, 150A, the experiment was temporarily moved from the B-12 location to the ATR water canal and during the second PALM cycle, 153B, the experiment was temporarily moved from the B-12 location to the I-24 location to avoid being overheated. During the “Outage” cycle, 153A, seven flow meters were installed downstream from seven Fission Product Monitoring System (FPMS) monitors to measure flows from the monitors and these data are included in the NDMAS database.

Competencias Profesionales del Ingeniero Agrónomo de la Universidad de Guanajuato Competencias Profesionales del Ingeniero Agrónomo de la Universidad de Guanajuato

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gabriel Córdova Duarte

2012-02-01

Full Text Available Buscando determinar las competencias profesionales del Ingeniero Agrónomo, se realizó una revisión bibliográfi ca de la problemática agrícola del estado de Guanajuato, sobre las características y tipos de competencias, requeridas en éste contexto. Las mismas se identificaron y clasificaron de la siguiente manera: técnicas, establecer, implementar y evaluar las diversas técnicas de producción de cultivos; realizar un uso eficiente del agua; conservar, recuperar y optimizar el suelo; seleccionar y manejar maquinaria y equipo agropecuario; diagnosticar, controlar y prevenir las plagas, malezas y enfermedades de los cultivos; las metodológicas: analizar, implementar y evaluar diversas estrategias de venta y comercialización de productos y subproductos agrícolas; administrar empresas y proyectos agrícolas; y, establecer, implementar y evaluar alternativas energéticas agrícolas; la social participativa: diseñar, implementar y evaluar diversas estrategias para el desarrollo rural. Por tanto, la formación del agrónomo debe brindar estas competencias, a fin de contribuir al mejoramiento de la problemática estatal. In order to determine the professional competencies needed by Agricultural Engineers, a bibliographic review of agricultural problems in the state of Guanajuato was performed, focused on the types and characteristics of competencies needed, which were identified and classified as follows: Techniques for the establishment, implementation, and evaluation of various methods of crop production; the efficient use of water; the conservation, recuperation, and optimization of soil; the selection and use of machinery and farming equipment; and the diagnosing, control, and prevention of weeds, vermin, and crop diseases; Methodologies for the analysis, implementation, and evaluation of various sales strategies and the commercialization of agricultural products and sub-products; the administration of companies and agricultural

Cross-Talk between Staphylococcus aureus and Other Staphylococcal Species via the agr Quorum Sensing System

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jaime Canovas

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Staphylococci are associated with both humans and animals. While most are non-pathogenic colonizers, Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing severe infections. S. aureus virulence is controlled by the agr quorum sensing system responding to secreted auto-inducing peptides (AIPs sensed by AgrC, a two component histidine kinase. agr loci are found also in other staphylococcal species and for Staphylococcus epidermidis, the encoded AIP represses expression of agr regulated virulence genes in S. aureus. In this study we aimed to better understand the interaction between staphylococci and S. aureus, and show that this interaction may eventually lead to the identification of new anti-virulence candidates to target S. aureus infections. Here we show that culture supernatants of 37 out of 52 staphylococcal isolates representing 17 different species inhibit S. aureus agr. The dog pathogen, Staphylococcus schleiferi, expressed the most potent inhibitory activity and was active against all four agr classes found in S. aureus. By employing a S. aureus strain encoding a constitutively active AIP receptor we show that the activity is mediated via agr. Subsequent cloning and heterologous expression of the S. schleiferi AIP in S. aureus demonstrated that this molecule was likely responsible for the inhibitory activity, and further proof was provided when pure synthetic S. schleiferi AIP was able to completely abolish agr induction of an S. aureus reporter strain. To assess impact on S. aureus virulence, we co-inoculated S. aureus and S. schleiferi in vivo in the Galleria mellonella wax moth larva, and found that expression of key S. aureus virulence factors was abrogated. Our data show that the S. aureus agr locus is highly responsive to other staphylococcal species suggesting that agr is an inter-species communication system. Based on these results we speculate that interactions between S. aureus and other colonizing staphylococci

Measurement techniques for AGR circulators in a full-density rig

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watson, I.; Wilson, R.R.

1977-01-01

Safety and reliability are the most important factors of a nuclear power plant. This applies in particular to the circulators used to drive the high-density CO 2 around the reactor core and boiler circuits. Under operating conditions, very high sound-pressure levels are generated which could excite components and cause possible fatigue failures. Failures of this type were experienced on the original axial blowers for the Hinkley 'A' Magnox reactor and, following this, a stringent test plan was specified for the AGR circulators. The present paper describes some of the techniques used to measure strain, sound and vibration on circulators in a full-density rig. This rig reproduces the actual reactor working conditions of 300 0 C and 4.1 MN m -2 with gas velocities up to 120 m s -1 . Under these conditions sound-pressure levels of up to 172 dB are generated. This programme of circulator testing has continued for the past 10 years. During this period many obstacles and difficulties were encountered. Some of these problems, together with the solutions found, are discussed. (author)

La ingeniería agrícola en el mundo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Eugenio Hernández H.

1989-07-01

Full Text Available Con el objeto de dar a conocer el grado de difusión que la ingeniería agrícola tiene en el mundo, en el presente artículo se indican la mayoría de los países y las universidades que en los distintos continentes ofrecen programas de pregrado y postgrado en ingeniería agrícola y áreas afines. Se trata de una recopilación de la información disponible en diferentes fuentes; pretendemos que sirva de punto de apoyo en la obtención de mayores datos para aquellas personas interesadas en iniciar la carrera a nivel de pregrado o bien en cursar estudios de postgrado en una de las áreas específicas de acción profesional de la ingeniería agrícola.

Ras-dva1 small GTPase regulates telencephalon development in Xenopus laevis embryos by controlling Fgf8 and Agr signaling at the anterior border of the neural plate

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maria B. Tereshina

2014-07-01

Full Text Available We previously found that the small GTPase Ras-dva1 is essential for the telencephalic development in Xenopus laevis because Ras-dva1 controls the Fgf8-mediated induction of FoxG1 expression, a key telencephalic regulator. In this report, we show, however, that Ras-dva1 and FoxG1 are expressed in different groups of cells; whereas Ras-dva1 is expressed in the outer layer of the anterior neural fold, FoxG1 and Fgf8 are activated in the inner layer from which the telencephalon is derived. We resolve this paradox by demonstrating that Ras-dva1 is involved in the transduction of Fgf8 signal received by cells in the outer layer, which in turn send a feedback signal that stimulates FoxG1 expression in the inner layer. We show that this feedback signal is transmitted by secreted Agr proteins, the expression of which is activated in the outer layer by mediation of Ras-dva1 and the homeodomain transcription factor Otx2. In turn, Agrs are essential for maintaining Fgf8 and FoxG1 expression in cells at the anterior neural plate border. Our finding reveals a novel feedback loop mechanism based on the exchange of Fgf8 and Agr signaling between neural and non-neural compartments at the anterior margin of the neural plate and demonstrates a key role of Ras-dva1 in this mechanism.

A abordagem ambiental na geografia agrária brasileira: uma análise dos periódicos Revista Agrária, Revista Campo-Território e Revista NERA

OpenAIRE

Artur Leonardo Andrade

2015-01-01

O presente estudo procurou analisar a abordagem ambiental na geografia agrária brasileira a partir dos periódicos Revista Agrária, Revista Campo-Território e Revista NERA. Para isso, foram selecionados e analisados 78 artigos que debatem, de forma direta, a questão ambiental. Como os periódicos foram criados a partir da década de 1990, a escolha metodológica possibilitou uma análise do período atual da geografia agrária, o pós-1990, marcado pela pluralidade teórico-metodológica. Esta pesquisa...

Política Agrícola Canadiense. Algunas lecciones para Argentina

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rinaldo Antonio Colomé

2010-09-01

Full Text Available El objetivo general de este trabajo es analizar el diseño de la política agrícola canadiense, comparándola con las de los otros países altamente desarrollados y con la de Argentina.  Los objetivos específicos son: aAnalizar la política agrícola de Canadá referida a la producción y al comercio de granos y su efecto en los mercados internacionales; bAnalizar la política agrícola y comercial de Canadá referida al sector de oferta dirigida o regulada y sus efectos en el mercado doméstico y en los internacionales; c Realizar una comparación con Argentina. 

Heysham II/Torness AGR core integrity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Birch, A.L.; Hampson, J.D.

1985-01-01

The design and construction process for the Heysham II/Torness AGR core structures is presented. The design intent utilizing all past experience in designing and building AGR core structures is described. The major aspects of the design criteria and the design conditions are outlined to demonstrate how the integrity of the Heysham II/Torness core is assured. Since no recognized codes of practice for graphite core design exist, the National Nuclear Corporation (NNC) have conceived design criteria utilizing reserve factors based on their design experience. Target reserve factors are defined for particular loading conditions including the ultimate 'safe-shutdown earthquake'. The substantial programme of computer analysis and RandD work to substantiate the design, including seismic qualification, is described. In keeping with their responsibility for the detailed core structure design and the fuel path geometry (guide tube system), NNC attach great importance to design/manufacture/construction liaison, which is demonstrated in the quality assurance section. (author)

CD147 and AGR2 expression promote cellular proliferation and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sweeny, Larissa; Liu, Zhiyong; Bush, Benjamin D.; Hartman, Yolanda; Zhou, Tong; Rosenthal, Eben L.

2012-01-01

The signaling pathways facilitating metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells are not fully understood. CD147 is a transmembrane glycoprotein known to induce cell migration and invasion. AGR2 is a secreted peptide also known to promote cell metastasis. Here we describe their importance in the migration and invasion of HNSCC cells (FADU and OSC-19) in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, knockdown of CD147 or AGR2 decreased cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. In vivo, knockdown of CD147 or AGR2 expression decreased primary tumor growth as well as regional and distant metastasis. -- Highlights: ► We investigated AGR2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for the first time. ► We explored the relationship between AGR2 and CD147 for the first time. ► AGR2 and CD147 appear to co-localize in head and squamous cell carcinoma samples. ► Knockdown of both AGR2 and CD147 reduced migration and invasion in vitro. ► Knockdown of both AGR2 and CD147 decreased metastasis in vivo.

Improvements in televisual and photographic inspections of AGRs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hayter, R.; Wadsworth, A.

1988-01-01

The visual inspection techniques and equipment used at AGR Power Stations have been improved and updated in the light of need and technological advance, new equipment being developed and introduced where necessary. Specifically this report covers the development and use of: a short TRIUMPH compatible photographic camera 600 mm long x 75 mm dia taking 50 shots on a 35 mm film; a 240 mm dia photographic pod taking high quality 70 mm format photographs of large in-reactor volumes; a photographic camera of cross section 37 x 17 mm for the inspection of helically wound AGR boilers and the subsequent development of this latter device into a state of the art TV inspection camera. (author)

The Agr communication system provides a benefit to the populations of Listeria monocytogenes in soil.

Science.gov (United States)

Vivant, Anne-Laure; Garmyn, Dominique; Gal, Laurent; Piveteau, Pascal

2014-01-01

In this study, we investigated whether the Agr communication system of the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes was involved in adaptation and competitiveness in soil. Alteration of the ability to communicate, either by deletion of the gene coding the response regulator AgrA (response-negative mutant) or the signal pro-peptide AgrD (signal-negative mutant), did not affect population dynamics in soil that had been sterilized but survival was altered in biotic soil suggesting that the Agr system of L. monocytogenes was involved to face the complex soil biotic environment. This was confirmed by a set of co-incubation experiments. The fitness of the response-negative mutant was lower either in the presence or absence of the parental strain but the fitness of the signal-negative mutant depended on the strain with which it was co-incubated. The survival of the signal-negative mutant was higher when co-cultured with the parental strain than when co-cultured with the response-negative mutant. These results showed that the ability to respond to Agr communication provided a benefit to listerial cells to compete. These results might also indicate that in soil, the Agr system controls private goods rather than public goods.

Geografia agrícola brasileira: gênese e diversidad

OpenAIRE

Suzuki, Julio César

2009-01-01

A geografia agrícola é muito recente. A sua definição como um fragmento de conhecimento não possui mais de meio século. No entanto, o conhecimento sobre o campo é quase tão antigo quanto a história do homem, pelo menos aquela referente ao homem, cuja prática da agricultura alterou as possibilidades de desenvolvimento social. Desta forma, entendemos a geografia agrária como um momento particular de estruturação de conhecimentos sobre o campo e a agricultura, com base na sistematização do conhe...

Fission product monitoring of TRISO coated fuel for the advanced gas reactor-1 experiment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scates, Dawn M.; Hartwell, John K.; Walter, John B.; Drigert, Mark W.; Harp, Jason M.

2010-01-01

The US Department of Energy has embarked on a series of tests of TRISO coated particle reactor fuel intended for use in the Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) as part of the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) program. The AGR-1 TRISO fuel experiment, currently underway, is the first in a series of eight fuel tests planned for irradiation in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The AGR-1 experiment reached a peak compact averaged burnup of 9% FIMA with no known TRISO fuel particle failures in March 2008. The burnup goal for the majority of the fuel compacts is to have a compact averaged burnup greater than 18% FIMA and a minimum compact averaged burnup of 14% FIMA. At the INL the TRISO fuel in the AGR-1 experiment is closely monitored while it is being irradiated in the ATR. The effluent monitoring system used for the AGR-1 fuel is the Fission Product Monitoring System (FPMS). The FPMS is a valuable tool that provides near real-time data indicative of the AGR-1 test fuel performance and incorporates both high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometers and sodium iodide [NaI(Tl)] scintillation detector-based gross radiation monitors. To quantify the fuel performance, release-to-birth ratios (R/B's) of radioactive fission gases are computed. The gamma-ray spectra acquired by the AGR-1 FPMS are analyzed and used to determine the released activities of specific fission gases, while a dedicated detector provides near-real time count rate information. Isotopic build up and depletion calculations provide the associated isotopic birth rates. This paper highlights the features of the FPMS, encompassing the equipment, methods and measures that enable the calculation of the release-to-birth ratios. Some preliminary results from the AGR-1 experiment are also presented.

CD147 and AGR2 expression promote cellular proliferation and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sweeny, Larissa, E-mail: larissasweeny@gmail.com [Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G082, Birmingham, Alabama (United States); Liu, Zhiyong; Bush, Benjamin D.; Hartman, Yolanda [Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G082, Birmingham, Alabama (United States); Zhou, Tong [Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, 1825 University Boulevard, Shelby Biomedical Research Building 302, Birmingham, Alabama (United States); Rosenthal, Eben L., E-mail: oto@uab.edu [Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G082, Birmingham, Alabama (United States)

2012-08-15

The signaling pathways facilitating metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells are not fully understood. CD147 is a transmembrane glycoprotein known to induce cell migration and invasion. AGR2 is a secreted peptide also known to promote cell metastasis. Here we describe their importance in the migration and invasion of HNSCC cells (FADU and OSC-19) in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, knockdown of CD147 or AGR2 decreased cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. In vivo, knockdown of CD147 or AGR2 expression decreased primary tumor growth as well as regional and distant metastasis. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We investigated AGR2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for the first time. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We explored the relationship between AGR2 and CD147 for the first time. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer AGR2 and CD147 appear to co-localize in head and squamous cell carcinoma samples. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Knockdown of both AGR2 and CD147 reduced migration and invasion in vitro. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Knockdown of both AGR2 and CD147 decreased metastasis in vivo.

La normalización y certificación de tractores agrícolas en México

OpenAIRE

Alma Velia Ayala Garay; Rocío Cervantes Osornio; Marco Antonio Audelo Benítez; Noé Velázquez López; José Manuel Vargas Sállago

2013-01-01

El tractor agrícola es la principal fuente de potencia dentro de una unidad de producción. Por lo tanto para los usuarios de maquinaria agrícola, resulta una prioridad contar con mecanismos que permitan dar seguridad al usuario final o productor agrícola en el funcionamiento y calidad de los tractores, para esto el objetivo del presente es dar a conocer la evolución de la normalización y certificación de la maquinaria agrícola en México, sus impactos y tendencias, por medio de una descripción...

AGR core models and their application to HTRs and RBMKs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baylis, Samuel

2014-01-01

EDF Energy operates 14 AGRs, commissioned between 1976 and 1989. The graphite moderators of these gas cooled reactors are subjected to a number of ageing processes under fast neutron irradiation in a high temperature CO2 environment. As the graphite ages, continued safe operation requires an advanced whole-core modeling capability to enable accurate assessments of the core’s ability to fulfil fundamental nuclear safety requirements. This is also essential in evaluating the reactor's remaining economic lifetime, and similar assessments are useful for HTRs in the design stage. A number of computational and physical models of AGR graphite cores have been developed or are in development, allowing simulation of the reactors in normal, fault and seismic conditions. Many of the techniques developed are applicable to other graphite moderated reactors. Modeling of the RBMK allows validation against a core in a more advanced state of ageing than the AGRs, while there is also an opportunity to adapt the models for high temperature reactors. As an example, a finite element model of the HTR-PM side reflector based on rigid bodies and nonlinear springs is developed, allowing rapid assessments of distortion in the structure to be made. A model of the RBMK moderator has also been produced using an established AGR code based on similar methods. In addition, this paper discusses the limitations of these techniques and the development of more complex core models that address these limitations, along with the lessons that can be applied to HTRs. (author)

Determination of the Quantity of I-135 Released from the AGR Experiment Series

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scates, Dawn M.; Walter, John B.; Reber, Edward L.; Sterbentz, James W.; Petti, David A.

2014-01-01

A series of three Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) experiments have been conducted in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). From 2006 through 2014, these experiments supported the development and qualification of the new U.S. tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) particle fuel for Very High Temperature Reactors (VHTR). Each AGR experiment consisted of multiple fueled capsules, each plumbed for independent temperature control using a mix of helium and neon gases. The gas leaving a capsule was routed to individual Fission Product Monitor (FPM) detectors. For intact fuel particles, the TRISO particle coatings provide a substantial barrier to fission product release. However, particles with failed coatings, whether because of a minute percentage of initially defective particles, those which fail during irradiation, or those designed-to-fail (DTF) particles, can release fission products to the flowing gas stream. Because reactive fission product elements like iodine and cesium quickly deposit on cooler capsule components and piping structures as the effluent gas leaves the reactor core, only the noble fission gas isotopes of Kr and Xe tend to reach FPM detectors. The FPM system utilizes High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors coupled with a thallium activated sodium iodide NaI(Tl) scintillator. The germanium detector provides individual isotopic information, while the NaI(Tl) scintillator is used as a gross count rate meter. During irradiation, the "1"3"5"mXe concentration reaching the FPM detectors is from both direct fission and by decay of the accumulated "1"3"5I. About ~2.5 hours after irradiation (ten 15.3 minute "1"3"5mXe half-lives) the directly produced "1"3"5"mXe has decayed and only the longer lived "1"3"5I remains as a source. Decay systematics dictate that "1"3"5"mXe will be in secular equilibrium with its "1"3"5I parent, such that it’s production rate very nearly equals the decay rate of the parent, and its concentration in the flowing

La maquinaria agrícola en el siglo XX

OpenAIRE

Ruiz-Altisent, Margarita; Gil Sierra, Jacinto

2000-01-01

La evolución de la maquinaria agrícola en el siglo XX ha sido tan espectacular que, de los tres grandes avances habidos a lo largo de la historia de la maquinaria agrícola, dos de ellos podemos considerar que marcan el comienzo y el fin del siglo XX. El primer avance fundamental se dio el día en que el hombre que removía la tierra golpeándola con una herramienta tipo azada decidió avanzar con ella introducida en el suelo venciendo la fuerza de tiro. Nació así el arado en un tiempo indetermina...

Major Results from 1-Train Passive Safety System Tests for the SMART Design with the SMART-ITL Facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Park, Hyun-Sik; Bae, Hwang; Ryu, Sung-Uk; Jeon, Byong-Guk; Ruy, Hyobong; Kim, Woo-Shik; Byun, Sun-Joon; Shin, Yong-Cheol; Min, Kyoung-Ho; Yi, Sung-Jae [KAERI, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2015-05-15

To satisfy the domestic and international needs for nuclear safety improvement after the Fukushima accident, an effort to improve its safety has been studied, and a Passive Safety System (PSS) for SMART has been designed. In addition, an Integral Test Loop for the SMART design (SMART-ITL, or FESTA) has been constructed and it finished its commissioning tests in 2012. Consequently, a set of Design Base Accident (DBA) scenarios have been simulated using SMARTITL. Recently, a test program to validate the performance of the SMART PSS was launched and its scaled-down test facility was additionally installed at the existing SMART-ITL facility. In this paper, the major results from the 1-train passive safety system validation tests with the SMARTITL facility will be summarized. The acquired data will be used to validate the safety analysis code and its related models, to evaluate the performance of SMART PSS, and to provide base data during the application phase of the SDA revision and construction licensing. In this paper, the major results from the validation tests of the SMART passive safety system using a 1-train test facility were summarized. They include a dozen of SMART PSS tests using 1-train SMART PSS tests. From the test results, it was estimated that the SMART PSS has sufficient cooling capability to deal with the SBLOCA scenario of SMART. During the SBLOCA scenario, in the CMT, the water layer inventory was well stratified thermally and the safety injection water was injected efficiently into the RPV from the initial period, and cools down the RCS properly.

Mod increases AGR boiler output

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jones, W.K.C.; Rider, G.; Taylor, D.E.

1986-01-01

During the commissioning runs of the first reactor units at Heysham I and Hartlepool Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs), non-uniform temperature distributions were observed across individual boiler units which were more severe than those predicted from the design analysis. This article describes the re-orificing (referruling) of the boilers to overcome this problem. The referruling has reduced boiler sensitivity and resulted in an increase of load of 7 or 8%. (U.K.)

Chitinase expression in Listeria monocytogenes is positively regulated by the Agr system

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Paspaliari, Dafni Katerina; Mollerup, Maria Storm; Kallipolitis, Birgitte H.

2014-01-01

The food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes encodes two chitinases, ChiA and ChiB, which allow the bacterium to hydrolyze chitin, the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature. Intriguingly, despite the absence of chitin in human and mammalian hosts, both of the chitinases have been deemed...... important for infection, through a mechanism that, at least in the case of ChiA, involves modulation of host immune responses. In this study, we show that the expression of the two chitinases is subject to regulation by the listerial agr system, a homologue of the agr quorum-sensing system of Staphylococcus...... chitinolytic activity on agar plates. Agr was specifically induced in response to chitin addition in stationary phase and agrD was found to regulate the amount of chiA, but not chiB, transcripts. Although the transcript levels of chiB did not depend on agrD, the extracellular protein levels of both chitinases...

Design and development of steam generators for the AGR power stations at Heysham II/Torness

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Charcharos, A N; Jones, A G [National Nuclear Corp. Ltd., Cheshire (United Kingdom)

1984-07-01

The current AGR steam generator design is a development of the successful once-through units supplied for the Oldbury Magnox and Hinkley/Hunterston AGR power stations. These units have demonstrated proven control and reliability in service. In this paper the factors which have dictated the design and layout of the latest AGR steam generators are described and reference made to the latest high temperature design techniques that have been employed. Details of development work to support the design and establish the performance characteristics over the range of plant operating conditions are also given. To comply with current UK safety standards, the AGR steam generators and associated plant are designed to accommodate seismic loadings. In addition, provision is made for an independent heat removal system for post reactor trip operations. (author)

Design and development of steam generators for the AGR power stations at Heysham II/Torness

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Charcharos, A.N.; Jones, A.G.

1984-01-01

The current AGR steam generator design is a development of the successful once-through units supplied for the Oldbury Magnox and Hinkley/Hunterston AGR power stations. These units have demonstrated proven control and reliability in service. In this paper the factors which have dictated the design and layout of the latest AGR steam generators are described and reference made to the latest high temperature design techniques that have been employed. Details of development work to support the design and establish the performance characteristics over the range of plant operating conditions are also given. To comply with current UK safety standards, the AGR steam generators and associated plant are designed to accommodate seismic loadings. In addition, provision is made for an independent heat removal system for post reactor trip operations. (author)

On the use of flux-adjoint condensed nuclear data for 1-group AGR kinetics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hutt, P.K.

1979-03-01

Following previous work on the differences between one and two neutron group AGR kinetics the possible advantages of flux-adjoint condensed lattice data over the simple flux condensation procedure are investigated. Analytic arguments are given for expecting flux-adjoint condensation to give a better representation of rod worth slopes and flux shape changes associated with partially rodded cores. These areas have previously been found to yield most of the one to two neutron group differences. The validity of these arguments is demonstrated comparing various calculations. (U.K.)

The ATP-Dependent Protease ClpP Inhibits Biofilm Formation by Regulating Agr and Cell Wall Hydrolase Sle1 in Staphylococcus aureus

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Qian; Wang, Xing; Qin, Juanxiu; Cheng, Sen; Yeo, Won-Sik; He, Lei; Ma, Xiaowei; Liu, Xiaoyun; Li, Min; Bae, Taeok

2017-01-01

Biofilm causes hospital-associated infections on indwelling medical devices. In Staphylococcus aureus, Biofilm formation is controlled by intricately coordinated network of regulating systems, of which the ATP-dependent protease ClpP shows an inhibitory effect. Here, we demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of ClpP on biofilm formation is through Agr and the cell wall hydrolase Sle1. Biofilm formed by clpP mutant consists of proteins and extracellular DNA (eDNA). The increase of the protein was, at least in part, due to the reduced protease activity of the mutant, which was caused by the decreased activity of agr. On the other hand, the increase of eDNA was due to increased cell lysis caused by the higher level of Sle1. Indeed, as compared with wild type, the clpP mutant excreted an increased level of eDNA, and showed higher sensitivity to Triton-induced autolysis. The deletion of sle1 in the clpP mutant decreased the biofilm formation, the level of eDNA, and the Triton-induced autolysis to wild-type levels. Despite the increased biofilm formation capability, however, the clpP mutant showed significantly reduced virulence in a murine model of subcutaneous foreign body infection, indicating that the increased biofilm formation capability cannot compensate for the intrinsic functions of ClpP during infection. PMID:28555174

The ATP-Dependent Protease ClpP Inhibits Biofilm Formation by Regulating Agr and Cell Wall Hydrolase Sle1 in Staphylococcus aureus

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Qian Liu

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Biofilm causes hospital-associated infections on indwelling medical devices. In Staphylococcus aureus, Biofilm formation is controlled by intricately coordinated network of regulating systems, of which the ATP-dependent protease ClpP shows an inhibitory effect. Here, we demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of ClpP on biofilm formation is through Agr and the cell wall hydrolase Sle1. Biofilm formed by clpP mutant consists of proteins and extracellular DNA (eDNA. The increase of the protein was, at least in part, due to the reduced protease activity of the mutant, which was caused by the decreased activity of agr. On the other hand, the increase of eDNA was due to increased cell lysis caused by the higher level of Sle1. Indeed, as compared with wild type, the clpP mutant excreted an increased level of eDNA, and showed higher sensitivity to Triton-induced autolysis. The deletion of sle1 in the clpP mutant decreased the biofilm formation, the level of eDNA, and the Triton-induced autolysis to wild-type levels. Despite the increased biofilm formation capability, however, the clpP mutant showed significantly reduced virulence in a murine model of subcutaneous foreign body infection, indicating that the increased biofilm formation capability cannot compensate for the intrinsic functions of ClpP during infection.

Influence of previous experience on resistance training on reliability of one-repetition maximum test.

Science.gov (United States)

Ritti-Dias, Raphael Mendes; Avelar, Ademar; Salvador, Emanuel Péricles; Cyrino, Edilson Serpeloni

2011-05-01

The 1-repetition maximum test (1RM) has been widely used to assess maximal strength. However, to improve accuracy in assessing maximal strength, several sessions of the 1RM test are recommended. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of previous resistance training experience on the reliability of 1RM test. Thirty men were assigned to the following 2 groups according to their previous resistance training experience: no previous resistance training experience (NOEXP) and more than 24 months of resistance training experience (EXP). All subjects performed the 1RM tests in bench press and squat in 4 sessions on distinct days. There was a significant session × group effect in bench press (F = 3.09; p reliability of the 1RM test is influenced by the subject's previous experience in resistance training. Subjects without experience in resistance training require more practice and familiarization and show greater increases in maximal strength between sessions than subjects with previous experience in resistance training.

Cross-Talk between Staphylococcus aureus and Other Staphylococcal Species via the agr Quorum Sensing System

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Canovas de la Nuez, Jaime; Baldry, Mara; Bojer, Martin S

2016-01-01

-inducing peptides (AIPs) sensed by AgrC, a two component histidine kinase. agr loci are found also in other staphylococcal species and for Staphylococcus epidermidis, the encoded AIP represses expression of agr regulated virulence genes in S. aureus. In this study we aimed to better understand the interaction...... between staphylococci and S. aureus, and show that this interaction may eventually lead to the identification of new anti-virulence candidates to target S. aureus infections. Here we show that culture supernatants of 37 out of 52 staphylococcal isolates representing 17 different species inhibit S. aureus...... suggesting that agr is an inter-species communication system. Based on these results we speculate that interactions between S. aureus and other colonizing staphylococci will significantly influence the ability of S. aureus to cause infection, and we propose that other staphylococci are potential sources...

An agr-like two-component regulatory system in Lactobacillus plantarum is involved in production of a novel cyclic peptide and regulation of adherence

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Sturme, M.H.J.; Nakayama, J.; Molenaar, D.; Murakami, Y.; Kunugi, R.; Fujii, T.; Vaughan, E.E.; Kleerebezem, M.; Vos, de W.M.

2005-01-01

We have analyzed a locus on the annotated Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 genome that showed homology to the staphylococcal agr quorum-sensing system and designated it lam for Lactobacillus agr-like module. Production of the lamBDCA transcript was shown to be growth phase dependent. Analysis of a

Listeria monocytogenes differential transcriptome analysis reveals temperature-dependent Agr regulation and suggests overlaps with other regulons.

Science.gov (United States)

Garmyn, Dominique; Augagneur, Yoann; Gal, Laurent; Vivant, Anne-Laure; Piveteau, Pascal

2012-01-01

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous, opportunistic pathogenic organism. Environmental adaptation requires constant regulation of gene expression. Among transcriptional regulators, AgrA is part of an auto-induction system. Temperature is an environmental cue critical for in vivo adaptation. In order to investigate how temperature may affect AgrA-dependent transcription, we compared the transcriptomes of the parental strain L. monocytogenes EGD-e and its ΔagrA mutant at the saprophytic temperature of 25°C and in vivo temperature of 37°C. Variations of transcriptome were higher at 37°C than at 25°C. Results suggested that AgrA may be involved in the regulation of nitrogen transport, amino acids, purine and pyrimidine biosynthetic pathways and phage-related functions. Deregulations resulted in a growth advantage at 37°C, but affected salt tolerance. Finally, our results suggest overlaps with PrfA, σB, σH and CodY regulons. These overlaps may suggest that through AgrA, Listeria monocytogenes integrates information on its biotic environment.

Reliability and smallest worthwhile difference in 1RM tests according to previous resistance training experience in young women

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Matheus Amarante do Nascimento

2017-10-01

Full Text Available The objective of this study was to determine the familiarization and smallest worthwhile difference (SWD of one-repetition maximum (1RM tests in detrained women according to their previous resistance training experience. Three groups of women with varying amounts of previous resistance training experience were recruited: Novice (n = 27, 1 to 6 months, Intermediate (n = 13, from 7 to 12 months, and Advanced (n = 20, 13 to 24 months. All participants performed four 1RM test sessions in the bench press (BP, squat (SQ, and arm curl (AC. A significant (p< 0.05 (group vs. time interaction was observed in SQ suggesting that more experienced participants needed fewer 1RM test sessions to reach a stable load compared to the less experienced groups. Strength changes (p 0.05, suggesting that experience had no impact on familiarization for these lifts. SWDs suggest that strength gains greater than 2-4% in these lifts would indicate a meaningful improvement in strength beyond random variation from trial to trial no matter the experience of the subject. Women with limited previous resistance training experience do not require more trials to reach load stabilization than those with more experience. Stability of 1RM loads for BP and AC may require only two sessions, while SQ may require at least three trials.

Economía de Producción Agrícola en Colombia: Capitulo 1. Regiones Geográficas y Agrícolas de Colombia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Beltrán G. Gregorio

1953-09-01

Full Text Available Es Colombia la única nación en la América del Sur que tiene costas en ambos océanos lo cual le da una gran ventaja tanto para el comercio mundial como para el inter-americano. Así se puede comunicar por mar sin necesidad de cruzar el canal de Panamá o el Cabo de Hornos con todos los países latinoamericanos, con ambas costas de los Estados Unidos y Canadá y con Europa o el Oriente. Las fronteras terrestres limitan con Venezuela, Brasil, Perú, Ecuador y Panamá. En los límites con dos países vecinos, Venezuela y Ecuador, tiene fuertes núcleos de población. Según Wihitbeck y Williams el país está dividido en cuatro grandes regiones naturales, 1 EL Corazón Montañoso que está formado por tres ramas de la Cordillera de los Andes y la Parte alta de los valles de los ríos Magdalena y Cauca; 2 La Costa del Caribe abarca todas las tierras bajas de la parte norte de Colombia excepto la zona del río Atrato; incluye los departamentos del Magdalena, Atlántico, Bolívar y Córdoba, la Comisaría de la Guajira y además la parte baja de los valles de los ríos Magdalena y Cauca. En la Costa Caribe se incluye por su localización, la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, aún cuando ésta por sus características fitogeográficas es más similar al Corazón Montañoso; 3 La Costa del Pacífico y Valle del Atrato es la región formada por las vertientes occidentales de la Cordillera Oriental y su prolongación La Serranía de Abibe. Incluye los valles de los ríos Atrato y San Juan y la Serranía del Baudó. Esta zona está clasificada fitogeográficamente como bosque ecuatorial o de zonas lluviosas; 4 Las Tierras Bajas Tropicales del Este son el area mas grande del país: abarcan aproximadamente las dos terceras partes del territorio nacional aún cuando en ellas sólo vive cerca de un 2 por ciento de la población. Es una zona plana al Norte, tiene en su parte media elevaciones escalonadas hacia el Amazonas que no pasan de 800 metros de altura

Upgrade of the Hunterston B AGR operator training simulator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Morrison, J.; Nicol, D.; Hacking, D.

1997-01-01

Nuclear power plant simulators provide a vital tool in the training of operational staff in the statutory procedures and operational requirements of the nuclear industry. Scottish Nuclear, and its predecessor the South of Scotland Electricity Board, recognised the value such facilities offered to safety and efficiency and commissioned the construction of the Hunterston Operator Training Simulator as early as 1980. The simulator is a full scope, total plant, and real time system, with a complete 'as plant' replication of the operator interface, together with extensive instructor and tutorial facilities. Its uses have extended beyond the operator training role into plant engineering post incident analysis, evolving to be an essential feature of the station as a whole. Operation of the simulator for the foreseeable life of the station was the main driving force behind the current simulator update project, and whilst the need to move to a new computing platform, avoiding impending obsolescence problems, was the prime reason, the retention of 17 years of software development was seen as a valuable legacy to preserve. This paper discusses the main criteria considered during the simulator upgrade programme, highlighting the main technical issues and risks involved. (author)

Building on the AGR experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Churchill, G.F.

1985-01-01

Experience with AGR reactors has indicated that quality assurance applied to procurement of plant and services throughout the hierarchy of purchasers and suppliers is a main area where there is scope for improvement. In view of this, improvements for procurement have been undertaken. These include a) the rationalisation of specified requirements for quality assurance systems, with the particular needs of each contract, and b) the rationalisation of purchasers' involvement in suppliers' quality assurance activities. Both aspects of procurement are described and discussed. (U.K.)

Presence of Classical Enterotoxin Genes, agr Typing, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Genetic Diversity of Staphylococcus aureus from Milk of Cows with Mastitis in Southern Brazil.

Science.gov (United States)

Kroning, Isabela S; Iglesias, Mariana A; Mendonça, Karla S; Lopes, Graciela V; Silva, Wladimir P

2018-05-01

Staphylococcus aureus is a common causative agent of bovine mastitis in dairy cows and commonly associated with foodborne disease outbreaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of enterotoxin genes, agr typing, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic diversity of S. aureus isolated from milk of cows with mastitis in dairy farms from southern Brazil. Results showed that 7 (22.6%) of 31 S. aureus isolates were positive for enterotoxin genes. Specifically, the genes encoding for enterotoxins A ( n = 4), C ( n = 2), and B ( n = 1) were detected. Isolates belonging to the agr group III (10 of 31, 32.2%) and agr group I (7 of 31, 22.5%) were the most common. To our knowledge, this is the first report of both agr I and III in the same S. aureus isolate from milk of cows with bovine mastitis. The antimicrobial resistance test showed that 54% of the isolates were multiresistant to antimicrobial agents. The macrorestriction analysis produced 16 different major SmaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, with up to two subpatterns. Moreover, the presence of some S. aureus clones in a distinct area was observed. Although this study characterized a limited number of S. aureus isolates, the presence of classical enterotoxin genes and resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents reinforces the importance of this microorganism to animal and human health. In addition, similar genetic profiles have been identified in distinct geographic areas, suggesting clonal dissemination of S. aureus in dairy herds from southern Brazil.

Comércio agrícola: o Brasil e a OMC

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Danielle Annoni

2004-03-01

Full Text Available The agricultural and textile sectors, have been the greaters targets of the developed countries protectionism, that possess in common the fact that the amount of man-power used is sufficiently great, it means variation of the products final cost. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand why the most underdeveloped countries are more competitive in the dispute of the world-wide market’s control in these sectors. Thus the importance of the OMC elapses, in the search for the effectiveness of international trade regulation of agricultural goods is an activity that interests the developing countries, what is particularly applicable to Brazil, where the agricultural products answers almost for one third of the exportations.Los sectores agrícolas y textil, han sido los mayores objetivos del proteccionismo de los países desarrollados, que poseen en común la cantidad de mano-de-obra usado y esta energía es suficientemente grande y significa variación del costo final del producto. Por tanto, no es difícil comprender porque cuanto más subdesarrollados los países, más serán competitivos y amenazadores para el conflicto sobre el control del mercado mundial en estos sectores. Así la importancia del OMC transcurre, en la búsqueda para la eficacia de la regulación del comercio internacional de mercancías agrícolas es una, actividad que interesa a los países en vías de desarrollo en su totalidad, lo que es particularmente aplicable al Brasil, donde los productos agrícolas casi contestan para un tercio de las exportaciones.Os setores agrícola e têxtil, têm sido os maiores alvos do protecionismo dos países desenvolvidos, que possuem em comum o fato de que a quantidade de mão-de-obra utilizada é bastante grande o que significa margem de variação do custo final do produto. Portanto, não é difícil entender porque os países quão mais subdesenvolvidos forem mais competitivos e ameaçadores são na disputa pelo controle do mercado

O Brasil agrícola: o tortuoso e difícil “caminho da roça”

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

João Klug

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Brasil atualmente é um dos maiores produtores de commodities agrícolas, tais como soja, café, carne (bovina, suína e de aves, açúcar e suco de laranja, e o país se orgulha disso. Essa é uma realidade que começou com a adoção da Revolução Verde na década de 1960 (alta tecnologia no campo, mecanização, insumos, seleção genética, etc., quando foi implantado um modelo de farmerização. Para se chegar a esse modelo de agricultura, concentrador e pouco democrático, o Brasil precisou de quase cinco séculos. Durante a maior parte desse longo período, a agricultura não era vista como atividade nobre, ao contrário, procurava-se superar a identidade agrária, visto que a atividade não conferia status. Em certa medida, o Brasil teve vergonha de ser agrícola. Neste trabalho, o objetivo é analisar como o Brasil, um país agrário, durante mais de três séculos teve dificuldades de assumir uma identidade agrária, especialmente em função da influência de uma mentalidade portuguesa não afeita às lides agrícolas.

Anechoic wind tunnel tests on high-speed train bogie aerodynamic noise

OpenAIRE

Latorre Iglesias, E.; Thompson, D.; Smith, M.; Kitagawa, T.; Yamazaki, N.

2016-01-01

Aerodynamic noise becomes a significant noise source at speeds normally reached by high-speed trains. The train bogies are identified as important sources of aerodynamic noise. Due to the difficulty to assess this noise source carrying out field tests, wind tunnel tests offer many advantages. Tests were performed in the large-scale low-noise anechoic wind tunnel at Maibara, Japan, using a 1/7 scale train car and bogie model for a range of flow speeds between 50, 76, 89 and 100 m/s. The depend...

