Workflow continuity--moving beyond business continuity in a multisite 24-7 healthcare organization.

PubMed

Kolowitz, Brian J; Lauro, Gonzalo Romero; Barkey, Charles; Black, Harry; Light, Karen; Deible, Christopher

2012-12-01

As hospitals move towards providing in-house 24 × 7 services, there is an increasing need for information systems to be available around the clock. This study investigates one organization's need for a workflow continuity solution that provides around the clock availability for information systems that do not provide highly available services. The organization investigated is a large multifacility healthcare organization that consists of 20 hospitals and more than 30 imaging centers. A case analysis approach was used to investigate the organization's efforts. The results show an overall reduction in downtimes where radiologists could not continue their normal workflow on the integrated Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) solution by 94 % from 2008 to 2011. The impact of unplanned downtimes was reduced by 72 % while the impact of planned downtimes was reduced by 99.66 % over the same period. Additionally more than 98 h of radiologist impact due to a PACS upgrade in 2008 was entirely eliminated in 2011 utilizing the system created by the workflow continuity approach. Workflow continuity differs from high availability and business continuity in its design process and available services. Workflow continuity only ensures that critical workflows are available when the production system is unavailable due to scheduled or unscheduled downtimes. Workflow continuity works in conjunction with business continuity and highly available system designs. The results of this investigation revealed that this approach can add significant value to organizations because impact on users is minimized if not eliminated entirely.

Explaining Electronic Learning Management Systems (ELMS) Continued Usage Intentions among Facilitators in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Tanzania

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muries, Bruckse; Masele, Juma James

2017-01-01

This study sought to explain ELMS continued usage intentions among HEIs in Tanzania. The study was guided by main research question, "What explains ELMS continued usage intentions among facilitators in HEIs in Tanzania?" The study used descriptive cross sectional design administered to 264 respondents drawn from five universities…

On generic obstructions to recovering correct statistics from climate simulations: Homogenization for deterministic maps and multiplicative noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottwald, Georg; Melbourne, Ian

2013-04-01

Whereas diffusion limits of stochastic multi-scale systems have a long and successful history, the case of constructing stochastic parametrizations of chaotic deterministic systems has been much less studied. We present rigorous results of convergence of a chaotic slow-fast system to a stochastic differential equation with multiplicative noise. Furthermore we present rigorous results for chaotic slow-fast maps, occurring as numerical discretizations of continuous time systems. This raises the issue of how to interpret certain stochastic integrals; surprisingly the resulting integrals of the stochastic limit system are generically neither of Stratonovich nor of Ito type in the case of maps. It is shown that the limit system of a numerical discretisation is different to the associated continuous time system. This has important consequences when interpreting the statistics of long time simulations of multi-scale systems - they may be very different to the one of the original continuous time system which we set out to study.

Learning about systems-based practice in the informal curriculum: a case study in an academic pediatric continuity clinic.

PubMed

Balmer, Dorene; Ruzek, Sheryl; Ludwig, Stephen; Giardino, Angelo P

2007-01-01

Pediatric residents learn about systems-based practice (SBP) explicitly in the formal curriculum and implicitly in the informal curriculum as they engage in practice alongside physician faculty. Recent studies describe innovative ways to address SBP in the formal curriculum for SBP, but the informal curriculum has not been explored. We examined what, and how, third-year pediatric residents learn about SBP in the informal curriculum at one continuity clinic, and to consider how this learning aligns with the formal curriculum. A case study involving 10 third-year pediatric residents and 10 continuity preceptors was conducted at one continuity clinic, housed in a community-based, pediatric primary care center. Data were derived from 5 months (100 hours) of direct observation in the precepting room at the case clinic, semistructured interviews with residents (before and after observation) and with preceptors (after observation). Interview transcripts and notes from observation were inductively coded and analyzed for major themes. Two themes emerged in the informal curriculum. Residents perceived "our system," the academic health system in which they trained and practiced as separate and distinct from the "real system," the larger, societal context of health care. Residents also understood SBP as a commitment to helping individual patients and families navigate the complexities of "our system," dealing with issues that concerned them. Residents learn important lessons about SBP in the informal curriculum in continuity clinic. These lessons may reinforce some elements of the competency-based formal curriculum for SBP, but challenge others.