Irradiation performance of AGR-1 high temperature reactor fuel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Paul A. Demkowicz; John D. Hunn; Robert N. Morris; Charles A. Baldwin; Philip L. Winston; Jason M. Harp; Scott A. Ploger; Tyler Gerczak; Isabella J. van Rooyen; Fred C. Montgomery; Chinthaka M. Silva

2014-10-01

The AGR-1 experiment contained 72 low-enriched uranium oxide/uranium carbide TRISO-coated particle fuel compacts in six capsules irradiated to burnups of 11.2 to 19.5% FIMA, with zero TRISO coating failures detected during the irradiation. The irradiation performance of the fuel–including the extent of fission product release and the evolution of kernel and coating microstructures–was evaluated based on detailed examination of the irradiation capsules, the fuel compacts, and individual particles. Fractional release of 110mAg from the fuel compacts was often significant, with capsule-average values ranging from 0.01 to 0.38. Analysis of silver release from individual compacts indicated that it was primarily dependent on fuel temperature history. Europium and strontium were released in small amounts through intact coatings, but were found to be significantly retained in the outer pyrocrabon and compact matrix. The capsule-average fractional release from the compacts was 1×10 4 to 5×10 4 for 154Eu and 8×10 7 to 3×10 5 for 90Sr. The average 134Cs release from compacts was <3×10 6 when all particles maintained intact SiC. An estimated four particles out of 2.98×105 experienced partial cesium release due to SiC failure during the irradiation, driving 134Cs release in two capsules to approximately 10 5. Identification and characterization of these particles has provided unprecedented insight into the nature and causes of SiC coating failure in high-quality TRISO fuel. In general, changes in coating morphology were found to be dominated by the behavior of the buffer and inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC), and infrequently observed SiC layer damage was usually related to cracks in the IPyC. Palladium attack of the SiC layer was relatively minor, except for the particles that released cesium during irradiation, where SiC corrosion was found adjacent to IPyC cracks. Palladium, silver, and uranium were found in the SiC layer of irradiated particles, and characterization

Sistemas de producción agrícola sostenible

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Róger Martínez Castillo

2009-01-01

Full Text Available El desarrollo sostenible se fundamenta en principios éticos, como el respeto y armonía con la naturaleza; valores políticos, como la democracia participativa y equidad social; y normas morales, como racionalidad ambiental. El desarrollo sostenible es igualitario, descentralizado y autogestionario, capaz de satisfacer las necesidades básicas de la población, respetando la diversidad cultural y mejorando la calidad de vida. La agricultura y el desarrollo sostenible se refieren a la necesidad de minimizar la degradación de la tierra agrícola, maximizando a su vez la producción. Este considera el conjunto de las actividades agrícolas, como el manejo de suelos y aguas,el manejo de cultivos y la conservación de la biodiversidad; considerando a su vez el suministro de alimentos y materias primas. La sostenibilidad de los sistemas de producción agrícola se refiere a la capacidad del sistema para mantener su productividad a pesar de las perturbaciones económicas y naturales, externas o internas. La sostenibilidad es función de las características naturales del sistema y las presiones e intervenciones que sufre, así como aquellas intervenciones sociales, económicas y técnicas que se hacen para contrarrestar presiones negativas; destacándose la resiliencia del sistema.

The contribution of nuclear training staff to human factors work in the CEGB and Nuclear Electric PLC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Madden, V.J.

1990-01-01

The staff and simulators of utility's nuclear training function are being utilized in support of a wide range of human factor related activities. In addition to work on man machines interface review, operating procedures, operator support system and VDU format design and validation for the Magnox and AGR series of nuclear power plants, support is also being provided to the PWR Project Team through staff who have undergone extensive and comprehensive overseas PWR training programs. This paper discusses how recent initiatives in connection with a survey on operator stress and the possible use of psychometric testing in support of the selection of reactor desk engineers are also being supported

Modelos de vulnerabilidad agrícola ante los efectos del cambio climático

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Claudia Hernández Ramírez

2014-12-01

Full Text Available La Vulnerabilidad Agrícola (VA es el resultado de la medición de la variabilidad climática dentro de un contexto de vulnerabilidad social y sectorial, que ha ido agregando conceptos e indicadores que enriquecen y complementan el análisis de la seguridad alimentaria, en el entendido que la disponibilidad de un pronóstico corresponde no solo al derecho primordial de cualquier ser humano, sino a la supervivencia del mismo. La metodología de medición de esta variable depende estrictamente del alcance de la investigación y de la disponibilidad de datos de la región y del producto agrícola seleccionado. Los modelos utilizados hasta la fecha son tres: el modelo Estructural, el modelo Espacial y la Vulnerabilidad Agrícola.

A Revolução Agrária Cubana: conquistas e desafios

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Juan Valdés Paz

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Após o triunfo da Revolução em 1959, iniciou-se uma profunda transformação da sociedade cubana, primeiro política, depois social e, desde muito cedo, agrária. A Revolução Cubana foi a superação da questão agrária originada na etapa republicana e uma opção socialista para o desenvolvimento socioeconômico do país, do qual o desenvolvimento agrário tem sido um eixo fundamental. A superação dessa "questão agrária" do socialismo cubano determina as estratégias em curso e suas metas imediatas. Como parte desse processo, examinamos seis aspectos que caracterizaram seu desenvolvimento; são eles: a estrutura da pose de terra; o uso do solo; a organização agrária; o modelo tecnológico; a economia agrária; e o desenvolvimento da sociedade rural.Con el triunfo de la Revolución en 1959, se inició una profunda transformación de la sociedad cubana, primero política, después social y desde muy tempranamente, agraria. La Revolución Cubana fue la superación de la cuestión agraria originada en la etapa republicana y una opción socialista para el desarrollo socioeconómico del país, del cual el desarrollo agrario ha sido un eje fundamental. La superación de esta "cuestión agraria" del socialismo cubano, determina las estrategias en curso y sus metas inmediatas. Como parte de ese proceso, se examinan seis de los aspectos que caracterizaron su desarrollo, a saber: la estructura de tenencia de la tierra; el uso del suelo; la organización agraria; el modelo tecnológico; la economía agraria; y el desarrollo de la sociedad rural.After the triumph of the revolution in 1959, a profound transformation of Cuban society began - first political, then social and, very early on, agrarian. The Cuban Revolution surmounted the agrarian issue that had originated during the republican phase and embodied a socialist option for socioeconomic development (of which agricultural development was a fundamental part. Cuban socialism's efforts to

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP-Based Overexpression Screening and Characterization of AgrC, a Receptor Protein of Quorum Sensing in Staphylococcus aureus

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shengdi Fan

2013-09-01

Full Text Available Staphylococcus aureus AgrC is an important component of the agr quorum-sensing system. AgrC is a membrane-embedded histidine kinase that is thought to act as a sensor for the recognition of environmental signals and the transduction of signals into the cytoplasm. However, the difficulty of expressing and purifying functional membrane proteins has drastically hindered in-depth understanding of the molecular structures and physiological functions of these proteins. Here, we describe the high-yield expression and purification of AgrC, and analyze its kinase activity. A C-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP fusion to AgrC served as a reporter for monitoring protein expression levels in real time. Protein expression levels were analyzed by the microscopic assessment of the whole-cell fluorescence. The expressed AgrC-GFP protein with a C-terminal His-tagged was purified using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC and size exclusion chromatography (SEC at yields of ≥10 mg/L, following optimization. We also assessed the effects of different detergents on membrane solubilization and AgrC kinase activity, and polyoxyethylene-(23-lauryl-ether (Brij-35 was identified as the most suitable detergent. Furthermore, the secondary structural stability of purified AgrC was analyzed using circular dichroism (CD spectroscopy. This study may serve as a general guide for improving the yields of other membrane protein preparations and selecting the appropriate detergent to stabilize membrane proteins for biophysical and biochemical analyses.

Efeito de doses de gesso agrícola na cultura do milho e alterações químicas no solo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luiz Augusto Amaral

2017-04-01

Full Text Available A cultura do milho apresenta importância econômica no cenário agrícola, de modo que a região Centro Oeste detém a maior media de produtividade do Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de doses de gesso agrícola sobre a produtividade de milho cultivado em segunda safra e seus efeitos químicos no solo. O experimento foi realizado no Campus experimental da UNEMAT, Tangará da Serra – MT. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados (DBC com cinco tratamentos (0 kg ha-1, 1.000 kg ha-1, 2.000 kg ha-1, 3.000 kg ha-1 e 4.000 kg ha-1 de gesso agrícola com quatro repetições, totalizando 20 parcelas. Foi utilizado o híbrido de milho DKB 390 VT Pro2, e as parcelas foram constituídas de cinco metros de comprimento por quatro de largura, com espaçamento entre linhas de 0,50 m. Foi aplicado calcário dolomítico e gesso agrícola aos 60 e 30 dias antes da semeadura, respectivamente. Somente a variável diâmetro do caule e produtividade apresentou diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, onde os diâmetros superiores foram observados nas doses acima 2.000 kg ha-1 e a maior produtividade obtida na dose de 4.000 kg ha-1 de gesso. O efeito da aplicação do gesso proporcionou aumento na concentração de enxofre, cálcio e magnésio no subsolo, assim como redução nos teores de alumino. A dose de 4.000 kg ha-1 de gesso promoveu a maior produtividade.

Diagnósticos de las apuestas productivas para seis productos del sector agrícola en Colombia

OpenAIRE

Quintero Rubio, Paula Vanesa; Rubio Rodriguez, Juan Camilo

2014-01-01

El documento “Diagnósticos de las apuestas productivas para seis productos del sector agrícola en Colombia”, pretende proporcionar herramientas para el incremento productivo de seis productos agrícolas con un alto potencial en el país, mediante la identificación de mercados internacionales factibles, el análisis de sus procesos de producción y la comparación de eficiencia en costos del transporte de mercancía a nivel nacional; buscando el aumento de la participación del PIB agrícola en el PI...

Programa computacional para calcular a potência requerida de máquinas e implementos agrícolas

OpenAIRE

Pablo Pereira Corrêa Klaver; Ricardo Ferreira Garcia; José Francisco Sá Vasconcelos Júnior; Delorme Corrêa Junior; Wellington Gonzaga Vale

2013-01-01

O uso de programas computacionais no setor agrícola permite atingir objetivos específicos na área. Dentre esses, um dos mais complexos é a seleção adequada de máquinas e implementos agrícolas visando à otimização de operações agrícolas, devido, principalmente, à grande variedade de equipamentos existentes no mercado e a gama de tarefas e situações de trabalho que estas são submetidas no campo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um programa computacional para calcular a potência requeri...

Programa computacional para calcular a potência requerida de máquinas e implementos agrícolas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pablo Pereira Corrêa Klaver

2013-12-01

Full Text Available O uso de programas computacionais no setor agrícola permite atingir objetivos específicos na área. Dentre esses, um dos mais complexos é a seleção adequada de máquinas e implementos agrícolas visando à otimização de operações agrícolas, devido, principalmente, à grande variedade de equipamentos existentes no mercado e a gama de tarefas e situações de trabalho que estas são submetidas no campo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um programa computacional para calcular a potência requerida de máquinas e implementos agrícolas normalmente utilizados na condução de operações de campo, desde o preparo do solo até as operações de implantação de culturas. Desenvolvido em linguagem PHP, o programa computacional baseia-se na norma ASAE D497.4 - Agricultural Machinery Management Data como referência para desenvolvimento de cálculos. A partir do programa desenvolvido, tornou-se possível a execução de tarefas para cálculos de avaliação da demanda de potência de máquinas e implementos agrícolas de forma simplificada pela internet.

Putting brain training to the test.

Science.gov (United States)

Owen, Adrian M; Hampshire, Adam; Grahn, Jessica A; Stenton, Robert; Dajani, Said; Burns, Alistair S; Howard, Robert J; Ballard, Clive G

2010-06-10

'Brain training', or the goal of improved cognitive function through the regular use of computerized tests, is a multimillion-pound industry, yet in our view scientific evidence to support its efficacy is lacking. Modest effects have been reported in some studies of older individuals and preschool children, and video-game players outperform non-players on some tests of visual attention. However, the widely held belief that commercially available computerized brain-training programs improve general cognitive function in the wider population in our opinion lacks empirical support. The central question is not whether performance on cognitive tests can be improved by training, but rather, whether those benefits transfer to other untrained tasks or lead to any general improvement in the level of cognitive functioning. Here we report the results of a six-week online study in which 11,430 participants trained several times each week on cognitive tasks designed to improve reasoning, memory, planning, visuospatial skills and attention. Although improvements were observed in every one of the cognitive tasks that were trained, no evidence was found for transfer effects to untrained tasks, even when those tasks were cognitively closely related.

Strength testing and training of rowers: a review.

Science.gov (United States)

Lawton, Trent W; Cronin, John B; McGuigan, Michael R

2011-05-01

In the quest to maximize average propulsive stroke impulses over 2000-m racing, testing and training of various strength parameters have been incorporated into the physical conditioning plans of rowers. Thus, the purpose of this review was 2-fold: to identify strength tests that were reliable and valid correlates (predictors) of rowing performance; and, to establish the benefits gained when strength training was integrated into the physical preparation plans of rowers. The reliability of maximal strength and power tests involving leg extension (e.g. leg pressing) and arm pulling (e.g. prone bench pull) was high (intra-class correlations 0.82-0.99), revealing that elite rowers were significantly stronger than their less competitive peers. The greater strength of elite rowers was in part attributed to the correlation between strength and greater lean body mass (r = 0.57-0.63). Dynamic lower body strength tests that determined the maximal external load for a one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press (kg), isokinetic leg extension peak force (N) or leg press peak power (W) proved to be moderately to strongly associated with 2000-m ergometer times (r = -0.54 to -0.68; p training experience and muscle morphology, in that those individuals with greater training experience and/or proportions of slow twitch fibres performed more repetitions. Muscle balance ratios derived from strength data (e.g. hamstring-quadriceps ratio training may be counterproductive to strength development over the shorter term (i.e. training within the sequence of training units should be considered, particularly over the non-competition phase (e.g. 2-6 sets × 4-12 repetitions, three sessions a week). Maximal strength was sustained when infrequent (e.g. one or two sessions a week) but intense (e.g. 73-79% of maximum) strength training units were scheduled; however, it was unclear whether training adaptations should emphasize maximal strength, endurance or power in order to enhance

Training guidelines in non-destructive testing techniques: 2008 ed

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2008-12-01

This publication is a revision of IAEA-TECDOC-628/Rev.1 and provides the basic syllabus for systems for training and certification programmes of non-destructive testing (NDT) personnel in accordance with the requirements of international standard ISO 9712 (2005). The training guidelines developed to date have been used by Member States in formulating their national NDT programmes and to provide local end user industries with a skilled workforce. The present publication accommodates the latest advancements in technology and will continue to play an important role towards international harmonization in the field of NDT. This publication contains a body of knowledge for non-destructive testing. It was developed to provide guidelines for trainers, training organizations and certification bodies, detailing the subject matter and the content for each level of certification. It is general in nature but the contents of the training should be adapted to the needs, procedures, materials and products of the customer. The recommended training hours are consistent with the edition of the standard ISO 9712 in effect at the time of preparation. All formal training described in this publication contains a theoretical portion and a practical portion. Guidance is included on the range of equipment and materials needed for instruction in each method. There is a common core of material that is required by level 3 personnel in every method. This common material has been removed from the content for the particular method and included as a separate section. All training should end with an examination and can lead to a certification. Examination and certification are not covered by this publication, but detailed information about this can be found in ISO 9712. This publication is applicable for the following methods: eddy current testing, magnetic particle testing, liquid penetrant testing, radiographic testing, and ultrasonic testing. NDT methods are now widely used in civil engineering

PRAPRAG: software para planejamento racional de máquinas agrícolas

OpenAIRE

Mercante,Erivelto; Souza,Eduardo G. de; Johann,Jerry A; Gabriel Filho,Antonio; Uribe-Opazo,Miguel A

2010-01-01

O software PRAPRAG é uma ferramenta de escolha de máquinas e implementos agrícolas que apresentam o menor custo por área ou por quantidade produzida, bem como, faz o planejamento de aquisição das máquinas para a propriedade agrícola, do ponto de vista técnico e econômico. Foi utilizada a linguagem de programação Borland Delphi 3.0 e, a partir de prospectos das máquinas e implementos, criou-se um banco de dados onde o usuário pode cadastrar e modificar suas características de uso. O software m...

ART Or AGR: Deciphering Which Reserve Program is Best Suited for Today’s Total Force Structure

Science.gov (United States)

2016-02-01

AIR COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE AIR UNIVERSITY ART OR AGR: DECIPHERING WHICH RESERVE PROGRAM IS BEST SUITED FOR TODAY’S TOTAL FORCE STRUCTURE...4 ART Program...time workforce, which are the ART and AGR programs, by comparing each and highlighting the differences, advantages and disadvantages they present to

Safety analysis report: packages. Argonne National Laboratory SLSF test train shipping container, P-1 shipment. Fissile material. Final report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meyer, C.A.

1975-06-01

The package is used to ship an instrumented test fuel bundle (test train) containing fissile material. The package assembly is Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Model R1010-0032. The shipment is fissile class III. The packaging consists of an outer carbon steel container into which an inner container is placed; the inner container is separated from the outer container by urethane foam cushioning material. The test train is supported in the inner container by a series of transverse supports spaced along the length of the test train. Both the inner and outer containers are closed with bolted covers. The covers do not seal the containers in a leaktight manner. The gross weight of the shipment is about 8350 lb. The unirradiated fissile material content is less than 3 kg of UO 2 of up to 93.2 percent enrichment. This is a Type A quantity (transport group III and less than 3 curies) of radioactive material which does not require shielding, cooling or heating, or neutron absorption or moderation functions in its packaging. The maximum exterior dimensions of the container are 37 ft 11 in. long, 24 1 / 2 in. wide, and 19 3 / 4 in. high

Translation of incremental talk test responses to steady-state exercise training intensity.

Science.gov (United States)

Lyon, Ellen; Menke, Miranda; Foster, Carl; Porcari, John P; Gibson, Mark; Bubbers, Terresa

2014-01-01

The Talk Test (TT) is a submaximal, incremental exercise test that has been shown to be useful in prescribing exercise training intensity. It is based on a subject's ability to speak comfortably during exercise. This study defined the amount of reduction in absolute workload intensity from an incremental exercise test using the TT to give appropriate absolute training intensity for cardiac rehabilitation patients. Patients in an outpatient rehabilitation program (N = 30) performed an incremental exercise test with the TT given every 2-minute stage. Patients rated their speech comfort after reciting a standardized paragraph. Anything other than a "yes" response was considered the "equivocal" stage, while all preceding stages were "positive" stages. The last stage with the unequivocally positive ability to speak was the Last Positive (LP), and the preceding stages were (LP-1 and LP-2). Subsequently, three 20-minute steady-state training bouts were performed in random order at the absolute workload at the LP, LP-1, and LP-2 stages of the incremental test. Speech comfort, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded every 5 minutes. The 20-minute exercise training bout was completed fully by LP (n = 19), LP-1 (n = 28), and LP-2 (n = 30). Heart rate, RPE, and speech comfort were similar through the LP-1 and LP-2 tests, but the LP stage was markedly more difficult. Steady-state exercise training intensity was easily and appropriately prescribed at intensity associated with the LP-1 and LP-2 stages of the TT. The LP stage may be too difficult for patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Experience of iodine, caesium and noble gas release from AGR failures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chapman, C.J.; Harris, A.M.; Phillips, M.E.

1985-01-01

In the event of a fuel failure in an Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR), the quantity of fission products available for release to the environment is determined by the transport of fission products in the UO 2 fuel, by the possible retention of fission products in the fuel can interspace and by the deposition of fission products on gas circuit surfaces ('plate-out'). The fission products of principal radiological concern are radioactive caesium (Cs-137 and Cs-134) and iodine (principally I-131). Results are summarised of a number of experiments which were designed to study the release of these fission products from individual fuel failures in the prototype AGR at Windscale. Results are also presented of fission product release from failures in commercial AGRs. Comparisons of measured releases of caesium and iodine relative to the release of the noble gas fission products show that, for some fuel failures, there is a significant retention of caesium and iodine within the fuel can interspace. Under normal conditions circuit deposition reduces caesium and iodine gas concentrations by several orders of magnitude. Differing release behaviour of caesium and iodine from the failures is examined together with subsequent deposition within the sampling equipment. These observations are important factors which must be considered in developing an understanding of the mechanisms involved in circuit deposition. (author)

Necesidades educacionales sobre riesgo de plaguicidas en el contexto socio-ambiental de las comunidades agrícolas de Sonora

OpenAIRE

M.I. Silveira Gramont; L. Aldana Madrid; A.I. Valenzuela Quintanar; C.B. Ochoa Nogales; G. Jasa-Silveira; Beatriz Camarena Gómez

2016-01-01

Para proponer estrategias de educación y comunicación sobre plaguicidas en las comunidades agrícolas de Sonora, se requiere situar la problemática de la exposición a plaguicidas en el contexto socio-cultural y ambiental de las comunidades afectadas, tomando en cuenta los factores que contribuyen al mayor riesgo de exposición de los trabajadores agrícolas y de sus familias. Este estudio examina los factores poblacionales, educacionales, culturales y de trabajo de habitantes y trabajadores agrí...

Study on a Footwork Training and Testing System

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Qi Hu

2018-02-01

Full Text Available In the sport science fields, for a long time there are various attempts to explore more advanced technology in order to collect kinds of information concerned during athletes training and matches. In the paper, a footwork training and testing system has been developed by adopting the advanced technology of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN. The system is comprised of some wireless senor nodes and gateways, system control software and so on. By means of the system, the daily footwork training methods and modes will be simulated to automatically guide the training of the athletes, at the same time the training data concerned will be automatically recorded, including moving velocity, moving frequency and success average, moving exercise duration and so on, and it is facilitate to evaluate digitally the training and testing effects for coaches and athletes. The system will bring about an auxiliary means in sport science training and research, make coaches and researchers have more options for the technical and information forms, and provide the technology foundation for synchronizing and intermingling the training and testing smoothly.

Development of techniques to dispose of the Windscale AGR heat exchangers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Crossley, H.; Wakefield, J.R.

1991-01-01

In a gas-cooled nuclear power plant the gas side of the heat exchanger tubes becomes contaminated with radioactive deposits carried from the reactor in the coolant stream. In order to dispose of the heat exchangers in the safest and most cost-effective way during plant decommissioning, the deposits have to be removed. In situ chemical decontamination is considered to be the only viable method. This paper describes the research and development of chemical decontamination methods for the Windscale AGR heat exchangers, and the testing of a selected method on an in situ superheater. The research involved characterization of tube corrosion and radioactivity deposits, laboratory testing of chemical reagents on actual tube samples, and the provision and operation of a plant to apply the selected reagent. Disposal of radioactive effluent is an important consideration in chemical decontamination and in the present case was the major factor in determining the process

O impacto do trabalho infantil no setor agrícola sobre a saúde

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexandre Chibebe Nicolella

2008-09-01

Full Text Available O objetivo desse artigo é verificar se o trabalho infantil no setor agrícola produz impacto negativo sobre a saúde. Para a análise foram utilizadas as PNADs (Pesquisas Nacionais por Amostra de Domicílios de 1998 e 2003, que trazem suplemento especial sobre saúde, empregando a técnica econométrica de pseudo-painel. Assim, foram consideradas as crianças de 5 a 15 anos em 1998 e de 10 a 20 anos em 2003. Os resultados mostram que, para os indivíduos economicamente ativos, a atividade no setor agrícola e o trabalho de risco no setor agrícola não diferem dos outros setores, ou seja, trabalhar no setor agrícola não impõe um maior desgaste à saúde em relação aos outros setores da economia. Se considerados todos os indivíduos economicamente ativos, os resultados mostram que o trabalho agrícola não afeta a saúde e que o trabalho não-agrícola tem impacto negativo. Dessa forma, acredita-se que a atuação do governo deve ser setorial, visando uma melhoria no acesso ao sistema de saúde, bem como aos medicamentos, e a promoção da educação materna com relação à saúde.The aim of this dissertation is to identify the causal relation between rural child labour and health. The analysis utilized the PNAD, a Brazilian household survey, from 1998 and 2003. The econometric modeling was based on the pseudo-panel approach and was considered the children from 5 to 15 years old in 1998 and from 10 to 20 years old in 2003. The results show that work and work in risky jobs in the agricultural sector do not differ from those impacts of other sectors. It was also presented, for all individuals that work in the agricultural sector does not impact the health capital and work in the non rural sector impact negatively the health capital. So, the government intervention in rural areas should be different from the one implemented on the urban area to mitigate the impact of child labour on health and also, the government intervention should be

IUE observations of the hot components in two symbiotic stars. [R Agr and RW Hya, 1200 to 3200 A

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Michalitsianos, A G [National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Greenbelt, MD (USA). Goddard Space Flight Center; Kafatos, M; Hobbs, R W; Maran, S P

1980-03-13

Ultraviolet measurements in the 1,200 - 3,200 A range are reported on two symbiotic stars, R Agr and RW Hya. The results indicate the presence of a hot component in each star, supporting the view that each is a binary system with a luminous red primary and a hot, sub-luminous companion. In the case of RW Hya the hot companion manifests itself by exciting a compact nebulosity while in the case of R Agr it is believed that the continuous spectrum of the hot star is directly detected, while the continuum of nebulosity excited by the hot star is detected at longer wavelengths.

Modelagem matemática para seleção de conjuntos mecanizados agrícolas pelo menor custo operacional

OpenAIRE

Baio,Fábio H. R.; Rodrigues,Andrew D.; Santos,Gilson S. dos; Silva,Simone P. da

2013-01-01

A seleção de uma máquina agrícola pode tornar-se uma tarefa árdua, pois há diversas variáveis que devem ser consideradas. A escolha do equipamento mais adequado para uma propriedade agrícola é uma das etapas mais importantes do processo produtivo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um modelo de computador por programação linear em plataforma web para seleção automatizada de conjuntos mecanizados agrícolas, baseados no menor custo operacional. O programa, desenvolvido em linguagem ASP.N...

The effects of progressive muscle relaxation and autogenic relaxation on young soccer players' mood states.

Science.gov (United States)

Hashim, Hairul Anuar; Hanafi Ahmad Yusof, Hazwani

2011-06-01

This study was designed to compare the effects of two different relaxation techniques, namely progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenic relaxation (AGR) on moods of young soccer players. sixteen adolescent athletes (mean age: 14.1 ± 1.3) received either PMR or AGR training. Using Profile of Mood States- Adolescents, their mood states were measured one week before relaxation training, before the first relaxation session, and after the twelfth relaxation session. Mixed ANOVA revealed no significant interaction effects and no significant main effects in any of the subscales. However, significant main effects for testing sessions were found for confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension subscales. Post hoc tests revealed post-intervention reductions in the confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension subscale scores. These two relaxation techniques induce equivalent mood responses and may be used to regulate young soccer players' mood states.

Linear peptidomimetics as potent antagonists of Staphylococcus aureus agr quorum sensing

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Karathanasi, Georgia; Bojer, Martin Saxtorph; Baldry, Mara

2018-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen causing infections in humans and animals. Increasing problems with antimicrobial resistance has prompted the development of alternative treatment strategies, including antivirulence approaches targeting virulence regulation such as the agr quorum...

MicroRNA-1291 targets the FOXA2-AGR2 pathway to suppress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis

Science.gov (United States)

Qiu, Jing-Xin; Kim, Edward J.; Yu, Ai-Ming

2016-01-01

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Better understanding of pancreatic cancer biology may help identify new oncotargets towards more effective therapies. This study investigated the mechanistic actions of microRNA-1291 (miR-1291) in the suppression of pancreatic tumorigenesis. Our data showed that miR-1291 was downregulated in a set of clinical pancreatic carcinoma specimens and human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Restoration of miR-1291 expression inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, which was associated with cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-1291 sharply suppressed the tumorigenicity of PANC-1 cells in mouse models. A proteomic profiling study revealed 32 proteins altered over 2-fold in miR-1291-expressing PANC-1 cells that could be assembled into multiple critical pathways for cancer. Among them anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) was reduced to the greatest degree. Through computational and experimental studies we further identified that forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2), a transcription factor governing AGR2 expression, was a direct target of miR-1291. These results connect miR-1291 to the FOXA2-AGR2 regulatory pathway in the suppression of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, providing new insight into the development of miRNA-based therapy to combat pancreatic cancer. PMID:27322206

Training simulator for advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) shutdown sequence equipment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shankland, J.P.; Nixon, G.L.

1978-01-01

Successful shutdown of nuclear plant is of prime importance for both safety and economic reasons and large sums of money are spent on equipment to make shutdowns fully automatic, thus removing the possibility of operator errors. While this aim can largely be realized, one must consider the possibility of automatic equipment or plant failures when operators are required to take manual action, and off-line training facilities should be available to operating staff to minimize the risk of incorrect actions being taken. This paper presents the practice adopted at Hunterston 'B' Nuclear Power Station to solve this problem and concerns the computer-based training simulator for the Reactor Shutdown Sequence Equipment (RSSE) which was commissioned in January 1977. The plant associated with shutdown is briefly described and the reasoning which shows the need for a simulator is outlined. The paper also gives details of the comprehensive facilities available on the simulator and goes on to describe the form that shutdown training takes and the experience gained at this time. (author)

The safety of the AGR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dale, G.C.; Bowerman, J.M.

1982-01-01

The publication is in 10 parts. Section 1 describes regulatory control of the nuclear industry in the UK and outlines the principal Acts of Parliament and international regulations currently in force in the licensing of nuclear power stations. Section 2 discusses the responsibilities laid on licensees of nuclear sites for ensuring the safety of their employees and members of the public. In Section 3, a comprehensive description of the Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) system and its principal components is given. The safety features are described in Section 4. Radiological effects are described in Section 5. Section 6 explains how different types of radioactive wastes arise and describes their management and plans for their long-term disposal. Section 7 deals with the transportation of fuel and radioactive waste. Section 8 is devoted to fault conditions; the steps taken to ensure adequate protection against faults and the reliability of plant are described. Liaison with local communities is discussed in Section 9; the role of the Local Liaison Committees is described and details of emergency plans are given. The final section covers the decommissioning and dismantling of power stations after they have reached the end of their useful lives. (author)

Chemical cleaning of AGR boilers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moore, S.V.; Moore, W.; Rantell, A.

1978-01-01

AGR boilers are likely to require post service chemical cleaning to remove accumulated oxides at intervals of 15 - 35 kh. The need to clean will be based on an assessment of such factors as the development of flow imbalances through parallel tubes induced by the formation of rough oxide surfaces, an increasing risk of localised corrosion as the growth of porous oxides proceeds and the risk of tube blockage caused by the exfoliation of steam-grown oxides. The study has shown what heterogeneous multilayer oxides possessing a range of physical and chemical properties form on the alloy steels. They include porous and compact magnetites, chromium spinels and sesquioxide. Ammoniated citric acid has been shown to remove deposited and water-grown magnetites from the carbon and alloy steels but will not necessarily remove the substituted spinels grown on the alloy steels or the potentially spalling steam-grown magnetite on the A1SI 316 superheater. Citric acid supplemented with the reducing agent glyoxal completely removes all oxides from the boiler except the protective inner spinel formed on the 316. Removal of the spinels and compact magnetites occurs more by undercutting and physical detachment than by the dissolution. (author)

Propuesta para llevar al espacio académico institucional, saberes agrícolas tradicionales

OpenAIRE

Gómez Espinoza, José Antonio

2007-01-01

Este texto se presentó como comunicación al II Congreso Internacional de Etnografía y Educación: Migraciones y Ciudadanías. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 5-8 Septiembre 2008. Mientras en las “milpas” campesinas se practican saberes agrícolas tradicionales (SAT) para la subsistencia campesina a través de la producción de maíz y cultivos asociados (milpa), en las Instituciones de Enseñanza Agrícola Superior del país, se enseña un enorme bagaje científico y tecnológico sin con...

Seroprevalencia de brucelosis en trabajadores agrícolas de las comarcas costeras de Castellón, España

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Villamarín-Vázquez José Luis

2002-01-01

Full Text Available Objetivo. Determinar la seroprevalencia de brucelosis en trabajadores agrícolas. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal efectuado durante 1996 y 1997 en la Unidad de Salud Laboral del Centro de Salud Pública (CSP de Castellón, España, con 482 aspirantes a su acreditación como manipulador de plaguicidas para aplicación agrícola y a quienes se les hicieron las pruebas serológicas de rosa de Bengala, seroaglutinación de Wright y Coombs antibrucela. En el análisis estadístico se estimó la prevalencia y se usó regresión logística. Resultados. 15 personas (3.1%, IC 95% 1.8%-5.1% presentaron títulos de 1/40 o mayores a las pruebas de Wright o Coombs, y todas negativas al rosa de Bengala. No se apreció riesgo profesional elevado. Conclusiones. La prevalencia estimada fue baja.

Chemical cleaning of UK AGR boilers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rudge, A.; Turner, P.; Ghosh, S.; Clary, W.; Tice, D.R.

2002-01-01

For a number of years, the waterside pressure drops across the advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) pod boilers have been increasing. The pressure drop increases have accelerated with time, which is the converse behaviour to that expected for rippled magnetite formation (rapid initial increase slowing down with time). Nonetheless, magnetite deposition remains the most likely cause for the increasing boiler resistances. A number of potential countermeasures have been considered in response to the boiler pressure drop increases. However, there was no detectable reduction in the rate of pressure drop increase. Chemical cleaning was therefore considered and a project to substantiate and then implement chemical cleaning was initiated. (authors)

Profissão, escola e campo: um estudo sobre o Ensino Técnico Agrícola

OpenAIRE

Martins-Salandim, Maria Ednéia [UNESP; Garnica, Antonio Vicente Marafioti [UNESP

2010-01-01

Apresentando uma síntese histórico-sociológica do panorama rural brasileiro, da constituição do ensino técnico, e do desenvolvimento do ensino técnico agrícola, este artigo defende que as escolas técnicas agrícolas sofrem uma dupla marginalização, por um lado proveniente de sua natureza profissionalizante e, por outro, dada sua vinculação com o meio rural brasileiro.

A computer model to predict temperatures and gas flows during AGR fuel handling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bishop, D.C.; Bowler, P.G.

1986-01-01

The paper describes the development of a comprehensive computer model (HOSTAGE) that has been developed for the Heysham II/Torness AGRs to predict temperature transients for all the important components during normal and fault conditions. It models not only the charge and discharge or fuel from an on-load reactor but also follows the fuel down the rest of the fuel route until it is dismantled. The main features of the physical model of gas and heat flow are described. Experimental results are used where appropriate and an indication will be given of how the predictions by HOSTAGE correlate with operating AGR reactors. The role of HOSTAGE in the Heysham II/Torness safety case is briefly discussed. (author)

Impactos do Protocolo de Cartagena sobre o Comércio de Commodities Agrícolas

OpenAIRE

Borges, Izaías de Carvalho; Silveira, Jose Maria Ferreira Jardim da; Vieira Filho, José Eustáquio; Pereira, Andrea M.

2015-01-01

O Protocolo de Cartagena sobre Biossegurança é um acordo ambiental que agrega 132 países. O Protocolo tem impactos sobre o comércio de commodities agrícolas, porque estabelece regras para o transporte entre fronteiras de organismos vivos modificados (OVMs). O Artigo 18.2(a) do Protocolo refere-se às formas de identificação dos OVMs nos carregamentos de commodities agrícolas. O fato de que os principais países exportadores de grãos também sejam produtores de cultivares geneticamente modificado...

A “questão agrária” em Mariátegui

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Frederico Daia Firmiano

2012-05-01

Full Text Available Neste breve artigo temos como objetivo refletir sobre a “questão agrária” no pensamento de José Carlos Mariátegui, sobretudo a partir de sua principal obra, os “Sete ensaios de interpretação da realidade peruana”. Nosso argumento é que o socialista peruano não tratou os problemas da formação social peruana a partir da chave teórica dada pela “questão agrária”, mas a encontrou no curso de uma interpretação marxista, profundamente original e inventiva, sobre esta formação social (desenvolvida ao lado da intensa militância política, identificando o problema indígena ao problema da terra, aos que Amauta conferiu uma alternativa socialista.

La Ingeniería Agrícola en el País

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bustamante M. Hellodoro

1985-12-01

Full Text Available Es sumamente difícil situar en la historia, el origen de la Ingeniería Agrícola, aunque podría remontarse al propio origen de la tierra, de las plantas y de las aguas. La Ingeniería Agrícola está ocupando un campo de acción que se ha desarrollado a pesar de las limitaciones que le ofrece el mismo desarrollo del país y al escepticismo sin fundamento de algunos pregoneros del pesimismo nacional; le corresponde enfrentar además hoy al cáncer del desempleo y a la falta de oportunidad para demostrar al país que la inversión hecha por el estado en la formación de estos profesionales es productiva.

AGR-5/6/7 LEUCO Kernel Fabrication Readiness Review

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Marshall, Douglas W. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States). Fuel Design and Development; Bailey, Kirk W. [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States). ART Quality Assurance Engineer

2015-02-01

In preparation for forming low-enriched uranium carbide/oxide (LEUCO) fuel kernels for the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) fuel development and qualification program, Idaho National Laboratory conducted an operational readiness review of the Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Operations Group – Lynchburg (B&W NOG-L) procedures, processes, and equipment from January 14 – January 16, 2015. The readiness review focused on requirements taken from the American Society Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Nuclear Quality Assurance Standard (NQA-1-2008, 1a-2009), a recent occurrence at the B&W NOG-L facility related to preparation of acid-deficient uranyl nitrate solution (ADUN), and a relook at concerns noted in a previous review. Topic areas open for the review were communicated to B&W NOG-L in advance of the on-site visit to facilitate the collection of objective evidences attesting to the state of readiness.

The Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Autogenic Relaxation on Young Soccer Players’ Mood States

Science.gov (United States)

Hashim, Hairul Anuar; Hanafi@Ahmad Yusof, Hazwani

2011-01-01

Purpose This study was designed to compare the effects of two different relaxation techniques, namely progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenic relaxation (AGR) on moods of young soccer players. Methods Sixteen adolescent athletes (mean age: 14.1 ± 1.3) received either PMR or AGR training. Using Profile of Mood States- Adolescents, their mood states were measured one week before relaxation training, before the first relaxation session, and after the twelfth relaxation session. Results Mixed ANOVA revealed no significant interaction effects and no significant main effects in any of the subscales. However, significant main effects for testing sessions were found for confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension subscales. Post hoc tests revealed post-intervention reductions in the confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension subscale scores. Conclusion These two relaxation techniques induce equivalent mood responses and may be used to regulate young soccer players’ mood states. PMID:22375225

El Título de Ingeniero Agrónomo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Universidad Nacional de Colombia Facultad de Agronomía

1941-08-01

Full Text Available Como es ocurrencia frecuente la controversia sobre la propiedad académica o el derecho que asiste a los profesionales que han cursado estudios superiores de Agronomía para usar el título de Ingenieros Agrónomos, es procedente aclarar este punto sobre todo hoy que en Colombia la carrera agronómica está ocupando destacada posición en el panorama social y económico del país.

Sostenibilidad de sistemas agrícolas Sustainability of farming systems

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leiva Fabio R.

1998-12-01

Full Text Available Las actividades agrícolas pueden tener impactos negativos sobre el ambiente, con efectos dentro y fuera de los predios. El presente artículo pretende contribuir al avance de la agricultura sostenible con énfasis en países en vías de desarrollo. Se revisan y analizan los conceptos de sostenibilidad y agricultura sostenible, incluyendo los diferentes puntos de vista en el debate sobre sostenibilidad'. El artículo examina los impactos ambientales debidos a las actividades agrícolas, destacando la importancia de fortalecer la investigación, con publicación de resultados, sobre la relación agricultura y medio ambiente. La complejidad de los factores que determinan la sostenibilidad agrícola exige una concepción de sistemas, integradora, participativa y holística. El uso de indicadores tiene un gran potencial en la evaluación de la sostenibilidad de sistemas productivos. La práctica de agricultura sostenible requiere tener en cuenta las condiciones ambientales, sociales y económicas en las cuales
se desenvuelve la agricultura.Farming activities have the potential to affect the farming system itself and the offfarm environment. This paper attempts to contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture with emphasis in developing countries. The concepts of sustainability and sustainable agriculture are reviewed and discussed, including the different viewpoints in the sustainability debate. Environmental impacts due to farming activities are examined emphasising the need of promoting further research and publication of findings on the links between environment and agriculture. The complexity of the factors that determine farming sustainability requires
a systematic, holistic, participative and integrated approach. Indicators are likely to contribute to the development of sustainable farming systems. Understanding environmental, social and economic circumstances is required to promote sustainability.

14 CFR 133.37 - Crewmember training, currency, and testing requirements.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Crewmember training, currency, and testing..., currency, and testing requirements. (a) No certificate holder may use, nor may any person serve, as a pilot in operations conducted under this part unless that person— (1) Has successfully demonstrated, to the...

Puesta en Valor del Patrimonio Agrícola en Ciudades Intermedias, caso Chillán

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marcela Andrea Soto Caro

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Frente al actual escenario territorial, donde la ruralidad persiste en todas sus expresiones identitarias, sociales y económicas, el suelo agrícola pierde extensión, en una pugna constante por sobreponerse a la expansión urbana. Las modificaciones estructurales del espacio periurbano en las últimas décadas nos presentan la consolidación de los procesos de crecimiento y transformación urbana desiguales, que bajo el modelo neoliberal imperante y persistente, se hacen cada vez más visibles en las ciudades de rango intermedio. Si bien no tienen la escala metropolitana, adquieren velocidades de crecimiento urbano aún mayores. El presente estudio compara la evolución de indicadores relacionados con el desarrollo urbano del territorio, para analizar las dinámicas de crecimiento y la pérdida de suelo agrícola. Si bien las ciudades de rango intermedio promueven el consumo de suelo urbano, existe una oportunidad de resaltar el valor patrimonial y productivo del suelo agrícola.

[Impact of a training model for the Child Development Evaluation Test in primary care].

Science.gov (United States)

Rizzoli-Córdoba, Antonio; Delgado-Ginebra, Ismael; Cruz-Ortiz, Leopoldo Alfonso; Baqueiro-Hernández, César Iván; Martain-Pérez, Itzamara Jacqueline; Palma-Tavera, Josuha Alexander; Villasís-Keever, Miguel Ángel; Reyes-Morales, Hortensia; O'Shea-Cuevas, Gabriel; Aceves-Villagrán, Daniel; Carrasco-Mendoza, Joaquín; Antillón-Ocampo, Fátima Adriana; Villagrán-Muñoz, Víctor Manuel; Halley-Castillo, Elizabeth; Vargas-López, Guillermo; Muñoz-Hernández, Onofre

The Child Development Evaluation (CDE) Test is a screening tool designed and validated in Mexico for the early detection of child developmental problems. For professionals who will be administering the test in primary care facilities, previous acquisition of knowledge about the test is required in order to generate reliable results. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of a training model for primary care workers from different professions through the comparison of knowledge acquired during the training course. The study design was a before/after type considering the participation in a training course for the CDE test as the intervention. The course took place in six different Mexican states from October to December 2013. The same questions were used before and after. There were 394 participants included. Distribution according to professional profile was as follows: general physicians 73.4%, nursing 7.7%, psychology 7.1%, nutrition 6.1% and other professions 5.6%. The questions with the lowest correct answer rates were associated with the scoring of the CDE test. In the initial evaluation, 64.9% obtained a grade lower than 20 compared with 1.8% in the final evaluation. In the initial evaluation only 1.8% passed compared with 75.15% in the final evaluation. The proposed model allows the participants to acquire general knowledge about the CDE Test. To improve the general results in future training courses, it is required to reinforce during training the scoring and interpretation of the test together with the previous lecture of the material by the participants. Copyright © 2015 Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Training Guidelines in Non-Destructive Testing Techniques: Manual for Visual Testing at Level 2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2013-01-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been active in the promotion of non-destructive testing (NDT) technology for many decades. The prime reason for this interest has been the need for stringent quality control standards for safe operation of nuclear as well as other industrial installations. The IAEA has successfully executed a number of projects, including technical cooperation projects (national and regional) and coordinated research projects, in which NDT was an important part. Through these projects, a large number of persons have been trained in numerous Member States, leading to the establishment of national certifying bodies responsible for training and certification of NDT personnel. Consequently a state of self-sufficiency in this area of technology has been achieved in many of these States. All along there has been a realization of the need to have well established training guidelines and related books, in order, first, to guide IAEA experts involved in this training programme and, second, to achieve some level of international uniformity and harmonization of training materials and consequent competence of NDT personnel. The syllabuses for training courses have been published in the form of TECDOC publications. The first was IAEA-TECDOC-407 (1987), which contained syllabuses for the five basic NDT methods: liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, eddy current testing, radiographic testing and ultrasonic testing. To accommodate advancements in NDT technology, later versions of this publication were issued in 1991, 2002 and 2008, with the current version being IAEA-TECDOC- 628/Rev.2 (2008), which includes additional and more advanced NDT methods. The next logical step was to compile textbooks and training manuals in accordance with these syllabuses. Manuals on liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiographic, ultrasonic and eddy current testing have already been published in the Training Course Series. These play a vital role in

Effects of endurance training and competition on exercise tests in relatively untrained people.

Science.gov (United States)

Verstappen, F T; Janssen, G M; Does, R J

1989-10-01

One hundred fourteen subjects (34 +/- 8 years) without any competition background took part in an endurance training study to be completed after 1.5 years with running a marathon. Ultimately, 60 males and 18 females achieved that goal. The training program, carefully supervised, was divided into three phases with a maximum of 45, 70, and 110 km/week training volume and concluded with a performance race of 15, 25, and 42.195 km, respectively. Three days before and 3 and 5 days after each race, 35 subjects were selected to perform a progressive treadmill test and the remaining subjects participated in performing field tests of running 400 and 1000 m. The maximal velocity achieved in the treadmill test was 4.75 +/- 0.36 m.s-1 for males and 4.18 +/- 0.28 m.s-1 for females; it remained constant throughout the study. However, the running velocity at 4 mmol.1(-1) plasma lactate concentration increased about 10% from phase 1 to 3. In the females this rise already appeared to be completed in phase 2. Heart rate showed a tendency to increase at both submaximal and maximal exercise from training phase 1 to 2 and 3, whereas plasma lactate concentration showed a decreasing tendency. Three days after the 25 km and the marathon race the maximal running velocity in the exercise test was 2%-4% lower compared with the pre-race test (P less than 0.05). Five days after the race this difference again faded away. This small decline in running performance was not reflected in changes of physiologic responses such as heart rate or plasma lactate concentration.

Obreros agrícolas migrantes en Sinaloa

OpenAIRE

Florencio Posadas Segura

2015-01-01

El objetivo de este artículo es demostrar la presencia significativa de los obreros agrícolas migrantes, algunas características que la explican y la pauperización que experimentan. La causa principal de la migración es la desocupación; los empresarios controlan los métodos de contratación, trasportación y explotación, y los jornaleros rurales migrantes trabajan más, ganan menos y su situación es mayormente miserable. Esto se ilustra con el caso de Villa Benito Juárez, Sinaloa, que prueba la ...

Characterization of virulence and antibiotic profile and agr typing of Staphylococcus aureus from milk of subclinical mastitis bovine in State of Rio de Janeiro

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

B.S. Soares

Full Text Available ABSTRACT This study aims to detect the main virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes in Stapylococcus aureus from bovine mastitic milk as well as classifying them according to agr typing. A total of 55 strains from six dairy unities in the state of Rio de Janeiro were selected, of these 27.3% presented fbnA and 78,2% for fbnB genes, respectively. None of the strains tested were positive for cap5 gene, 3.6% were positive for cap8 gene. Additionally, 94.5% of strains had hlA gene and 89.1% had hlB gene while 67.3% of the strains had icaA gene and 87.3% had icaD gene. From these results it was possible to establish 12 different virulence profiles. Prevalence of agrII type was detected in 81.8% of the isolates. Concerning antimicrobial resistance evaluation, the studied strains were susceptible to all antibiotics tested except penicillin, 83.6% being resistant strains. None of the strains had mecA gene, however, 40% of the strains had blaZ gene. Associating virulence and resistance data made it possible to obtain 23 different profiles. This great diversity of strains shows wide array of bacterial strategies and the challenge of mastitis prevention in cattle. Despite antimicrobial susceptibility, these strains presented certain genes that allow its persistence in the herd.

Metodología para evaluar el impacto de la maquinaria agrícola sobre los recursos naturales del medio ambiente

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Norge Díaz Rodríguez

2007-01-01

Full Text Available Se realizó una propuesta de metodología para evaluar el impacto que ejerce la maquinaria agrícola sobre algunos de los recursos naturales del medio ambiente. Durante su explotación la maquinaria agrícola, como unidad energética para el trabajo agrícola, produce un conjunto de impactos negativos sobre el medio en tres direcciones fundamentales: suelo, aire, y agua. A pesar de existir conciencia sobre este problema, no se disponen de herramientas apropiadas para hacer una evaluación certera de la magnitud de estos impactos, lo cual no es una simple tarea.

Trabajadores agrícolas migrantes en Baja California. Vinculación con la migración internacional

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ma. Eugenia Anguiano Téllez

1989-09-01

Full Text Available En este ensayo los jornaleros agrícolas migrantes son clasificados en dos estratos: el primero, considera la migración internacional, es decir, aquéllos que se internan en Estados Unidos con el propósito de conseguir empleo; y el segundo, corresponde a la migración interna de los trabajadores agrícolas que permanecen en Baja California para laborar en los valles de Mexicali y San Quintín.En este trabajo se señalan las diferencias entre estos dos estratos, tanto de carácter económico como en los niveles de educación; asimismo, se comparan las características de los jornaleros agrícolas migrantes que cruzan a Estados Unidos por Mexicali y por Tijuana, según su actividad económica de procedencia y su expectativa de empleo en los Estados Unidos.

EMG Biofeedback Training Versus Systematic Desensitization for Test Anxiety Reduction

Science.gov (United States)

Romano, John L.; Cabianca, William A.

1978-01-01

Biofeedback training to reduce test anxiety among university students was investigated. Biofeedback training with systematic desensitization was compared to an automated systematic desensitization program not using EMG feedback. Biofeedback training is a useful technique for reducing test anxiety, but not necessarily more effective than systematic…

Sensory submodalities testing in neurolinguistic programming, part of mental training

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vlad Teodor GROSU

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Introduction: this study is part of a larger work, which involves increasing sporting performance by applying mental training techniques – special techniques of neurolinguistic programming. In this case we will discuss some aspects of the test application Jacobson S. (2011. Purpose of study and hypothesis: In neurolinguistic programming (NLP we have studied the relationship between sensory submodalities, in accordance with the Jacobson test (2011. We wanted to check the degree of significance of the mean difference parameters studied and if the materiality result falls within the objective parameters. If ideomotor representations of athletes are completed with multiple sensations of all sensory submodalities such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory and gustatory, the possibility of applying the techniques of NLP (neurolinguistic programming will have more effective results. Methods and material: two records were made by using two tests, test1 and test2 on master students of the University “Babes-Bolyai” Cluj-Napoca, from FEFS from APS department (training and sports performance. The statistical indicators were calculated on elements of descriptive statistics and the data is presented using indicators of centrality, location and distribution. Statistical analysis of non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used for sample pairs (data uneven distribution/rank. Materiality tests used was α=0.05 (5%, α=0.01 (1% or α=0.001. Results and deliberations: to detect the correlation between the two variables we used the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρ. Statistical analysis was performed using the correlation coefficients Colton’s rule. It was found that no statistically significant differences were observed (p>0.05 in the statistical analysis of sample pairs Jacobson test values (times T1-T2. This is a result of the short timeframe – just one month – for objectives reasons. However, many of them appear in a good and a very good

Solo agrícola e agricultura em espaço urbano: dinâmicas. O exemplo de Évora

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maria Freire

2014-12-01

Full Text Available O objetivo do artigo é melhorar o entendimento sobre o significado da componente agrícola em espaço urbano para as sociedades e perspetivar estratégias no sentido de promover o património solo agrícola e a permanência e sustentabilidade do uso agrícola em espaço urbano. A metodologia de trabalho seguida compreende a análise da dinâmica de evolução urbana, associada à presença da agricultura em espaço urbano em Évora, numa perspetiva que inclui o seu significado nos domínios históricos, sociais, económicos, ecológicos e estéticos.

Analysis of Gln223Agr Polymorphism of Leptin Receptor Gene in Type II Diabetic Mellitus Subjects among Malaysians

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chong Pei Pei

2013-09-01

Full Text Available Leptin is known as the adipose peptide hormone. It plays an important role in the regulation of body fat and inhibits food intake by its action. Moreover, it is believed that leptin level deductions might be the cause of obesity and may play an important role in the development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM, as well as in cardiovascular diseases (CVD. The Leptin Receptor (LEPR gene and its polymorphisms have not been extensively studied in relation to the T2DM and its complications in various populations. In this study, we have determined the association of Gln223Agr loci of LEPR gene in three ethnic groups of Malaysia, namely: Malays, Chinese and Indians. A total of 284 T2DM subjects and 281 healthy individuals were recruited based on International Diabetes Federation (IDF criteria. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buccal specimens of the subjects. The commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR method was carried out by proper restriction enzyme MSP I to both amplify and digest the Gln223Agr polymorphism. The p-value among the three studied races was 0.057, 0.011 and 0.095, respectively. The values such as age, WHR, FPG, HbA1C, LDL, HDL, Chol and Family History were significantly different among the subjects with Gln223Agr polymorphism of LEPR (p < 0.05.

Analysis of Gln223Agr polymorphism of Leptin Receptor Gene in type II diabetic mellitus subjects among Malaysians.

Science.gov (United States)

Etemad, Ali; Ramachandran, Vasudevan; Pishva, Seyyed Reza; Heidari, Farzad; Aziz, Ahmad Fazli Abdul; Yusof, Ahmad Khairuddin Mohamed; Pei, Chong Pei; Ismail, Patimah

2013-09-18

Leptin is known as the adipose peptide hormone. It plays an important role in the regulation of body fat and inhibits food intake by its action. Moreover, it is believed that leptin level deductions might be the cause of obesity and may play an important role in the development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), as well as in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The Leptin Receptor (LEPR) gene and its polymorphisms have not been extensively studied in relation to the T2DM and its complications in various populations. In this study, we have determined the association of Gln223Agr loci of LEPR gene in three ethnic groups of Malaysia, namely: Malays, Chinese and Indians. A total of 284 T2DM subjects and 281 healthy individuals were recruited based on International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buccal specimens of the subjects. The commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was carried out by proper restriction enzyme MSP I to both amplify and digest the Gln223Agr polymorphism. The p-value among the three studied races was 0.057, 0.011 and 0.095, respectively. The values such as age, WHR, FPG, HbA1C, LDL, HDL, Chol and Family History were significantly different among the subjects with Gln223Agr polymorphism of LEPR (p < 0.05).

Impact of relationships between test and training animals and among training animals on reliability of genomic prediction.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, X; Lund, M S; Sun, D; Zhang, Q; Su, G

2015-10-01

One of the factors affecting the reliability of genomic prediction is the relationship among the animals of interest. This study investigated the reliability of genomic prediction in various scenarios with regard to the relationship between test and training animals, and among animals within the training data set. Different training data sets were generated from EuroGenomics data and a group of Nordic Holstein bulls (born in 2005 and afterwards) as a common test data set. Genomic breeding values were predicted using a genomic best linear unbiased prediction model and a Bayesian mixture model. The results showed that a closer relationship between test and training animals led to a higher reliability of genomic predictions for the test animals, while a closer relationship among training animals resulted in a lower reliability. In addition, the Bayesian mixture model in general led to a slightly higher reliability of genomic prediction, especially for the scenario of distant relationships between training and test animals. Therefore, to prevent a decrease in reliability, constant updates of the training population with animals from more recent generations are required. Moreover, a training population consisting of less-related animals is favourable for reliability of genomic prediction. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Cambio climático, ensalitramiento de suelos y producción agrícola en áreas de riego

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leonardo Pulido Madrigal

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Se analizó el impacto del clima en los problemas de salinidad, drenaje y producción agrícola en el Distrito de Riego 038 río Mayo Sonora el cual presenta afectaciones por sales en 32% de su superficie. Con datos de clima y agronómicos generados entre 1970-2001, se elaboraron modelos de regresión lineal simple para estudiar la relación entre la superficie ensalitrada con la temperatura ambiente, superficie afectada por niveles freáticos superficiales, volumen de riego, salinidad del agua de riego, precipitación pluvial, producción agrícola y productividad del agua. Asimismo, se correlacionó el manto freático con la temperatura, volumen de riego y precipitación pluvial. La producción se correlacionó con la salinidad del suelo, temperatura ambiente, superficie afectada por niveles freáticos superficiales y volumen de riego. Además, por medio de modelos de regresión lineal múltiple se determinaron las relaciones tanto de la superficie ensalitrada como de la producción agrícola, con la temperatura, superficie afectada por niveles freáticos superficiales, volumen de riego, superficie cosechada y precipitación pluvial. Los resultados evidenciaron que el aumento de superficie ensalitrada está relacionado con el incremento de temperatura; mismo que se asoció con la disminución del volumen de cosechas y con el aumento de superficie con niveles freáticos. Se encontró que los volúmenes de riego impactan en el incremento de la superficie agrícola con niveles freáticos someros y con el aumento de superficie ensalitrada. Con el calentamiento global los problemas de salinidad del suelo se incrementaron entre 24.1 y 15.8% en los estratos de suelo a 30 y 60 cm de profundidad, respectivamente. Asimismo, se estimó un crecimiento del 21.9% de superficies con niveles freáticos superficiales. El impacto del calentamiento global en el volumen de producción agrícola se estimó en una reducción del 18.9% del volumen de cosechas.

El Banco Nacional de Fomento en el desarrollo del sector agrícola durante el quinquenio 1992-1996. Propuesta a mediano plazo.

OpenAIRE

Proaño Gaibor, Alfonso

1998-01-01

El estudio contiene un panorama de la economía y del sector agrícola nacional, las políticas económicas aplicadas en el período de estudio, sus indicadores macroeconómicos, el PIB, el tipo de cambio y la incidencia de la agricultura en la población económicamente activa. El sector agrícola es analizado desde la perspectiva del comercio exterior, evaluando importaciones y exportaciones del sector agrícola, resultados en balanza comercial y proyección en el mercado global. La agricultura en...

[Effects of education and strength training on functional tests among older people with osteoarthritis].

Science.gov (United States)

Jiménez S, Christian Edgardo; Fernández G, Rubén; Zurita O, Félix; Linares G, Daniel; Farías M, Ariel

2014-04-01

Hip and knee osteoarthritis are important causes of pain and disability among older people. Education and strength training can alleviate symptoms and avoid functional deterioration. To assess muscle strength, fall risk and quality of life of older people with osteoarthritis and the effects of physiotherapy education and strength training on these variables. Thirty participants aged 78 ± 5 years (63% women) were randomly assigned to receive physiotherapy (Controls), physiotherapy plus education (Group 1) and physiotherapy plus strength training (group 2). At baseline and after 16 weeks of intervention, patients were evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test, Timed Up and Go and Quality of Life score short form (SF-36). During the intervention period, Senior Fitness Test and Timed Up and Go scores improved in all groups and SF-36 did not change. The improvement in Senior Fitness Test and Timed Up and Go was more marked in Groups 1 and 2 than in the control group. Education and strength training improve functional tests among older people with osteoarthritis.

Comparison of silver release predictions using PARFUME with results from the AGR-2 irradiation experiment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Collin, Blaise P.; Demkowicz, Paul A.; Baldwin, Charles A.; Harp, Jason M.; Hunn, John D.

2016-11-01

The PARFUME (PARticle FUel ModEl) code was used to predict silver release from tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated fuel particles and compacts during the second irradiation experiment (AGR-2) of the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification program. The PARFUME model for the AGR-2 experiment used the fuel compact volume average temperature for each of the 559 days of irradiation to calculate the release of fission product silver from a representative particle for a select number of AGR-2 compacts and individual fuel particles containing either mixed uranium carbide/oxide (UCO) or 100% uranium dioxide (UO2) kernels. Post-irradiation examination (PIE) measurements were performed to provide data on release of silver from these compacts and individual fuel particles. The available experimental fractional releases of silver were compared to their corresponding PARFUME predictions. Preliminary comparisons show that PARFUME under-predicts the PIE results in UCO compacts and is in reasonable agreement with experimental data for UO2 compacts. The accuracy of PARFUME predictions is impacted by the code limitations in the modeling of the temporal and spatial distributions of the temperature across the compacts. Nevertheless, the comparisons on silver release lie within the same order of magnitude.

Agility in Team Sports: Testing, Training and Factors Affecting Performance.

Science.gov (United States)

Paul, Darren J; Gabbett, Tim J; Nassis, George P

2016-03-01

Agility is an important characteristic of team sports athletes. There is a growing interest in the factors that influence agility performance as well as appropriate testing protocols and training strategies to assess and improve this quality. The objective of this systematic review was to (1) evaluate the reliability and validity of agility tests in team sports, (2) detail factors that may influence agility performance, and (3) identify the effects of different interventions on agility performance. The review was undertaken in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We conducted a search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and SPORTDiscus databases. We assessed the methodological quality of intervention studies using a customized checklist of assessment criteria. Intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.80-0.91, 0.10-0.81, and 0.81-0.99 for test time using light, video, and human stimuli. A low-level reliability was reported for youth athletes using the video stimulus (0.10-0.30). Higher-level participants were shown to be, on average, 7.5% faster than their lower level counterparts. Reaction time and accuracy, foot placement, and in-line lunge movement have been shown to be related to agility performance. The contribution of strength remains unclear. Efficacy of interventions on agility performance ranged from 1% (vibration training) to 7.5% (small-sided games training). Agility tests generally offer good reliability, although this may be compromised in younger participants responding to various scenarios. A human and/or video stimulus seems the most appropriate method to discriminate between standard of playing ability. Decision-making and perceptual factors are often propositioned as discriminant factors; however, the underlying mechanisms are relatively unknown. Research has focused predominantly on the physical element of agility. Small-sided games and video training may offer effective

Test Specification of A1-1 Test for OECD-ATLAS Project

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kang, Kyoung-Ho; Moon, Sang-Ki; Lee, Seung-Wook; Choi, Ki-Yong; Song, Chul-Hwa

2014-01-01

In the OECD-ATLAS project, design extension conditions (DECs) such as a station blackout (SBO) and a total loss of feed water (TLOFW) will be experimentally investigated to meet the international interests in the multiple high-risk DECs raised after the Fukushima accident. The proposed test matrix for the OECD-ATLAS project is summarized in Table 1.. In this study, detailed specification of the first test named as A1-1 in the OECD-ATLAS project was described. The target scenario of the A1-1 test is a prolonged SBO with delayed supply of turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater to only SG number 2 (SG-2). A SBO is one of the most important DECs in that without any proper operator actions, a total loss of heat sink leads to core uncover, to core damage, and ultimately a core melt-down scenario under high pressure. Due to this safety importance, a SBO is considered to be a base test item of the OECD-ATLAS project. A detailed specification of the first test named as A1-1 in the OECD-ATLAS project was described. The target scenario of the A1-1 test is a prolonged SBO with delayed supply of turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater to only SG-2 in order to consider an accident mitigation measure. The pre-test analysis using MARS code was performed with an aim of setting up the detailed test procedures for A1-1 test and also gaining the physical insights for a prolonged SBO transient. In the A1-1 test, a prolonged SBO transient will be simulated with two temporal phases: Phase (I) for conservative SBO transient without supply of turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater and Phase (II) for asymmetric cooling via single trained supply of turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater

Monitoring and performance analysis of AGR boilers during commissioning and power raising

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El-Nagdy, M.; Harrison, R.M.

1984-01-01

The installed boiler plant, for two 1300 MW AGR stations, is comprehensively instrumented for boiler control, performance assessment and component monitoring to ensure the integrity and safe operation of the plant during normal and faulty operating conditions. Plant instrumentation and computer systems installed at site for vibration analysis during the engineering runs and data acquisition during the power raising stage have been described. The results, from early rig investigations and the vibration testing during the unfueled engineering runs, indicate that the behaviour of the plant within the practical range of operating conditions is free from vibration problems. Also the analysis of the steady state thermal and hydrodynamic behaviour of the boiler plant during the power raising phase confirms the methods and computer models used for the boiler design. (author)

Project accent: graphite irradiated creep in a materials test reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brooking, M.

2014-01-01

Atkins manages a pioneering programme of irradiation experiments for EDF Energy. One of these projects is Project ACCENT, designed to obtain evidence of a beneficial physical property of the graphite, which may extend the life of the Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs). The project team combines the in-house experience of EDF Energy with two supplier organisations (providing the material test reactors and testing facilities) and supporting consultancies (Atkins and an independent technical expert). This paper describes: - Brief summary of the Project; - Discussion of the challenges faced by the Project; and - Conclusion elaborating on the aims of the Project. These challenging experiments use bespoke technology and both un-irradiated (virgin) and irradiated AGR graphite. The results will help to better understand graphite irradiation-induced creep (or stress modified dimensional change) properties and therefore more accurately determine lifetime and safe operating envelopes of the AGRs. The first round of irradiation has been completed, with a second round about to commence. This is a key step to realising the full lifetime ambition for AGRs, demonstrating the relaxation of stresses within the graphite bricks. (authors)

Integrated initial training program for a CEGB operations engineer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tompsett, P.A.

1987-01-01

This paper considers the overall training programs undertaken by a newly appointed Operations Engineer at one of the Central Electricity Generating Board's (CEGB) Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) nuclear power stations. The training program is designed to equip him with the skills and knowledge necessary for him to discharge his duties safely and effectively. In order to assist the learning process and achieve and integrated program, aspects of reactor technology and operation, initially the subject of theoretical presentations at the CEGB's Nuclear Power Training Center (NPTC) are reinforced by either simulation and/or practical experience on site. In the later stages plant-specific simulators, operated by trained tutors, are incorporated into the training program to provide the trainee with practical experience of plant operation. The trainee's performance is assessed throughout the program to provide feedback to the trainee, the trainers and station management

Accessory Gene Regulator-1 Locus Is Essential for Virulence and Pathogenesis of Clostridium difficile

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Charles Darkoh

2016-08-01

Full Text Available Clostridium difficile infection (CDI is responsible for most of the definable cases of antibiotic- and hospital-associated diarrhea worldwide and is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in older patients. C. difficile, a multidrug-resistant anaerobic pathogen, causes disease by producing toxins A and B, which are controlled by an accessory gene regulator (Agr quorum signaling system. Some C. difficile strains encode two Agr loci in their genomes, designated agr1 and agr2. The agr1 locus is present in all of the C. difficile strains sequenced to date, whereas the agr2 locus is present in a few strains. The functional roles of agr1 and agr2 in C. difficile toxin regulation and pathogenesis were unknown until now. Using allelic exchange, we deleted components of both agr loci and examined the mutants for toxin production and virulence. The results showed that the agr1 mutant cannot produce toxins A and B; toxin production can be restored by complementation with wild-type agr1. Furthermore, the agr1 mutant is able to colonize but unable to cause disease in a murine CDI model. These findings have profound implications for CDI treatment because we have uncovered a promising therapeutic target for the development of nonantibiotic drugs to treat this life-threatening emerging pathogen by targeting the toxins directly responsible for disease.

Existe convergência espacial da produtividade agrícola no Brasil?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eduardo Simões de Almeida

2008-03-01

Full Text Available Este trabalho analisa a convergência espacial da produtividade agrícola da terra para as microrregiões brasileiras entre o período de 1991 a 2003. Tal análise avalia se há evidências para a existência de convergência beta da produtividade agrícola, controlando-se explicitamente para efeitos espaciais. Para tanto, conduziu-se preliminarmente uma análise exploratória de dados espaciais, que detectou a presença de autocorrelação espacial para a produtividade da terra. Numa etapa posterior, desenvolveram-se modelos econométricos espaciais para a análise da convergência.This work analyzes the convergence of land productivity for Brazilian regions from 1991 to 2003. It evaluates if there is or not beta convergence of the agricultural productivity, controlling explicitly for spatial effects. To do so, an exploratory spatial data analysis was previously implemented and the presence of spatial autocorrelation for the land productivity was detected. In addition, spatial econometric models were developed for the convergence analysis.

High-voltage test and training of plastic streamer tubes for the DELPHI hadron calorimeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alekseev, G.D.; Cellar, S.; Khomenko, B.A.; Korytov, A.V.; Kulinich, P.A.; Micelmacher, G.V.; Sedykh, Yu.V.; Toledo, R.

1987-01-01

The results of high-voltage test and training of plastic streamer tubes of the DELPHI hadron calorimeter are presented. The testing technique is considered in detail. The equipment for high-voltage training consists of a mini-computer, CAMAC-electronics, a controllable high-voltage supply and a digital ampermeter. The experimental results shows that high-voltage training of streamer tubes improves their characteristics. The value of dark current decreased up to 1 μA. The operational voltage range increased by a value more than 300 V

Opposing Roles of the Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Regulators, Agr and Sar, in Triton X-100- and Penicillin-Induced Autolysis

OpenAIRE

Fujimoto, David F.; Bayles, Kenneth W.

1998-01-01

The regulation of murein hydrolases is a critical aspect of peptidoglycan growth and metabolism. In the present study, we demonstrate that mutations within the Staphylococcus aureus virulence factor regulatory genes, agr and sar, affect autolysis, resulting in decreased and increased autolysis rates, respectively. Zymographic analyses of these mutant strains suggest that agr and sar exert their effects on autolysis, in part, by modulating murein hydrolase expression and/or activity.

49 CFR 232.217 - Train brake tests conducted using yard air.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-10-01

... reduction of brake pipe air pressure at the same, or slower, rate as an engineer's brake valve. (b) The yard... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Train brake tests conducted using yard air. 232... Train brake tests conducted using yard air. (a) When a train air brake system is tested from a yard air...

Metodologías para establecer valores de referencia de metales pesados en suelos agrícolas: Perspectivas para Colombia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rueda Saa Germán

2011-09-01

Full Text Available

Los problemas ambientales de los metales pesados en los suelos están relacionados con su carácter tóxico cuando se acumulan o cuando interactüan con algunas propiedades especificas, se movilizan a  través del perfil a la cadena trófica mediante los cuerpos de agua o los cultivos y pueden llegar a afectar la salud humana. En países desarrollados el establecimiento de valores de referencia de estos metales ha permitido el mejoramiento de la planeación y la gestión ambiental del recurso suelo, y se ha convertido en un instrumento de control para las entidades ambientales que ha permitido evaluar el impacto en diferentes actividades agrícolas.

En este artículo se analizan diferentes conceptos relacionados con los niveles de metales pesados en suelos agrícolas y la incidencia de las características edafológicas en su concentración. Se revisan, igualmente, algunas metodologias para derivar valores de referencia especificos aplicables a suelos agrícolas colombianos, y se plantean algunas perspectivas orientadas a la protección y recuperación de suelos en el país. En Colombia en la actualidad no se cuenta con criterios y estándares de calidad para metales pesados en suelos agrícolas; por esto se hace necesario gestionar el apoyo de entidades gubernamentales con el fin de iniciar y desarrollar investigaciones en diferentes sectores agricolas primarios, contribuyendo de esta forma a garantizar la producción agrícola y la sostenibilidad ambiental del recurso suelo.

Rehabilitación de un suelo salino con yeso agrícola en un cultivo de nogal en el Valle del Yaqui

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alma Trasviña Barriga

2018-01-01

Full Text Available El cultivo de nogal es una actividad en amplio crecimiento en el Valle del Yaqui, Sonora. Las zonas nogaleras de la región se caracterizan por presentar problemas de salinidad y altas concentraciones de sodio intercambiable, lo que provoca disminución en la productividad de la nuez pecana. Al terminar la temporada de riego con agua del sistema de presas del Río Yaqui, el uso de agua de pozos profundos es utilizada, generalmente en los meses de mayo a agosto. Esto puede ocasionar acumulación de sales en el suelo cuando el agua es de mala calidad. El yeso agrícola ha sido utilizado como enmienda para rehabilitar el suelo mejorando las propiedades químicas del mismo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el efecto de la aplicación de yeso agrícola en un suelo salino de un huerto de nogal en el Valle del Yaqui. Se llevó a cabo la rehabilitación durante dos años, en el primer año se emplearon dosis de 5 y 10 Mg ha-1, mientras que en el segundo año 2 Mg ha-1 de yeso agrícola. Se realizaron dos lavados por melgas después de cada aplicación. Los análisis químicos del suelo se ejecutaron de acuerdo a la NOM-021-RECNAT-2000 durante tres años, previo y posterior a las aplicaciones de enmienda. Posterior a la aplicación de enmienda, disminuyeron los valores de conductividad eléctrica de 12.41 a 6.29 dS m-1, porcentaje de sodio intercambiable de 12.48 a 5.57 y relación de adsorción de sodio de 10.54 a 4.88 en la profundidad de 0-30 cm en la primera aplicación. El empleo de yeso agrícola y los lavados en el suelo salino del huerto de nogal mejoraron las propiedades químicas.

Estudio de los métodos para la evaluación de los proveedores para una empresa de fabricación de maquinaria agrícola

OpenAIRE

Vilalta Martí, Josep M.

2012-01-01

El objeto de este proyecto es el estudio de los métodos para la evaluación de los proveedores para una empresa de fabricación de maquinaria agrícola y la implantación de la misma. Concretamente maquinaria agrícola pesada destinada al transporte de productos agrícolas. Dicha fábrica estará situada en la provincia de Lérida.

Motion perception and driving: predicting performance through testing and shortening braking reaction times through training.

Science.gov (United States)

Wilkins, Luke; Gray, Rob; Gaska, James; Winterbottom, Marc

2013-12-30

A driving simulator was used to examine the relationship between motion perception and driving performance. Although motion perception test scores have been shown to be related to driving safety, it is not clear which combination of tests are the best predictors and whether motion perception training can improve driving performance. In experiment 1, 60 younger drivers (22.4 ± 2.5 years) completed three motion perception tests (2-dimensional [2D] motion-defined letter [MDL] identification, 3D motion in depth sensitivity [MID], and dynamic visual acuity [DVA]) followed by two driving tests (emergency braking [EB] and hazard perception [HP]). In experiment 2, 20 drivers (21.6 ± 2.1 years) completed 6 weeks of motion perception training (using the MDL, MID, and DVA tests), while 20 control drivers (22.0 ± 2.7 years) completed an online driving safety course. The EB performance was measured before and after training. In experiment 1, MDL (r = 0.34) and MID (r = 0.46) significantly correlated with EB score. The change in DVA score as a function of target speed (i.e., "velocity susceptibility") was correlated most strongly with HP score (r = -0.61). In experiment 2, the motion perception training group had a significant decrease in brake reaction time on the EB test from pre- to posttreatment, while there was no significant change for the control group: t(38) = 2.24, P = 0.03. Tests of 3D motion perception are the best predictor of EB, while DVA velocity susceptibility is the best predictor of hazard perception. Motion perception training appears to result in faster braking responses.

Measurement implications for effective testing in nuclear training

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zaret, R.; Pawlowski, V.

1983-01-01

The primary thrust of this paper is to present an overview of the measurement concepts of reliability and validity. Techniques and issues are presented which will allow Nuclear Training Personnel to have greater confidence in the accuracy of scores obtained from in-house developed tests. While it is realized that the conditions under which tests are developed in Nuclear Training environments are less than ideal, the concepts and techniques addressed can be applied under any conditions

Potencial de biodegradación de DDT y sus metabolitos en suelos agrícolas de Chinandega

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carlos E. Noguera Solís

2008-04-01

Full Text Available LA PRESENTE INVESTIGACIÓN EVALUÓ EL POTENCIAL DE BIODEGRADACIÓN DEL 1,1,1-Tricloro- 2,2-bis(4-clorofeniletano (DDT y sus metabolitos en suelos agrícolas pertenecientes a fincas del municipio de El Viejo, Chinandega, a través de dos ensayos: ensayo de biodegradación ex situ y ensayo de búsqueda e identificación de microorganismos capaces de biodegradar DDT. En el primer ensayo se determinó el porcentajede biodegradación, bajo condiciones idóneas, durante un período de 100 días en diferentes lotes de suelo con diferentes aditivos (cachaza y estiércol a través de la aplicación de cepas microbianas comerciales Environoc 201®. De ello se obtuvo como resultado un porcentaje de biodegradación mayor para el lote que no presentaba aditivos orgánicos, siendo éste de 23,92%. En el ensayo de búsqueda eidentificación de bacterias se lograron aislar e identificar cepas microbianas nativas de los suelos agrícolas objeto de estudio utilizando medios de cultivo con DDT como única fuente de carbono y energía. Como resultado se lograron identificar los siguientes microorganismos: Pseudomonas sp., Streptomyces sp., Phanerochaetechrysosporium y levaduras.

Necesidades educacionales sobre riesgo de plaguicidas en el contexto socio-ambiental de las comunidades agrícolas de Sonora

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M.I. Silveira Gramont

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Para proponer estrategias de educación y comunicación sobre plaguicidas en las comunidades agrícolas de Sonora, se requiere situar la problemática de la exposición a plaguicidas en el contexto socio-cultural y ambiental de las comunidades afectadas, tomando en cuenta los factores que contribuyen al mayor riesgo de exposición de los trabajadores agrícolas y de sus familias. Este estudio examina los factores poblacionales, educacionales, culturales y de trabajo de habitantes y trabajadores agrícolas de dichas comunidades, así como las limitaciones de infraestructura comunitaria y de condiciones de vivienda en relación al riesgo de contaminación por plaguicidas. Sobre la base de este análisis se proponen posibles alternativas educacionales orientadas a mitigar tal riesgo en el contexto socio-cultural de dichas comunidades. Método De los estudios reportados sobre la presencia de residuos de plaguicidas en productos agrícolas y acuícolas, en suelos, agua, medio ambiente y en líquidos corporales de niños y adultos de Sonora, se puede concluir que tanto los trabajadores agrícolas como la población que reside cerca de las zonas agrícolas, están sujetos a un mayor riesgo de contaminación por plaguicidas. Para la realización del presente estudio se seleccionaron cinco comunidades localizadas en los valles agrícolas más productivos de Sonora, en las cuales se han llevado a cabo investigaciones relacionadas con plaguicidas. Básicamente, se analizó la información obtenida de encuestas aplicadas a residentes y trabajadores agrícolas de dichas comunidades, para explorar su conocimiento sobre uso y manejo de plaguicidas, percepción del riesgo que tales sustancias representan y las prácticas de protección personal que llevan a cabo para la prevención de dichos riesgos (en el hogar y trabajo. También se describe la infraestructura de los poblados y las viviendas de sus habitantes en relación al potencial de riesgo de contaminaci

Planificación estratégica de un sistema provincial de extensión agrícola (Sipea) para la Provincia de Acobamba

OpenAIRE

Yzarra Aguilar, Adelfa

2017-01-01

El objetivo fue analizar la realidad actual del servicio de extensión agrícola en la provincia de Acobamba, región Huancavelica, para proponer uno que articule los componentes hacia una óptima calidad del servicio, realizando los análisis de carácter externo positivo o negativo que favorece o perjudica el desarrollo del servicio de extensión agrícola. Se diseñó un plan estratégico para el sistema provincial de extensión agrícola para Acobamba, el enlace de los objetivos con la realidad actual...

Psychomotor testing predicts rate of skill acquisition for proficiency-based laparoscopic skills training.

Science.gov (United States)

Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Korndorffer, James R; Black, F William; Dunne, J Bruce; Sierra, Rafael; Touchard, Cheri L; Rice, David A; Markert, Ronald J; Kastl, Peter R; Scott, Daniel J

2006-08-01

Laparoscopic simulator training translates into improved operative performance. Proficiency-based curricula maximize efficiency by tailoring training to meet the needs of each individual; however, because rates of skill acquisition vary widely, such curricula may be difficult to implement. We hypothesized that psychomotor testing would predict baseline performance and training duration in a proficiency-based laparoscopic simulator curriculum. Residents (R1, n = 20) were enrolled in an IRB-approved prospective study at the beginning of the academic year. All completed the following: a background information survey, a battery of 12 innate ability measures (5 motor, and 7 visual-spatial), and baseline testing on 3 validated simulators (5 videotrainer [VT] tasks, 12 virtual reality [minimally invasive surgical trainer-virtual reality, MIST-VR] tasks, and 2 laparoscopic camera navigation [LCN] tasks). Participants trained to proficiency, and training duration and number of repetitions were recorded. Baseline test scores were correlated to skill acquisition rate. Cutoff scores for each predictive test were calculated based on a receiver operator curve, and their sensitivity and specificity were determined in identifying slow learners. Only the Cards Rotation test correlated with baseline simulator ability on VT and LCN. Curriculum implementation required 347 man-hours (6-person team) and 795,000 dollars of capital equipment. With an attendance rate of 75%, 19 of 20 residents (95%) completed the curriculum by the end of the academic year. To complete training, a median of 12 hours (range, 5.5-21), and 325 repetitions (range, 171-782) were required. Simulator score improvement was 50%. Training duration and repetitions correlated with prior video game and billiard exposure, grooved pegboard, finger tap, map planning, Rey Figure Immediate Recall score, and baseline performance on VT and LCN. The map planning cutoff score proved most specific in identifying slow learners

Initial Gamma Spectrometry Examination of the AGR-3/4 Irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Harp, Jason M.; Demkowicz, Paul A.; Stempien, John D.

2016-11-01

The initial results from gamma spectrometry examination of the different components from the combined third and fourth US Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development TRISO-coated particle fuel irradiation tests (AGR-3/4) have been analyzed. This experiment was designed to provide information about in-pile fission product migration. In each of the 12 capsules, a single stack of four compacts with designed-to-fail particles surrounded by two graphitic diffusion rings (inner and outer) and a graphite sink were irradiated in the Idaho National Laboratory’s Advanced Test Reactor. Gamma spectrometry has been used to evaluate the gamma-emitting fission product inventory of compacts from the irradiation and evaluate the burnup of these compacts based on the activity of the radioactive cesium isotopes (Cs-134 and Cs-137) in the compacts. Burnup from gamma spectrometry compares well with predicted burnup from simulations. Additionally, inner and outer rings were also examined by gamma spectrometry both to evaluate the fission product inventory and the distribution of gamma-emitting fission products within the rings using gamma emission computed tomography. The cesium inventory of the scanned rings compares acceptably well with the expected inventory from fission product transport modeling. The inventory of the graphite fission product sinks is also being evaluated by gamma spectrometry.

Training in multiple breath washout testing for respiratory physiotherapists.

Science.gov (United States)

O'Neill, Katherine; Elborn, J Stuart; Tunney, Michael M; O'Neill, Philip; Rowan, Stephen; Martin, Susan; Bradley, Judy M

2018-03-01

The development of multiple breath washout (MBW) testing in respiratory disease highlights the need for increased awareness amongst respiratory physiotherapists and a potential opportunity for professional development in the use of an important outcome measure for clinical trials. To rationalise how MBW may be a useful assessment tool for respiratory physiotherapists and to describe a local MBW training and certification programme for physiotherapists. The respiratory Multidisciplinary Team in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) identified a need for MBW testing to be available to facilitate clinical research and assessment. A 2day training programme consisting of prereading preparation, self-directed learning, theory presentations, practical demonstrations and hands-on practice was developed and delivered. All participants underwent a certification process. We have demonstrated the successful training and certification of clinical and research physiotherapists and encourage other respiratory physiotherapists to consider MBW test training. Copyright © 2017 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Data of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting of a bridge undergoing vibration testing and train passage

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paul Cahill

2018-04-01

Full Text Available The data presented in this article is in relation to the research article “Vibration energy harvesting based monitoring of an operational bridge undergoing forced vibration and train passage” Cahill et al. (2018 [1]. The article provides data on the full-scale bridge testing using piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters on Pershagen Bridge, Sweden. The bridge is actively excited via a swept sinusoidal input. During the testing, the bridge remains operational and train passages continue. The test recordings include the voltage responses obtained from the vibration energy harvesters during these tests and train passages. The original dataset is made available to encourage the use of energy harvesting for Structural Health Monitoring.