Faculty Compensation in Continuing Education: Theory versus Practice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott, Joyce A.

1984-01-01

Lawler's Motivation Model and other studies of reward systems are used to develop a policy assessment and development checklist for compensating continuing education faculty. The checklist includes institutional, reward system, and motivation factors that should be considered to encourage faculty participation. (SK)

Continuous blood pressure recordings simultaneously with functional brain imaging: studies of the glymphatic system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zienkiewicz, Aleksandra; Huotari, Niko; Raitamaa, Lauri; Raatikainen, Ville; Ferdinando, Hany; Vihriälä, Erkki; Korhonen, Vesa; Myllylä, Teemu; Kiviniemi, Vesa

2017-03-01

The lymph system is responsible for cleaning the tissues of metabolic waste products, soluble proteins and other harmful fluids etc. Lymph flow in the body is driven by body movements and muscle contractions. Moreover, it is indirectly dependent on the cardiovascular system, where the heart beat and blood pressure maintain force of pressure in lymphatic channels. Over the last few years, studies revealed that the brain contains the so-called glymphatic system, which is the counterpart of the systemic lymphatic system in the brain. Similarly, the flow in the glymphatic system is assumed to be mostly driven by physiological pulsations such as cardiovascular pulses. Thus, continuous measurement of blood pressure and heart function simultaneously with functional brain imaging is of great interest, particularly in studies of the glymphatic system. We present our MRI compatible optics based sensing system for continuous blood pressure measurement and show our current results on the effects of blood pressure variations on cerebral brain dynamics, with a focus on the glymphatic system. Blood pressure was measured simultaneously with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with an ultrafast functional brain imaging (fMRI) sequence magnetic resonance encephalography (MREG, 3D brain 10 Hz sampling rate).

Why Students Withdraw or Continue Their Educational Careers: A Closer Look at Differences in Study Approaches and Personal Reasons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Bragt, Cyrille A. C.; Bakx, Anouke W. E. A.; Teune, Peter J.; Bergen, Theo C. M.; Croon, Marcel A.

2011-01-01

The central goal of this study is to gain insight into students' study approach, their personal reasons and the relations between them regarding students who continue or withdraw from the educational system within one year. Results of our questionnaire study show that students who continue their educational careers show higher scores on a…

Continuous control systems for non-contact ECG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodkin, Vladimir L.; Yakovleva, Galina V.; Smirnov, Alexey S.

2017-03-01

South Ural State University is still conducting the research work dedicated to innovations in biomedicine. Development of system for continuous control and diagnosis of the functional state in large groups of people is based on studies of non-contact ECG recording reported by the authors at the SPIE conference in 2016. The next stage of studies has been performed this year.

Laser-assisted solar-cell metallization processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dutta, S.

1984-01-01

A photolytic metal deposition system using a focused continuous wave ultraviolet laser, a photolytic metal deposition system using a mask and ultraviolet flood illumination, and a pyrolytic metal deposition system using a focused continuous wave laser were studied. Fabrication of solar cells, as well as characterization to determine the effects of transient heat on solar cell junctions were investigated.

Droplet microfluidics with a nanoemulsion continuous phase.

PubMed

Gu, Tonghan; Yeap, Eunice W Q; Somasundar, Ambika; Chen, Ran; Hatton, T Alan; Khan, Saif A

2016-07-05

We present the first study of a novel, generalizable method that uses a water-in-oil nanoemulsion as the continuous phase to generate uniform aqueous micro-droplets in a capillary-based microfluidic system. We first study the droplet generation mechanism in this system and compare it to the more conventional case where a simple oil/solvent (with surfactant) is used as the continuous phase. Next, we present two versatile methods - adding demulsifying chemicals and heat treatment - to allow active online chemical interaction between the continuous and dispersed phases. These methods allow each generated micro-droplet to act as a well-mixed micro-reactor with walls that are 'permeable' to the nanoemulsion droplets and their contents. Finally, we demonstrate an application of this system in the fabrication of uniform hydrogel (alginate) micro-beads with control over particle properties such as size and swelling. Our work expands the toolbox of droplet-based microfluidics, enabling new opportunities and applications involving active colloidal continuous phases carrying chemical payloads, both in advanced materials synthesis and droplet-based screening and diagnostic methods.