Metodologías para establecer valores de referencia de metales pesados en suelos agrícolas: perspectivas para Colombia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Germán Rueda Saa

2011-07-01

Full Text Available Los impactos ambientales de los metales pesados en los suelos están relacionados con su carácter tóxico cuando se acumulan o interactúan con algunas propiedades específicas, se movilizan a través del perfil a la cadena trófica mediante los cuerpos de agua o los cultivos y pueden llegar a afectar la salud humana. En países desarrollados el establecimiento de valores de referencia de estos metales ha permitido el mejoramiento de la planeación y la gestión ambiental del recurso suelo, y se ha convertido en un instrumento de control para las entidades ambientales que ha permitido evaluar el impacto en diferentes actividades agrícolas. En este artículo se analizan diversos conceptos relacionados con los niveles de metales pesados en suelos agrícolas y la incidencia de las características edafológicas en su concentración. Se revisan, igualmente, algunas metodologías para derivar valores de referencia específicos aplicables a suelos agrícolas colombianos, y se plantean algunas perspectivas orientadas a la protección y recuperación de suelos en el país. En Colombia en la actualidad no se cuenta con criterios y estándares de calidad para medir la contaminación por metales pesados en suelos agrícolas; por esto se hace necesario gestionar el apoyo de entidades gubernamentales con el fin de iniciar y desarrollar investigaciones en diferentes sectores agrícolas primarios, contribuyendo de esta forma a garantizar una producción más limpia y la sostenibilidad ambiental del recurso suelo.

Manufacture of steam generator units and components for the AGR power stations at Heysham II and Torness

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Glasgow, J.R.; Parkin, K.

1984-01-01

The current AGR Steam Generator is a development of the successful once-through units supplied for the Oldbury Magnox and Hinkley B/Hunterston B AGR power stations. In this paper a brief outline of the evolution of the steam generator design from the earlier gas cooled reactor stations is presented. A description of the main items of fabrication development is given. The production facilities for the manufacture of the units are described. Reference is also made to some of the work on associated components. The early experience on the construction site of installation of the steam generators is briefly outlined. (author)

Manufacture of steam generator units and components for the AGR power stations at Heysham II and Torness

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Glasgow, J R; Parkin, K [N.E.I. Nuclear Systems Ltd., Gateshead, Tyne and Wear (United Kingdom)

1984-07-01

The current AGR Steam Generator is a development of the successful once-through units supplied for the Oldbury Magnox and Hinkley B/Hunterston B AGR power stations. In this paper a brief outline of the evolution of the steam generator design from the earlier gas cooled reactor stations is presented. A description of the main items of fabrication development is given. The production facilities for the manufacture of the units are described. Reference is also made to some of the work on associated components. The early experience on the construction site of installation of the steam generators is briefly outlined. (author)

Education and training by utilizing irradiation test reactor simulator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eguchi, Shohei; Koike, Sumio; Takemoto, Noriyuki; Tanimoto, Masataka; Kusunoki, Tsuyoshi

2016-01-01

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency, at its Japan Materials Testing Reactor (JMTR), completed an irradiation test reactor simulator in May 2012. This simulator simulates the operation, irradiation test, abnormal transient change during operation, and accident progress events, etc., and is able to perform operation training on reactor and irradiation equipment corresponding to the above simulations. This simulator is composed of a reactor control panel, process control panel, irradiation equipment control panel, instructor control panel, large display panel, and compute server. The completed simulator has been utilized in the education and training of JMTR operators for the purpose of the safe and stable operation of JMTR and the achievement of high operation rate after resuming operation. For the education and training, an education and training curriculum has been prepared for use in not only operation procedures at the time of normal operation, but also learning of fast and accurate response in case of accident events. In addition, this simulator is also being used in operation training for the purpose of contributing to the cultivation of human resources for atomic power in and out of Japan. (A.O.)

Development methodology of the novel Endoscopic stone treatment step 1 (EST s1) training/assessment curriculum.

Science.gov (United States)

Veneziano, Domenico; Ahmed, Kamran; Van Cleynenbreugel, Ben S E P; Gözen, Ali Serdar; Palou, Joan; Sarica, Kemal; Liatsikos, Evangelos N; Sanguedolce, Francesco; Honeck, Patrick; Alvarez-Maestro, Mario; Papatsoris, Athanasios; Kallidonis, Panagiotis; Greco, Francesco; Breda, Alberto; Somani, Bhaskar

2017-07-10

Background Simulation based technical-skill assessment is a core topic of debate, especially in high-risk environments. After the introduction of the E-BLUS exam for basic laparoscopy, no more technical training/assessment urological protocols have been developed in Europe. Objective We describe the methodology used in the development of the novel Endoscopic Stone Treatment step 1 (EST s1) assessment curriculum. Materials and Methods The "full life cycle curriculum development" template was followed for curriculum development. A CTA was run to define the most important steps and details of RIRS, in accordance with EAU Urolithiasis guidelines. Training tasks were created between April 2015 and September 2015. Tasks and metrics were further analyzed by a consensus meeting with the EULIS board in February 2016. A review, aimed to study available simulators and their accordance with task requirements, was subsequently run in London on March 2016. After initial feedback and further tests, content validity of this protocol was achieved during EUREP 2016. Results The EST s1 curriculum development, took 23 months. 72 participants tested the 5 preliminary tasks during EUREP 2015, with sessions of 45 minutes each. Likert-scale questionnaires were filled-out to score the quality of training. The protocol was modified accordingly and 25 participants tested the 4 tasks during the hands-on training sessions of the ESUT 2016 congress. 134 participants finally participated in the validation study in EUREP 2016. During the same event 10 experts confirmed content validity by filling-out a Likert-scale questionnaire. Conclusion We described a reliable and replicable methodology that can be followed to develop training/assessment protocols for surgical procedures. The expert consensus meetings, strict adherence to guidelines and updated literature search towards an Endourology curriculum allowed correct training and assessment protocol development. It is the first step towards

Practicing the Test Produces Strength Equivalent to Higher Volume Training.

Science.gov (United States)

Mattocks, Kevin T; Buckner, Samuel L; Jessee, Matthew B; Dankel, Scott J; Mouser, J Grant; Loenneke, Jeremy P

2017-09-01

To determine if muscle growth is important for increasing muscle strength or if changes in strength can be entirely explained from practicing the strength test. Thirty-eight untrained individuals performed knee extension and chest press exercise for 8 wk. Individuals were randomly assigned to either a high-volume training group (HYPER) or a group just performing the one repetition maximum (1RM) strength test (TEST). The HYPER group performed four sets to volitional failure (~8RM-12RM), whereas the TEST group performed up to five attempts to lift as much weight as possible one time each visit. Data are presented as mean (90% confidence interval). The change in muscle size was greater in the HYPER group for both the upper and lower bodies at most but not all sites. The change in 1RM strength for both the upper body (difference of -1.1 [-4.8, 2.4] kg) and lower body (difference of 1.0 [-0.7, 2.8] kg for dominant leg) was not different between groups (similar for nondominant). Changes in isometric and isokinetic torque were not different between groups. The HYPER group observed a greater change in muscular endurance (difference of 2 [1,4] repetitions) only in the dominant leg. There were no differences in the change between groups in upper body endurance. There were between-group differences for exercise volume (mean [95% confidence interval]) of the dominant (difference of 11,049.3 [9254.6-12,844.0] kg) leg (similar for nondominant) and chest press with the HYPER group completing significantly more total volume (difference of 13259.9 [9632.0-16,887.8] kg). These findings suggest that neither exercise volume nor the change in muscle size from training contributed to greater strength gains compared with just practicing the test.

Eficiência energética de um trator agrícola utilizando duas configurações de tomada de potência

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ulisses Giacomini Frantz

2014-07-01

Full Text Available A tomada de potência (TDP de um trator agrícola tem por principal finalidade transmitir a potência gerada no motor, para acionamento de órgãos ativos das máquinas agrícolas. Tendo em vista a necessidade de se aumentar a eficiência energética na agricultura, alguns fabricantes disponibilizam para os agricultores uma configuração de TDP que proporciona o acionamento dessas máquinas a um regime de rotação menor do motor do trator. Assim, a rotação da TDP é mantida podendo-se obter uma redução do consumo de combustível. Este trabalho objetivou quantificar o consumo de combustível de um trator agrícola, operando com duas configurações de TDP (normal e econômica em duas áreas agrícolas de relevo distinto. Como resultado, evidencia-se que, com a utilização da TDP econômica, tanto o consumo horário quanto o consumo operacional de combustível, em ambas as áreas trabalhadas, foi menor quando comparado à TDP normal.

The Agr quorum-sensing system regulates fibronectin binding but not hemolysis in the absence of a functional electron transport chain.

Science.gov (United States)

Pader, Vera; James, Ellen H; Painter, Kimberley L; Wigneshweraraj, Sivaramesh; Edwards, Andrew M

2014-10-01

Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for numerous chronic and recurrent infections, which are frequently associated with the emergence of small-colony variants (SCVs) that lack a functional electron transport chain. SCVs exhibit enhanced expression of fibronectin-binding protein (FnBP) and greatly reduced hemolysin production, although the basis for this is unclear. One hypothesis is that these phenotypes are a consequence of the reduced Agr activity of SCVs, while an alternative is that the lack of a functional electron transport chain and the resulting reduction in ATP production are responsible. Disruption of the electron transport chain of S. aureus genetically (hemB and menD) or chemically, using 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), inhibited both growth and Agr activity and conferred an SCV phenotype. Supplementation of the culture medium with synthetic autoinducing peptide (sAIP) significantly increased Agr expression in both hemB mutant strains and S. aureus grown with HQNO and significantly reduced staphylococcal adhesion to fibronectin. However, sAIP did not promote hemolysin expression in hemB mutant strains or S. aureus grown with HQNO. Therefore, while Agr regulates fibronectin binding in SCVs, it cannot promote hemolysin production in the absence of a functional electron transport chain. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

The training and assessment of operations engineers at Hinkley Point 'B' nuclear power station

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Walsey, B.A.; Howard, J.D.

1986-01-01

The Nuclear Power Training Centre at Oldbury-on-Severn was established to provide a common training of staff at all nuclear power stations operated by the Central Electricity Generating Board, following the ''Standard Specification for the Nuclear Training of Staff at CEGB Nuclear Power Stations''. The paper deals with the following aspects of AGR Stations: The Legislation applicable to these stations. The current training requirements for Operations Staff. The development of training for operations staff at Hinkley Point 'B' including training for career progression within the Operations Department. A detailed explanation of the training package developed for Reactor Desk Drivers at Hinkley 'B'. Revision training of Operations staff to ensure that they continue to run the plant in a safe and commercially viable manner. The training of Shift Operations Engineers for their duties under the Station Emergency Plan. (author)

Entre a propriedade e o salário. Memórias dos trabalhos agrícolas em Alpiarça (anos 50/80)

OpenAIRE

Dulce Freire

2006-01-01

Até aos anos 60 do século XX, Portugal foi um país essencialmente agrícola e rural. O rápido êxodo rural facilitou o abandono ou a transformação da agricultura. Apresenta-se aqui uma reflexão sobre os actuais processos de rememoração das práticas agrícolas numa vila do Ribatejo (Portugal) e sobre a amnésia social verificada relativamente ao passado agrícola, que decorre das transformações ocorridas e dos valores sociais e culturais associados à reconstrução da identidade da vila de Alp...

Entre a propriedade e o salário. Memórias dos trabalhos agrícolas em Alpiarça (anos 50/80

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dulce Freire

2006-09-01

Full Text Available Até aos anos 60 do século XX, Portugal foi um país essencialmente agrícola e rural. O rápido êxodo rural facilitou o abandono ou a transformação da agricultura. Apresenta-se aqui uma reflexão sobre os actuais processos de rememoração das práticas agrícolas numa vila do Ribatejo (Portugal e sobre a amnésia social verificada relativamente ao passado agrícola, que decorre das transformações ocorridas e dos valores sociais e culturais associados à reconstrução da identidade da vila de Alpiarça.

Training manuals for nondestructive testing using magnetic particles

Science.gov (United States)

1968-01-01

Training manuals containing the fundamentals of nondestructive testing using magnetic particle as detection media are used by metal parts inspectors and quality assurance specialists. Magnetic particle testing involves magnetization of the test specimen, application of the magnetic particle and interpretation of the patterns formed.

Development, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the resistance training skills battery.

Science.gov (United States)

Lubans, David R; Smith, Jordan J; Harries, Simon K; Barnett, Lisa M; Faigenbaum, Avery D

2014-05-01

The aim of this study was to describe the development and assess test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Resistance Training Skills Battery (RTSB) for adolescents. The RTSB provides an assessment of resistance training skill competency and includes 6 exercises (i.e., body weight squat, push-up, lunge, suspended row, standing overhead press, and front support with chest touches). Scoring for each skill is based on the number of performance criteria successfully demonstrated. An overall resistance training skill quotient (RTSQ) is created by adding participants' scores for the 6 skills. Participants (44 boys and 19 girls, mean age = 14.5 ± 1.2 years) completed the RTSB on 2 occasions separated by 7 days. Participants also completed the following fitness tests, which were used to create a muscular fitness score (MFS): handgrip strength, timed push-up, and standing long jump tests. Intraclass correlation (ICC), paired samples t-tests, and typical error were used to assess test-retest reliability. To assess construct validity, gender and RTSQ were entered into a regression model predicting MFS. The rank order repeatability of the RTSQ was high (ICC = 0.88). The model explained 39% of the variance in MFS (p ≤ 0.001) and RTSQ (r = 0.40, p ≤ 0.001) was a significant predictor. This study has demonstrated the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the RTSB in a sample of adolescents. The RTSB can reliably rank participants in regards to their resistance training competency and has the necessary sensitivity to detect small changes in resistance training skill proficiency.

Seroprevalencia de brucelosis en trabajadores agrícolas de las comarcas costeras de Castellón, España Seroprevalence of brucellosis in agricultural workers living in coastal areas of Castellon, Spain

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Luis Villamarín-Vázquez

2002-04-01

Full Text Available Objetivo. Determinar la seroprevalencia de brucelosis en trabajadores agrícolas. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal efectuado durante 1996 y 1997 en la Unidad de Salud Laboral del Centro de Salud Pública (CSP de Castellón, España, con 482 aspirantes a su acreditación como manipulador de plaguicidas para aplicación agrícola y a quienes se les hicieron las pruebas serológicas de rosa de Bengala, seroaglutinación de Wright y Coombs antibrucela. En el análisis estadístico se estimó la prevalencia y se usó regresión logística. Resultados. 15 personas (3.1%, IC 95% 1.8%-5.1% presentaron títulos de 1/40 o mayores a las pruebas de Wright o Coombs, y todas negativas al rosa de Bengala. No se apreció riesgo profesional elevado. Conclusiones. La prevalencia estimada fue baja.Objective. To estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in agricultural workers. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1996 and 1997 at Unidad de Salud Laboral del Centro de Salud Pública (CSP in Castellon, España (Public Health Center Occupational Health Unit, among 482 subjects applying for certification to handle pesticides for agricultural use. Serologic testing consisted of rose Bengal staining, Wright's agglutination, and antibrucella Coombs tests. Statistical analysis consisted in estimation of prevalence figures and logistic regression modelling. Results. Fifteen subjects (3.1%, 95% CI 1.8%-5.1% had titers of 1/40 or higher to Wright and/or Coombs tests; all were negative to rose Bengal staining. No high occupational risk was observed. Conclusions. A low prevalence of brucellosis was found.

Tritium Systems Test Assembly operator training program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kerstiens, F.L.

1985-01-01

Proper operator training is needed to help ensure the safe operation of fusion facilities by personnel who are qualified to carry out their assigned responsibilities. Operators control and monitor the Tritium Systems Test Assembly (TSTA) during normal, emergency, and maintenance phases. Their performance is critical both to operational safety, assuring no release of tritium to the atmosphere, and to the successful simulation of the fusion reaction progress. Through proper training we are helping assure that TSTA facility operators perform their assignments in a safe and efficient manner and that the operators maintain high levels of operational proficiency through continuing training, retraining, requalification, and recertification

Numerical simulation of the insert chemistry of the hollow cathode from the deep space 1 ion engine 30,000 Hrs life test

OpenAIRE

Coletti, Michele; Grubisic, Angelo; Gabriel, Stephen

2007-01-01

A model for the insert chemistry developed by the authors and based on the knowledge of the BaO – CaO – Al2O3 ternary system the ELT discharge cathode insert from the Deep Space 1 life test has been simulated. The computed data show a good agreement with the experimental one; the agreement increase with the imposition of boundary conditions closer to the experimental evidence. Tungsten deposition effect have been introduced into the model using experimental data and further improving the agre...

Biofeedback-assisted relaxation training to decrease test anxiety in nursing students.

Science.gov (United States)

Prato, Catherine A; Yucha, Carolyn B

2013-01-01

Nursing students experiencing debilitating test anxiety may be unable to demonstrate their knowledge and have potential for poor academic performance. A biofeedback-assisted relaxation training program was created to reduce test anxiety. Anxiety was measured using Spielberger's Test Anxiety Inventory and monitoring peripheral skin temperature, pulse, and respiration rates during the training. Participants were introduced to diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and autogenic training. Statistically significant changes occurred in respiratory rates and skin temperatures during the diaphragmatic breathing session; respiratory rates and peripheral skin temperatures during progressive muscle relaxation session; respiratory and pulse rates, and peripheral skin temperatures during the autogenic sessions. No statistically significant difference was noted between the first and second TAI. Subjective test anxiety scores of the students did not decrease by the end of training. Autogenic training session was most effective in showing a statistically significant change in decreased respiratory and pulse rates and increased peripheral skin temperature.

Necesidades educacionales sobre riesgo de plaguicidas en el contexto socio-ambiental de las comunidades agrícolas de Sonora

OpenAIRE

Silveira Gramont, M.I.; Aldana Madrid, L.; Valenzuela Quintanar, A.I.; Ochoa Nogales, C.B.; Jasa-Silveira, G.; Camarena Gómez, Beatriz

2016-01-01

Resumen Introducción: Para proponer estrategias de educación y comunicación sobre plaguicidas en las comunidades agrícolas de Sonora, se requiere situar la problemática de la exposición a plaguicidas en el contexto socio-cultural y ambiental de las comunidades afectadas, tomando en cuenta los factores que contribuyen al mayor riesgo de exposición de los trabajadores agrícolas y de sus familias. Este estudio examina los factores poblacionales, educacionales, culturales y de trabajo de habita...

Qualidade do emprego e condições de vida dos empregados assalariados rurais agrícolas e não agrícolas das mesorregiões mais e menos modernizadas do Estado de Minas Gerais : um estudo entre os anos 2000 a 2010

OpenAIRE

Gandolfi, Maria Raquel Caixeta

2016-01-01

Este trabalho tem como objetivo contribuir com os estudos em torno da qualidade do emprego e condições de vida da força de trabalho residente no setor rural das Mesorregiões de Minas Gerais, especificamente, o empregado assalariado. O recorte compreende as Mesorregiões de Minas Gerais, separadas por mais e menos modernizadas nas culturas do café, cana-de-açúcar e milho, envolvendo os empregados e as famílias agrícolas. Considerando a queda dos empregos agrícolas ocorridos na dé...

Staphylococcus aureus but not Listeria monocytogenes adapt to triclosan and adaptation correlates with increased fabI expression and agr deficiency

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, Lene Nørby; Larsen, Marianne Halberg; Skovgaard, Sissel

2013-01-01

was initially 4 mg/L and remained unaltered by the exposure. The adapted S. aureus isolates retained normal colony size but displayed increased expression of fabI encoding an essential enzyme in bacterial fatty acid synthesis. Also, they displayed decreased or no expression of the virulence associated agr......C of the agr quorum sensing system. While most adapted strains of USA300 carried mutations in fabI, none of the adapted strains of 8325-4 did. Conclusions. Adaptability to triclosan varies substantially between Gram positive human pathogens. S. aureus displayed an intrinsically lower MIC for triclosan compared...... to L. monocytogenes but was easily adapted leading to the same MIC as L. monocytogenes. Even though all adapted S. aureus strains over-expressed fabI and eliminated expression of the agr quorum sensing system, adaptation in USA300 involved fabI mutations whereas this was not the case for 8325-4. Thus...

Orientación Agrícola

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gutiérrez E. Jorge

1941-06-01

Full Text Available Ya estamos sintiendo los efectos de la Guerra Europea y pocos son los preparativos que tenemos para organizar nuestra defensa. Al referirme a preparativos, no tengo en cuenta 108 militares, sino aquellos de carácter agrícola, base de todas las actividades en el orden económico. Cierto que los poderes legislativo y ejecutivo se han preocupado del problema, pero a mi modo de ver, en proporciones muy reducidas por carencia de dinero. Suceden cosas muy curiosas; todos nuestros compatriotas experimentan complacencia cuando se proyecta incrementar la Industria Agropecuaria, nervio y vida de la riqueza pública; el mismo legislador se contagia del entusiasmo; pero cuando llega el momento de asegurar la obra, apropiando las partidas del caso en los presupuestos, las nobles intenciones se esfuman y así han pasado los años y con ellos la oportunidad de hacemos fuertes.

El desarrollo tecnológico y la evolución de la frontera agrícola en el período 1961-2009

OpenAIRE

Casal, Luciano Martín

2014-01-01

Se analizó la evolución de la frontera agrícola argentina y su relación con el cambio tecnológico sucedido para el período 1961-2009, en particular de los activos fijos tangibles como la maquinaria agrícola, además de los cambios en la función de producción. Se buscó verificar la existencia de una relación funcional importante de largo plazo entre el aumento del capital fijo tangible y los cambios en la función de producción, para explicar la evolución de la frontera agrícola. Si bien la fron...

Distributed training, testing, and decision aids within one solution

Science.gov (United States)

Strini, Robert A.; Strini, Keith

2002-07-01

Military air operations in the European theater require U.S. and NATO participants to send various mission experts to 10 Combined Air Operations Centers (CAOCs). Little or no training occurs prior to their arrival for tours of duty ranging between 90 days to 3 years. When training does occur, there is little assessment of its effectiveness in raising CAOC mission readiness. A comprehensive training management system has been developed that utilizes traditional and web based distance-learning methods for providing instruction and task practice as well as distributed simulation to provide mission rehearsal training opportunities on demand for the C2 warrior. This system incorporates new technologies, such as voice interaction and virtual tutors, and a Learning Management System (LMS) that tracks trainee progress from academic learning through procedural practice and mission training exercises. Supervisors can monitor their subordinate's progress through synchronous or asynchronous methods. Embedded within this system are virtual tutors, which provide automated performance measurement as well as tutoring. The training system offers a true time management savings for current instructors and training providers that today must perform On the Job Training (OJT) duties before, during and after each event. Many units do not have the resources to support OJT and are forced to maintain an overlap of several days to minimally maintain unit readiness. One CAOC Commander affected by this paradigm has advocated supporting a beta version of this system to test its ability to offer training on-demand and track the progress of its personnel and unit readiness. If successful, aircrew simulation devices can be connected through either Distributed Interactive Simulation or High Level Architecture methods to provide a DMT-C2 air operations training environment in Europe. This paper presents an approach to establishing a training, testing and decision aid capability and means to assess

Training guidelines in non-destructive testing techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1987-02-01

With the conclusion in 1979 of a successful Agency executed UNDP project in Argentina, whose aim was the establishment of a national non-destructive testing centre, the Agency was asked by other countries in the Latin American and Caribbean Region to evaluate the possibility of transferring this success to the whole region. In 1982, with the financial cooperation of UNFSSTD and UNIDO, a regional project was started with the principal objective of assisting the countries in the region to reinforce autonomous NDT capability through regional cooperation. One essential component of this project has been the harmonization of training through the development and use of course syllabi by the 17 countries now participating in the project. To this end, a Regional Working Group was formed and one of its tasks is the development of these syllabi for the more common NDT methods. This publication is a collection of the training programmes elaborated to date which have so far been followed by some 10,000 persons in the region who have received training in NDT as a direct result of the project. These syllabi take into account the development work done by the International Committee for Non-destructive Testing and many national training programmes, and are meant to be an objective guide to assist in the formation of NDT personnel

State, Bank and Agricultural Credit in Sinaloa and Sonora: The Banco de Sinaloa and Banco Agrícola Sonorense, 1933-1976 Estado, banca y crédito agrícola en Sinaloa y Sonora: El Banco de Sinaloa y el Banco Agrícola Sonorense, 1933-1976

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gustavo Aguilar Aguilar

2011-01-01

Full Text Available In the Northwest of México the increase in the agricultural productivity in the years between 1940 and 1970, was due to the expansion of the farming lands, the use of improved seeds and fertilizer, mechanization, the greater availability of credit, the irrigation system and road improvement. The important intervention from the Mexican state to implement policies of investment with the support of internationally development agencies, and grant credit facilities for the development of agriculture trough the creation of official agricultural banks and the facilities to the constitution of private commercial banks. After the disarticulation of the bank in México due to the revolution, is advanced with steady steps in restructuring the banking system with the creation of a new banking law, the foundation of Banco de México and the Comision Nacional Bancaria in 1924; Banco Nacional de Credito Agricola (1926, the Banco Nacional de Credito Ejidal (1935, Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (1937 and the Banco Nacional Agropecuario (1965, which gave financial support to small farmers and ejidatarios (members of a cooperative. The main farmers of Sinaloa and Sonora in collaboration with the federal government through the Comision Monetaria and the Banco de México founded the Banco de Sinaloa and Banco Agricola Sonorense in 1933. Explain the impact these financial institutions had in the agricultural credit of Sinaloa and Sonora will be the central objective of this work.En el Noroeste de México el incremento en la productividad agrícola entre los años de 1940 y 1970, fue debido a la expansión de las tierras de cultivo, el uso de fertilizantes y semillas mejoradas, la mecanización, la mayor disponibilidad de créditos, a los sistemas de irrigación y el mejoramiento de las carreteras. Así como la importante intervención del Estado mexicano al implementar políticas de inversión con el apoyo de agencias internacionales de desarrollo, y otorgar

Estructura económica nacional: breve análisis del sector agrícola ecuatoriano

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jorge González-Sarango

2015-12-01

Full Text Available La estructura económica del Ecuador se ha basado, tradicionalmente, en el sector agrícola, el cual enfrenta un panorama económico mundial desalentador. El actual, pero bajo, precio del petróleo, podría incentivar a los importadores de materias primas, pero a la vez complicaría la situación de los exportadores de productos agrícolas, especialmente en economías, como la ecuatoriana, que no cuentan con estrategias de mejora de los niveles de productividad ante el régimen de tipo de cambio flexible de las economías vecinas y de aquellas que demandan bienes nacionales, es decir, que no pueden devaluar la moneda, para compensar el impacto de las pérdidas en los términos de intercambio de la demanda, que genera el abaratamiento del petróleo. Por otra parte, la tasa de crecimiento de la economía ecuatoriana ha tenido que ser replanteada ante los cambios en el contexto mundial, lo cual puede significar, un retroceso en cuanto a la planeación estatal y la determinación del Presupuesto General del Estado para el 2016. En este escenario, el sector agrícola de Ecuador, se ve abocado a contribuir con un porcentaje –cada vez mayor– a la composición del Producto Interno Bruto, sin contar con incentivos ni mejoras dirigidas precisamente a impulsar este sector.

Planificación de Maquinaria Agrícola

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alvarez Cardona Alberto

1979-06-01

Full Text Available Se entiende por planificación agrícola el conjunto de técnicas que permiten ver con anticipación suficiente la cantidad de maquinaria, tanto fuentes de potencia como implementos que serán requeridos para realizar un trabajo específico en un tiempo determinado; ó la cantidad de trabajo específico que podrá realizar un equipo con características ya definidas a través de un tiempo determinado; se analizan también bajo este concepto de planificación aquellos sistemas que permiten evaluar, controlar y ajustar la planificación propuesta a las circunstancias reales una vez iniciada ésta.

For sale: 7 AGR stations and a brand new PWR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1995-01-01

Britain's seven AGR stations and the Sizewell B PWR will pass to private ownership under the UK government's plan to privatise the two nuclear generators, Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear, sometime next year. Under the new set-up, the two generators will become operating subsidiaries of a holding company which will be headquartered in Scotland. The companies' ageing Magnox gas-cooled reactors will remain in a separate public sector company before being transferred to British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) at the time of privatisation. (author)

Redescubriendo El suelo: Su importancia ecológica y agrícola

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Noé Manuel Montaño

2016-10-01

Full Text Available Redescubriendo el suelo: su importancia ecológica y agrícola es un libro muy completo, actualizado y sin duda será de consulta obligada para quienes hacen investigación edafológica y como material elemental para los cursos de pre- y posgrado de suelo y materias afines, tanto en México como en América Latina.

Canvi d'us d'una nau agrícola a restaurant vinícola : el celler dels Mora

OpenAIRE

Mora Aller, Elisa

2017-01-01

El present treball fi de carrera tracta sobre el canvi d’ús d’una nau agrícola a restaurant vinícola. La nau es troba situada a la capital del vi, Vilafranca del Penedès. Durant els darrers anys, hi ha hagut un creixement important pel que fa al turisme del vi, a la zona de l’Alt Penedès. L’edifici objecte d’estudi, va ser construït pel meu avi a l’any 1980. Antigament, s’utilitzava per a guardar el bestiar i les eines agrícoles. Actualment, no hi ha bestiar, només s’utilitza per a guardar...

Could situational judgement tests be used for selection into dental foundation training?

Science.gov (United States)

Patterson, F; Ashworth, V; Mehra, S; Falcon, H

2012-07-13

To pilot and evaluate a machine-markable situational judgement test (SJT) designed to select candidates into UK dental foundation training. Single centre pilot study. UK postgraduate deanery in 2010. Seventy-four candidates attending interview for dental foundation training in Oxford and Wessex Deaneries volunteered to complete the situational judgement test. The situational judgement test was developed to assess relevant professional attributes for dentistry (for example, empathy and integrity) in a machine-markable format. Test content was developed by subject matter experts working with experienced psychometricians. Evaluation of psychometric properties of the pilot situational judgement test (for example, reliability, validity and fairness). Scores in the dental foundation training selection process (short-listing and interviews) were used to examine criterion-related validity. Candidates completed an evaluation questionnaire to examine candidate reactions and face validity of the new test. Forty-six candidates were female and 28 male; mean age was 23.5-years-old (range 22-32). Situational judgement test scores were normally distributed and the test showed good internal reliability when corrected for test length (α = 0.74). Situational judgement test scores positively correlated with the management, leadership and professionalism interview (N = 50; r = 0.43, p fair. This initial pilot study suggests that a situational judgement test is an appropriate and innovative method to measure professional attributes (eg empathy and integrity) for selection into foundation training. Further research will explore the long-term predictive validity of the situational judgement test once candidates have entered training.

Automated testing and reverification for training simulators using SATAR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Charles, R.D.; Gaddy, C.D.; Nargarkar, A.; Colley, R.

1990-01-01

This paper reports that simulators used to train nuclear power plant operators must be recertified periodically to ensure fidelity for training (10 CFR 55.45). The objective of the Simulator Automated Testing and Reverification (SATAR) project was to develop software to reverify dynamic simulator performance automatically. The software resides in a standard configuration personal computer and in the simulator computer; the two computers are linked via serial ports. SATAR will automatically run performance tests, collect and analyze data, and compare data with baseline performance data. With SATAR, support from operations and simulator support personnel can be reduced greatly, and the repeatability of performance tests can be improved

Prospective Molecular Characterization of Burn Wound Colonization: Novel Tools and Analysis

Science.gov (United States)

2014-02-01

targets differentiating the cellulitis and endocarditis isolates. This was followed with a basic Pearson’s Chi-squared test with Yates’ continuity... cellulitis agrB X-squared = 8.4, df = 1, p-value = 0.0037 agrC X-squared = 9.3, df = 1, p-value = 0.0023 agrD X-squared = 11.2, df = 1, p-value = 0.00080...34 Cellulitis ", "Endocarditis"), Gene = c("Present","Absent")) > (Xsq <- chisq.test(AgrB)) Pearson’s Chi-squared test with Yates’ continuity correction

Nevada Test Site craters used for astronaut training

Science.gov (United States)

Moore, H. J.

1977-01-01

Craters produced by chemical and nuclear explosives at the Nevada Test Site were used to train astronauts before their lunar missions. The craters have characteristics suitable for reconnaissance-type field investigations. The Schooner test produced a crater about 300 m across and excavated more than 72 m of stratigraphic section deposited in a fairly regular fashion so that systematic observations yield systematic results. Other features common on the moon, such as secondary craters and glass-coated rocks, are present at Schooner crater. Smaller explosive tests on Buckboard Mesa excavated rocks from three horizontal alteration zones within basalt flows so that the original sequence of the zones could be determined. One crater illustrated the characteristics of craters formed across vertical boundaries between rock units. Although the exercises at the Nevada Test Site were only a small part of the training of the astronauts, voice transcripts of Apollo missions 14, 16, and 17 show that the exercises contributed to astronaut performance on the moon.

26 CFR 301.7516-1 - Training and training aids on request.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 18 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Training and training aids on request. 301.7516... the United States § 301.7516-1 Training and training aids on request. The Commissioner is authorized... conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, and to supply them with texts and other training aids. Requests...

Analysis of the thermal hydraulics and core degradation behavior in the PHEBUS-FPT1 test train with impact/SAMPSON code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Terada, Masafumi; Ikeda, Takashi; Nakahara, Katsuhiko; Shirakawa, Noriyuki; Horie, Hideki; Katsuragi, Kazuyuki; Yamagishi, Makoto; Ito, Takahiro

2003-01-01

As one of the verification studies of SAMPSON code, PHEBUS-FPT1, which is authorized as the International Standard Problem-46, was analyzed about the in-core phenomena with four modules, the molten core relocation analysis (MCRA) module, the fuel rod heat up analysis (FRHA) module, the fission product release analysis (FPRA) module, and the analysis control module (ACM) of SAMPSON. This paper describes the analysis of thermal hydraulics and core degradation behavior in the test train. Two-dimensional version of MCRA models the whole structure of the test train in the cylindrical system, including the fuel bundle and the shroud. FRHA models eighteen irradiated fuel rods, two fresh fuel rods, and one control rod in the center of the bundle. FRHA evaluates the transient behavior of fuel rods and releases failed fuel components to MCRA. MCRA evaluates the fluid dynamics of steam and debris considering the thermal and fluid mechanical interaction between them, and at the same time the thermal interaction between gas/debris and shroud material. By the phase change model of MCRA, molten debris forms debris pool and a part of them possibly freezes on fuel rods or shroud surface, then forms crust. This combination of modules of SAMPSON was proved to be capable for modeling the PHEBUS-FPT1 in-core phenomena sufficiently. The analysis has shown sufficient agreement with test results regarding to steam flow rates at the outlet, reproducing its reduction due to hydrogen generation, steam and shroud temperature, and debris relocation behavior. (author)

Training Guidelines in Non-Destructive Testing Techniques: Leak Testing at Level 2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2012-01-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been active in the promotion of non-destructive testing (NDT) technology for many decades. The prime reason for this interest has been the need for stringent standards for quality assurance for safe operation of nuclear and other industrial installations. The IAEA successfully executed a number of programmes, including technical cooperation projects (national and regional) and coordinated research projects (CRPs), in which NDT was an important part. Through these programmes, a large number of personnel have been trained in Member States, leading to the establishment of national certifying bodies responsible for the training and certification of NDT personnel. Consequently, a state of self-sufficiency in this area of technology has been achieved in many Member States. All along there has been a realization of the need to have well established training guidelines, in order to orient the IAEA experts who were involved in training and certification programmes, and to achieve some level of international uniformity and harmonization of training materials and certification processes, and consequent competence of NDT personnel.

Sensitivity of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test and cardiac autonomic responses to training in futsal players.

Science.gov (United States)

de Freitas, Victor H; Pereira, Lucas A; de Souza, Eberton A; Leicht, Anthony S; Bertollo, Maurizio; Nakamura, Fábio Y

2015-07-01

This study examined the sensitivity of maximal (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery [IR] 1 and 2) and submaximal (5'-5') tests to identify training adaptations in futsal players along with the suitability of heart-rate (HR) and HR-variability (HRV) measures to identify these adaptations. Eleven male professional futsal players were assessed before (pretraining) and after (posttraining) a 5-wk period. Assessments included 5'-5' and Yo-Yo IR1 and IR2 performances and HR and HRV at rest and during the IR and 5'-5' tests. Magnitude-based-inference analyses examined the differences between pre- and posttraining, while relationships between changes in variables were determined via correlation. Posttraining, Yo-Yo IR1 performance likely increased while Yo-Yo IR2 performance almost certainly increased. Submaximal HR during the Yo-Yo IR1 and Yo-Yo IR2 almost certainly and likely, respectively, decreased with training. HR during the 5'-5' was very likely decreased, while HRV at rest and during the 5'-5' was likely increased after training. Changes in both Yo-Yo IR performances were negatively correlated with changes in HR during the Yo-Yo IR1 test and positively correlated with the change in HRV during the 5'-5'. The current study has identified the Yo-Yo IR2 as more responsive for monitoring training-induced changes of futsal players than the Yo-Yo IR1. Changes in submaximal HR during the Yo-Yo IR and HRV during the 5'-5' were highly sensitive to changes in maximal performance and are recommended for monitoring training. The 5'-5' was recommended as a time-efficient method to assess training adaptations for futsal players.

Enhanced operator-training simulator for the Fast Flux Test Facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schrader, F.D.; Swanson, C.D.

1983-01-01

The FFTF Plant Operator Training Simulator Facility has proven to be a valuable asset throughtout the testing, startup and early operational phases of the Fast Flux Test facility. However, limitations inherent in the existing simulation facility, increased emphasis on the required quality of operator training, and an expanded scope of applications (e.g., MNI development) justify an enhanced facility. Direct use of plant operators in the development of improved reactor control room displays and other man/machine interface equipment and procedures increases the credibility of proposed techniques and reported results. The FFTF Plant Operator Training Simulator provides a key element in this development program

La combinación de sistemas agrícolas tradicionales y comerciales, el proceso de conversión en Cruz de Piedra, Estado de México

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leonardo Ernesto Márquez Mireles

2007-01-01

Full Text Available La comprensión de las relaciones establecidas entre la cultura y la agricultura de una población dedicada al cultivo, ubicada en el ecotono, al sur del volcán Nevado de Toluca, en el Estado de México; genera varias preguntas, entre ellas: ¿Cuáles son las transformaciones que han sufrido la organización social y el trabajo agrícola que permiten combinar un sistema agrícola convencional con un sistema agrícola tradicional? La respuesta a la pregunta se deriva en dos rubros: (1 Para que los campesinos dentro del proceso de conversión tengan dinero para la compra de insumos agroindustriales, este debe ingresar a través de actividades asalariadas o de la migración; (2 La conversión implica desarrollar una agricultura de monocultivos y dejar a un lado la diversidad de cultivos de la agricultura tradicional. Los resultados que se presentan a lo largo de este artículo muestran cómo se realizó esta combinación y cuáles fueron los mecanismos de ajuste social y cultural a su ambiente y al mercado.

Periferias e reestruturação agrícola

OpenAIRE

Dentinho, Tomaz; Rodrigues, Orlando

2007-01-01

As regiões vocacionadas par a agricultura encontram-se muitas vezes na situação de perificidade, pois têm produções agrícolas com elevada produtividade e capazes de competir nos mercados externos à sua região mas, devido a falhas de mercado ao longo da cadeia de valor, muito do valor criado a nível a nível regional acaba por gerar rendimento fora da região. Por outro lado são estas mesmas regiões periféricas que sofrem de forma mais notória os impactos das alterações nos mercados dos produtos...

Comparison of Anxiety Management Training and Desensitization in Reducing Test and Other Anxieties.

Science.gov (United States)

Deffenbacher, Jerry L.; Shelton, John L.

1978-01-01

Effects of systematic desensitization and anxiety management training in reducing test anxiety and generalizing to other anxieties were compared. Both desensitization and anxiety management training produced significant reduction of text anxiety, but by follow-up, anxiety management training produced significantly more test-anxiety reduction on…

ORIENTEERING SITUATION TESTS IN THE FUNCTION OF PREDICTING SUCCESS OF POLICE OFFICERS IN TOPOGRAPHY FIELD TRAINING

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Boban Milojković

2006-06-01

Full Text Available The sample of 45 students (15 students of the I year of Police Academy – the members of orienteering section – Group 1, 15 students of the I year of Police Academy – Group 2 and 15 students of Advanced School of Interior Affairs – Group 3 has been chosen to test the degree of success in topography field training through several stages, and orienteering situation tests were used in one of these stages. The research was carried out following the completed theoretical and practical training in topography by the same teacher but according to various models. During the research, three batteries of tests were used, the tests of capability of fast and accurate reading of topographic maps in the form of perforated sections (T-1, T-2 and T-3. With regard to measuring success in solving orienteering situation tests of three tested groups based on which the educational efficiency of police members in topography field training should have been evaluated, the obtained results have shown that at a general level there were statistically important differences of total variance of the observed set of variables of tested groups at the level p = 0.000 (Willks Lambda, 0.056, F = 225.598. The results have shown that there were statistically important differences between the success in test solving with reference to groups at the level p = 0.002 and p = 0.000, respectively. Thedifferences between groups in the function of an individual test were as follows: T-1, there was a cross difference between all three groups; T-2, there was no difference between the first and second groups, but the third group differed in relation to the first and second ones; T-3, there was a cross difference between all three groups. The results of tested population by means of the stated instruments describe the level of competency of police members in topography respectively in order to individualize training, but primarily prove statistically considerable difference of the level

Eddy Current Testing at Level 2: Manual for the Syllabi Contained in IAEA-TECDOC-628.Rev. 2 'Training Guidelines for Non Destructive Testing Techniques'

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency has been active in the promotion of non-destructive testing (NDT) technology in the world for many decades. The prime reason for this interest has been the need for stringent standards for quality control for safe operation of nuclear as well as other industrial installations. It has successfully executed a number of programmes including technical co-operation (TC) projects (national and regional) and the coordinated research projects (CRP) of which NDT was an important part. Through these programmes a large number of persons in the Member States have been trained, leading to establishment of national certifying bodies (NCB) responsible for training and certification of NDT personnel. Consequently, a state of self-sufficiency in this area of technology has been achieved in many of them. All along there has been a realization of the need to have well established training guidelines and related books in order, firstly, to guide the IAEA experts who were involved in this training programme and, secondly, to achieve some level of international uniformity and harmonization of training materials and consequent competence of NDT personnel. The syllabi for training courses have been published in the form of IAEA-TECDOC publications. The first was IAEA-TECDOC-407 (1987), which contained syllabi for the basic five methods, i.e. liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, eddy current testing, radiographic testing and ultrasonic testing. To accommodate advancements in NDT technology, later versions of this publication were issued in 1991, 2002 and 2008, the current version being IAEA-TECDOC-628/Rev.2 (2008), which includes additional and more advanced NDT methods. This IAEA-TECDOC, as well as most of the international standards on the subject of training and certification of NDT personnel including ISO 9712 (2005), define three levels of competence. Among these, level 1 is the lowest and level 3 the highest. The intermediate

Analise da vulnerabilidade de um solo agrícola, irrigado com águas poluídas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Benjamim Carvalho Lima Junior

2014-08-01

Full Text Available O reúso planejado de água de qualidade inferior contribui para uma gestão melhor dos recursos hídricos, favorecendo a produção agrícola em locais onde este fator de produção é escasso. No semiárido brasileiro a utilização de água de qualidade inferior em sistemas produtivos irrigados é em muitas situações, a única maneira de garantir a produção agrícola. Este trabalho objetivou identificar os impactos salinos em um solo agrícola cultivado com bananicultura irrigada com águas poluídas. Foram avaliados os parâmetros hidrodinâmico do solo condutividade hidráulica (K0, e porosidade drenável (μ, e os parâmetros de classificação salina do solo (pHes, CEes e PST. Foram realizadas análises exploratórias através de métodos estatísticos descritiva dos parâmetros hidrodinâmicos e modelagem geoestatística dos parâmetros de classificação salina. Observou no estudo o solo da área experimental encontra-se degradado por processo de salinização e sodicidade, ação provocada principalmente pela irrigação com água de qualidade inferior e deficiência na drenagem natural do solo.

SILICON CARBIDE GRAIN BOUNDARY DISTRIBUTIONS, IRRADIATION CONDITIONS, AND SILVER RETENTION IN IRRADIATED AGR-1 TRISO FUEL PARTICLES

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lillo, T. M.; Rooyen, I. J.; Aguiar, J. A.

2016-11-01

Precession electron diffraction in the transmission electron microscope was used to map grain orientation and ultimately determine grain boundary misorientation angle distributions, relative fractions of grain boundary types (random high angle, low angle or coincident site lattice (CSL)-related boundaries) and the distributions of CSL-related grain boundaries in the SiC layer of irradiated TRISO-coated fuel particles. Two particles from the AGR-1 experiment exhibiting high Ag-110m retention (>80%) were compared to a particle exhibiting low Ag-110m retention (<19%). Irradiated particles with high Ag-110m retention exhibited a lower fraction of random, high angle grain boundaries compared to the low Ag-110m retention particle. An inverse relationship between the random, high angle grain boundary fraction and Ag-110m retention is found and is consistent with grain boundary percolation theory. Also, comparison of the grain boundary distributions with previously reported unirradiated grain boundary distributions, based on SEM-based EBSD for similarly fabricated particles, showed only small differences, i.e. a greater low angle grain boundary fraction in unirradiated SiC. It was, thus, concluded that SiC layers with grain boundary distributions susceptible to Ag-110m release were present prior to irradiation. Finally, irradiation parameters were found to have little effect on the association of fission product precipitates with specific grain boundary types.

Metodologia para estimar o número de dias trabalháveis com máquinas agrícolas

OpenAIRE

Estrada,Javier Solis; Schlosser,José Fernando; Farias,Marcelo Silveira de; Santos,Gustavo Oliveira do; Rüdell,Iury Yago Port

2015-01-01

No atual modelo de agricultura, é indispensável que o produtor conheça a real disponibilidade de tempo para a execução das operações agrícolas ao longo do ciclo das culturas. Este é o primeiro passo para se planejar e se obter maior eficiência na execução dessas operações, que estão sujeitas às variações do clima. As variáveis meteorológicas de uma determinada região influenciam diretamente no número de dias disponíveis para trabalhar com máquinas agrícolas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi esti...

Reestructuración agrícola de las familias productoras de maíz: estudio en San Mateo Ayecac, Tlaxcala, 2000-2008.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ma. Concepción Alvarado Méndez

2011-01-01

Full Text Available La investigación tiene por objetivo analizar el mecanismo de transformación agrícola expresado en los cambios de la fuerza de trabajo agrícola en términos de su estructura económica así como las principales consecuencias económicas en la comunidad de San Mateo Ayecac, municipio de Tepetitla en el estado de Tlaxcala. Los resultados muestran una transformación de las familias productoras de granos básicos, expresados en el proceso productivo, específicamente en la disminución de labores, fertilización, disminución del trabajo familiar y en el rendimiento. A pesar de ello no existe abandono de la actividad agrícola y sigue siendo la base de la alimentación familiar y un importante abastecedor de alimentos de los mercados locales.

Spectrum Management Guidelines for National and Service Test and Training Ranges

Science.gov (United States)

2017-07-12

Frequency Management Group RCC 700-17 SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR NATIONAL AND SERVICE TEST AND TRAINING RANGES DISTRIBUTION...left blank. DOCUMENT 700-01 SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR NATIONAL AND SERVICE TEST AND TRAINING RANGES July 2017...Prepared by RANGE COMMANDERS COUNCIL FREQUENCY MANAGEMENT GROUP Published by Secretariat Range Commanders Council U.S. Army White

The Next Generation Nuclear Plant/Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Irradiation Experiments in the Advanced Test Reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grover, S. Blaine

2009-01-01

The United States Department of Energy's Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Program will be irradiating eight separate low enriched uranium (LEU) tri-isotopic (TRISO) particle fuel (in compact form) experiments in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The ATR has a long history of irradiation testing in support of reactor development and the INL has been designated as the new United States Department of Energy's lead laboratory for nuclear energy development. The ATR is one of the world's premiere test reactors for performing long term, high flux, and/or large volume irradiation test programs. These irradiations and fuel development are being accomplished to support development of the next generation reactors in the United States, and will be irradiated over the next ten years to demonstrate and qualify new particle fuel for use in high temperature gas reactors. The goals of the irradiation experiments are to provide irradiation performance data to support fuel process development, to qualify fuel for normal operating conditions, to support development and validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes, and to provide irradiated fuel and materials for post irradiation examination (PIE) and safety testing. The experiments, which will each consist of at least six separate capsules, will be irradiated in an inert sweep gas atmosphere with individual on-line temperature monitoring and control of each capsule. The sweep gas will also have on-line fission product monitoring on its effluent to track performance of the fuel in each individual capsule during irradiation. The first experiment (designated AGR-1) started irradiation in December 2006, and the second experiment (AGR-2) is currently in the design phase. The design of test trains, as well as the support systems and fission product monitoring system that will monitor and control the experiment during irradiation will be discussed. In

Corrosion studies of thermally sensitised AGR fuel element brace in pH7 and pH9.2 borate solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tyfield, S.P.; Smith, C.A.

1987-04-01

Brace and cladding of AGR fuel elements sensitised in reactor are susceptible to intergranular and crevice corrosion, which may initiate in the pH7 borate pond storage environment of CEGB/SSEB stations. This report considers the benefit in corrosion control that is provided by raising the pond solution pH to 9.2, whilst maintaining the boron level at 1250 gm -3 . The greater corrosion protection provided by pH9.2 solution compared to the pH7 borate solution is demonstrated by a series of tests with non-active laboratory sensitised brace samples exposed to solutions dosed with chloride or sulphate in order to promote localised corrosion. The corrosion tests undertaken consisted of 5000 hour immersions at 32 0 C and shorter term electrochemically monitored experiments (rest potential, impedance, anodic current) generally conducted at 22 0 C. The pH9.2 solution effectively inhibited the initiation of crevice and intergranular corrosion in the presence of low levels of chloride and sulphate, whereas the pH7 solution did not always do so. However, the pH9.2 solution, dosed with 40 gm -3 chloride, failed to suppress fully crevice corrosion initiated in unborated 40 gm -3 chloride solution at 22 0 C. Fluoride is not deleterious at low levels ∼ 10 gm -3 in the borate solutions. The significant improvement in corrosion control demonstrated for the change from pH7 to pH9.2 borate solution on laboratory sensitised brace samples should ideally be confirmed using complete irradiated AGR fuel elements. (U.K.)

Estrutura de oferta e desenvolvimento agrícola: um modelo de equações recursivasStructure of supply and agricultural development: a model of recursive equations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sergio Alberto Brandt

1981-11-01

Full Text Available A hipótese central desta pesquisa é a de que as elasticidades de oferta agrícola variam entre tipos de agricultura (moderna, tradicionais e de fronteira e orientações de produção (autoconsumo e comercial. Para verificação empírica da hipótese, usa-se um modelo recursivo de área e rendimento que admite a possibilidade de interação entre essas duas variáveis. Os dados básicos utilizados são séries temporais e o método de ajustamento é o de mínimos quadrados ordinários. O teste de Chow é usado para comparação das elasticidades de resposta agrícola. Os resultados obtidos indicam a impossibilidade de se estabelecer na ordenação geral das elasticidades de resposta e das respostas de rendimento em relação à área, para os diferentes tipos de agricultura e de produto. Constatou-se também que o pressuposto geralmente aceito de que a elasticidade de resposta de área é um limite inferior da elasticidade de oferta não é, em geral, válido. Politicas agrícolas e de preços deveriam considerar as diferenças em graus de resposta de área e de rendimento, entre tipos de agricultura e entre orientações da produção./The basic hypothesis of this research is test farm supply elasticity varies between types of farming an between types of product. The empirical testing of that hypothesis is based upon a recursive model of acreage and yield responses allowing for acreage-yield interaction. Time series data (1947-77 and ordinary least squares were used and Chow's test was applied for comparison among supply elasticities. The empirical evidence indicates the impossibility of establishing a general ordering of acreage and yield response elasticities according to types of agriculture and types of products (modern, tradicional, frontier and subsistence, market agriculture. Results also point out that acreage response elasticity is not always a lower limit of supply elasticity. Nonetheless, price policy should allow for differences

Liquid penetrant and magnetic particle testing at level 2. Manual for the syllabi contained in IAEA-TECDOC-628, training guidelines in non-destructive testing techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2000-01-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been active in the promotion of non-destructive testing (NDT) technology in the world for many decades. The prime reason for this has been the need for stringent standards for quality control for safe operation of industrial as well a nuclear installations. It has successfully executed a number of programmes and regional projects of which NDT was an important part. Through these programmes a large number of persons have been trained in the member states and a state of self sufficiency in this area of technology has been achieved in many of them. All along there has been a realization of the need to have well established training guidelines and related books in order, firstly, to guide the IAEA experts who were involved in this training programme and, secondly, to achieve some level of international uniformity and harmonization of training materials and consequent competence of personnel. The syllabi for training courses have been published in the form of two TECDOC publications. The first was IAEA-TECDOC-407 which contained syllabi for the basic five methods, i.e. liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, eddy current testing, radiographic testing and ultrasonic testing, and the second and revised is IAEA-TECDOC-628 which includes additional methods of visual testing and leak testing. IAEA-TECDOC-628, as well as most of the international standards on the subject of training and certification of NDT personnel including ISO 9712, define three levels of competence, namely, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Among these, Level 1 is the lowest and Level 3 the highest. The intermediate Level 2 is considered to be the most appropriate for persons who, beside other duties, are expected to independently undertake practical testing in the relevant method of NDT; develop NDT procedures adapted to various problems; prepare written instructions; make accept/reject decisions in accordance with relevant standards and

Liquid penetrant and magnetic particle testing at level 2. Manual for the syllabi contained in IAEA-TECDOC-628, training guidelines in non-destructive testing techniques

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-02-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been active in the promotion of non-destructive testing (NDT) technology in the world for many decades. The prime reason for this has been the need for stringent standards for quality control for safe operation of industrial as well a nuclear installations. It has successfully executed a number of programmes and regional projects of which NDT was an important part. Through these programmes a large number of persons have been trained in the member states and a state of self sufficiency in this area of technology has been achieved in many of them. All along there has been a realization of the need to have well established training guidelines and related books in order, firstly, to guide the IAEA experts who were involved in this training programme and, secondly, to achieve some level of international uniformity and harmonization of training materials and consequent competence of personnel. The syllabi for training courses have been published in the form of two TECDOC publications. The first was IAEA-TECDOC-407 which contained syllabi for the basic five methods, i.e. liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, eddy current testing, radiographic testing and ultrasonic testing, and the second and revised is IAEA-TECDOC-628 which includes additional methods of visual testing and leak testing. IAEA-TECDOC-628, as well as most of the international standards on the subject of training and certification of NDT personnel including ISO 9712, define three levels of competence, namely, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Among these, Level 1 is the lowest and Level 3 the highest. The intermediate Level 2 is considered to be the most appropriate for persons who, beside other duties, are expected to independently undertake practical testing in the relevant method of NDT; develop NDT procedures adapted to various problems; prepare written instructions; make accept/reject decisions in accordance with relevant standards and

Training Guidelines in Non-destructive Testing Techniques. 2013 Edition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2014-12-01

The IAEA promotes industrial applications of radiation technology, including non-destructive testing (NDT), through activities such as Technical Cooperation Projects (national and regional) and Coordinated Research Projects. Through this cooperation, Member States have initiated national programmes for the training and certification of NDT personnel. National certifying bodies have also been established based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. As part of these efforts, the IAEA has been actively involved in developing training materials. Consequently, IAEA-TECDOC-407, Training Guidelines in Non-destructive Testing Techniques, was published in 1987, then revised and expanded as IAEA-TECDOC-628 in 1991. Revisions of IAEA-TECDOC-628 were considered essential to meet the demands of end-user industries in Member States, and revised and expanded versions were issued in 2002 and 2008. These latter versions included work conducted by the International Committee for Non-Destructive Testing (ICNDT) and many national NDT societies. It is one of the publications referred to in ISO 9712:2005, Non-destructive Testing: Qualification and Certification of Personnel, which in turn is an internationally accepted standard, revised as ISO 9712:2012, Non-destructive Testing: Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel. This publication is an updated version of IAEA-TECDOC-628. The content of which has been revised following the changes of ISO 9712 converging with EN 473 and becoming EN ISO 9712:2012, based on the experience of experts and comments from end-user industries. The details of the topics on each subject have been expanded to include the latest developments in the respective methods. The incorporated changes will assist the end-user industries to update their NDT qualification and certification schemes and course materials. This publication, like the previous versions, will continue to play an important role in international harmonization

Reproducción de Eisenia foetida en suelos agrícolas de áreas mineras contaminadas por cobre y arsênico.

OpenAIRE

ÁVILA, G.; GAETE, H.; MORALES, M.; NEAMAN, A.

2008-01-01

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la toxicidad del cobre y arsénico en suelos agrícolas, mediante bioensayos estandarizados de toxicidad aguda y crónica sobre Eisenia foetida y relacionar la respuesta de ésta con las concentraciones de cobre y arsénico en los suelos. Los suelos agrícolas fueram muestreados en las inmediaciones de áreas mineras en la cuenca del río Aconcagua, Chile. E. foetida expuesta a los suelos estudiados mostró una baja mortalidad, indicando la ausencia de toxicidad agu...

Políticas trabalhista, fundiária e de crédito agrícola no Brasil

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gervásio Castro de Rezende

2006-03-01

Full Text Available Este artigo discute as causas do padrão concentrador do desenvolvimento agrícola brasileiro recente, expresso no predomínio da produção em grande escala, elevado índice de mecanização e baixa absorção de mão de obra não qualificada. Cita, inicialmente, a existência de duas posições antagônicas que procuram explicar esse fato: uma, que culpa a herança latifundiária de nossa agricultura, e a outra, que vê nisso um determinismo tecnológico, não havendo, assim, possibilidade de atuar sobre esse problema sem incorrer numa perda em termos de eficiência econômica. Este trabalho, contudo, atribui às políticas trabalhista agrícola, fundiária e de crédito agrícola, instituídas na década de 1960, a responsabilidade maior por esse problema. Conforme a análise apresentada, essas políticas inviabilizaram o mercado de trabalho agrícola temporário e a agricultura familiar, ao mesmo tempo em que fomentaram a mecanização agrícola e o predomínio da produção em grande escala. O trabalho termina propondo uma desregulamentação dos mercados de trabalho e de terra na agricultura brasileira, assim como uma redução drástica do subsídio ao crédito rural.This paper discusses the question of the concentrated pattern of agricultural development in Brazil, as expressed in the predominance of large-scale production, high level of mechanization and low absorption of non-qualified labor. It is proposed, initially, the existence of two conflicting explanations for this fact: the first, that blames our historical heritage, characterized by the predominance of the latifundio, and the second, that sees in this fact a technological determinism, with the implication that lesser concentration in agriculture would involve a loss of economic efficiency. This paper, however, attributes to the labor, land and credit policies directed to agriculture, instituted in the decade of 1960, the major responsibility for this problem. As the analysis

Erosión y pérdida de nutrientes en diferentes sistemas agrícolas de una microcuenca en la zona periurbana de la ciudad de Puebla, México

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rosalía Castelán Vega

2017-07-01

Full Text Available El suelo es un componente natural de gran importancia en la sostenibilidad de los ecosistemas, su degradación se debe, en la mayoría de los casos, al mal manejo bajo condiciones de ladera, lo que disminuye su productividad y su capacidad para sostener la vida humana. Se evaluó la producción de sedimentos y la pérdida de nutrientes durante el año 2013 en sistemas agrícolas representativos de la zona periurbana de la ciudad de Puebla, México; con el objetivo de ponderar el coeficiente de enriquecimiento de dichos sedimentos, y así identificar el sistema agrícola que menor perdida de fertilidad genera. Se instalaron parcelas delimitadas con dimensiones de 3 m de ancho y 9 m de largo con pendiente homogénea de 9% de inclinación, en los sistemas: maíz, maíz-calabaza y maíz-avena. Se recolectaron los sedimentos, a los cuales se les determinó la concentración de materia orgánica, nitrógeno y fósforo, según lo marca la NOM-021-SEMARNAT-2000. La producción de sedimentos y escorrentía fue significativamente mayor en el sistema agrícola de maíz (54.6 mm y 37.9 Mg ha‑1, respectivamente y menor en maíz-calabaza. Los coeficientes de enriquecimiento de los sedimentos erosionados fueron en su mayoría, superiores a la unidad, destacando la materia orgánica con los coeficientes más altos. Se observó una fuerte correlación entre la producción de sedimentos y las pérdidas de materia orgánica, nitrógeno y fósforo, en los sistemas agrícolas. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que el actual manejo de los cultivos agrícolas en la zona de estudio, favorecen la degradación de los suelos. De igual forma, los resultados generados son una base importante para establecer estrategias agrícolas y disminuir áreas degradadas en los espacios rurales de la zona periurbana de la ciudad de Puebla, México.

Ensino agrícola e influência norte-americana no Brasil (1945-1961

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sonia Regina de Mendonça

2010-12-01

Full Text Available O artigo trata das redefinições sofridas pelo Ensino Agrícola no Brasil, a partir da conjuntura marcada pelo fim da II Guerra Mundial/Guerra Fria, quando inúmeros acordos de "cooperação técnica" seriam firmados entre os governos brasileiro e estadunidense, objetivando "recuperar" seu novo público-alvo: o trabalhador rural adulto e analfabeto.

Caracterización del uso del suelo en las principales áreas agrícolas de la Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM de Costa Rica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sue Wei-Salas

2015-06-01

Full Text Available Con el objetivo de aportar información para el ordenamiento y la planificación del uso del suelo, mediante la caracterización de su utilización en las regiones agrícolas de la Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM, se realizó una investigación entre marzo 2008 y octubre 2009, por medio de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG. En el estudio se utilizaron imágenes aéreas correspondientes al proyecto Misión Carta capturadas entre febrero y marzo del 2005, lo que permitió identificar la distribución y extensión de los principales cultivos existentes en la GAM. Para identificar estas áreas se utilizó el método del reconocimiento remoto, el cual consiste en conocer la apariencia de un determinado cultivo en imágenes aéreas que permiten ubicar todas las áreas con aspecto similar y así identificar la adecuada diferenciación entre cultivos y usos. La información geográfica fue procesada mediante el programa de cómputo ArgGIS 9.2, el cual permitió obtener un mapa base a escala 1:12.500. El ha sido previamente desarrollada por diferentes instituciones del país, lo que permitió caracterizar la actividad agrícola de la GAM. Los resultados muestran que la actividad agrícola cubre alrededor del 24% del área total de la GAM, destacándose la producción de hortalizas, café y plantas ornamentales bajo sarán. Las hortalizas tienen la mayor importancia en extensión, ya que abarca el 52% del área agrícola de la GAM, seguidas del café con 44%, mientras que la producción de ornamentales bajo sarán representa solamente cerca del 4%. Al analizar los cambios ocurridos en la actividad agrícola de la GAM en los últimos 28 años, en el caso del café el área de producción disminuyó en 3569 ha, lo cual corresponde al 17% de las 22 545 ha identificadas en 1983.

CO{sub 2} direct cycles suitable for AGR type reactors; Cycles directs de gaz carbonique applicables aux reacteurs du genre AGR

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maillet, E [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique. Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires de Saclay, 91 - Gif-sur-Yvette (France)

1967-10-01

The perspectives given by the gas turbines under pressure, to build simple nuclear power plants and acieving significantly high yield, are specified. The CO{sub 2} is characterised by by good efficiency under moderate temperature (500 to 750 Celsius degrees), compactness and the simpleness of machines and the safe exploitation (supply, storage, relief cooling, thermosyphon). The revision of thermal properties of the CO{sub 2} and loss elements show that several direct cycles would fit in particular to the AGR type reactors. Cycles that would diverge a little from classical models and able to lead to power and heat generation can lead by simple means to the best results. Several satisfying solutions present for the starting up, the power regulation and the stopping. The nuclear power plant components and the functioning safety are equally considered in the present report. The conclusions stimulate the studies and realizations of carbon dioxide gas turbines in when approprite. [French] Les perspectives offertes par la turbine a gaz sous pression, pour construire des centrales nucleaires simples et de rendement progressivement eleve, se precisent actuellement. le CO{sub 2} se distingue par sa bonne efficacite a temperature moderee (500 a 750 degres celsius), la compacite et la simplicite des machines, et la surete qu'il apporte a l'exploitation ( approvisionnement, stockage, refroidissement de secours, thermosiphon). La revision des proprietes thermophysiques du CO{sub 2} et des elements de pertes montre que divers cycles directs conviendraient en particulier aux reacteurs agr ou derives. Des cycles s'ecartant peu des modeles classiques, et se pretant ulterieurement a la production simultanee d'electricite et de chaleur, peuvent conduire par des moyens simples aux meilleurs resultats d'ensemble. Plusieurs solutions satisfaisantes se presentent pour le demarrage, le reglage de la puissance et l'arret. Les composants de la centrale et la surete de fonctionnement sont

78 FR 34423 - Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) Airman Testing Standards and Training Working Group...

Science.gov (United States)

2013-06-07

... the relevance, reliability, validity, and effectiveness of the FAA's aeronautical testing and training... Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) Airman Testing Standards and Training Working Group (ATSTWG) AGENCY... Certification Standards (ACS) documents developed by the Airman Testing Standards and Training WG for the...

Non-stop training during LS1!

CERN Multimedia

HSE Unit

2013-01-01

The year 2013 is a busy year for the Safety Training team, who are seeing a dramatic increase in their activities during LS1. The Safety Training Service within the HSE Unit offers training courses all year round to people working on the CERN site who are exposed to a variety of potential hazards (e.g. chemical hazards, fire hazards, etc.) either because of the activities they perform (e.g. work in confined spaces or on machines) and/or their place of work (e.g. workshops, laboratories, underground areas, etc.).   LS1 has triggered an increase in the number of requests for training, mainly from people requiring to carry out work on the LHC. Indeed, in order to access the underground areas, it is obligatory to have taken certain safety courses such as the self-rescue mask or radiation protection training courses. Consequently, the number of training sessions and the number of people trained is currently twice what it was during the same period in 2012, with almost 4,600 people trained in 530 s...

Development of training simulator based on critical assemblies test bench

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Narozhnyi, A.T.; Vorontsov, S.V.; Golubeva, O.A.; Dyudyaev, A.M.; Il'in, V.I.; Kuvshinov, M.I.; Panin, A.V.; Peshekhonov, D.P.

2007-01-01

When preparing critical mass experiment, multiplying system (MS) parts are assembled manually. This work is connected with maximum professional risk to personnel. Personnel training and keeping the skill of working experts is the important factor of nuclear safety maintenance. For this purpose authors develop a training simulator based on functioning critical assemblies test bench (CATB), allowing simulation of the MS assemblage using training mockups made of inert materials. The control program traces the current status of MS under simulation. A change in the assembly neutron physical parameters is mapped in readings of the regular devices. The simulator information support is provided by the computer database on physical characteristics of typical MS components The work in the training mode ensures complete simulation of real MS assemblage on the critical test bench. It makes it possible to elaborate the procedures related to CATB operation in a standard mode safely and effectively and simulate possible abnormal situations. (author)

Validity of the ISUOG basic training test

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hillerup, Niels Emil; Tabor, Ann; Konge, Lars

2018-01-01

A certain level of theoretical knowledge is required when performing basic obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound. To assess the adequacy of trainees' basic theoretical knowledge, the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) has developed a theoretical test of 49...... Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) items for their basic training courses....

Study on driver training, testing and medical fitness.

OpenAIRE

Helman, S. Vlakveld, W. Fildes, B. Oxley, J. Fernández-Medina, K. & Weekley, J.

2017-01-01

The information and views set out in this study are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Commission. The Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this study. Neither the Commission nor any person acting on the Commission’s behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. Improving the education and training of road users in Europe through a range of training, testing and lice...

Multidimensional Aptitude Battery-Second Edition Intelligence Testing of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training Candidates Compared with Manned Airframe Training Candidates

Science.gov (United States)

2015-03-01

assessing the general intelligence and neuropsychological aptitudes of USAF RPA pilot training candidates. Chappelle et al. obtained comprehensive...computer-based intelligence testing (Multidimensional Aptitude Battery-Second Edition [MAB-II]) and neuropsychological screening (MicroCog) on USAF MQ-1... schizophrenia , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorders) and not on very high functioning populations such as aviators

Pioneiros da ecologia política agrária contemporânea The pioneers of the contemporary agrarian political ecology

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Humberto Miranda Nascimento

2009-12-01

Full Text Available O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar os pioneiros dos estudos materialistas sobre ecologia política agrária contemporânea. É feita uma análise das contribuições da Escola Russa de Estudos do Solo e de referências mais recentes aos escritos de Marx e Liebig. Nas considerações finais, enfatiza-se a necessidade de desenvolver a abordagem da Ecologia Política Agrária como maneira mais apropriada de entender a relação entre sistemas agrários, formações sociais e ecossistemas específicos em áreas rurais.The pioneering studies on the relationship between society and nature are important for the analysis of agricultural and ecological changes in rural areas. The goal of the present article is to introduce the contemporary pioneers of the agrarian ecology studies with a Marxist Materialism approach. The agrarian ecology describes the relations among agrarian systems, social formations and specific ecosystems in rural territories. Thence, the concept has a double function: turn the agrarian problem into an ecological theme and redefine its importance for the current studies on rural territory.

Effectiveness of three just-in-time training modalities for N-95 mask fit testing.

Science.gov (United States)

Jones, David; Stoler, Genevieve; Suyama, Joe

2013-01-01

To compare and contrast three different training modalities for fit testing N-95 respirator face masks. Block randomized interventional study. Urban university. Two hundred eighty-nine medical students. Students were randomly assigned to video, lecture, or slide show to evaluate the effectiveness of the methods for fit testing large groups of people. Ease of fit and success of fit for each instructional technique. Mask 1 was a Kimberly-Clark duckbill N-95 respirator mask, and mask 2 was a 3M™ carpenters N-95 respirator mask. "Ease of fit" was defined as the ability to successfully don a mask in less than 30 seconds. "Success of fit" was defined as the ability to correctly don a mask in one try. There were no statistical differences by training modality for either mask regarding ease of fit or success of fit. There were no differences among video presentation, small group demonstration, and self-directed slide show just-in-time training modalities for ease of fit or success of fit N-95 respirator mask fitting. Further study is needed to explore more effective fit training modalities.

PRAPRAG: software para planejamento racional de máquinas agrícolas PRAPRAG: software for rational planning of agricultural machines

OpenAIRE

Erivelto Mercante; Eduardo G. de Souza; Jerry A Johann; Antonio Gabriel Filho; Miguel A Uribe-Opazo

2010-01-01

O software PRAPRAG é uma ferramenta de escolha de máquinas e implementos agrícolas que apresentam o menor custo por área ou por quantidade produzida, bem como, faz o planejamento de aquisição das máquinas para a propriedade agrícola, do ponto de vista técnico e econômico. Foi utilizada a linguagem de programação Borland Delphi 3.0 e, a partir de prospectos das máquinas e implementos, criou-se um banco de dados onde o usuário pode cadastrar e modificar suas características de uso. O software m...

Migración internacional, actividades agrícolas y distribución del ingreso en una comunidad oaxaqueña, México

OpenAIRE

Renato Salas Alfaro

2012-01-01

Este trabajo explora el efecto que tiene la migración internacional y las remesas sobre las actividades agrícolas y la distribución del ingreso en una comunidad indígena que recientemente ha masificado su migración internacional. Se emplearon modelos para relacionar variables agrícolas contra factores productivos, socio demográficos y de financiamiento a la migración en el hogar, asimismo, la descomposición del coeficiente de Gini se utilizó para determinar el efecto que tienen las fuentes de...

Defense Infrastructure: DoD Environmental Community Involvement Programs at Test and Training Ranges

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

2002-01-01

Who Should Read This Report and Why? This report should be of interest to operational personnel at DoD test and training ranges and to others concerned with the sustainability of DoD test and training ranges...

Comparison of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1 Responses to Different Endurance Training Intensities in Runner Men

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Habibian

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Aims: Blood neurotrophins, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1, mediate exercise- induced health benefits in humans. The purpose of this study was to compare the response of BDNF and IGF-1 to different endurance training intensities in runner men. Materials & Methods: In this semi-experimental study with pre-test-posttest design in 2015, 10 people of male runners from Gorgan were selected through purposeful and accessible sampling. The endurance training protocol was 6 km running with moderate (70-75% of heart rate reserve or severe (80-85% of heart rate reserve intensity, which was performed within a week's interval. Fasting blood samples were collected before and immediately after both acute training sessions and serum levels of BDNF and IGF-1 were measured by ELISA and radioimmunoassay enzyme. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software using independent t-test and paired t-test. Findings: Both acute endurance training significantly increased serum levels of BDNF and IGF-1 in runners, but high intensity endurance exercises increased BDNF levels in comparison with moderate intensity (p0.05. Conclusion: Serum BDNF response in endurance athletes is affected by the intensity of exercise, so that the effect of high intensity endurance training on BDNF levels is greater than moderate intensity exercise, but the response of IGF-1 to acute endurance training is independent of the intensity of exercise.

Programa computacional para aquisição de dados para avaliação de máquinas agrícolas Computer program for data acquisition to evaluate of agricultural machines

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ricardo F. Garcia

2003-08-01

Full Text Available A aquisição de dados é um dos principais problemas enfrentados por engenheiros e pesquisadores responsáveis pela realização de testes de máquinas agrícolas, devido à alta complexidade dessas máquinas. Para estabelecer os parâmetros relacionados ao seu desempenho, uma série de variáveis precisam ser monitoradas. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um programa de computador para aquisição automática de dados a serem utilizados na avaliação de máquinas agrícolas. O sistema foi implementado utilizando-se o programa de computador LabVIEW versão 6i e equipamentos da "National Instruments". Desenvolveram-se Instrumentos Virtuais (VI para os seguintes tipos de sensores: célula de carga, torquímetro, sensor de rotação tipo sensor indutivo e sensor de velocidade tipo radar. No trabalho realizado implementou-se um sistema de aquisição automática de dados e se desenvolveu o aplicativo AvaliaMA para avaliação de máquinas agrícolas, o qual foi desenvolvido buscando-se a coleta de dados de forma eficiente e se eliminando os erros tradicionais gerados pela coleta de dados convencional, como anotações incorretas em planilhas e perda de dados. Observou-se, durante os ensaios, facilidade de operação do sistema, permitindo rapidez na operação de aquisição de dados, e a capacidade de se combinar o sistema implementado para atender a demandas de diversas pesquisas, podendo ser utilizado em diferentes tipos de máquinas agrícolas.Data acquisition is one of the main problems that engineers and researchers face while testing agricultural machines, due to the high complexity of these machines. To analyze the performance of a machine, several variables need to be measured. The objective of this study was to develop an automatic data acquisition computer program for use in agricultural machine evaluation tests. The system was implemented using the LabVIEW software version 6i. Virtual instruments (VI were

Indicadores para estimar la sostenibilidad agrícola de la cuenca media del río Reventado, Cartago, Costa Rica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Laura Ramírez

2008-01-01

Full Text Available El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar indicadores para evaluar la sostenibilidad agrícola en la cuenca media del río Reventado. Se encontró una acumulación Ca, Mg y K en los terrenos y una disminución del porcentaje de saturación de acidez con los años de uso del suelo en agricultura, los suelos han mejorado su fertilidad con el tiempo por efecto antrópico. Se encontró una tendencia similar con el P disponible, cuyos niveles aumentaron en ≈2,3 mg.l-1.año-1, eventualmente podría reducirse la aplicación de este elemento, lo que haría más sostenible el sistema de producción. Los niveles de erosión, en la mayoría de las fincas, fueron moderados; el grosor del horizonte A y el P disponible disminuyeron al pasar de erosión leve, a moderada y a severa. El índice estructural y la capacidad de uso de las tierras indicaron en las Clases II y III, suelos moderadamente susceptibles a ser degradados, y en las clases mayores alta susceptibilidad a ser degradados. No se encontró diferencias significativas entre las clases de capacidad de uso de la tierra y la producción de los cultivos. La producción de papa y cebolla fue mayor en zonas con riego, donde la relación B/C mayor se encontró en Tierra Blanca, debido al manejo del sistema productivo. Los indicadores económicos y sociales evaluados fueron positivos para ambas regiones, no así los indicadores ambientales. La actividad agrícola aún se mantiene como una actividad rentable para los productores de la cuenca media del río Reventadoactividad agrícola aún se mantiene como una actividad rentable para los productores de la cuenca media del río Reventado.

Escenarios de erosión bajo diferentes manejos agrícolas en la cuenca del lago de Zirahuén, Michoacán, México

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Manuel E. Mendoza Cantú

2009-10-01

Full Text Available La erosión hídrica, la desecación y pérdida de áreas y volúmenes de los lagos son problemas severos en las cuencas cerradas del Sistema Volcánico Transversal. Este deterioro comienza a extenderse a la cuenca del lago de Zirahuén, Michoacán, en la cual se encuentra uno de los pocos lagos mexicanos de aguas casi prístinas; por ello, es urgente plantear estudios que ofrezcan bases para un manejo sostenible de los recursos naturales que beneficie a los distintos usuarios del lago y de la cuenca. El objetivo de este trabajo fue predecir la erosión hídrica asociada a sistemas de manejo agrícola considerando tres tipos de labranza (tradicional, mínima y de conservación en la cuenca del lago de Zirahuén. La predicción se realizó aplicando la Ecuación Universal de Pérdidas de Suelo (EUPS dentro del contexto de un sistema de información geográfica. Los resultados indicaron que el uso de la labranza de conservación en las áreas agrícolas de la cuenca, reduciría las pérdidas de suelo a menos de 3 t ha-1 año-1 en toda el área agrícola de la cuenca, y probablemente se disminuiría la contaminación por arrastre de sedimentos en el lago de Zirahuén.

Antropometria aplicada aos operadores de tratores agrícolas Anthropometrics applied to the agricultural tractors operators

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Fernando Schlosser

2002-12-01

Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o padrão antropométrico dos operadores de tratores agrícolas da Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul. Os operadores de tratores agrícolas foram medidos por meio de um painel constituído por duas chapas metálicas, permanecendo durante as medições em pé, eretos, com o mínimo de roupa possível e em contato com o painel. As variáveis medidas foram as seguintes: altura do corpo; altura ao nível dos olhos; altura ao nível dos olhos sentado; altura do cotovelo; alcance do braço; alcance da mão; distância pé-patela; apoio do assento. Os dados obtidos demonstram que há diferenças entre o biótipo do operador utilizado pela indústria de tratores agrícolas e o do operador da região, de forma que este último apresentou, para todas as medidas, à exceção do apoio do assento, uma média maior. Observa-se também que, para cada medida, os limites inferior e superior do intervalo onde se encontram 90% dos operadores avaliados foram, respectivamente, menores e maiores que o padrão utilizado pela indústria, caracterizando uma maior variação. Levando-se em consideração as diferenças existentes entre o perfil antropométrico dos operadores de tratores agrícolas da Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul e os parâmetros utilizados pela indústria, pode-se confirmar a hipótese de que os tratores agrícolas que se encontram atualmente em comercialização no Brasil podem não oferecer o conforto necessário ao operador desta região .The objective of this work was to evaluate the anthropometric measures of the agricultural tractor operators of the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State. The agricultural tractor operators were measured through a panel that was made of two metallic plates. During the measurement, they were standing, wearing the minimum amount clothes possible, and touching the panel. The measures body height, eyes level height (standing, eyes level height (sitting, elbow

Mecanización agrícola ¿Deterioro o conservación del suelo?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Armando Alvarado Chaves

2006-05-01

Full Text Available “Mecanización agrícola; ¿Deterioro o conservación del suelo?” trata sobre el mito de que la mecanización o preparación de los suelos, en forma mecánica, es el detonante del deterioro de los suelos por erosión sobre todo por erosión hídrica y en menor grado por erosión eólica. La erosión de los suelos puede ser de poca o de gran magnitud, dependiendo de cuatro factores, los cuales se analizan como errores que se cometen en el momento de preparar los suelos. Estos errores son, en realidad, los causantes del deterioro de los suelos por erosión y no la mecanización, ya que esta, bien planificada y aplicada, puede incluso servir para la conservaciónde los suelos y el medio ambiente. También se describen los implementos agrícolas que pueden usarse para reducir la erosión de los suelos, citando su forma de trabajo y algunas de las ventajas del uso de esos implementos.

Molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from patients with bacteremia based on MLST, SCCmec, spa, and agr locus types analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Goudarzi, Mehdi; Seyedjavadi, Sima Sadat; Nasiri, Mohammad Javad; Goudarzi, Hossein; Sajadi Nia, Raheleh; Dabiri, Hossein

2017-03-01

The widespread emergence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, as a common cause of nosocomial infections, is becoming a serious concern in global public health. The objective of the present study was to investigate antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, frequency of virulence genes and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from patients with bacteremia. A total of 128 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates were collected during February 2015 to January 2016. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was assessed using the disk diffusion method. Conventional PCR was performed for the detection of adhesion (can, bbp, ebp, fnbB, fnbA, clfB, clfA) and toxin (etb, eta, pvl, tst) encoding genes, determining the agr type, SCCmec, MLST and spa typing of the isolates. All the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates were found to be sensitive to linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin. Resistance to the tested antibiotics varied from 97.7% for penicillin to 24.2% for mupirocin. The rate of multi drug resistance (MDR) in the present study was 97.7%. The most commonly detected toxin and adhesion genes were tst (58.6%), and clfB (100%), respectively. The majority of SCCmec III isolates were found in agr group I while SCCmec IV and II isolates were distributed among agr group III. Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) of the MRSA isolates showed five different sequence types: ST239 (43%), ST22 (39.8%), ST585 (10.9%), ST45 (3.9%) and ST240 (2.3%). All of the pvl positive strains belonged to ST22-SCCmec IV/t790 clone and were MDR. Among different 7 spa types, the most common were t790 (27.3%), t037 (21.9%), and t030 (14.1%). spa types t016, t924 and spa type t383 were reported for the first time from Asia and Iran, respectively. It was shown that spa types circulating in the studied hospitals varied which support the need to perform future surveillance studies in order to understand

The agr inhibitors solonamide B and analogues alter immune responses to Staphylococccus aureus but do not exhibit adverse effects on immune cell functions

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Baldry, Mara; Kitir, Betül; Frøkiær, Hanne

2016-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance with the community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) strains such as USA300 being of particular concern. The inhibition of bacterial virulence has been proposed as an alte......Staphylococcus aureus infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance with the community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) strains such as USA300 being of particular concern. The inhibition of bacterial virulence has been proposed...... as an alternative approach to treat multi-drug resistant pathogens. One interesting anti-virulence target is the agr quorum-sensing system, which regulates virulence of CA-MRSA in response to agr-encoded autoinducing peptides. Agr regulation confines exotoxin production to the stationary growth phase...

Results of experimental testing of hee girl students’ motor skills at aerobic trainings

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. P. Martinova

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Purpose: to analyze dynamic of motor skills’ formation in girl students, who practice aerobic by experimental program. Material: in the research 40 girl students participated. Motor skills level was tested with the help of state and additional tests. Results: it was found that for training quickness it is necessary to use rope skipping in mode, corresponding to development of this quality. For training maximal strength it is purposeful to use more complex power exercises in ground part of the complex. Conclusions: implementation of rope skipping means in dance aerobic trainings increases training influence on practically all motor skills. Rope skipping permits to doze and regulate training load. The same under musical accompaniment develop sense of rhythm. In some modes such jumps facilitate training of speed power qualities and power endurance.