Validity of police contacts as a performance indicator for the public mental health care system in Amsterdam: an open cohort study.

PubMed

Lauriks, S; Buster, M C A; de Wit, M A S; Arah, O A; Hoogendoorn, A W; Peen, J; Klazinga, N S

2018-06-01

The Public Mental Health Care (PMHC) system is a network of public services and care- and support institutions financed from public funds. Performance indicators based on the registration of police contacts could be a reliable and useful source of information for the stakeholders of the PMHC system to monitor performance. This study aimed to provide evidence on the validity of using police contacts as a performance indicator to assess the continuity of care in the PMHC system. Data on services received, police contacts and detention periods of 1928 people that entered the PMHC system in the city of Amsterdam were collected over a period of 51 months. Continuity of care was defined as receiving more than 90 days of uninterrupted service. The associations between police contacts and continuity were analyzed with multilevel Poisson and multivariate linear regression modeling. Clients had on average 2.12 police contacts per person-year. Clients with police contacts were younger, more often single, male, and more often diagnosed with psychiatric or substance abuse disorders than clients without police contacts. Incidence rates of police contacts were significantly lower for clients receiving continuous care than for clients receiving discontinuous care. The number of police contacts of clients receiving PMHC coordination per month was found to be a significant predictor of the percentage of clients in continuous care. The number of police contacts of clients can be used as a performance indicator for an urban PMHC system to evaluate the continuity of care in the PMHC system.

40 CFR 57.405 - Formulation, approval, and implementation of requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... completion of the measures specified in the approved plan evaluating the performance and adequacy of the SCS.... The reliability study shall include a comprehensive analysis of the system's operation during one or... (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) PRIMARY NONFERROUS SMELTER ORDERS Supplementary Control System...

40 CFR 57.405 - Formulation, approval, and implementation of requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... completion of the measures specified in the approved plan evaluating the performance and adequacy of the SCS.... The reliability study shall include a comprehensive analysis of the system's operation during one or... (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) PRIMARY NONFERROUS SMELTER ORDERS Supplementary Control System...

40 CFR 57.405 - Formulation, approval, and implementation of requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... completion of the measures specified in the approved plan evaluating the performance and adequacy of the SCS.... The reliability study shall include a comprehensive analysis of the system's operation during one or... (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) PRIMARY NONFERROUS SMELTER ORDERS Supplementary Control System...

40 CFR 57.405 - Formulation, approval, and implementation of requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... completion of the measures specified in the approved plan evaluating the performance and adequacy of the SCS.... The reliability study shall include a comprehensive analysis of the system's operation during one or... (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) PRIMARY NONFERROUS SMELTER ORDERS Supplementary Control System...

Continuous- and discrete-time stimulus sequences for high stimulus rate paradigm in evoked potential studies.

PubMed

Wang, Tao; Huang, Jiang-hua; Lin, Lin; Zhan, Chang'an A

2013-01-01

To obtain reliable transient auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) from EEGs recorded using high stimulus rate (HSR) paradigm, it is critical to design the stimulus sequences of appropriate frequency properties. Traditionally, the individual stimulus events in a stimulus sequence occur only at discrete time points dependent on the sampling frequency of the recording system and the duration of stimulus sequence. This dependency likely causes the implementation of suboptimal stimulus sequences, sacrificing the reliability of resulting AEPs. In this paper, we explicate the use of continuous-time stimulus sequence for HSR paradigm, which is independent of the discrete electroencephalogram (EEG) recording system. We employ simulation studies to examine the applicability of the continuous-time stimulus sequences and the impacts of sampling frequency on AEPs in traditional studies using discrete-time design. Results from these studies show that the continuous-time sequences can offer better frequency properties and improve the reliability of recovered AEPs. Furthermore, we find that the errors in the recovered AEPs depend critically on the sampling frequencies of experimental systems, and their relationship can be fitted using a reciprocal function. As such, our study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the applicability and advantages of continuous-time stimulus sequences for HSR paradigm and by revealing the relationship between the reliability of AEPs and sampling frequencies of the experimental systems when discrete-time stimulus sequences are used in traditional manner for the HSR paradigm.