Mice in Bion-M 1 Space Mission: Training and Selection

Science.gov (United States)

Andreev-Andrievskiy, Alexander; Popova, Anfisa; Boyle, Richard; Alberts, Jeffrey; Shenkman, Boris; Vinogradova, Olga; Dolgov, Oleg; Anokhin, Konstantin; Tsvirkun, Darya; Soldatov, Pavel; Nemirovskaya, Tatyana; Ilyin, Eugeniy; Sychev, Vladimir

2014-01-01

After a 16-year hiatus, Russia has resumed its program of biomedical research in space, with the successful 30-day flight of the Bion-M 1 biosatellite (April 19–May 19, 2013). The principal species for biomedical research in this project was the mouse. This paper presents an overview of the scientific goals, the experimental design and the mouse training/selection program. The aim of mice experiments in the Bion-M 1 project was to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms, underlying the adaptation of key physiological systems to long-term exposure in microgravity. The studies with mice combined in vivo measurements, both in flight and post-flight (including continuous blood pressure measurement), with extensive in vitro studies carried out shortly after return of the mice and in the end of recovery study. Male C57/BL6 mice group housed in space habitats were flown aboard the Bion-M 1 biosatellite, or remained on ground in the control experiment that replicated environmental and housing conditions in the spacecraft. Vivarium control groups were used to account for housing effects and possible seasonal differences. Mice training included the co-adaptation in housing groups and mice adaptation to paste food diet. The measures taken to co-adapt aggressive male mice in housing groups and the peculiarities of “space” paste food are described. The training program for mice designated for in vivo studies was broader and included behavioral/functional test battery and continuous behavioral measurements in the home-cage. The results of the preliminary tests were used for the selection of homogenous groups. After the flight, mice were in good condition for biomedical studies and displayed signs of pronounced disadaptation to Earth's gravity. The outcomes of the training program for the mice welfare are discussed. We conclude that our training program was effective and that male mice can be successfully employed in space biomedical research. PMID:25133741

Determinación de la adsorción de cadmio mediante isotermas de adsorción en suelos agrícolas venezolanos

OpenAIRE

Subero Neudis; Sánchez Nereida; Rivero Carmen

2011-01-01

El cadmio es un metal pesado que tiende a acumularse en la superficie del suelo. En los últimos años, las actividades antropogénicas han ocasionado un incremento en los niveles de este metal en suelos agrícolas generando gran preocupación ambiental debido a su movilidad y lixiviación en el perfil del suelo y a la facilidad con que es absorbido por las plantas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la capacidad de adsorción de cadmio, de cuatro suelos venezolanos de uso agrícola con difer...

Propuesta metodológica interdisciplinaria para el análisis de las relaciones comerciales presentes en el sector agrícola costarricense: el caso del subsector frijolero

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ileana Ávalos

2011-01-01

Full Text Available El complejo entramado de relaciones de poder genera influencia directa en la construcción de políticas públicas agrícolas y en los procesos de intercambio comercial. En un sector tan sensible como el agrícola, cobra mayor relevancia el reconocimiento, identificación y análisis de las relaciones que se estructuran tanto a nivel sectorial como sub-sectorial. Esta disección es la que podría permitir el planteamiento de renovadas políticas públicas y de estrategias asertivas para el sector agrícola. El presente artículo es producto de una investigación científica denominada ?Dinámica de poder en la agrocadena costarricense de frijol: un estudio a partir del Sello de Apoyo al productor nacional de frijol?, la cual describe las relaciones existentes entre grupos económicos, comerciales y sociales dentro de la agrocadena del frijol. Particularmente este artículo realiza una propuesta metodológica para analizar las relaciones de poder en el sector agrícola, tomando como referencia la experiencia adquirida analizando el subsector frijolero costarricense.

Relações contratuais de crédito agrícola e o papel dos agentes financeiros privados: teoria e evidências dos EUA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fabio R Chaddad

2003-01-01

Full Text Available Este trabalho analisa a questão do financiamento da produção agrícola sob uma ótica sistêmica, considerando o papel dos agentes privados no fornecimento de crédito rural. Desenvolve-se a idéia de que o volume e o custo de recursos financeiros disponibilizados para a produção agrícola são afetados por "fricções" em diversas transações sequenciais interligando emprestadores e tomadores de crédito. O objetivo do trabalho é analisar as vantagens comparativas dos diversos agentes que atuam no mercado de crédito, enfocando o potencial de cada agente em reduzir as tais fricções. Esta análise comparativa baseia-se na leitura do funcionamento do mercado de crédito agrícola dos Estados Unidos e pode ser aplicada nara o desenvolvimento de novos arranjos contratuais no mercado brasileiro.

STATUS OF TRISO FUEL IRRADIATIONS IN THE ADVANCED TEST REACTOR SUPPORTING HIGH-TEMPERATURE GAS-COOLED REACTOR DESIGNS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Davenport, Michael; Petti, D. A.; Palmer, Joe

2016-11-01

The United States Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) Fuel Development and Qualification Program is irradiating up to seven low enriched uranium (LEU) tri-isotopic (TRISO) particle fuel (in compact form) experiments in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). These irradiations and fuel development are being accomplished to support development of the next generation reactors in the United States. The experiments will be irradiated over the next several years to demonstrate and qualify new TRISO coated particle fuel for use in high temperature gas reactors. The goals of the experiments are to provide irradiation performance data to support fuel process development, to qualify fuel for normal operating conditions, to support development and validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes, and to provide irradiated fuel and materials for post irradiation examination (PIE) and safety testing. The experiments, which will each consist of several independent capsules, will be irradiated in an inert sweep gas atmosphere with individual on-line temperature monitoring and control of each capsule. The sweep gas will also have on-line fission product monitoring on its effluent to track performance of the fuel in each individual capsule during irradiation. The first experiment (designated AGR-1) started irradiation in December 2006 and was completed in November 2009. The second experiment (AGR-2) started irradiation in June 2010 and completed in October 2013. The third and fourth experiments have been combined into a single experiment designated (AGR-3/4), which started its irradiation in December 2011 and completed in April 2014. Since the purpose of this experiment was to provide data on fission product migration and retention in the NGNP reactor, the design of this experiment was significantly different from the first two experiments, though the control

Modelo Evolucionário de Aprendizado Agrícola

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Maria Ferreira da Silveira

2011-11-01

Full Text Available The definition of the agriculture sector as a supplier dominated is a very restrictive supposition which implies that the technological changes would be residual. The learning process of the farmer throughout, determines the increase in productivity, and simultaneously the reduction in the cost of production, which all depends on the ability of the producers to recognize the value of new information, as well as the managerial ability to apply technological knowledge. The investments in the managerial capability of the farmers allow taking better advantage of the external knowledge. With the aim of systemizing the chains of the main ideas on agricultural dynamics, one has sought to construct the Evolutionary Model of Learning. Preliminary results showed that innovative producers on average maintain an avant-garde technological stance. The increase in the absorptive capacity serves to conquer gains in production and to make lower costs.A definição do setor agrícola como sendo dominado pelos fornecedores é uma pressuposição muito restritiva, já que define a mudança tecnológica como residual. O processo de aprendizado do agricultor no decorrer do tempo é responsável pelo aumento da produtividade e, paralelamente, pela redução dos custos de produção, dependendo da capacidade do produtor de interpretar e assimilar as novas informações, bem como da habilidade gerencial do uso do conhecimento tecnológico. Os investimentos na capacidade gerencial dos agricultores possibilitam um melhor aproveitamento do conhecimento externo. No intuito de sistematizar o encadeamento das principais ideias da dinâmica agrícola, buscou-se construir o modelo evolucionário de aprendizado. Os resultados preliminares mostraram que os produtores inovadores, em média, mantêm posições de vanguarda tecnológica. O aumento da capacidade de absorção auxilia nos ganhos produtivos e nas quedas dos custos.

Balancing standardized testing with personalized training in surgery

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ahmed A

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Aadil Ahmed, Muhammad Abbas Abid, Nasir I Bhatti Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Abstract: Students pursuing a medical career in the US are subject to standardized testing at regular intervals. These standardized tests not only quantify the milestones students have already achieved, but also define the path for future achievements. The purpose of these examinations is to help students become self-directed, lifelong learners – an essential attribute of a medical professional. However, whether preparing for these examinations actually makes students such disciplined learners needs to be examined. Especially during residency training with its limited time and unpredictable exposure, trainees must learn in the most efficient way for their learning styles, and thus develop attributes that will be helpful to them in their medical career. In this review, we propose that a personalized, learner-centered approach tailored to residents’ educational needs and preferences can not only fulfill learning interests and objectives but also serve as a time-efficient and cost-effective approach for graduate medical education. Keywords: standardized testing, personalized training, surgery

Training and testing ERP-BCIs under different mental workload conditions

Science.gov (United States)

Ke, Yufeng; Wang, Peiyuan; Chen, Yuqian; Gu, Bin; Qi, Hongzhi; Zhou, Peng; Ming, Dong

2016-02-01

Objective. As one of the most popular and extensively studied paradigms of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), event-related potential-based BCIs (ERP-BCIs) are usually built and tested in ideal laboratory settings in most existing studies, with subjects concentrating on stimuli and intentionally avoiding possible distractors. This study is aimed at examining the effect of simultaneous mental activities on ERP-BCIs by manipulating various levels of mental workload during the training and/or testing of an ERP-BCI. Approach. Mental workload was manipulated during the training or testing of a row-column P300-speller to investigate how and to what extent the spelling performance and the ERPs evoked by the oddball stimuli are affected by simultaneous mental workload. Main results. Responses of certain ERP components, temporal-occipital N200 and the late reorienting negativity evoked by the oddball stimuli and the classifiability of ERP features between targets and non-targets decreased with the increase of mental workload encountered by the subject. However, the effect of mental workload on the performance of ERP-BCI was not always negative but depended on the conditions where the ERP-BCI was built and applied. The performance of ERP-BCI built under an ideal lab setting without any irrelevant mental activities declined with the increasing mental workload of the testing data. However, the performance was significantly improved when an ERP-BCI was built under an appropriate mental workload level, compared to that built under speller-only conditions. Significance. The adverse effect of concurrent mental activities may present a challenge for ERP-BCIs trained in ideal lab settings but which are to be used in daily work, especially when users are performing demanding mental processing. On the other hand, the positive effects of the mental workload of the training data suggest that introducing appropriate mental workload during training ERP-BCIs is of potential benefit to the

Extensive utilization of training reactor VR-1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matejka, Karel; Sklenka, Lubomir

2003-01-01

to provide special training for selected specialists from Czech and Slovak Nuclear Power Plants. Scientific research respects reactor parameters and requirements of the so-called clean reactor core (free from a major effect of the fission products). Research on VR-1 is mainly aimed at the preparation and testing of new educational methodologies, investigation of reactor lattice parameters, reactor dynamics study, research in the control equipment field, neutron detector calibration, etc. Information services and promotional activities in the nuclear power field are important parts of the reactor operation. Many visitors, mainly high school students, come to the reactor. The reactor staff prepares an attractive program including reactor operation. Every year, more than 1500 high school students come to visit the reactor, as do many foreigner visitors. The plan for the training reactor VR-1 for the next 10 years covers essential activities (less important activities describes the annual plan for each year) in five fields: education activities, research activities, public relation activities, international cooperation, and human resources, innovation and new equipment.Education activities: Keeping the current state in the field number of user schools, number of students and number of offered experimental exercises; Improving existing experimental exercises and establishing new according requests users from Universities and Nuclear Engineering companies, for example: study of neutron noise and it's application, study of thermal effects, study of digital control systems, study of transmutation technologies ADTT, study of neutron detectors. Research activities: Seeking research activities which can use advantages of 'clean' core without temperature, pressure, burn-up feedback etc.; Continuing in study of the digitally controlled nuclear research reactors; Continuing development of control equipment the VR-1 reactor; Continuing wide co-operation with Czech and Slovak

Pioneer robot testing and training status

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Herndon, J.; Nosovsky, A.; Garin, E.; Goncharov, B.; Neretin, Y.

2001-01-01

The U. S. Department of Energy developed the Pioneer Robot and provided it to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) within the framework of international technical assistance. At the Pioneer Robot has been transferred to ChNPP ownership for broad use in ChNPP activities related to decommissioning and emergency response, as well as in Unit Shelter. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is working with ChNPP and SLIRT to test the Pioneer Robot operation in a broader scope, and to provide additional operational training

Training induced cortical plasticity compared between three tongue training paradigms

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kothari, Mohit; Svensson, Peter; Jensen, Jim

2013-01-01

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different training types and secondary to test gender differences on the training-related cortical plasticity induced by three different tongue training paradigms: 1. Therapeutic tongue exercises (TTE), 2. Playing computer games......) (control) were established using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at three time-points: (1) before tongue training, (2) immediately after training, (3) 1 h after training. Subject-based reports of motivation, fun, pain and fatigue were evaluated on 0-10 numerical rating scales (NRS) after training....... The resting motor thresholds of tongue MEPs were lowered by training with TDS and TPT (Ptraining with TDS and TPT (P

Training courses at VR-1 reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sklenka, L.; Kropik, M.

2006-01-01

This paper describes one of the main purposes of the VR-1 training reactor utilization - i.e. extensive educational program. The educational program is intended for the training of university students and selected nuclear power plant personnel. The training courses provide them experience in reactor and neutron physics, dosimetry, nuclear safety and operation of nuclear facilities. At present, the training course participants can go through more than 20 standard experimental exercises; particular exercises for special training can be prepared. Approximately 200 university students become familiar with the reactor (lectures, experiments, experimental and diploma works, etc.) every year. About 12 different faculties from Czech universities use the reactor. International co-operation with European universities in Germany, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Holland and UK is frequent. The VR-1 reactor takes also part in Eugene Wigner Course on Reactor Physics Experiments in the framework of European Nuclear Educational Network (ENEN) association. Recently, training courses for Bulgarian research reactor specialists supported by IAEA were carried out. An attractive program including demonstration of reactor operation is prepared also for high school students. Every year, more than 1500 high school students come to visit the reactor, as do many foreigner visitors. (author)

Modernização da Agricultura em Moçambique: determinantes da renda agrícola

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carlos E. Guanziroli

2015-03-01

Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho é verificar até que ponto as tecnologias oriundas da revolução verde foram efetivamente adotadas na África Subsaariana e, nos casos em que foram adotadas, se tiveram sucesso em melhorar a renda e a produtividade da agricultura. Para este fim, o trabalho faz primeiramente um breve resumo do estado das artes da revolução verde na África, mostrando quais países avançaram mais e como se correlaciona a utilização de fertilizantes químicos com os aumentos de produtividade. Faz-se também uma discussão sobre as características do processo de intensificação num caso em particular, o de Moçambique. Finalmente, com base nos microdados do Tratado de Inquérito Agrícola (TIA, se testa um modelo econométrico de MQO que visa avaliar os determinantes da renda agrícola e, em particular, do uso de fertilizantes químicos.

Plantas forrageiras cultivadas em assentamentos da reforma agrária visando mapear para o melhoramento participativo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maria Tereza Bolzon Soster

2014-05-01

Full Text Available O presente trabalho visou atender a demanda de levantamento sobre as plantas forrageiras cultivadas em assentamentos da Reforma Agrária no Rio Grande do Sul para que um projeto de Melhoramento Participativo possa ser implantado para esse fim. Os dados foram levantados através dos alunos do Instituto Educar e seus assentamentos, totalizando 8 assentamentos, abrangendo 1019 famílias. Em média têm-se 16 espécies forrageiras por assentamento, entre espécies de inverno e de verão, com maior destaque à espécies de verão e maior contribuição de gramíneas (Poaceae. Notou-se que quanto maior o assentamento, mais espécies estão à disposição dos mesmos, enfatizando a importância da fragmentação agrária para a biodiversidade, inclusive de cultivos de plantas forrageiras. Os agricultores se demonstraram receptivos a programas de melhoramento de suas pastagens sobretudo quanto a adaptação e rendimento de massa seca. 

An Intelligent Tutoring System for Nondestructive Testing Training

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, J. K.; Koh, S. N. [Joong Ang Inspection Co., Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, M. K.; Shim, Y. J. [Ajou University, Suwon (Korea, Republic of)

1998-02-15

This paper is written to introduce a multimedia tutoring system for nondestructive testing using personal computer. Nondestructive testing, one of the chief methods for inspecting welds and many other components, is very difficult for the NDT inspectors to understand its technical basis without a wide experience. And it is necessary for considerable repeated education and training for keeping their knowledge. The tutoring system that can simulate NDT works is suggested to solve the above problem based on reasonable condition. The tutoring system shows basic theories of nondestructive testing in a book-style with video images and hyper-links, and it offers practices, in which users can simulate the testing equipment. The book-style and simulation practices provide effective and individual environments for learning nondestructive testing

An Intelligent Tutoring System for Nondestructive Testing Training

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, J. K.; Koh, S. N.; Kim, M. K.; Shim, Y. J.

1998-01-01

This paper is written to introduce a multimedia tutoring system for nondestructive testing using personal computer. Nondestructive testing, one of the chief methods for inspecting welds and many other components, is very difficult for the NDT inspectors to understand its technical basis without a wide experience. And it is necessary for considerable repeated education and training for keeping their knowledge. The tutoring system that can simulate NDT works is suggested to solve the above problem based on reasonable condition. The tutoring system shows basic theories of nondestructive testing in a book-style with video images and hyper-links, and it offers practices, in which users can simulate the testing equipment. The book-style and simulation practices provide effective and individual environments for learning nondestructive testing

Operation characteristics and conditions of training reactor VR-1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matejka, K.; Kolros, A.; Polach, S.; Sklenka, L.

1994-01-01

The first 3 years of operation of the VR-1 training reactor are reviewed. This period includes its physical start-up (preparation, implementation, results) and operation development as far as the current operating configuration of the reactor core. The physical start-up was commenced using a reactor core referred to as AZ A1, whose physical parameters had been verified by calculation and whose configuration was based on data tested experimentally on the SR-0 reactor at Vochov. The next operating core, labelled AZ A2, was already prepared during the test operation of the VR-1 reactor. Its configuration was such that both of the main horizontal channels, radial and tangential, could be employed. The configuration that followed, AZ A3, was an intermediate step before testing the graphite side reflector. The current reactor core, labelled AZ A3 G, was obtained by supplementing the previous core with a one-sided graphite side reflector. (Z.S.). 2 tabs., 11 figs., 2 refs

Etiam specie inanium validus (Anais, XIII, 8, 3): o papel de Agrícola e Corbulão na narrativa de Tácito.

OpenAIRE

Aguiar, Mariana Alves de

2013-01-01

Programa de Pós-Graduação em História. Departamento de História, Instituto de Ciências Humanas e Sociais, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto. A presente dissertação trata da análise do papel de dois generais presentes na narrativa de Tácito, Agrícola e Corbulão. O primeiro general encontra-se em uma biografia, Vida de Agrícola, e o segundo em uma narrativa histórica, os Anais de Tácito. Tácito nos apresenta esses generais como uma forma de exemplo de conduta aristocrática imperial. Pensamo...

Del hogar agrícola a los maestros queseros. La escuela granja de Tandil (Argentina, 1915-1960

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Talía Violeta Gutiérrez

2015-01-01

Full Text Available La formación de recursos humanos y la generación de conocimientos adaptados a las condiciones de explotación de las diversas produccio-nes regionales en la Argentina ocuparon la atención de los técnicos del Ministerio de Agricultura de la Nación, de las entidades agraristas y de sectores políticos y educativos diversos desde inicios del siglo XX. No escapó a ese interés la preocupación por la mujer y el “hogar agrícola”. En el presente artículo fueron analizadas, en ese contexto, las primeras décadas de la Escuela Granja “Ramón Santamarina” de Tandil, un esta-blecimiento con una rica historia institucional que albergó la primera es-cuela del hogar agrícola del país, transformada pronto en granja-escuela y especializada en industria láctea. El tránsito del “hogar agrícola” a la preparación de maestros queseros -en el marco de la orientación productivista de las escuelas en la pro-puesta educativa del Ministerio-, los sujetos sociales involucrados, la es-pecialización en quesería y sus resultados, son algunas de las cuestiones analizadas. Esto se inserta en el contexto de un proyecto educativo agra-rio pensado no solo como fuente de mano de obra, vinculado a determi-nadas industrias agrarias, sino también –y tal vez más que nada– como irradiador de ese tipo de enseñanzas hacia la comunidad.

Histórico e os limites da reforma agrária na contemporaneidade brasileira History and limits of the agrarian reform in the Brazilian contemporary time

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paulo Nakatani

2012-06-01

Full Text Available Objetiva-se reconstituir a trajetória da questão fundiária (e agrária na experiência de maior concentração de riqueza e recursos vivenciada no âmbito do sistema capitalista, partindo-se da premissa de que a crescente desigualdade do modelo brasileiro passa necessariamente pela questão agrária. Num segundo momento, procede-se à análise dos limites atualmente colocados a qualquer possibilidade de uma Reforma Agrária ampla e estrutural, dados pelo avanço do agronegócio nos últimos dez anos, pela desmobilização política de parcela significativa da sociedade no que se refere a esta questão e pelos próprios limites estruturais da economia brasileira nos quadros da globalização financeira. O texto será dividido em seis sessões: a colonização e origens do latifúndio; b O modelo agroexportador e a ruptura incompleta; c a questão agrária e a industrialização brasileira; d a questão agrária e o agronegócio; e os limites da reforma agrária na contemporaneidade; f considerações finais.This paper aims at reconstructing the history of the land (agrarian issue considering the greatest concentration of wealth and resources in the capitalist system. The standpoint is that the growing inequality of the Brazilian model is related to the agrarian issue. Secondly, we analyze the limits ­currently placed on any possibility of a comprehensive and structural agrarian reform, due to the advancement of the agribusiness over the last ten years, the political demobilization of a significant portion of society that put this issue aside, and the limits of the Brazilian economy in the context of the financial globalization. The paper is divided into six parts: a colonization and origins of the large landed estates; b the agro-export model and the incomplete rupture; c the agrarian issue and the Brazilian industrialization; d the agrarian issue and the agribusiness; e the limits of the agrarian reform in the contemporary time; f final

Modelo de Precificação de Capital: Segmento de Commodities Agrícola

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

TÁCITO AUGUSTO FARIAS

2014-12-01

Full Text Available O objetivo do artigo é a aplicação do modelo de precificação de ativos conhecido na literatura de economia financeira como CAPITAL ASSET PRICING MODEL – MODELO DE PRECIFICAÇÃO DE ATIVOS DE CAPITAL, utilizando como ferramentas os balanços patrimoniais das empresas selecionadas. Brasil Ecodiesel indústria e comercio de biocombustíveis e óleos vegetais s.a. (v-agro e SLC Agrícola s.a. no período relativo ao ano de 2009 e 2010. Resultado fundamental: ambas as empresas no período em estudo apresentaram um beta inferior a 1, ou seja, risco menor que o risco do mercado. Descrevemos alguns resultados estatísticos que mostram o comportamento de ambas as empresas do setor de frigorifico. 

Proyección para la instalación de una empresa de servicios agrícolas y administrativos en Manabí

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carlos Oswaldo Balarezo Beltrón

2016-06-01

Full Text Available La investigación se realizó en los cantones Bolívar, Chone y Tosagua. El objetivo fue establecer la proyección de implantación de una empresa de servicios agrícolas y administrativos. La metodología se dividió en cuatro etapas: diagnóstico, análisis estratégico, programa de asistencia y socialización. Entre los principales cultivos de la zona se encontraron al cacao, tomate y plátano. Se determinó que problemas de sanidad vegetal, como hongos e insectos fueron los más importantes. La mayoría de los encuestados consideraron que necesitan un programa de asistencia administrativa que les ayude a planificar sus actividades. Los especialistas señalaron que la asistencia agrícola que se necesita es sobre control de plagas y pequeños sistema de riego. Los temas expuestos en la socialización fueron manejo integrado de plagas, aplicación de sistema de riego por goteo, manejo de fertilización y planificación estratégica en la finca. Palabras clave: Economía agrícola, ambiental, innovación tecnológica, ecológico, control.

Increased correlation coefficient between the written test score and tutors' performance test scores after training of tutors for assessment of medical students during problem-based learning course in Malaysia.

Science.gov (United States)

Jaiprakash, Heethal; Min, Aung Ko Ko; Ghosh, Sarmishtha

2016-03-01

This paper is aimed at finding if there was a change of correlation between the written test score and tutors' performance test scores in the assessment of medical students during a problem-based learning (PBL) course in Malaysia. This is a cross-sectional observational study, conducted among 264 medical students in two groups from November 2010 to November 2012. The first group's tutors did not receive tutor training; while the second group's tutors were trained in the PBL process. Each group was divided into high, middle and low achievers based on their end-of-semester exam scores. PBL scores were taken which included written test scores and tutors' performance test scores. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between the two kinds of scores in each group. The correlation coefficient between the written scores and tutors' scores in group 1 was 0.099 (pcorrelation coefficient in the group where tutors received the PBL training reinforces the importance of tutor training before their participation in the PBL course.

Recent developments in simulator-based operator training in the UK

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Madden, V.J.

1987-01-01

Ever since the earliest days of the Magnox stations with training programs which were first run in the late 1950s, use has been made of simulation devices. In those early days of nuclear power, analog techniques were used to develop an understanding of reactor dynamics. The value of this type of limited scope device for training in basic principles has been confirmed over the years. The analog simulator - in use for over 20 years -has just been replaced by a microprocessor driven unit with extended scope to include a heat exchanger unit (thus completing the primary circuit). A wider range of faults have been incorporated together with tutor facilities and display systems which have taken advantage of today's technologies. The modelling software and the use of an interchangeable panel enable it to represent either a Magnox or an AGR system

Cyber Security Testing and Training Programs for Industrial Control Systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Daniel Noyes

2012-03-01

Service providers rely on industrial control systems (ICS) to manage the flow of water at dams, open breakers on power grids, control ventilation and cooling in nuclear power plants, and more. In today's interconnected environment, this can present a serious cyber security challenge. To combat this growing challenge, government, private industry, and academia are working together to reduce cyber risks. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a key contributor to the Department of Energy National SCADA Test Bed (NSTB) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Control Systems Security Program (CSSP), both of which focus on improving the overall security posture of ICS in the national critical infrastructure. In support of the NSTB, INL hosts a dedicated SCADA testing facility which consists of multiple control systems supplied by leading national and international manufacturers. Within the test bed, INL researchers systematically examine control system components and work to identify vulnerabilities. In support of the CSSP, INL develops and conducts training courses which are designed to increase awareness and defensive capabilities for IT/Control System professionals. These trainings vary from web-based cyber security trainings for control systems engineers to more advanced hands-on training that culminates with a Red Team/ Blue Team exercise that is conducted within an actual control systems environment. INL also provides staffing and operational support to the DHS Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) Security Operations Center which responds to and analyzes control systems cyber incidents across the 18 US critical infrastructure sectors.

Carboy Security Testing and Training Programs for Industrial Control Systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noyes, Daniel

2012-01-01

Service providers rely on industrial control systems (ICS) to manage the flow of water at dams, open breakers on power grids, control ventilation and cooling in nuclear power plants, and more. In today's interconnected environment, this can present a serious cyber security challenge. To combat this growing challenge, government, private industry, and academia are working together to reduce cyber risks. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a key contributor to the Department of Energy National SCADA Test Bed (NSTB) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Control Systems Security Program (CSSP), both of which focus on improving the overall security posture of ICS in the national critical infrastructure. In support of the NSTB, INL hosts a dedicated SCADA testing facility which consists of multiple control systems supplied by leading national and international manufacturers. Within the test bed, INL researchers systematically examine control system components and work to identify vulnerabilities. In support of the CSSP, INL develops and conducts training courses which are designed to increase awareness and defensive capabilities for IT/Control System professionals. These training vary from web-based cyber security training for control systems engineers to more advanced hands-on training that culminates with a Red Team/Blue Team exercise that is conducted within an actual control systems environment. INL also provides staffing and operational support to the DHS Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) Security Operations Center which responds to and analyzes control systems cyber incidents across the 18 US critical infrastructure sectors

Cyber Security Testing and Training Programs for Industrial Control Systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noyes, Daniel

2012-01-01

Service providers rely on industrial control systems (ICS) to manage the flow of water at dams, open breakers on power grids, control ventilation and cooling in nuclear power plants, and more. In today's interconnected environment, this can present a serious cyber security challenge. To combat this growing challenge, government, private industry, and academia are working together to reduce cyber risks. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a key contributor to the Department of Energy National SCADA Test Bed (NSTB) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Control Systems Security Program (CSSP), both of which focus on improving the overall security posture of ICS in the national critical infrastructure. In support of the NSTB, INL hosts a dedicated SCADA testing facility which consists of multiple control systems supplied by leading national and international manufacturers. Within the test bed, INL researchers systematically examine control system components and work to identify vulnerabilities. In support of the CSSP, INL develops and conducts training courses which are designed to increase awareness and defensive capabilities for IT/Control System professionals. These trainings vary from web-based cyber security trainings for control systems engineers to more advanced hands-on training that culminates with a Red Team/ Blue Team exercise that is conducted within an actual control systems environment. INL also provides staffing and operational support to the DHS Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) Security Operations Center which responds to and analyzes control systems cyber incidents across the 18 US critical infrastructure sectors.

Carboy Security Testing and Training Programs for Industrial Control Systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Noyes, Daniel [Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho (United States)

2012-03-15

Service providers rely on industrial control systems (ICS) to manage the flow of water at dams, open breakers on power grids, control ventilation and cooling in nuclear power plants, and more. In today's interconnected environment, this can present a serious cyber security challenge. To combat this growing challenge, government, private industry, and academia are working together to reduce cyber risks. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a key contributor to the Department of Energy National SCADA Test Bed (NSTB) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Control Systems Security Program (CSSP), both of which focus on improving the overall security posture of ICS in the national critical infrastructure. In support of the NSTB, INL hosts a dedicated SCADA testing facility which consists of multiple control systems supplied by leading national and international manufacturers. Within the test bed, INL researchers systematically examine control system components and work to identify vulnerabilities. In support of the CSSP, INL develops and conducts training courses which are designed to increase awareness and defensive capabilities for IT/Control System professionals. These training vary from web-based cyber security training for control systems engineers to more advanced hands-on training that culminates with a Red Team/Blue Team exercise that is conducted within an actual control systems environment. INL also provides staffing and operational support to the DHS Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) Security Operations Center which responds to and analyzes control systems cyber incidents across the 18 US critical infrastructure sectors.

Analysis of failure dependent test, repair and shutdown strategies for redundant trains

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uryasev, S.; Samanta, P.

1994-09-01

Failure-dependent testing implies a test of a redundant components (or trains) when failure of one component has been detected. The purpose of such testing is to detect any common cause failures (CCFs) of multiple components so that a corrective action such as repair or plant shutdown can be taken to reduce the residence time of multiple failures, given a failure has been detected. This type of testing focuses on reducing the conditional risk of CCFs. Formulas for calculating the conditional failure probability of a two train system with different test, repair and shutdown strategies are developed. A methodology is presented with an example calculation showing the risk-effectiveness of failure-dependent strategies for emergency diesel generators (EDGs) in nuclear power plants (NPPs)

AGR steel corrosion monitoring schemes: progress on off-site testing of coupon specimens to end of 1985: Pt. 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Whittle, I.; Meredith, M.E.

1988-03-01

Off-site Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor steel corrosion monitoring through experiments on mild steel coupon specimens is reported. The appearance of all mild steel coupons oxidised over the temperature range 375 to 450 0 C is consistent with what is expected for the appropriate silicon content, temperature and in the gas mixes used. Likewise, weight gain data from the tests is as expected and where linear (breakaway) oxidation kinetics are in evidence, measured rates are within one standard deviation of the mean oxidation rates predicted by the 1/R model. Also, data relating mean breakaway oxide thickness to weight gain is in good agreement with the currently recommended relationship of 1 mg cm -2 weight gain = 6.72 μm oxide thickness. The observed oxidation behaviour of the off-site mild steel coupons is consistent with the most recent design data. (author)

The Effects of Backwards Running Training on Forward Running Economy in Trained Males.

Science.gov (United States)

Ordway, Jason D; Laubach, Lloyd L; Vanderburgh, Paul M; Jackson, Kurt J

2016-03-01

Backwards running (BR) results in greater cardiopulmonary response and muscle activity compared with forward running (FR). BR has traditionally been used in rehabilitation for disorders such as stroke and lower leg extremity injuries, as well as in short bursts during various athletic events. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of sustained backwards running training on forward running economy in trained male athletes. Eight highly trained, male runners (26.13 ± 6.11 years, 174.7 ± 6.4 cm, 68.4 ± 9.24 kg, 8.61 ± 3.21% body fat, 71.40 ± 7.31 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) trained with BR while harnessed on a treadmill at 161 m·min(-1) for 5 weeks following a 5-week BR run-in period at a lower speed (134 m·min(-1)). Subjects were tested at baseline, postfamiliarized, and post-BR training for body composition, a ramped VO2max test, and an economy test designed for trained male runners. Subjects improved forward running economy by 2.54% (1.19 ± 1.26 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1), p = 0.032) at 215 m·min(-1). VO2max, body mass, lean mass, fat mass, and % body fat did not change (p > 0.05). Five weeks of BR training improved FR economy in healthy, trained male runners without altering VO2max or body composition. The improvements observed in this study could be a beneficial form of training to an already economical population to improve running economy.

Assessment of Random Assignment in Training and Test Sets using Generalized Cluster Analysis Technique

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sorana D. BOLBOACĂ

2011-06-01

Full Text Available Aim: The properness of random assignment of compounds in training and validation sets was assessed using the generalized cluster technique. Material and Method: A quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship model using Molecular Descriptors Family on Vertices was evaluated in terms of assignment of carboquinone derivatives in training and test sets during the leave-many-out analysis. Assignment of compounds was investigated using five variables: observed anticancer activity and four structure descriptors. Generalized cluster analysis with K-means algorithm was applied in order to investigate if the assignment of compounds was or not proper. The Euclidian distance and maximization of the initial distance using a cross-validation with a v-fold of 10 was applied. Results: All five variables included in analysis proved to have statistically significant contribution in identification of clusters. Three clusters were identified, each of them containing both carboquinone derivatives belonging to training as well as to test sets. The observed activity of carboquinone derivatives proved to be normal distributed on every. The presence of training and test sets in all clusters identified using generalized cluster analysis with K-means algorithm and the distribution of observed activity within clusters sustain a proper assignment of compounds in training and test set. Conclusion: Generalized cluster analysis using the K-means algorithm proved to be a valid method in assessment of random assignment of carboquinone derivatives in training and test sets.

The Effects of a 6-Week Strength Training on Critical Velocity, Anaerobic Running Distance, 30-M Sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Running Test Performances in Male Soccer Players.

Science.gov (United States)

Karsten, Bettina; Larumbe-Zabala, Eneko; Kandemir, Gokhan; Hazir, Tahir; Klose, Andreas; Naclerio, Fernando

2016-01-01

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of a moderate intensity strength training on changes in critical velocity (CV), anaerobic running distance (D'), sprint performance and Yo-Yo intermittent running test (Yo-Yo IR1) performances. two recreational soccer teams were divided in a soccer training only group (SO; n = 13) and a strength and soccer training group (ST; n = 13). Both groups were tested for values of CV, D', Yo-Yo IR1 distance and 30-m sprint time on two separate occasions (pre and post intervention). The ST group performed a concurrent 6-week upper and lower body strength and soccer training, whilst the SO group performed a soccer only training. after the re-test of all variables, the ST demonstrated significant improvements for both, YoYo IR1 distance (p = 0.002) and CV values (psoccer training significantly improves CV, Yo-Yo IR1 whilst moderately improving 30-m sprint performances in non-previously resistance trained male soccer players. Critical Velocity can be recommended to coaches as an additional valid testing tool in soccer.

Development of knowledge tests for multi-disciplinary emergency training

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sorensen, J. L.; Thellesen, L.; Strandbygaard, J.

2015-01-01

and evaluating a multiple-choice question(MCQ) test for use in a multi-disciplinary training program inobstetric-anesthesia emergencies. Methods: A multi-disciplinary working committee with 12members representing six professional healthcare groups andanother 28 participants were involved. Recurrent revisions......, 40 out of originally50 items were included in the final MCQ test. The MCQ test wasable to distinguish between levels of competence, and good con-struct validity was indicated by a significant difference in the meanscore between consultants and first-year trainees, as well as betweenfirst...

Incentivos a la innovación de la biotecnología agrícola-alimentaria en México

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marcela Amaro-Rosales

2015-01-01

Full Text Available En el artículo analizamos la innovación biotecnológica relacionada con los sectores agrícola y alimentario en México. Tomamos en cuenta las políticas públicas, las leyes y las reglamentaciones; la dinámica del sector y del merado. Asimismo, analizamos la forma en la que las empresas agro-alimentarias pueden aprovechar los insumos de conocimiento científico y tecnológico que ofrece la biotecnología. La principal conclusión es que actualmente el marco institucional regulatorio y la dinámica del mercado establecen más barreras que incentivos para el desarrollo y aplicación de innovaciones biotecnológicas y con ello lograr una mejora en la cali - dad de los alimentos y un incremento en la competitividad de las empresas y del sector agrícola en el país.

Morbilidad laboral en el sector agrícola en trabajadores afiliados a una administradora de riesgos laborales (ARL) de Colombia, durante el periodo 2011-2012.

OpenAIRE

Velásquez Bueno, Diana Marcela

2013-01-01

Este estudio muestra la prevalencia por enfermedad laboral de un grupo de trabajadores afiliados a una ARL en Colombia. Compara la morbilidad laboral entre dos grupo de trabajadores expuestos y no expuestos al trabajo agrícola y al interior del grupo de trabajadores agrícolas agrupados en las actividades de corte de caña, cultivo de banano y flores. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo transversal durante el periodo 2011-2012, mediante la revisión de una base de datos de morbilidad la...

Aspectos constitucionais do direito agrário emenda constitucional N° 10/64

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Carlos Vieira

1988-07-01

Full Text Available This paper, presents a brief history of the constitutional work applied to property rights in Brazil, mainly to those regarding land property. lt also shows the development of agrarian rights as an independent branch of the juridical prescription up to its effective recognition. It slightly shows the important role of the social function of property in constitutional texts as to support governmental actions aiming at an agrarian reform, and any other tendency to alter the rural profile of the country. This work is aimed to show that, despite a set of laws related to the agrarian reality of this country, the facts and data make it clear that nothing has been done about it up to today. The research Our constitutional texts shows that some advances towards the effectiveness of the social function of property principles have been made; nevertheless, the constitution to be promulgated by the year 1988, surprisingly takes a step backwards as to this chapter for it decreases the scope that it had in former constitutions and even in the original ones by authoritarian governments.O presente trabalho contém um resumo histórico do tratamento constitucional reservado ao direito de propriedade no Brasil, especialmente à propriedade da terra, bem assim a evolução do direito agrário como ramo autônomo do ordenamento jurídico, até o seu efetivo reconhecimento como tal. Registra, mesmo que rapidamente, a importância que teve a adotação do princípio da "função social da propriedade" nos textos constitucionais, de forma a respaldar ações governamentais objetivando a realização da reforma agrária e outras medidas tendentes a alterar o perfil rural do país. O trabalho procura mostrar, também, que, malgrado dispor o pais de um rol de leis capazes de dar suporte a propostas destinadas a promover uma efetiva mudança na realidade agrária, os fatos demonstram claramente que isto não ocorreu até hoje. A pesquisa nos textos constitucionais mostra

Desensitization And Study-Skills Training As Treatment For Two Types of Test-Anxious Students

Science.gov (United States)

Osterhouse, Robert A.

1972-01-01

This study compared the effectiveness of systematic desensitization and training in efficient study methods for reducing test anxiety among subjects selected on the basis of two types of self reported anxiety. Desensitization offered more promise as a treatment method for test anxiety than did training in study skills. (Author)

Marketing in the pre-development process of agricultural machines: a reference model Marketing no pré-desenvolvimento de máquinas agrícolas: um modelo de referência

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexandre S. de Oliveira

2012-08-01

Full Text Available The theme of the research is the development of the domain of marketing knowledge in the design of agricultural machinery. It is developed throughout the design of agricultural machinery in order to identify the corporate and customers needs and to develop strategies to satisfy these needs. The central problem of the research questions which marketing tools to apply on pre-development process of farm machinery, in order to increase the market value of the products and of the company and, consequently, generate competitive advantage to the manufacturers of agricultural machinery. As methodology, it was developed bibliographical research and multicase study of the development process of agricultural machinery developed by small, medium and large companies and the academy. As a result, a marketing reference model was elaborated for the pre-development stage of agricultural machinery, which outlines the activities, tasks, mechanisms and controls that can be used in strategic planning and in products planning of agricultural machinery manufacturers, contributing to explain the explicit knowledge in the marketing field.O tema de pesquisa é o desenvolvimento do domínio de conhecimento de marketing no projeto de máquinas agrícolas. Este é desenvolvido ao longo do projeto de máquinas agrícolas a fim de identificar as necessidades dos clientes e da corporação e criar estratégias para que sejam satisfeitas. O problema central de pesquisa questiona quais mecanismos de marketing utilizar no processo de pré-desenvolvimento de máquinas agrícolas, para aumentar o valor de mercado dos produtos e da empresa e, conseqüentemente, gerar um diferencial competitivo às fabricantes de máquinas agrícolas. Como metodologia desenvolveu-se pesquisas bibliográficas e estudo de multicasos do processo de desenvolvimento de máquinas agrícolas desenvolvido pelas pequenas, médias e grandes empresas e pela academia. Como resultado elaborou-se um modelo

Obreros agrícolas migrantes en Sinaloa

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Florencio Posadas Segura

2015-01-01

Full Text Available el objetivo de este artículo es demostrar la presencia sig-nificativa de los obreros agrícolas migrantes, algunas carac-terísticas que la explican y la pauperización que experimen-tan. La causa principal de la migración es la desocupación;los empresarios controlan los métodos de contratación, tras-portación y explotación, y los jornaleros rurales migrantestrabajan más, ganan menos y su situación es mayormentemiserable. Esto se ilustra con el caso de Villa Benito Juárez,Sinaloa, que prueba la gran importancia de los asalariadosestacionales del campo, como auténticos productores de lariqueza, y la paradoja de su condición de pobreza aguda. Elpatrón migratorio interno y externo descubierto contradicelos estereotipos prevalecientes, en el marco de la reestruc-turación productiva y laboral de la agricultura mexicana yla incorporación de fuerza de trabajo asalariada pagada pordebajo de su valor, segmentada y dosificada conveniente-mente de acuerdo con la estrategia del capital, guiada por elespíritu de la ganancia máxima.