State estimation of stochastic non-linear hybrid dynamic system using an interacting multiple model algorithm.

PubMed

Elenchezhiyan, M; Prakash, J

2015-09-01

In this work, state estimation schemes for non-linear hybrid dynamic systems subjected to stochastic state disturbances and random errors in measurements using interacting multiple-model (IMM) algorithms are formulated. In order to compute both discrete modes and continuous state estimates of a hybrid dynamic system either an IMM extended Kalman filter (IMM-EKF) or an IMM based derivative-free Kalman filters is proposed in this study. The efficacy of the proposed IMM based state estimation schemes is demonstrated by conducting Monte-Carlo simulation studies on the two-tank hybrid system and switched non-isothermal continuous stirred tank reactor system. Extensive simulation studies reveal that the proposed IMM based state estimation schemes are able to generate fairly accurate continuous state estimates and discrete modes. In the presence and absence of sensor bias, the simulation studies reveal that the proposed IMM unscented Kalman filter (IMM-UKF) based simultaneous state and parameter estimation scheme outperforms multiple-model UKF (MM-UKF) based simultaneous state and parameter estimation scheme. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selective sequential precipitation of dissolved metals in mine drainage from coal mine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yim, Giljae; Bok, Songmin; Ji, Sangwoo; Oh, Chamteut; Cheong, Youngwook; Han, Youngsoo; Ahn, Joosung

2017-04-01

In abandoned mines in Korea, a large amount of mine drainage continues to flow out and spread pollution. In purification of the mine drainage a massive amount of sludge is generated as waste. Since this metal sludge contains high Fe, Al and Mn oxides, developing the treatment method to recover homogeneous individual metal with high purity may beneficial to recycle waste metals as useful resources and reduce the amount of sludge production. In this regard, we established a dissolved metals selective precipitation process to treat Waryong Industry's mine drainage. The process that selectively precipitates metals dissolved in mine drainage is a continuous Fe-buffer-Al process, and each process consists of the neutralization tank, the coagulation tank, and the settling tank. Based on this process, this study verified the operational applicability of the Fe and Al selective precipitation. Our previous study revealed that high-purity Fe and Al precipitates could be recovered at a flow rate of 1.5 ton/day, while the lower purity was achieved when the rate was increased to about 3 ton/day due to the difficulty in reagent dosage control. In the current study was conducted to increase the capacity of the system to recover Fe and Al as high-purity precipitates at a flow rate of 10 ton/day with the ensured continuous operations by introducing an automatic reagent injection system. The previous study had a difficulty in controlling the pH and operating system continuously due to the manually controlled reagent injection system. To upgrade this and ensure the optimal pH in a stable way, a continuous reagent injection system was installed. The result of operation of the 10 ton/day system confirmed that the scaled-up process could maintain the stable recovery rates and purities of precipitates on site.

Development of Alternative Continuing Educational Systems for Preventing the Technological Obsolescence of Air Force Scientists and Engineers. Volume 1. Basic Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slebodnick, Edward B.; And Others

Volume 1 of the study reports a work effort to define and give guidelines for the acquisition of cost-effective alternative continuing education (CE) systems to prevent the technological obsolescence of Air Force military scientific and engineering officer personnel. A detailed background survey of the problem was conducted using questionnaires,…

Relational continuity with primary and secondary care doctors: a qualitative study of perceptions of users of the Catalan national health system.