Estimación de la movilidad del ibuprofeno en suelos agrícolas

OpenAIRE

Biel Maeso, Miriam

2011-01-01

Los productos farmacéuticos y de higiene personal están emergiendo como contaminantes en el medio ambiente, lo que conlleva una creciente preocupación en la conciencia de la población. La mayoría de los estudios sobre el destino ambiental de estos productos se han centrado en los procesos de tratamiento de las aguas residuales, en los ambientes acuáticos, y en los lodos de depuración, sin embargo, poco se sabe acerca de su comportamiento en los suelos agrícolas. Máster Universitario en Hid...

The development of calculational methods and assessment standards for AGR refuelling safety cases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dawson, J.W.; Grant, R.J.; Thomas, D.L.

1995-01-01

This paper considers the methods used to assess the protection needed against hazards in the AGR fuel route. These methods are all directed towards the objective of showing that all postulated events taking place during refuelling are acceptable within agreed criteria of severity versus frequency. The methods allow the determination of temperatures arising in various hazards, from which estimates can be made of the radiological release, if any, which would occur. Comparison of this estimate with the level considered acceptable at the fault frequency leads to the requirement for protection. (author)

Assessment of a Newly Developed, Active Pneumatic-Driven, Sensorimotor Test and Training Device

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wolfram Haslinger

2014-12-01

Full Text Available The sensorimotor system (SMS plays an important role in sports and in every day movement. Several tools for assessment and training have been designed. Many of them are directed to specific populations, and have major shortcomings due to the training effect or safety. The aim of the present study was to design and assess a dynamic sensorimotor test and training device that can be adjusted for all levels of performance. The novel pneumatic-driven mechatronic device can guide the trainee, allow independent movements or disrupt the individual with unpredicted perturbations while standing on a platform. The test-reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC. Subjects were required to balance their center of pressure (COP in a target circle (TITC. The time in TITC and the COP error (COPe were recorded for analysis. The results of 22 males and 14 females (23.7 ± 2.6 years showed good to excellent test–retest reliability. The newly designed Active Balance System (ABS was then compared with the Biodex Balance System SD® (BBS. The results of 15 females, 14 males (23.4 ± 1.6 years showed modest correlation in static and acceptable correlation in dynamic conditions, suggesting that ABS could be a reliable and comparable tool for dynamic balance assessments.

Closure Report for Corrective Action Unit 415: Project 57 No. 1 Plutonium Dispersion (NTTR) Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, Revision 0 with ROTC-1

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sloop, Christina

2017-12-01

This Closure Report (CR) presents information supporting the closure of Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 415: Project 57 No. 1 Plutonium Dispersion, which is located on Range 4808A of the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). This CR complies with the requirements of the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO) that was agreed to by the State of Nevada; U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Management; U.S. Department of Defense; and DOE, Legacy Management. CAU 415 comprises one corrective action site (CAS): NAFR-23-02, Pu Contaminated Soil. The purpose of this CR is to provide justification and documentation supporting the recommendation that no further corrective action is needed for CAU 415 based on the implementation of the corrective action of Closure in Place.

1.8K conditioning (non-quench training) of a model SSC dipole

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gilbert, W.S.; Hassenzahl, W.V.

1986-09-01

The accepted hypothesis is that training quenches are caused by heat generation when conductors move under Lorentz force. Afterwards no conductor motion will occur until a higher field and greater Lorentz force acts. If superior heat transfer and/or greater temperature margin is provided by operating at lower bath temperature, one might expect that the heat generated by conductor motion will not cause a runaway temperature increase, or quench. To test this hypothesis, the central dipole field in SSC model magnets was ramped at 1.8 K to 7.1 tesla without the magnets' quenching. The bath was then raised to 4.4 K and the magnets quenched at their short sample limits of 6.6 tesla or higher. Comparison with similar magnets trained in He I at 4.4 K is made and the significance of the non-quench training on system operation is discussed

1. 8K conditioning (non-quench training) of a model SSC dipole

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gilbert, W.S.; Hassenzahl, W.V.

1986-09-01

The accepted hypothesis is that training quenches are caused by heat generation when conductors move under Lorentz force. Afterwards no conductor motion will occur until a higher field and greater Lorentz force acts. If superior heat transfer and/or greater temperature margin is provided by operating at lower bath temperature, one might expect that the heat generated by conductor motion will not cause a runaway temperature increase, or quench. To test this hypothesis, the central dipole field in SSC model magnets was ramped at 1.8 K to 7.1 tesla without the magnets' quenching. The bath was then raised to 4.4 K and the magnets quenched at their short sample limits of 6.6 tesla or higher. Comparison with similar magnets trained in He I at 4.4 K is made and the significance of the non-quench training on system operation is discussed.

La sucesión "mortis causa" en la explotación agrícola familiar

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Luis De Los Mozos

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Llevo nada menos que cuarenta años dando vueltas al tema de la sucesión mortis causa en el Derecho agrario y más concretamente, al de la sucesión en la explotación agrícola. Esto no constituye ningún mérito, naturalmente, no es más que una mera circunstancia que acredita, cuando mucho, la firmeza de una convicción. Durante este tiempo, con mayor o menor contacto con la realidad social, he seguido y sigo fiel a mis puntos de vista originarios; no es que nada haya cambiado en todos estos años, sino que ha cambiado casi todo.Pero es que las soluciones que me parecían entonces muy dudosas, ahora me parecen inadmisibles.La evolución económica y social, ha puesto de relieve que las ideas que se utilizaban hace medio siglo en la materia, actualmente han quedado obsoletas (...Contenido: Una distinción obligada y un recuerdo inevitable. El recurso a la atribución preferente. Las condicionantes de la atribución preferente. El concepto de explotación agrícola. La reforma del derecho sucesorio como recapitulación

78 FR 35935 - National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOSH)-Certified B Readers; Training and Testing

Science.gov (United States)

2013-06-14

... training and certification program by developing digital- format training materials and examinations. Core...; Training and Testing AGENCY: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers...: Request for information and comment on priority knowledge and competency items to address in training and...

Integração vertical como estratégia de apropriação de valor: um estudo exploratório no canal de distribuição de produtos agrícolas Alternative marketing channels in order to attenuate the power of retail chains: agrícola Pedra Branca case study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vivian Lara dos Santos Silva

2009-03-01

Full Text Available Neste artigo, investiga-se a adoção de canais alternativos para a comercialização de produtos agrícolas como forma de atenuar o poder, cada vez maior, exercido pelas grandes redes varejistas. O artigo investiga a decisão - e os efeitos daí decorrentes - de uma determinada empresa sediada no interior paulista, agrícola Pedra Branca, quanto à operacionalização verticalizada de uma butique de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs. Consciente dos novos padrões demandados pelo consumidor, a estratégia da empresa alvo do estudo foi combinar a oferta regular de produtos frescos, de qualidade intrínseca padronizada e preços atrativos, a um serviço diferenciado, baseado em um alto valor na experiência de compra. Esta estratégia fundamenta-se no anseio dos consumidores de, mais do que simplesmente adquirir produtos, experimentar sensações, as quais vividas em momentos de lazer exerceriam um grande poder de diferenciação. Realizou-se um estudo de caso baseado em entrevistas em profundidade semiestruturadas com diretores e gerentes da empresa. Como resultado, as evidências empíricas sugerem: 1 a verticalização (integração vertical da atividade de comercialização como uma alternativa para a apropriação de valor da produção ao longo do canal de distribuição; e 2 o desafio da gestão do suprimento como requisito-chave para a adequada gestão do valor de uma marca. Considera-se oportuno lembrar, porém, que, em decorrência das limitações próprias da metodologia de estudos de caso, estas tais evidências devem ser entendidas como proposição a ser testada em trabalhos quantitativos futuros, ou mesmo melhor embasada via condução de estudos multicaso.This paper aims to analyze the search for alternative marketing channels of industry and rural producers in order to attenuate the power of retail chains over the sale of products and services. In special, we focus on the rural producers' perspective investigating the decision of

Avaliação económica de tarifas de água no uso agrícola: um estudo de caso no Sul de Portugal

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rui Fragoso

2009-09-01

Full Text Available Este artigo avalia os efeitos de políticas de tarifas da água no uso agrícola, em termos do consumo de água, do aproveitamento das áreas beneficiadas com regadio, do rendimento do produtor agrícola, da recuperação dos custos com a água e do desenvolvimento agrícola. A metodologia utilizada baseia-se na elaboração de um modelo de programação matemática multiperíodo, adaptado às características específicas de uma empresa agrícola do Sul de Portugal. Foram analisadas a tarifa fixa por área beneficiada, a tarifa volumétrica por metro cúbico de água consumida, a tarifa binómica e a tarifa progressiva. Para as simulações, foram considerados um cenário produtivo tradicional e um cenário produtivo alternativo, em que são introduzidas culturas de valor acrescentado.This paper evaluates the effects of water tariffs in irrigation, in terms of water consumption, land irrigated, farm income, water cost recovery and agricultural investment. The methodology is based on a multiperiod mathematical programming model, which was applied to the specific characteristics of a representative farm in southern Portugal. The main aspects analyzed were: the fix tariff per area benefited, the volumetric tariff per cubic meter of water consumed, the mix tariff and the increasing block tariff. For the simulations, it was considered a traditional productive scenario and an alternative scenario, which include value added crops.

Dynamic testing in schizophrenia: does training change the construct validity of a test?

Science.gov (United States)

Wiedl, Karl H; Schöttke, Henning; Green, Michael F; Nuechterlein, Keith H

2004-01-01

Dynamic testing typically involves specific interventions for a test to assess the extent to which test performance can be modified, beyond level of baseline (static) performance. This study used a dynamic version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) that is based on cognitive remediation techniques within a test-training-test procedure. From results of previous studies with schizophrenia patients, we concluded that the dynamic and static versions of the WCST should have different construct validity. This hypothesis was tested by examining the patterns of correlations with measures of executive functioning, secondary verbal memory, and verbal intelligence. Results demonstrated a specific construct validity of WCST dynamic (i.e., posttest) scores as an index of problem solving (Tower of Hanoi) and secondary verbal memory and learning (Auditory Verbal Learning Test), whereas the impact of general verbal capacity and selective attention (Verbal IQ, Stroop Test) was reduced. It is concluded that the construct validity of the test changes with dynamic administration and that this difference helps to explain why the dynamic version of the WCST predicts functional outcome better than the static version.

[Autogenic training in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus].

Science.gov (United States)

Göhr, M; Röpcke, B; Pistor, K; Eggers, C

1997-04-01

This paper discusses psychosocial influences of diabetes mellitus type 1 on children and young patients. A group of 21 patients, age 9 to 14 years with Diabetes mellitus type 1 attended a course in "Autogenic Training" for a period of 11 weeks. From the multidimensional questionnaire for children (PFK 9-14, SETZ U. RAUSCHE 1976) 15 dimensions of personality and 5 second rank factors were extracted at the beginning and at the end of training and 5 months later. Additionally HbA1-scores were assessed at the beginning and at the end at a 2 month and a 5 month-follow-up. At the beginning of the course only on one of the 15 scales a significant difference could be observed between experimental group and age related normal population. After training 5 scales and one second rank factor showed significant changes. Significant reduction was observed in: "need for aggressive forms of dominance behaviour" "feeling of submission with respects to other:", "emotional lability" and "tendency for dependence on adults". A significantly increased score was observed in the scale measuring "self confidence regarding one's own meaning, decisions and planning ability". The second rank faktor "neuroticism" was significantly reduced. Against expectations there was no reduction in HbA1 scores. At the end of training HbA1 scores even had increased significantly. But this might have been related to the high frequency of infections during this course. In subjective ratings of training evaluation most of the course members and their parents described fewer problems with attention, less test-anxiety and less aggression and nervousness. The results of this prospective pilot-study are discussed in terms of the psychodynamic influence on diabetes.

Modelo para el monitoreo y seguimiento de indicadores de sostenibilidad del recurso hídrico en el sector agrícola

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carvajal Escobar Yesid

2011-12-01

Full Text Available El sistema de monitoreo y seguimiento permite identificar, a través de indicadores e índices, la sostenibilidad del recurso hídrico en el sector agrícola de la microcuenca Centella (Dagua-Valle del Cauca. Este modelo de monitoreo permite evaluar continua y sistemáticamente el progreso y los cambios ocasionados por la ejecución de un conjunto de actividades en un período de tiempo determinado. De igual manera, a través de este sistema es posible realizar un seguimiento y verificar en qué medida se cumplen las metas propuestas de sostenibilidad del recurso hídrico en el sector agrícola a nivel: biofísico, tecnológico, político-institucional y socioeconómico.

Modelo para el monitoreo y seguimiento de indicadores de sostenibilidad del recurso hídrico en el sector agrícola

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wilmar Loaiza Cerón

2011-01-01

Full Text Available El sistema de monitoreo y seguimiento permite identificar, a través de indicadores e índices, la sostenibilidad del recurso hídrico en el sector agrícola de la microcuenca Centella (Dagua-Valle del Cauca. Este modelo de monitoreo permite evaluar continua y sistemáticamente el progreso y los cambios ocasionados por la ejecución de un conjunto de actividades en un período de tiempo determinado. De igual manera, a través de este sistema es posible realizar un seguimiento y verificar en qué medida se cumplen las metas propuestas de sostenibilidad del recurso hídrico en el sector agrícola a nivel: biofísico, tecnológico, político-institucional y socioeconómico.

Pilot test of cooperative learning format for training mental health researchers and black community leaders in partnership skills.

Science.gov (United States)

Laborde, Danielle J; Brannock, Kristen; Breland-Noble, Alfiee; Parrish, Theodore

2007-12-01

To support reduction of racial disparities in mental health diagnosis and treatment, mental health researchers and black community-based organization (CBO) leaders need training on how to engage in collaborative research partnerships. In this study, we pilot tested a series of partnership skills training modules for researchers and CBO leaders in a collaborative learning format. Two different sets of three modules, designed for separate training of researchers and CBO leaders, covered considering, establishing and managing mental health research partnerships and included instructions for self-directed activities and discussions. Eight CBO leaders participated in 10 sessions, and six researchers participated in eight sessions. The effectiveness of the training content and format was evaluated through standardized observations, focus group discussions, participant evaluation forms and retrospective pre-/posttests to measure perceived gains in knowledge. Participants generally were satisfied with the training experience and gained new partnership knowledge and skills. Although the CBO leaders were more engaged in the cooperative learning process, this training format appealed to both audiences. Pilot testing demonstrated that: 1) our modules can equip researchers and CBO leaders with new partnership knowledge and skills and 2) the cooperative learning format is a well-received and suitable option for mental health research partnership training.

Trabalhismo, reforma agrária, legislação para as populações rurais: uma abordagem do projeto político de Fernando Ferrari

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ricardo Oliveira da Silva

2015-05-01

Full Text Available No presente texto, apresentamos uma abordagem introdutória do projeto político de Fernando Ferrari para a questão agrária. Ao longo da década de 1950 e começo dos anos de 1960, esse autor participou das discussões em torno dos problemas rurais brasileiros com base na doutrina trabalhista, desenvolvida por Alberto Pasqualini. Nesse sentido, destacamos o projeto trabalhista defendido por Fernando Ferrari para o campo mediante dois temas constantes em seus escritos: a reforma agrária e a legislação para a população rural.

30 CFR 77.107-1 - Plans for training programs.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Plans for training programs. 77.107-1 Section... COAL MINES Qualified and Certified Persons § 77.107-1 Plans for training programs. Each operator must..., a program or plan setting forth what, when, how, and where the operator will train and retrain...

Inspeção periódica de pulverizadores agrícolas

OpenAIRE

Gandolfo, Marco Antonio [UNESP

2001-01-01

Para a otimização no uso de agroquímicos, vários países tem realizado avaliações periódicas em pulverizadores agrícolas. No Brasil, o reconhecimento do estado destas máquinas, pode nortear pesquisas e investimentos em orientação de uso e manutenção. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o estado de pulverizadores em uso na agricultura nacional, estudar a necessidade de implantação de inspeções periódicas em tais máquinas no Brasil e desenvolver metodologia específica para as condições bra...

O direito do comércio internacional no setor agrícola

OpenAIRE

D'Ávila, André Luiz Bettega

2006-01-01

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Jurídicas. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Direito. A dissertação analisa a regulamentação jurídica dos subsídios agrícolas à exportação na Organização Mundial do Comércio (OMC) e objetiva destacar pontos-chave para ação e pesquisa jurídica sobre o tema no contexto das negociações multilaterais em curso na Rodada Doha. A pesquisa encontra lastro nos Acordos e na jurisprudência da OMC, na doutrina estrangeira, ...

Irisin and exercise training in humans - results from a randomized controlled training trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Hecksteden, Anne; Wegmann, Melissa; Steffen, Anke; Kraushaar, Jochen; Morsch, Arne; Ruppenthal, Sandra; Kaestner, Lars; Meyer, Tim

2013-11-05

The recent discovery of a new myokine (irisin) potentially involved in health-related training effects has gained great attention, but evidence for a training-induced increase in irisin remains preliminary. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether irisin concentration is increased after regular exercise training in humans. In a randomized controlled design, two guideline conforming training interventions were studied. Inclusion criteria were age 30 to 60 years, Physical performance provided positive control for the overall efficacy of training. Differences between groups were tested for significance using analysis of variance. For post hoc comparisons with the control group, Dunnett's test was used. Maximum performance increased significantly in the training groups compared with controls (controls: ±0.0 ± 0.7 km/h; AET: 1.1 ± 0.6 km/h, P error probability = 0.7). The general upward trend was mainly accounted for by a negative association of irisin concentration with the storage duration of frozen serum samples (P storage of samples from initial tests.

Oxidative stress in response to aerobic and anaerobic power testing: influence of exercise training and carnitine supplementation.

Science.gov (United States)

Bloomer, Richard J; Smith, Webb A

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study is to compare the oxidative stress response to aerobic and anaerobic power testing, and to determine the impact of exercise training with or without glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC) in attenuating the oxidative stress response. Thirty-two subjects were assigned (double blind) to placebo, GPLC-1 (1g PLC/d), GPLC-3 (3g PLC/d) for 8 weeks, plus aerobic exercise. Aerobic (graded exercise test: GXT) and anaerobic (Wingate cycle) power tests were performed before and following the intervention. Blood was taken before and immediately following exercise tests and analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and xanthine oxidase activity (XO). No interaction effects were noted. MDA was minimally effected by exercise but lower at rest for both GPLC groups following the intervention (p = 0.044). A time main effect was noted for H2O2 (p = 0.05) and XO (p = 0.003), with values increasing from pre- to postexercise. Both aerobic and anaerobic power testing increase oxidative stress to a similar extent. Exercise training plus GPLC can decrease resting MDA, but it has little impact on exercise-induced oxidative stress biomarkers.

[Training in iterative hypothesis testing as part of psychiatric education. A randomized study].

Science.gov (United States)

Lampen-Imkamp, S; Alte, C; Sipos, V; Kordon, A; Hohagen, F; Schweiger, U; Kahl, K G

2012-01-01

The improvement of medical education is at the center of efforts to reform the studies of medicine. Furthermore, an excellent teaching program for students is a quality feature of medical universities. Besides teaching of disease-specific contents, the acquisition of interpersonal and decision-making skills is important. However, the cognitive style of senior physicians leading to a diagnosis cannot easily be taught. Therefore, the following study aimed at examining whether specific training in iterative hypothesis testing (IHT) may improve the correctness of the diagnostic process. Seventy-one medical students in their 9th-11th terms were randomized to medical teaching as usual or to IHT training for 4 weeks. The intervention group received specific training according to the method of IHT. All students were examined by a multiple choice (MC) exam and additionally by simulated patients (SP). The SPs were instructed to represent either a patient with depression and comorbid anxiety and substance use disorder (SP1) or to represent a patient with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and acute suicidal tendencies (SP2). All students identified the diagnosis of major depression in the SPs, but IHT-trained students recognized more diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, IHT-trained students recognized acute suicide tendencies in SP2 more often and identified more comorbid psychiatric disorders. The results of the MC exam were comparable in both groups. An analysis of the satisfaction with the different training programs revealed that the IHT training received a better appraisal. Our results point to the role of IHT in teaching diagnostic skills. However, the results of the MC exam were not influenced by IHT training. Furthermore, our results show that students are in need of training in practical clinical skills.

Límites de consistencia y sus implicaciones agrícolas en un suelo ultisol de sabana del estado Monagas, Venezuela

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Américo Hossne

2004-01-01

Full Text Available El conocimiento de las propiedades físicas de los suelos agrícolas y bióticos proporciona información para el manejo de equipos agrícolas, procesos de compactación y la labranza convencional y conservacionista. A medida que la humedad edáfica aumenta, genera diversos estados del suelo; e.g. una menor interacción entre partículas adyacentes y un comportamiento que se aproxima al del líquido. El inicio de la sensibilidad de compactación, parece ser el límite plástico del suelo bajo una bien definida energía de compactación. El objetivo general, de este estudio fue caracterizar sistemáticamente, con las implicaciones de ingeniería posibles, los suelos agrícolas de sabana del Estado Monagas de Venezuela. Los objetivos específicos consistieron en determinar: a- los límites de Atterberg; y b- el índice de plasticidad y friabilidad. Para ello se utilizó los procedimientos de laboratorio de Mecánica de Suelos: ASTM D427-61 para el límite de contracción, ASTM D424-59 para el límite plástico y ASTM 423-66 para el límite líquido, de un suelo de sabana en muestras aleatorias a las profundidades de 0-15, 15-30, 30-45 y 45-60 cm. Se utilizó el análisis de regresión para interpretar la proporción de la variancia entre parámetros. Los resultados indicaron valores de: límite de contracción de 4,22–5,20%, límite plástico de 12,92–14,04%, límite líquido de 16,94–19,43%, índice de plasticidad de 3,59–5,78% e índice de friabilidad de 8,63–8,84%. Se concluye que los valores concuerdan con la bibliografía y el rango de uso agrícola se encuentra entre 8% y 15% para el suelo en estudio.

Monitoring Training Loads in Professional Basketball Players Engaged in a Periodized Training Program.

Science.gov (United States)

Aoki, Marcelo S; Ronda, Lorena T; Marcelino, Pablo R; Drago, Gustavo; Carling, Chris; Bradley, Paul S; Moreira, Alexandre

2017-02-01

Aoki, MS, Ronda, LT, Marcelino, PR, Drago, G, Carling, C, Bradley, PS, and Moreira, A. Monitoring training loads in professional basketball players engaged in a periodized training program. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 348-358, 2017-The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of external training load (eTL) and internal training load (iTL) during seasonal periods, and examine the effect of a periodized training program on physical performance in professional basketball players. Repeated measures for 9 players (28 ± 6 years; 199 ± 8 cm; 101 ± 12 kg) were collected from 45 training sessions, over a 6-week preseason phase and a 5-week in-season phase. Physical tests were conducted at baseline (T1), week 4 (T2), and week 9 (T3). Differences in means are presented as % ± confident limits. A very likely difference was observed during in-season compared with preseason for the eTL variables (measured by multivariable monitoring device), mechanical load (13.5 ± 8.8) and peak acceleration (11.0 ± 11.2), respectively. Regarding iTL responses, a very large decrement in TRIMP (most likely difference, -20.6 ± 3.8) and in session rating of perceived exertion training load (very likely difference, -14.2 ± 9.0) was detected from preseason to in-season. Physical performance improved from T1 to T3 for Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test 1 (62.2 ± 34.3, effect size [ES] > 1.2); countermovement jump (8.8 ± 6.1, ES > 0.6); and squat jump (14.8 ± 10.2, ES > 0.8). Heart rate (HR; %HRpeak) exercise responses during a submaximal running test decreased from T1 to T3 (3.2 ± 4.3, ES 1.2). These results provide valuable information to coaches about training loads and physical performance across different seasonal periods. The data demonstrate that both eTL and iTL measures should be monitored in association with physical tests, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the training process.

Corrective action plan for corrective action Unit 342: Area 23 Mercury Fire Training Pit, Nevada Test Site, Nevada

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nacht, S.

1999-01-01

The Mercury Fire Training Pit is a former fire training area located in Area 23 of the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The Mercury Fire Training Pit was used from approximately 1965 to the early 1990s to train fire-fighting personnel at the NTS, and encompasses an area approximately 107 meters (m) (350 feet [ft]) by 137 m (450 ft). The Mercury Fire Training Pit formerly included a bermed burn pit with four small burn tanks, four large above ground storage tanks an overturned bus, a telephone pole storage area, and areas for burning sheds, pallets, and cables. Closure activities will include excavation of the impacted soil in the aboveground storage tank and burn pit areas to a depth of 1.5 m (5 ft), and excavation of the impacted surface soil downgradient of the former ASTs and burnpit areas to a depth of 0.3 m (1 ft). Excavated soil will be disposed in the Area 6 Hydrocarbon Landfill at the NTS

Overload training inhibits phagocytosis and ROS generation of peritoneal macrophages: role of IGF-1 and MGF.

Science.gov (United States)

Xiao, Weihua; Chen, Peijie; Wang, Ru; Dong, Jingmei

2013-01-01

We tested the hypothesis that overload training inhibits the phagocytosis and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of peritoneal macrophages (Mϕs), and that insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and mechano-growth factor (MGF) produced by macrophages may contribute to this process. Rats were randomized to two groups, sedentary control group (n = 10) and overload training group (n = 10). The rats of overload training group were subjected to 11 weeks of experimental training protocol. Blood sample was used to determine the content of hemoglobin, testosterone, and corticosterone. The phagocytosis and the ROS generation of Mϕs were measured by the uptake of neutral red and the flow cytometry, respectively. IGF-1 and MGF mRNA levels in Mϕs were determined by real-time PCR. In addition, we evaluated the effects of IGF-1 and MGF peptide on phagocytosis and ROS generation of Mϕs in vitro. The data showed that overload training significantly decreased the body weight (19.3 %, P overload training significantly decreased the phagocytosis (27 %, P overload training group increased significantly compared with the control group (21-fold and 92-fold, respectively; P overload training inhibits the phagocytosis and the ROS generation of peritoneal macrophages, and that MGF produced by macrophages may play a key role in this process. This may represent a novel mechanism of immune suppression induced by overload training.

The long term storage of advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Standring, P.N.

1999-01-01

The approach being taken by BNFL in managing the AGR lifetime spent fuel arisings from British Energy reactors is given. Interim storage for up to 80 years is envisaged for fuel delivered beyond the life of the Thorp reprocessing plant. Adopting a policy of using existing facilities, to comply with the principles of waste minimisation, has defined the development requirements to demonstrate that this approach can be undertaken safely and business issues can be addressed. The major safety issues are the long term integrity of both the fuel being stored and structure it is being stored in. Business related issues reflect long term interactions with the rest of the Sellafield site and storage optimisation. Examples of the development programme in each of these areas is given. (author)

Characterisation of AGR fuel cladding alloy using secondary ion mass spectrometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allen, G.C.; Sparry, R.P.; Wild, R.K.

1987-08-01

Uranium dioxide fuel used in the Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) is contained in a ribbed can of 20wt%Cr/25wt%Ni/Nb stabilised steel. Laboratory circumstances, spall during thermal cycling. To date it has been difficult to identify active material originating from the oxidation product of the cladding alloy in the cooling circuit. In an attempt to solve this problem we have set out to characterise fully a sample of oxide from this source and work is in progress to obtain suitable oxide samples from the surface of a 20%Cr/25%Ni/Nb stainless steel. In view of its high sensitivity and the ability to obtain chemical information from relatively small areas we have sought to use Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS). (author)

Contaminación y control de las quemas agrícolas en Imperial, California, y Mexicali, Baja California

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Margarito Quintero Núñez

2008-01-01

Full Text Available La quema de residuos agrícolas en los valles de Mexicali e Imperial, separados por una línea divisoria, constituye una fuente importante de emisión de contaminantes al aire, de compuestos como el metano (CH4, monóxido de carbono (CO, bióxido de nitrógeno (NO2, hidrocarburos (NMHC y partículas menores a 10 micras (PM10. Para abordar el problema de los humos agrícolas se debe considerar la cuenca atmosférica común, formada por ambos valles, que comparten un clima extremoso cálido y seco, con menos de 80 mm anuales de lluvia, y basan su economía en la agricultura, y el de Mexicali además en la industria manufacturera y otras actividades. En Mexicali, lo que se quema es sobre todo residuos de trigo y en menor proporción de cebada, cártamo y maíz. Los daños a la salud ocasionados por las emisiones de PM10 son significativos en ambos valles

Increased correlation coefficient between the written test score and tutors’ performance test scores after training of tutors for assessment of medical students during problem-based learning course in Malaysia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Heethal Jaiprakash

2016-03-01

Full Text Available This paper is aimed at finding if there was a change of correlation between the written test score and tutors’ performance test scores in the assessment of medical students during a problem-based learning (PBL course in Malaysia. This is a cross-sectional observational study, conducted among 264 medical students in two groups from November 2010 to November 2012. The first group’s tutors did not receive tutor training; while the second group’s tutors were trained in the PBL process. Each group was divided into high, middle and low achievers based on their end-of-semester exam scores. PBL scores were taken which included written test scores and tutors’ performance test scores. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between the two kinds of scores in each group. The correlation coefficient between the written scores and tutors’ scores in group 1 was 0.099 (p<0.001 and for group 2 was 0.305 (p<0.001. The higher correlation coefficient in the group where tutors received the PBL training reinforces the importance of tutor training before their participation in the PBL course.

Test facilities for hybrid and electric drive trains; Stazione di prova sistemi di trazione ibridi ed elettrici

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bernardini, G.; Ciancia, A.; De Andreis, L.; Pagni, G.; Pede, G.; Rossi, E.; Vellone, R. [ENEA, Centro Ricerche Casaccia, Rome (Italy). Dip. Energia

1998-12-31

ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and the Environment) is conducting a large research and development programme on innovative vehicles with high energy efficiency and low environmental impact. In particular conducts activities on electric and hybrid vehicles. Testing and evaluation activities play a strong role in this programme. A complete characterization chain has been then defined and set up with a network of facilities which covers main testing needs for single components, subsystems and complete vehicles, in simulated and real operating conditions. The test facility which has been realised is able to experiment and fully characterise complete drive-trains (and subsystems) for pure electric and hybrid vehicles. It is composed by a different section for each subsystem: 1) power generation; 2) energy storage and management; 3) driving motors. Each section acts as an experimental island, able to operate alone or jointly with the other sections. In fact, all the sections are remotely controlled and managed in order to create different assembly of the drive-train. The facility has been sized to allow the testing of drive-trains and subsystems of small and medium-sized vehicles (up to minibuses), but an extension to larger vehicles is possible. During 1996 and part of 1997 the Drive train Test Facility has been completed and made operative. This paper mainly presents the final configurations of these novel testing systems with peculiar features and characteristics. [Italiano] ENEA (Ente Nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l`Energia e l`Ambiente) sta conducendo un vasto programma di ricerca e sviluppo sui veicoli innovativi ad alto rendimento energetico e basso impatto ambientale.

Análisis de redes sociales para catalizar la innovación agrícola: de los vínculos directos a la integración y radialidad

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Norman Aguilar-Gallegos

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Se analizan los efectos de las interacciones, directas e indirectas, entre agricultores y otros actores relevantes en el intercambio de información y conocimiento para la innovación agrícola. Los datos se obtuvieron al preguntar a 120 agricultores «¿de quién aprende y/o a quién recurre para obtener información o conocimiento de cuestiones técnicas y productivas en torno a su unidad de producción?». Se emplean indicadores del análisis de redes sociales para proponer lineamientos que permitan catalizar la innovación agrícola. Los resultados confirman la importancia de los vínculos indirectos, pues estos permiten que los agricultores alcancen mejor información de fuentes externas. Se recomienda que los programas encaminados a promover la innovación agrícola consideren la interacción preexistente en las redes de los agricultores.

The validity and reliability of script concordance test in otolaryngology residency training.

Science.gov (United States)

Iravani, Kamyar; Amini, Mitra; Doostkam, Aida; Dehbozorgian, Mahnaz

2016-04-01

The script concordance test (SCT) is one the best tools used to evaluate clinical reasoning in ill-defined clinical situations. The aim of this study was to demonstrate SCT application in otolaryngology residency training. A 20 item otolaryngology SCT containing 60 questions was administered to 26 otolaryngology residents. The test was prepared by two otolaryngologists familiar to medical education. These questions have been validated by otolaryngology experts. The panel consisted of 9 academic staff in the field of otolaryngology. Pearson correlation test was used to assess the reliability of the test. The obtained mean scores were 68.4±5.8 (out of 100) for residents and 78.2±6.4(out of 100) for experts. There was a significant difference between the two scores (preliable tool to evaluate clinical reasoning in otolaryngology residents. It should be included in otolaryngology residency training.

Exploring factors influencing HbA1c and psychosocial outcomes in people with type 1 diabetes after training in advanced carbohydrate counting.

Science.gov (United States)

Schmidt, Signe; Vistisen, Dorte; Almdal, Thomas; Hommel, Eva; Nørgaard, Kirsten

2017-08-01

The purpose of this secondary analysis of the StenoABC Study was to identify determinants of the changes in HbA1c observed after training of people with type 1 diabetes in advanced carbohydrate counting (ACC) and automated bolus calculator (ABC) use, and further to investigate psychosocial effects of these insulin dosing approaches. Validated diabetes-specific questionnaires were used to assess diabetes treatment satisfaction, problem areas in diabetes, fear of hypoglycemia and diabetes dependent quality of life before and one year after the training. In addition, numeracy was tested (using a non-validated test developed specifically for this study) and behavioral measures (number of daily blood glucose measurements and self-reported use of ACC) were obtained. Associations between change in HbA1c and these measures plus sex, age, diabetes duration and BMI were tested. Numeracy was the only baseline predictor of yearly change in HbA1c identified. Higher levels of numeracy were associated with greater reductions in HbA1c (P=0.031). No associations between change in HbA1c and the behavioral measures investigated were found, nor were any clinically relevant associations between changes in HbA1c and questionnaire scores. Treatment satisfaction increased in all users of ACC (PHbA1c after training in ACC were inversely related to numeracy. Use of an ABC did not compensate for poor numeracy skills. However, device use reduced fear of hypoglycemia compared with ACC without ABC use. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Leishmaniasis direct agglutination test: using pictorials as training materials to reduce inter-reader variability and improve accuracy.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Emily R Adams

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: The Direct Agglutination Test (DAT has a high diagnostic accuracy and remains, in some geographical areas, part of the diagnostic algorithm for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL. However, subjective interpretation of results introduces potential for inter-reader variation. We report an assessment of inter-laboratory agreement and propose a pictorial-based approach to standardize reading of the DAT. METHODOLOGY: In preparation for a comparative evaluation of immunochromatographic diagnostics for VL, a proficiency panel of 15 well-characterized sera, DAT-antigen from a single batch and common protocol was sent to nine laboratories in Latin-America, East-Africa and Asia. Agreement (i.e., equal titre or within 1 titer with the reading by the reference laboratory was computed. Due to significant inter-laboratory disagreement on-site refresher training was provided to all technicians performing DAT. Photos of training plates were made, and end-titres agreed upon by experienced users of DAT within the Visceral-Leishmaniasis Laboratory-Network (VL-LN. RESULTS: Pre-training, concordance in DAT results with reference laboratories was only 50%, although agreement on negative sera was high (94%. After refresher training concordance increased to 84%; agreement on negative controls increased to 98%. Variance in readings significantly decreased after training from 3.3 titres to an average of 1.0 titre (two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney test (z = -3,624 and p = 0.0003. CONCLUSION: The most probable explanation for disagreement was subjective endpoint reading. Using pictorials as training materials may be a useful tool to reduce disparity in results and promote more standardized reading of DAT, without compromising diagnostic sensitivity.

Las actividades complementarias de las explotaciones agrícolas peruanas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

2002-01-01

Full Text Available La diversification des sources de revenu des exploitations agricoles est une question cruciale pour le bien être des populations rurales. En effet, toute utilisation supplémentaire du travail en milieu rural pour des activités autres que celles directement liées à l’exploitation agricole peut contribuer à augmenter les revenus, même modestement. Cet article montre que malgré le potentiel que représentent les activités complémentaires des exploitations agricoles tant en termes de création d’emplois que de revenus, elles sont encore un domaine peu compris de l’économie rurale. Cette faiblesse provient à la fois de l’hétérogénéité de ces activités qui est à la source de nombreuses confusions conceptuelles et des lacunes des statistiques nationales disponibles qui n’enregistrent pas ces activités de manière adéquate. En dépit de ces difficultés, cet article tente de donner un aperçu de l’importance et des caractéristiques des activités complémentaires des exploitations agricoles péruviennes. Quatre conclusions principales émergent de l’ensemble des résultats présentés : la sous-estimation indubitable de ces activités donc des revenus qui en découlent la part significative qu’occupe l’agriculture dans l’ensemble des activités complémentaires, la concentration de ces activités dans deux ou trois secteurs, la relative stabilité de leur distribution selon les secteurs dans le temps et dans l’espace, une division du travail assez marquée entre les hommes et les femmes. La diversificación de las fuentes de ingresos de las explotaciones agrícolas es un asunto crucial para el bienestar de las poblaciones rurales. De hecho, en el medio rural, todo trabajo adicional en actividades distintas a las directamente relacionadas con la explotación agrícola puede contribuir al aumento de los ingresos, aun en forma modesta. Este trabajo muestra que, pese a su potencial en términos de generación de empleos e

Agricultural Labor Demand in Chile: A Cointegration Approach Demanda por Trabajo Agrícola en Chile: Un Enfoque de Cointegración

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rodrigo Saens N

2008-12-01

Full Text Available International evidence shows that the positive relationship between product and agricultural labor has weakened during the last 30 years, especially in emergent economies. Chilean agriculture has not been left out of this phenomenon The main purpose of this reseach was to estimate the causality relationships that govern the product, employment and salaries in the Chilean silviculture-agricultural-livestock sector, using a cointegration approach. Quarterly data from the 1996-2005 period were employed to estimate agricultural labor demand. A Cobb-Douglas agricultural production function was employed and from it were derived the minimum cost function and the labor demand as bases of this study; the latter was approximated log-linearly to find different measures of elasticity. The main results shows that the estimated demand for agricultural labor has long-run employment-product and employment-salary elasticities of 0.38 and -0.88, respectively. An important conclusion suggests that, compared with the employment-product and employment-salary elasticities of labor demand on the aggregated level, agricultural employment in the long run results less sensitive to changes in the product, but more sensitive to changes in salaries.La evidencia internacional muestra que la relación positiva entre producto y empleo agrícola se ha debilitado en los últimos 30 años, especialmente en economías emergentes. La agricultura en Chile no ha estado al margen de este fenómeno. El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue estimar las relaciones de causalidad que rigen al producto, el empleo y los salarios en el sector silvoagropecuario chileno, utilizando un enfoque de cointegración. Para la estimación de la demanda por trabajo agrícola se utilizaron datos trimestrales del período 1996 a 2005. Se utilizó una función de producción agrícola tipo Cobb-Douglas, a partir de la cual se derivó la función de costo mínimo y la demanda por trabajo base de

Training of nuclear power facility personnel. Part 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1989-06-01

The proceedings of the conference entitled ''Training of Nuclear Power Facility Personnel'' and held in Tale, Czechoslovakia, on 24 - 27 April 1989, contain full texts of 58 contributions, 57 of which fall in the INIS subject scope. The aim of the conference was to summarize experience gained during the training and education of Czechoslovak nuclear power plants operating personnel, to put forth new suggestions for increasing the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants, and to establish the needs and new trends in the training and education of nuclear power plants personnel. The topics treated at the conference can be divided into three basic groups as follows: 1. professional qualification of nuclear power plant staff members; 2. development of technical means for the nuclear power plants personnel training; and 3. training of maintenance personnel, the system and organization of this training and education. The proceedings are published in two volumes. Part 1 contains the texts of 25 papers falling in the INIS subject scope. (Z.M.)

Mecanización agrícola, empleo y migración en el norte de Tamaulipas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Luis Contreras Valenzuela

1986-05-01

Full Text Available El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar el modelo de desarrollo agrícola recientemente adoptado en los distritos de riego del norte de Tamaulipas, y los efectos sobre el empleo y la migración de la población rural. Dicho análisis se efectuará a partir de dos premisas fundamentales: una de ellas es la internacionalización del proceso productivo que se manifiesta con la presencia de una nueva división internacional del trabajo y lo que en este ensayo es llamada economía campesina, que fue la fuente primaria de la acumulación de capital de la agricultura mexicana, la cual jugará un papel importante para la acumulación de capital de la agricultura de los Estados Unidos de América, mediante la oferta de fuerza de trabajo agrícola barata, permitiendo el desarrollo de la agricultura comercial, modelo que ahora se ha volcado sobre la economía campesina condenándola a su desaparición como forma de subsistencia de la población rural, a quien expulsa de sus unidades de producción mediante el acaparamiento y el rentismo.

Biorremediación de un suelo agrícola impactado con aceite residual automotriz

OpenAIRE

Pasaye Anaya, Lizbeth

2011-01-01

El aceite residual automotriz (ARA) derivado del uso de automotores es una mezcla de hidrocarburos (HC) alifáticos, aromáticos y otros que en el suelo impide la actividad microbiana para el reciclaje de elementos esenciales para la vida. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la biorremediación (BR) por bioestimulación (BS) de un suelo agrícola impactado con ARA. Para ello, el suelo contaminado con la mezcla de HC se biorremedió por BS con una solución mineral (SM), lombricomposta (LC) y ab...