PubMed

Waibel, Sina; Vargas, Ingrid; Coderch, Jordi; Vázquez, María-Luisa

2018-04-10

In the current context of increasingly fragmented healthcare systems where patients are seen by multiple doctors in different settings, patients' relational continuity with one doctor is regaining relevance; however little is known about relational continuity with specialists. The aim of this study is to explore perceptions of relational continuity with primary care and secondary care doctors, its influencing factors and consequences from the viewpoint of users of the Catalan national health system (Spain). We conducted a descriptive-interpretative qualitative study using a two-stage theoretical sample; (i) contexts: three healthcare areas in the Catalan national health system with differing characteristics; (ii) informants: users 18 years or older attended to at both care levels. Sample size (n = 49) was reached by saturation. Data were collected by individual semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded and transcribed. A thematic content analysis was carried out segmenting data by study area, and leaving room for new categories to emerge from the data. Patients across the areas studied generally experienced consistency of primary care doctors (PCD), alongside some inconsistency of specialists. Consistency of specialists did not seem to be relevant to some patients when their clinical information was shared and used. Patients who experienced consistency and frequent visits with the same PCD or specialist described and valued having established an ongoing relationship characterised by personal trust and mutual accumulated knowledge. Identified consequences were diverse and included, for example, facilitated diagnosis or improved patient-doctor communication. The ascription to a PCD, a health system-related factor, facilitated relational continuity with the PCD, whereas organizational factors (for instance, the size of the primary care centre) favoured consistency of PCD and specialists. Doctor-related factors (for example, high technical competence or commitment to patient care) particulary fostered the development of an ongoing relationship. Consistency of doctors differs depending on the care level as does the relevance attributed to it. Most influencing factors can be applied to both care levels and might be addressed by healthcare managers to foster relational continuity. More research is needed to fully understand the relevance patients assign to relational continuity with specialists.

On the continuous dependence with respect to sampling of the linear quadratic regulator problem for distributed parameter systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosen, I. G.; Wang, C.

1990-01-01

The convergence of solutions to the discrete or sampled time linear quadratic regulator problem and associated Riccati equation for infinite dimensional systems to the solutions to the corresponding continuous time problem and equation, as the length of the sampling interval (the sampling rate) tends toward zero (infinity) is established. Both the finite and infinite time horizon problems are studied. In the finite time horizon case, strong continuity of the operators which define the control system and performance index together with a stability and consistency condition on the sampling scheme are required. For the infinite time horizon problem, in addition, the sampled systems must be stabilizable and detectable, uniformly with respect to the sampling rate. Classes of systems for which this condition can be verified are discussed. Results of numerical studies involving the control of a heat/diffusion equation, a hereditary of delay system, and a flexible beam are presented and discussed.

On the continuous dependence with respect to sampling of the linear quadratic regulator problem for distributed parameter system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosen, I. G.; Wang, C.

1992-01-01

The convergence of solutions to the discrete- or sampled-time linear quadratic regulator problem and associated Riccati equation for infinite-dimensional systems to the solutions to the corresponding continuous time problem and equation, as the length of the sampling interval (the sampling rate) tends toward zero(infinity) is established. Both the finite-and infinite-time horizon problems are studied. In the finite-time horizon case, strong continuity of the operators that define the control system and performance index, together with a stability and consistency condition on the sampling scheme are required. For the infinite-time horizon problem, in addition, the sampled systems must be stabilizable and detectable, uniformly with respect to the sampling rate. Classes of systems for which this condition can be verified are discussed. Results of numerical studies involving the control of a heat/diffusion equation, a hereditary or delay system, and a flexible beam are presented and discussed.

Acclimatization Study for Biohydrogen Production from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) in Continuous-flow System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Idris, N.; Lutpi, N. A.; Wong, Y. S.; Tengku Izhar, T. N.

2018-03-01

This research aims to study the acclimatization phase for biohydrogen production from palm oil mill effluent (POME) by adapting the microorganism to the new environment in continuous-flow system of thermophilic bioreactor. The thermophilic fermentation was continuously loaded with 0.4 L/day of raw POME for 35 days to acclimatize the microorganism until a steady state of biohydrogen production was obtained. The significance effect of acclimatization phase on parameter such as pH, microbial growth, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and alkalinity were also studied besides the production of biogas. This study had found that the thermophilic bioreactor reach its steady state with 1960 mL/d of biogas produced, which consist of 894 ppm of hydrogen composition.

Assessing the relationship between technology readiness and continuance intention in an E-appointment system: relationship quality as a mediator.

PubMed

Chen, Shih-Chih; Jong, Din; Lai, Min-Tsai

2014-09-01

Numerous types of self-service technologies have prevailed due to innovations in network and information technology. To hospitals, patient intentions to continue to use the e-appointment system are crucial. Previous investigations discussed only the relationships between the technology readiness of users and their continuance intentions, and ignored the most important mediator, relationship quality. This study explored the relationships among technology readiness, relationship quality, and continuance intention. The research results demonstrated that both optimism and innovativeness significantly and positively influenced continuance intention through the mediating effect of relationship quality. However, discomfort and insecurity hid not significantly influence relationship quality or continuance intention. Finally, theoretical contributions, managerial implications and future research directions were discussed.

Understanding the mediating effects of relationship quality on technology acceptance: an empirical study of e-appointment system.

PubMed

Chen, Shih-Chih; Liu, Shih-Chi; Li, Shing-Han; Yen, David C

2013-12-01

This study extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by incorporating relationship quality as a mediator to construct a comprehensive framework for understanding the influence on continuance intention in the hospital e-appointment system. A survey of 334 Taiwanese citizens who were contacted via phone or the Internet and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used for path analysis and hypothesis tests. The study shows that perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) have significant influence on continuance intention through the mediation of relationship quality, consisting of satisfaction and trust. The direct impact of relationship quality on continuance intention is also significant. The analytical results reveal that the relationship between the hospital, patients and e-appointment users can be improved via enhancing the continued usage of e-appointment. This paper also proposes a general model to synthesize the essence of PEOU, PU, and relationship quality for explaining users' continuous intention of e-appointment.

Research on the Relation the Characteristics of the Faculty and the Commitment to Continuous Improvement of Motivations and Student Study Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Kun-Dang; Chen, Ping-Kuo

2017-01-01

This study focused on China's higher education system and explored if personality traits were a mediator of the relationship between motivational mechanisms and continuous improvement, and further explored if leadership change was a moderator of the relationship between personality traits and continuous improvement of the motivations and student…

A fiber-based quasi-continuous-wave quantum key distribution system

PubMed Central

Shen, Yong; Chen, Yan; Zou, Hongxin; Yuan, Jianmin

2014-01-01

We report a fiber-based quasi-continuous-wave (CW) quantum key distribution (QKD) system with continuous variables (CV). This system employs coherent light pulses and time multiplexing to maximally reduce cross talk in the fiber. No-switching detection scheme is adopted to optimize the repetition rate. Information is encoded on the sideband of the pulsed coherent light to fully exploit the continuous wave nature of laser field. With this configuration, high secret key rate can be achieved. For the 50 MHz detected bandwidth in our experiment, when the multidimensional reconciliation protocol is applied, a secret key rate of 187 kb/s can be achieved over 50 km of optical fiber against collective attacks, which have been shown to be asymptotically optimal. Moreover, recently studied loopholes have been fixed in our system. PMID:24691409

Cross-continuum Care Continuity: Achieving Seamless Care and Managing Comorbidities.

PubMed

Boston-Fleischhauer, Carol; Rose, Robert; Hartwig, Laurie

As healthcare systems continue to design care models responsive to payment changes and the assumption of clinical and financial risk, the need exists for a comprehensive approach to address cross-continuum care transitions. This article will highlight key learnings from the Nurse Executive Center's research on achieving care continuity. The business case for developing a cross-continuum care transition strategy will be discussed, as well as systemic enablers for the achievement of seamless care. A case study example of 1 system's solution for supporting the multiple comorbid patient population as part of its cross-continuum care transition strategy will be examined.

An evaluation of continuous emissions monitoring systems for improving industrial boiler efficiency

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eckerlin, H.M.; Hall, R.C.

1996-12-31

An experimental evaluation of currently available continuous emissions monitoring systems has been conducted at an industrial boiler facility. The analyzers used in the study represented a range of sensors and sampling systems. The performance of three systems was monitored and compared over a six-month period. Careful records were also kept on installation, calibration and maintenance requirements. Research results suggest that (at present) the close-coupled extractive systems using a zirconium oxide sensor (for O{sub 2}) and a catalytic combustibles sensor (for CO/combustibles) offer the most reliable, trouble-free performance. The project also provided valuable insights on a variety of issues relating tomore » the continuous monitoring of emissions from industrial boilers.« less

An evaluation of continuous emissions monitoring systems for improving industrial boiler efficiency

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eckerlin, H.M.; Hall, R.C.