Agricultura familiar e as rendas não-agrícolas na Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre : um estudo de caso dos municípios de Dois Irmãos e Ivoti - RS

OpenAIRE

Marco Antonio Verardi Fialho

2000-01-01

Esta estudo discute a importância das rendas não-agrícolas na composição da renda total dos agricultores familiares de uma região fortemente marcada pela pluriatividade de seus produtores rurais. Os dados utilizados neste estudo foram obtidos a partir de uma pesquisa de campo realizada junto a 57 agricultores familiares dos municípios de Dois Irmãos e Ivoti, RS. A metodologia utilizada consistiu na identificação e quantificação das rendas agrícolas e não-agrícolas bem como na caracterização d...

Technology Reinvestment Project Manufacturing Education and Training. Volume 1

Science.gov (United States)

Schroer, Bernard J.; Bond, Arthur J.

1997-01-01

The manufacturing education program is a joint program between the University of Alabama in Huntsville's (UAH) College of Engineering and Alabama A&M University's (AAMLJ) School of Engineering and Technology. The objective of the program is to provide more hands-on experiences to undergraduate engineering and engineering technology students. The scope of work consisted of. Year 1, Task 1: Review courses at Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT); Task 2: Review courses at UAH and AAMU; Task 3: Develop new lab manuals; Task 4: Field test manuals; Task 5: Prepare annual report. Year 2, Task 1: Incorporate feedback into lab manuals; Task 2 : Introduce lab manuals into classes; Task 3: Field test manuals; Task 4: Prepare annual report. Year 3, Task 1: Incorporate feedback into lab manuals; Task 2: Introduce lab manuals into remaining classes; Task 3: Conduct evaluation with assistance of industry; Task 4: Prepare final report. This report only summarizes the activities of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The activities of Alabama A&M University are contained in a separate report.

[Progress in isokinetic technology in testing and training for assessment of muscle function].

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Ting-Ting; Fan, Li-Hua; Gao, Dong; Xia, Qing; Zhang, Min

2013-02-01

Isokinetic technology in testing and training is the most advanced practical technique in the evaluation of muscle function. This method is a continuous dynamic test in the full range of the joint motion which has strong pertinence at the aspect of assessing muscle strength, and is an objective and quantitative method for reflecting each point's muscle strength in the range of the joint motion. This article reviews the key concepts, brief history of development and influencing factors of isokinetic technology in testing and training, introduces the progress in the field of rehabilitation medicine and sport science, etc., and discusses the future exploration in forensic science.

Locomotor training with body weight support in SCI: EMG improvement is more optimally expressed at a low testing speed.

Science.gov (United States)

Meyns, P; Van de Crommert, H W A A; Rijken, H; van Kuppevelt, D H J M; Duysens, J

2014-12-01

Case series. To determine the optimal testing speed at which the recovery of the EMG (electromyographic) activity should be assessed during and after body weight supported (BWS) locomotor training. Tertiary hospital, Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Four participants with incomplete chronic SCI were included for BWS locomotor training; one AIS-C and three AIS-D (according to the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) Impairment Scale or AIS). All were at least 5 years after injury. The SCI participants were trained three times a week for a period of 6 weeks. They improved their locomotor function in terms of higher walking speed, less BWS and less assistance needed. To investigate which treadmill speed for EMG assessment reflects the functional improvement most adequately, all participants were assessed weekly using the same two speeds (0.5 and 1.5 km h(-1), referred to as low and high speed, respectively) for 6 weeks. The change in root mean square EMG (RMS EMG) was assessed in four leg muscles; biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius medialis and tibialis anterior. The changes in RMS EMG occurred at similar phases of the step cycle for both walking conditions, but these changes were larger when the treadmill was set at a low speed (0.5 km h(-1)). Improvement in gait is feasible with BWS treadmill training even long after injury. The EMG changes after treadmill training are more optimally expressed using a low rather than a high testing treadmill speed.

Advanced electron microscopic techniques applied to the characterization of irradiation effects and fission product identification of irradiated TRISO coated particles from the AGR-1 experiment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rooyen, I.J. van; Lillo, T.M.; Trowbridge, T.L.; Madden, J.M.; Wu, Y.Q.; Goran, D.

2013-01-01

Preliminary electron microscopy of coated fuel particles from the AGR-1 experiment was conducted using characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS). Microscopic quantification of fission-product precipitates was performed. Although numerous micro- and nano-sized precipitates observed in the coating layers during initial SEM characterization of the cross-sections, and in subsequent TEM diffraction patterns, were indexed as UPd 2 Si 2 , no Ag was conclusively found. Additionally, characterization of these precipitates highlighted the difficulty of measuring low concentrations of Ag in precipitates in the presence of significantly higher concentrations of Pd and U. The electron microscopy team followed a multi-directional and phased approach in the identification of fission products in irradiated TRISO fuel. The advanced electron microscopy techniques discussed in this paper, not only demonstrate the usefulness of the equipment (methods) as relevant research tools, but also provide relevant scientific results which increase the knowledge about TRISO fuel particles microstructure and fission products transport

Does rational selection of training and test sets improve the outcome of QSAR modeling?

Science.gov (United States)

Martin, Todd M; Harten, Paul; Young, Douglas M; Muratov, Eugene N; Golbraikh, Alexander; Zhu, Hao; Tropsha, Alexander

2012-10-22

Prior to using a quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) model for external predictions, its predictive power should be established and validated. In the absence of a true external data set, the best way to validate the predictive ability of a model is to perform its statistical external validation. In statistical external validation, the overall data set is divided into training and test sets. Commonly, this splitting is performed using random division. Rational splitting methods can divide data sets into training and test sets in an intelligent fashion. The purpose of this study was to determine whether rational division methods lead to more predictive models compared to random division. A special data splitting procedure was used to facilitate the comparison between random and rational division methods. For each toxicity end point, the overall data set was divided into a modeling set (80% of the overall set) and an external evaluation set (20% of the overall set) using random division. The modeling set was then subdivided into a training set (80% of the modeling set) and a test set (20% of the modeling set) using rational division methods and by using random division. The Kennard-Stone, minimal test set dissimilarity, and sphere exclusion algorithms were used as the rational division methods. The hierarchical clustering, random forest, and k-nearest neighbor (kNN) methods were used to develop QSAR models based on the training sets. For kNN QSAR, multiple training and test sets were generated, and multiple QSAR models were built. The results of this study indicate that models based on rational division methods generate better statistical results for the test sets than models based on random division, but the predictive power of both types of models are comparable.

Is Marathon Training Harder than the Ironman Training? An ECO-method Comparison.

Science.gov (United States)

Esteve-Lanao, Jonathan; Moreno-Pérez, Diego; Cardona, Claudia A; Larumbe-Zabala, Eneko; Muñoz, Iker; Sellés, Sergio; Cejuela, Roberto

2017-01-01

Purpose: To compare the absolute and relative training load of the Marathon (42k) and the Ironman (IM) training in recreational trained athletes. Methods: Fifteen Marathoners and Fifteen Triathletes participated in the study. Their performance level was the same relative to the sex's absolute winner at the race. No differences were presented neither in age, nor in body weight, height, BMI, running VO 2max max, or endurance training experience ( p > 0.05). They all trained systematically for their respective event (IM or 42k). Daily training load was recorded in a training log, and the last 16 weeks were compared. Before this, gas exchange and lactate metabolic tests were conducted in order to set individual training zones. The Objective Load Scale (ECOs) training load quantification method was applied. Differences between IM and 42k athletes' outcomes were assessed using Student's test and significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: As expected, Competition Time was significantly different (IM 11 h 45 min ± 1 h 54 min vs. 42k 3 h 6 min ± 28 min, p < 0.001). Similarly, Training Weekly Avg Time (IM 12.9 h ± 2.6 vs. 42k 5.2 ± 0.9), and Average Weekly ECOs (IM 834 ± 171 vs. 42k 526 ± 118) were significantly higher in IM ( p < 0.001). However, the Ratio between Training Load and Training Time was superior for 42k runners when comparing ECOs (IM 65.8 ± 11.8 vs. 42k 99.3 ± 6.8) ( p < 0.001). Finally, all ratios between training time or load vs. Competition Time were superior for 42k ( p < 0.001) (Training Time/Race Time: IM 1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 42k 1.7 ± 0.5), (ECOs Training Load/Race Time: IM 1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 42k 2.9 ± 1.0). Conclusions: In spite of IM athletes' superior training time and total or weekly training load, when comparing the ratios between training load and training time, and training time or training load vs. competition time, the preparation of a 42k showed to be harder.

Is Marathon Training Harder than the Ironman Training? An ECO-method Comparison

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jonathan Esteve-Lanao

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Purpose: To compare the absolute and relative training load of the Marathon (42k and the Ironman (IM training in recreational trained athletes.Methods: Fifteen Marathoners and Fifteen Triathletes participated in the study. Their performance level was the same relative to the sex's absolute winner at the race. No differences were presented neither in age, nor in body weight, height, BMI, running VO2max max, or endurance training experience (p > 0.05. They all trained systematically for their respective event (IM or 42k. Daily training load was recorded in a training log, and the last 16 weeks were compared. Before this, gas exchange and lactate metabolic tests were conducted in order to set individual training zones. The Objective Load Scale (ECOs training load quantification method was applied. Differences between IM and 42k athletes' outcomes were assessed using Student's test and significance level was set at p < 0.05.Results: As expected, Competition Time was significantly different (IM 11 h 45 min ± 1 h 54 min vs. 42k 3 h 6 min ± 28 min, p < 0.001. Similarly, Training Weekly Avg Time (IM 12.9 h ± 2.6 vs. 42k 5.2 ± 0.9, and Average Weekly ECOs (IM 834 ± 171 vs. 42k 526 ± 118 were significantly higher in IM (p < 0.001. However, the Ratio between Training Load and Training Time was superior for 42k runners when comparing ECOs (IM 65.8 ± 11.8 vs. 42k 99.3 ± 6.8 (p < 0.001. Finally, all ratios between training time or load vs. Competition Time were superior for 42k (p < 0.001 (Training Time/Race Time: IM 1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 42k 1.7 ± 0.5, (ECOs Training Load/Race Time: IM 1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 42k 2.9 ± 1.0.Conclusions: In spite of IM athletes' superior training time and total or weekly training load, when comparing the ratios between training load and training time, and training time or training load vs. competition time, the preparation of a 42k showed to be harder.

Impact to non-destructive testing (NDT) companies of PNRI/PSNT trained NDT personnel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

De Jesus, Teresita G.

2002-12-01

This research discusses the impact to non-destructive testing (NDT) companies of PNRI/PSNT trained NDT personnel to the individual and to the organization that the individual belongs in the midst of competitive, demanding and fast-paced workplace in the NDT industry. Related literature and studies were carefully chosen and reviewed to validate the consistencies of the research design and data gathering relationship to the present undertaking to previous studies were also discussed and analyzed. The research design used were the descriptive-normative survey method together with a questionnaire consisting of six (6) parts. The first part includes queries on personal/demographic profiles of respondents. The second part contains queries on the level of expectation of the respondents of the job-related variables. The third part contains queries on the levels of adequacy of the organization-related variables. The fourth part consists of questions on the impact of the PNRI/PSNT trained NDT personnel before and after the training. It is divided into two sections, first was for the organization and second was for the individual development. The fifth part was on the analysis of the personal-related factors that influence the impact of the PNRI/PSNT trained NDT personnel. The last part was to find out the significant differences on the impact of the training as to methods. A five-point scale was used to quantify the degree of respondents' responses to queries in the questionnaires. In addition, the following statistical formula were used for treatment of gathered data were frequency percentage, ranking, wilcoxon signed ranks test and spearman rho. The null hypotheses that were presented for acceptance or rejection were also tested. Presentation of findings, analysis and interpretations were presented based on the data gathered and the computations. Recommendations were discussed based on the findings. It is recommended that training of NDT personnel in the different NDT

A Comparison between Bench Press Throw and Ballistic Push-Up tests to assess upper-body power in trained individuals.

Science.gov (United States)

Bartolomei, Sandro; Nigro, Federico; Ruggeri, Sandro; Lanzoni, Ivan Malagoli; Ciacci, Simone; Merni, Franco; Sadres, Eliahu; Hoffman, Jay R; Semprini, Gabriele

2018-03-06

The purpose of the present study was to validate the ballistic push-up test performed with hands on a force plate (BPU) as a method to measure upper-body power. Twenty-eight experienced resistance trained men (age = 25.4 ± 5.2 y; body mass = 78.5 ± 9.0 kg; body height = 179.6 ± 7.8 cm) performed, two days apart, a bench press 1RM test and upper-body power tests. Mean power and peak power were assessed using the bench press throw test (BT) and the BPU test performed in randomized order. The area under the force/power curve (AUC) obtained at BT was also calculated. Power expressed at BPU was estimated using a time-based prediction equation. Mean force and the participant's body weight were used to predict the bench press 1RM. Pearson product moment correlations were used to examine relationships between the power assessment methods and between the predicted 1RM bench and the actual value. Large correlations (0.79; p bench and the 1RM predicted by the BPU. Results of the present study indicate that BPU represents a valid and reliable method to estimate the upper-body power in resistance-trained individuals.

Staff training makes a difference: improvements in neonatal illicit drug testing and intervention at a tertiary hospital.

Science.gov (United States)

Oral, Resmiye; Koc, Feyza; Jogerst, Kristen; Bayman, Levent; Austin, Andrea; Sullivan, Shannon; Bayman, Emine Ozgur

2014-07-01

This project explored the impact of staff training on the rates of perinatal maternal and neonatal illicit drug testing. Controlled, retrospective chart review on 1186 newborn and mother dyads from 2006 (pre-training control group) and on 1861 dyads from 2009 (post-training study group) was completed. Differences between rates of infant and mother drug testing were compared. Increased drug testing rates for the mothers and infants led to increased case finding that tripled both for the mothers (13-3.7%, p importance of and encourages other hospitals to analyze the efficacy of their current protocol and staff training practices in place to ensure the best child protection services.

Aplicación de Lodo de Procesos de Intercambio Iónico como Mitigante de la Sodicidad en un Suelo Agrícola Salino-Sódico

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Octavio Armendáriz Alcaraz

2013-09-01

Full Text Available La salinidad y sodicidad en los suelos es un problema que afecta a una gran extensión de campos agrícolas. El sodio en exceso provoca el rompimiento de la estructura del suelo, volviéndolo impermeable, lo que reduce la cantidad de agua que llega a la zona de raíz. Se evaluó la eficiencia de tres dosis (D1= 0.424 g,D2= 1.061g y D3= 1.7 g de un tipo de lodo obtenido de la planta potabilizadora de agua subterránea “La Campiña II” en el tratamiento de un suelo salino-sódico (44.13 g usando columnas de suelo en el laboratorio. Se determinaron las propiedades fisicoquímicas del suelo y del lodo, así como la velocidad final de infiltración (VFI, la conductividad eléctrica (CE y la relación de absorción de sodio (RAS. La adición de este tipo de lodos mejoró significativamente las VFI respecto a las muestras sin recibir tratamiento. La dosis de 1.061 g presentó la mejor velocidad final de infiltración. Se puede concluir que los experimentos utilizando el lodo de la planta “La Campiña II” se obtuvieron resultados que lo hacen atractivo para su uso en suelos agrícolas con problemas de sodicidad.

Aerobic Training Prevents Heatstrokes in Calsequestrin-1 Knockout Mice by Reducing Oxidative Stress

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Flávia Alessandra Guarnier

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Calsequestrin-1 knockout (CASQ1-null mice suffer lethal episodes when exposed to strenuous exercise and environmental heat, crises known as exertional/environmental heatstroke (EHS. We previously demonstrated that administration of exogenous antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine and trolox reduces CASQ1-null mortality during exposure to heat. As aerobic training is known to boost endogenous antioxidant protection, we subjected CASQ1-null mice to treadmill running for 2 months at 60% of their maximal speed for 1 h, 5 times/week. When exposed to heat stress protocol (41°C/1 h, the mortality rate of CASQ1-null mice was significantly reduced compared to untrained animals (86% versus 16%. Protection from heatstrokes was accompanied by a reduced increase in core temperature during the stress protocol and by an increased threshold of response to caffeine of isolated extensor digitorum longus muscles during in vitro contracture test. At cellular and molecular levels, aerobic training (i improved mitochondrial function while reducing their damage and (ii lowered calpain activity and lipid peroxidation in membranes isolated from sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Based on this evidence, we hypothesize that the protective effect of aerobic training is essentially mediated by a reduction in oxidative stress during exposure of CASQ1-null mice to adverse environmental conditions.

Determinantes dos preços de terras no Brasil: uma análise de região de fronteira agrícola e áreas tradicionais

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aline Barrozo Ferro

2013-09-01

Full Text Available O estudo tem como objetivo analisar o impacto de variáveis sobre o preço da terra agrícola entre 2000 e 2010 em três regiões: fronteira agrícola (sul do Maranhão, sul do Piauí, leste do Tocantins e oeste da Bahia, área de transição (exploração relativamente recente, mas representa um importante produtor de soja, como o Centro-Oeste e desenvolvida (áreas tradicionais, como o Sul do País. Foram utilizadas as variáveis preço de soja, produtividade, área cultivada, crédito rural, investimento em transporte, capacidade de armazenamento e preço da terra no período anterior. A partir do modelo econométrico de dados em painel, observou-se que o preço da soja (representando a renda do produtor, teve relação estreita e positiva com o preço da terra. Verificou-se, também, que nas regiões menos ocupadas um aumento da demanda por área pode impactar negativamente em seu preço devido à maior elasticidade da oferta de terras e à possibilidade de conversão de terras brutas e de pastagens em agrícolas. Já na região desenvolvida, a relação é positiva, já que a oferta de terras é praticamente inelástica. O fator especulativo foi bastante representativo na fronteira agrícola, o que evidenciou o forte interesse de investidores no potencial de valorização da terra no período.

Verificação de requisitos de segurança de tratores agrícolas em alguns municípios do estado de São Paulo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ila Maria Corrêa

Full Text Available Um levantamento de informações foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar as condições de segurança de tratores agrícolas novos e usados em alguns municípios do estado de São Paulo. Foram avaliados 487 tratores em uso em 270 propriedades agrícolas do estado de São Paulo e 31 tratores novos disponíveis em revendas e em exposição em feiras agrícolas, sendo inspecionados alguns requisitos de segurança relativos a posto de operação, acesso, comandos, proteção de partes móveis, disponibilização de avisos contra riscos de acidentes e requisitos necessários para tráfego em rodovias, previstos em documentos normativos nacionais e/ou internacionais. Verificou-se que os tratores em uso no campo não favorecem a segurança e o conforto do operador, enquanto que os tratores novos mostram tendência de atendimento aos requisitos de segurança e conforto, principalmente aqueles relacionados ao posto de operação e à proteção de partes ativas.

Pilot program on distance training in spirometry testing - the technology feasibility study.

Science.gov (United States)

Nowiński, Adam; Romański, Emil; Bieleń, Przemysław; Bednarek, Michał; Puścińska, Elżbieta; Goljan-Geremek, Anna; Pływaczewski, Robert; Śliwinski, Paweł

2015-01-01

Office spirometry has been widely used in recent years by general practitioners in primary care setting, thus the need for stricter monitoring of the quality of spirometry has been recognized. A spirometry counseling network of outpatients clinics was created in Poland using portable spirometer Spirotel. The spirometry data were transferred to counseling centre once a week. The tests sent to the counseling centre were analyzed by doctors experienced in the analysis of spirometric data. In justified cases they sent their remarks concerning performed tests to the centres via e-mail. We received 878 records of spirometry tests in total. Data transmission via the telephone was 100% effective. The quality of spirometry tests performed by outpatients clinics was variable. The use of spirometers with data transfer for training purposes seems to be advisable. There is a need to proper face-to-face training of spirometry operators before an implementation of any telemedicine technology.

Test-retest reliability of the Military Pre-training Questionnaire.

Science.gov (United States)

Robinson, M; Stokes, K; Bilzon, J; Standage, M; Brown, P; Thompson, D

2010-09-01

Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant cause of morbidity during military training. A brief, inexpensive and user-friendly tool that demonstrates reliability and validity is warranted to effectively monitor the relationship between multiple predictor variables and injury incidence in military populations. To examine the test-retest reliability of the Military Pre-training Questionnaire (MPQ), designed specifically to assess risk factors for injury among military trainees across five domains (physical activity, injury history, diet, alcohol and smoking). Analyses were based on a convenience sample of 58 male British Army trainees. Kappa (kappa), weighted kappa (kappa(w)) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to evaluate the 2-week test-retest reliability of the MPQ. For index measures constituting the assessment of a given construct, internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha (alpha) coefficients. Reliability of individual items ranged from poor to almost perfect (kappa range = 0.45-0.86; kappa(w) range = 0.11-0.91; ICC range = 0.34-0.86) with most items demonstrating moderate reliability. Overall scores related to physical activity, diet, alcohol and smoking constructs were reliable between both administrations (ICC = 0.63-0.85). Support for the internal consistency of the incorporated alcohol (alpha = 0.78) and cigarette (alpha = 0.75) scales was also provided. The MPQ is a reliable self-report instrument for assessing multiple injury-related risk factors during initial military training. Further assessment of the psychometric properties of the MPQ (e.g. different types of validity) with military populations/samples will support its interpretation and use in future surveillance and epidemiological studies.

The Application of Voltage Transformer Simulator in Electrical Test Training

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Nan; Zhang, Jun; Chai, Ziqi; Wang, Jingpeng; Yang, Baowei

2018-02-01

The voltage transformer test is an important means to monitor its operating state. The accuracy and reliability of the test data is directly related to the test skill level of the operator. However, the risk of test instruments damage, equipment being tested damage and electric shock in operator is caused by improper operation when training the transformer test. In this paper, a simulation device of voltage transformer is set up, and a simulation model is built for the most common 500kV capacitor voltage transformer (CVT), the simulation model can realize several test items of CVT by combing with teaching guidance platform, simulation instrument, complete set of system software and auxiliary equipment in Changchun. Many successful applications show that the simulation device has good practical value and wide application prospect.

LapTrain: multi-modality training curriculum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy-results of a randomized controlled trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Kowalewski, K F; Garrow, C R; Proctor, T; Preukschas, A A; Friedrich, M; Müller, P C; Kenngott, H G; Fischer, L; Müller-Stich, B P; Nickel, F

2018-02-12

Multiple training modalities for laparoscopy have different advantages, but little research has been conducted on the benefit of a training program that includes multiple different training methods compared to one method only. This study aimed to evaluate benefits of a combined multi-modality training program for surgical residents. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was performed on a porcine liver as the pre-test. Randomization was stratified for experience to the multi-modality Training group (12 h of training on Virtual Reality (VR) and box trainer) or Control group (no training). The post-test consisted of a VR LC and porcine LC. Performance was rated with the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score by blinded experts. Training (n = 33) and Control (n = 31) were similar in the pre-test (GOALS: 13.7 ± 3.4 vs. 14.7 ± 2.6; p = 0.198; operation time 57.0 ± 18.1 vs. 63.4 ± 17.5 min; p = 0.191). In the post-test porcine LC, Training had improved GOALS scores (+ 2.84 ± 2.85 points, p < 0.001), while Control did not (+ 0.55 ± 2.34 points, p = 0.154). Operation time in the post-test was shorter for Training vs. Control (40.0 ± 17.0 vs. 55.0 ± 22.2 min; p = 0.012). Junior residents improved GOALS scores to the level of senior residents (pre-test: 13.7 ± 2.7 vs. 18.3 ± 2.9; p = 0.010; post-test: 15.5 ± 3.4 vs. 18.8 ± 3.8; p = 0.120) but senior residents remained faster (50.1 ± 20.6 vs. 25.0 ± 1.9 min; p < 0.001). No differences were found between groups on the post-test VR trainer. Structured multi-modality training is beneficial for novices to improve basics and overcome the initial learning curve in laparoscopy as well as to decrease operation time for LCs in different stages of experience. Future studies should evaluate multi-modality training in comparison with single modalities. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00011040.

Fungos micorrízicos arbusculares em campos de murundus após a conversão para sistemas agrícolas no cerrado

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paula Camylla Ramos Assis

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Os campos de murundus são fitofisionomias de ocorrência no bioma Cerrado com funções ecológicas importantes para a manutenção da sustentabilidade do solo; e a conversão para sistemas agrícolas pode provocar alterações nos atributos físicos, químicos e biológicos do solo ainda não avaliados, como a redução da biodiversidade de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar como a conversão dos campos de murundus em áreas de sistema agrícola altera a comunidade de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de três áreas agrícolas submetidas ao mesmo manejo e uso agrícola em uma cronossequência (7, 11 e 14 anos e duas na área referência [campo de murundus, em topo (TM e entre os murundus (EM]. Os esporos de FMAs foram extraídos, contados, e as espécies de FMAs identificadas pelas características morfológicas. O total de FMAs recuperado foi de 27 espécies, sendo nove espécies da família Acaulosporaceae, uma Ambisporaceae, sete Glomeraceae, duas Claroideoglomeraceae e oito Gigasporaceae. Desse total, as espécies Acaulospora scrobiculata, Glomus macrocarpum, e Gigaspora sp. ocorreram em todas as áreas nos dois anos estudados. As espécies Acaulospora mellea, Acaulospora cavernata, Acaulospora colombiana, Glomus diaphanum, Scutellospora reticulata e Scutellospora sp. só foram encontradas nos campos de murundus. A conversão de campos de murundus em área agrícola modificou a ocorrência e composição da comunidade de FMAs; as espécies Acaulospora scrobiculata, Glomus macrocarpum, Claroideoglomus etunicatus e Gigaspora sp ocorreram em todas as áreas e a não ocorrência de algumas espécies nas áreas de cultivo, como as espécies Acaulospora cavernata, Acaulospora colombiana, Rhizophagus diaphanus, Scutellospora reticulata e Scutellospora sp. representa perda de diversidade desses fungos. Portanto, este estudo tratou-se do primeiro relato da ocorrência e da

The arabidopsis thaliana AGRAVITROPIC 1 gene encodes a component of the polar-auxin-transport efflux carrier

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, R.; Hilson, P.; Sedbrook, J.; Rosen, E.; Caspar, T.; Masson, P. H.

1998-01-01

Auxins are plant hormones that mediate many aspects of plant growth and development. In higher plants, auxins are polarly transported from sites of synthesis in the shoot apex to their sites of action in the basal regions of shoots and in roots. Polar auxin transport is an important aspect of auxin functions and is mediated by cellular influx and efflux carriers. Little is known about the molecular identity of its regulatory component, the efflux carrier [Estelle, M. (1996) Current Biol. 6, 1589-1591]. Here we show that mutations in the Arabidopsis thaliana AGRAVITROPIC 1 (AGR1) gene involved in root gravitropism confer increased root-growth sensitivity to auxin and decreased sensitivity to ethylene and an auxin transport inhibitor, and cause retention of exogenously added auxin in root tip cells. We used positional cloning to show that AGR1 encodes a putative transmembrane protein whose amino acid sequence shares homologies with bacterial transporters. When expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, AGR1 promotes an increased efflux of radiolabeled IAA from the cells and confers increased resistance to fluoro-IAA, a toxic IAA-derived compound. AGR1 transcripts were localized to the root distal elongation zone, a region undergoing a curvature response upon gravistimulation. We have identified several AGR1-related genes in Arabidopsis, suggesting a global role of this gene family in the control of auxin-regulated growth and developmental processes.

Clinical Significance of Preoperative Albumin and Globulin Ratio in Patients with Gastric Cancer Undergoing Treatment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Min-jie Mao

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Background. The pretreatment albumin and globulin ratio (AGR was an inflammation-associated factor which was related to the overall survival in various malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of AGR in patients with gastric cancer. Method. This retrospective study included 862 cases pathologically diagnosed with gastric cancer. All patients were randomly divided into the testing group (431 cases and validation group (431 cases. The relationships of AGR with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. Results. In the testing group, the median overall survival was 26.90 months and the cutoff value of AGR was 1.50 based on R language. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that lower AGR was correlated with poorer overall survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that AGR was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR: 0.584, 95% CI = 0.351–0.973, and p = 0.039. In the validation group, the median overall survival was 24.10 months. Lower AGR (≤1.50 also had a significantly poorer overall survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis. According to multivariate analysis, the AGR was also confirmed to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR: 0.578, 95% CI = 0.373–0.897, and p = 0.015. Conclusions. Our study suggested that the pretreatment AGR could be a prognostic biomarker for overall survival in patients with gastric cancer.

Use of a dementia training designed for nurse aides to train other staff.

Science.gov (United States)

Irvine, A Blair; Beaty, Jeff A; Seeley, John R; Bourgeois, Michelle

2013-12-01

Problematic resident behaviors may escalate in long-term care facilities (LTCs). If nurse aides (NAs) are not nearby, the nearest staff to intervene may be non-direct care workers (NDCWs), who have little or no dementia training. This pilot research tested Internet dementia-training program, designed for NAs, on NDCWs in a LTC setting. Sixty-eight NDCWs participated, filling out two baseline surveys at 1-month intervals and a posttest survey after training. The surveys included video-situation testing, items addressing psychosocial constructs associated with behavior change, and measures training-acceptance. Paired t tests showed significant positive effects on measures of knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions, with small-moderate effect sizes. Nursing staff as well as non-health care workers showed improved scores, and the web-site training program was well received by all participants. These results suggest that Internet training may allow staff development coordinators to conserve limited resources by cross-training of different job categories with the same program.

Impactos provocados por la sequía agrícola en el cultivo de Plátano (Musa en áreas del municipio Venezuela, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yurisbel Gallardo Ballat

2017-12-01

Full Text Available En la presente investigación se realiza el análisis del impacto provocado por la sequía agrícola en el cultivo del Plátano Vianda (Musa paradisiaca en un período de 13 años en áreas de municipio de Venezuela de la provincia de Ciego de Ávila. Cuba, para el análisis de los períodos de sequía se utilizó el Índice de Sequía Agraria (ISA el cual presenta dentro de su algoritmo matemático como variables determinantes la Evapotranspiración de Referencia, que en este caso se determinó con el método de Penman Monteith FAO-1998, el déficit de humedad, la precipitación efectiva y el rendimiento agrícola. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que los procesos de sequías agrícolas se manifiestan en todos los ciclos del cultivo, afectando de manera general los rendimientos, la evaluación de fenómeno es de gran utilidad para el manejo sostenible de ecosistemas agrarios en aras de lograr mejores resultados productivos a mediano y corto plazo. El análisis de este fenómeno climatológico desde el punto de vista agrícola, permite trazar estrategias para la aplicación de métodos de conservación del suelo y del recurso hídrico a los agricultores.

Fabrication of Uranium Oxycarbide Kernels for HTR Fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barnes, Charles; Richardson, Clay; Nagley, Scott; Hunn, John; Shaber, Eric

2010-01-01

Babcock and Wilcox (B and W) has been producing high quality uranium oxycarbide (UCO) kernels for Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) fuel tests at the Idaho National Laboratory. In 2005, 350-(micro)m, 19.7% 235U-enriched UCO kernels were produced for the AGR-1 test fuel. Following coating of these kernels and forming the coated-particles into compacts, this fuel was irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) from December 2006 until November 2009. B and W produced 425-(micro)m, 14% enriched UCO kernels in 2008, and these kernels were used to produce fuel for the AGR-2 experiment that was inserted in ATR in 2010. B and W also produced 500-(micro)m, 9.6% enriched UO2 kernels for the AGR-2 experiments. Kernels of the same size and enrichment as AGR-1 were also produced for the AGR-3/4 experiment. In addition to fabricating enriched UCO and UO2 kernels, B and W has produced more than 100 kg of natural uranium UCO kernels which are being used in coating development tests. Successive lots of kernels have demonstrated consistent high quality and also allowed for fabrication process improvements. Improvements in kernel forming were made subsequent to AGR-1 kernel production. Following fabrication of AGR-2 kernels, incremental increases in sintering furnace charge size have been demonstrated. Recently small scale sintering tests using a small development furnace equipped with a residual gas analyzer (RGA) has increased understanding of how kernel sintering parameters affect sintered kernel properties. The steps taken to increase throughput and process knowledge have reduced kernel production costs. Studies have been performed of additional modifications toward the goal of increasing capacity of the current fabrication line to use for production of first core fuel for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) and providing a basis for the design of a full scale fuel fabrication facility.

Aerobic exercise in adolescents with obesity: preliminary evaluation of a modular training program and the modified shuttle test

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

van der Baan-Slootweg Olga H

2007-04-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Increasing activity levels in adolescents with obesity requires the development of exercise programs that are both attractive to adolescents and easily reproducible. The aim of this study was to develop a modular aerobic training program for adolescents with severe obesity, with a focus on variety, individual targets and acquiring physical skills. We report here the effects on aerobic fitness from a pilot study. Furthermore, we examined the feasibility of the modified shuttle test (MST as an outcome parameter for aerobic fitness in adolescents with severe obesity. Methods Fifteen adolescents from an inpatient body weight management program participated in the aerobic training study (age 14.7 ± 2.1 yrs, body mass index 37.4 ± 3.5. The subjects trained three days per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 30–60 minutes. The modular training program consisted of indoor, outdoor and swimming activities. Feasibility of the MST was studied by assessing construct validity, test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change. Results Comparing pretraining and end of training period showed large clinically relevant and significant improvements for all aerobic indices: e.g. VO2 peak 17.5%, effect size (ES 2.4; Wmax 8%, ES 0.8. In addition, a significant improvement was found for the efficiency of the cardiovascular system as assessed by the oxygen pulse (15.8%, ES 1.6. Construct validity, test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change of the MST were very good. MST was significantly correlated with VO2 peak (r = 0.79 and Wmax (r = 0.84 but not with anthropometric measures. The MST walking distance improved significantly by 32.5%, ES 2.5. The attendance rate at the exercise sessions was excellent. Conclusion This modular, varied aerobic training program has clinically relevant effects on aerobic performance in adolescents with severe obesity. The added value of our aerobic training program for body weight management programs

Efficacy of the National Football League-225 Test to Track Changes in One Repetition Maximum Bench Press After Training in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division IA Football Players.

Science.gov (United States)

Mann, J Bryan; Ivey, Pat A; Stoner, Josh D; Mayhew, Jerry L; Brechue, William F

2015-11-01

Numerous investigations have attested to the efficacy of the National Football League (NFL)-225 test to estimate one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press. However, no studies have assessed the efficacy of the test to track changes in strength across a training program. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the NFL-225 test for determining the change in 1RM bench press in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division IA college football players after training. Over a 4-year period, players (n = 203) were assessed before and after a 6-week off-season resistance program for 1RM bench press and repetitions completed with 102.3 kg (225 lbs). Test sessions typically occurred within 1 week of each other. Players significantly increased 1RM by 4.2 ± 8.6 kg and NFL-225 repetitions by 0.9 ± 2.3, although the effect size (ES) for each was trivial (ES = 0.03 and 0.07, respectively). National Football League 225 prediction equations had higher correlations with 1RM before training (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.95) than after training (ICC = 0.75). The correlation between the change in NFL-225 repetitions and change in 1RM was low and negative (r = -0.22, p bench press strength after short-term training.

Calidad de Andosols en sistemas forestal, agroforestal y agrícola con diferentes manejos en Zacatlán, Puebla

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jonathan Omar Hernández Ordoñez

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Los estudios de suelos en sistemas agroforestales relacionados con bosques mesófilos de montaña han sido poco abordados en nuestro país, especialmente los desarrollados en Andosols, los cuales son susceptibles a los procesos de degradación por el cambio de uso del suelo. El presente estudio se realizó en el municipio de Zacatlán, Puebla con el objetivo de caracterizar la calidad de los Andosols bajo diferentes sistemas de manejo. Los métodos que se emplearon fueron: entrevistas a productores para identificar los sistemas, descripción de perfiles de suelos, análisis de laboratorio y análisis de similaridad de los diferentes manejos. Los resultados indicaron que la zona de estudio está integrada por tres sistemas: bosque mesófilo de Montaña (BMM, agroforestal (asociaciones manzana-maíz-calabaza-arándanos y agrícola, con adición de abonos orgánicos (FO o fertilización inorgánica (FI. En los Andosols con BMM, la estructura biológica domina (agregados migajosos y granulares hasta los 55 cm de profundidad, presentan alto contenido de materia orgánica del suelo (MOS (31%, alta retención de humedad (194.5% y baja densidad aparente (Da (0.49 g cm-3. Con el cambio de uso de suelo (de bosque a agroforestal o agrícola, la estructura biológica se reduce en espesor o desaparece y dominan los bloques sub-angulares, debido a la disminución drástica del contenido de MOS (a 16.3 o a 6.3%, y retención de humedad (de 97 o a 47%. Además, la Da aumentó hasta 1 g cm-3 en el sistema agrícola. Por el contrario, en tierras degradadas, el sistema agroforestal con manejo orgánico ha mejorado la calidad del horizonte superficial en menos de seis años y con la FO o FI algunos sistemas agroforestales aumentaron los contenidos de Ntot y P. Los índices que mejor caracterizaron la calidad de los Andosols bajo diferentes sistemas fueron: estructura del suelo, MOS, Ntot, P y retención de humedad.

Reseña de tesis doctoral: Consolidación de cadenas globales de valor y desarrollo de clusters locales: El caso de la maquinaria agrícola en Argentina

OpenAIRE

Lan, Diana

2015-01-01

El aporte del trabajo de investigación desarrollado por Federico Langard tiene que ver con la industria de maquinaria agrícola argentina y su larga tradición originada en el desarrollo de la agricultura pampeana. Se concentra en el Este de Córdoba y el Centro-Sur de Santa Fe. Esta industria aparece por las necesidades de las formas de producción agrícola, como talleres de reparación de maquinaria importada y luego como productoras que adaptan y fabrican los productos más complejos tecnológica...

Exploring factors influencing HbA1c and psychosocial outcomes in people with type 1 diabetes after training in advanced carbohydrate counting

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Schmidt, Signe; Vistisen, Dorte; Almdal, Thomas

2017-01-01

was tested (using a non-validated test developed specifically for this study) and behavioral measures (number of daily blood glucose measurements and self-reported use of ACC) were obtained. Associations between change in HbA1c and these measures plus sex, age, diabetes duration and BMI were tested. RESULTS......AIMS: The purpose of this secondary analysis of the StenoABC Study was to identify determinants of the changes in HbA1c observed after training of people with type 1 diabetes in advanced carbohydrate counting (ACC) and automated bolus calculator (ABC) use, and further to investigate psychosocial...

Pentose sugars inhibit metabolism and increase expression of an AgrD-type cyclic pentapeptide in Clostridium thermocellum.

Science.gov (United States)

Verbeke, Tobin J; Giannone, Richard J; Klingeman, Dawn M; Engle, Nancy L; Rydzak, Thomas; Guss, Adam M; Tschaplinski, Timothy J; Brown, Steven D; Hettich, Robert L; Elkins, James G

2017-02-23

Clostridium thermocellum could potentially be used as a microbial biocatalyst to produce renewable fuels directly from lignocellulosic biomass due to its ability to rapidly solubilize plant cell walls. While the organism readily ferments sugars derived from cellulose, pentose sugars from xylan are not metabolized. Here, we show that non-fermentable pentoses inhibit growth and end-product formation during fermentation of cellulose-derived sugars. Metabolomic experiments confirmed that xylose is transported intracellularly and reduced to the dead-end metabolite xylitol. Comparative RNA-seq analysis of xylose-inhibited cultures revealed several up-regulated genes potentially involved in pentose transport and metabolism, which were targeted for disruption. Deletion of the ATP-dependent transporter, CbpD partially alleviated xylose inhibition. A putative xylitol dehydrogenase, encoded by Clo1313_0076, was also deleted resulting in decreased total xylitol production and yield by 41% and 46%, respectively. Finally, xylose-induced inhibition corresponds with the up-regulation and biogenesis of a cyclical AgrD-type, pentapeptide. Medium supplementation with the mature cyclical pentapeptide also inhibits bacterial growth. Together, these findings provide new foundational insights needed for engineering improved pentose utilizing strains of C. thermocellum and reveal the first functional Agr-type cyclic peptide to be produced by a thermophilic member of the Firmicutes.

Validation of SINERGIA as training tool: a randomized study to test the transfer of acquired basic psychomotor skills to LapMentor.

Science.gov (United States)

Moyano-Cuevas, J L; Sánchez-Margallo, F M; Sánchez-Peralta, L F; Pagador, J B; Enciso, S; Sánchez-González, P; Gómez-Aguilera, E J; Usón-Gargallo, J

2011-11-01

Laparoscopic surgery is commonly used in many surgical procedures but requires a learning process to develop the necessary skills. Virtual reality simulators play an essential role within the training curricula. This paper aims to determine whether training in SINERGIA VR simulator allows novice surgeons to improve their basic psychomotor laparoscopic skills. Forty-two people participated in this study, including 28 unexperience medical students and 14 expert surgeons who developed previously more than 100 laparoscopic procedures. Medical students made a pre-training test in LapMentor II; then, they trained in SINERGIA and they finally accomplished a post-training test in LapMentor II. Experts just made one trial in LapMentor II. A statistical analysis was carried out and results of pre- and post-training tests of novices were compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Pre- and post-training tests of novices were also compared with results of experts with Mann-Whitney U test. Most metrics provided by LapMentor II and included in this study show significant differences when comparing pre- and post-training tests of novices. Analysis of pre-training test of novices and experts results show significant differences in all analyzed metrics for all studied tasks. On the other hand, LapMentor was not able to distinguish between experts and novices after training in SINERGIA for any metric in the camera manipulation task and for some metrics of the other tasks. Training in SINERGIA VR simulator allows improvement of basic psychomotor laparoscpic skills and transferring them to another virtual simulator. Therefore, it could be used in laparoscopic surgery training programs.