1996-05-01

An experimental evaluation of currently available continuous emissions monitoring systems has been conducted at an industrial boiler facility. The analyzers used in the study represented a range of sensors and sampling systems. The performance of three systems was monitored and compared over a six-month period. Careful records were also kept on installation, calibration and maintenance requirements. Research results suggest that (at present) the close-coupled extractive systems using a zirconium oxide sensor (for O{sub 2}) and a catalytic combustibles sensor (for CO/combustibles) offer the most reliable, trouble-free performance. The project also provided valuable insights on a variety of issues relating tomore » the continuous monitoring of emissions from industrial boilers.« less

An intelligent factory-wide optimal operation system for continuous production process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Jinliang; Chai, Tianyou; Wang, Hongfeng; Wang, Junwei; Zheng, Xiuping

2016-03-01

In this study, a novel intelligent factory-wide operation system for a continuous production process is designed to optimise the entire production process, which consists of multiple units; furthermore, this system is developed using process operational data to avoid the complexity of mathematical modelling of the continuous production process. The data-driven approach aims to specify the structure of the optimal operation system; in particular, the operational data of the process are used to formulate each part of the system. In this context, the domain knowledge of process engineers is utilised, and a closed-loop dynamic optimisation strategy, which combines feedback, performance prediction, feed-forward, and dynamic tuning schemes into a framework, is employed. The effectiveness of the proposed system has been verified using industrial experimental results.

Parameter identification for nonlinear aerodynamic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearson, Allan E.

1991-01-01

Work continues on frequency analysis for transfer function identification, both with respect to the continued development of the underlying algorithms and in the identification study of two physical systems. Some new results of a theoretical nature were recently obtained that lend further insight into the frequency domain interpretation of the research. Progress in each of those areas is summarized. Although not related to the system identification problem, some new results were obtained on the feedback stabilization of linear time lag systems.

Treatment of PPROM with anhydramnion in humans: first experience with different amniotic fluid substitutes for continuous amnioinfusion through a subcutaneously implanted port system.

PubMed

Tchirikov, Michael; Bapayeva, Gauri; Zhumadilov, Zhaxybay Sh; Dridi, Yasmina; Harnisch, Ralf; Herrmann, Angelika

2013-11-01

This study aims to treat patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and anhydramnion using continuous amnioinfusion through a subcutaneously implanted port system. An amniotic fluid replacement port system was implanted in seven patients with PPROM and anhydramnion starting at the 20th week of gestation (range, 14-26 weeks) for long-term amnioinfusion. Saline solutions (2 L/day; Jonosteril(®), Sterofundin(®), isotonic NaCl 0.9% solution, lactated Ringer's solution) and a hypotonic aqueous composition with reduced chloride content similar to the electrolyte concentration of human amniotic fluid were used for the continuous amnioinfusion. The mean duration of the PPROM delivery interval continued for 49 days (range, 9-69 days), with 3 weeks of amnioinfusion via the port system (range, 4-49). The newborns showed no signs of lung hypoplasia. Long-term lavage of the amniotic cavity via a subcutaneously implanted port system in patients with PPROM and anhydramnion may help prolong the pregnancy and avoid fetal lung hypoplasia. A hypotonic aqueous composition with reduced chloride content similar to human amniotic fluid can be safely used for amnioinfusion. Prospective randomized studies are ongoing.

Development of Laser Propulsion and Tracking System for Laser-Driven Micro-Airplane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, Hiroyasu; Kajiwara, Itsuro; Hoshino, Kentaro; Yabe, Takashi; Uchida, Shigeaki; Shimane, Yoshichika

2004-03-01

The purposes of this paper are to improve the control performance of the developed laser tracking system and to develop an integrated laser propulsion/tracking system for realizing a continuous flight and control of the micro-airplane. The laser propulsion is significantly effective to achieve the miniaturization and lightening of the micro-airplane. The laser-driven micro-airplane has been studied with a paper-craft airplane and YAG laser, resulting in a successful glide of the airplane. In the next stage of the laser-driven micro-airplane development, the laser tracking is expected as key technologies to achieve continuous propulsion. Furthermore, the laser propulsion system should be combined with the laser tracking system to supply continuous propulsion. Experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the developed laser tracking system and integrated laser propulsion/tracking system.

Groundwater availability of the Denver Basin aquifer system, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Paschke, Suzanne

2011-01-01

The Denver Basin aquifer system is a critical water resource for growing municipal, industrial, and domestic uses along the semiarid Front Range urban corridor of Colorado. The confined bedrock aquifer system is located along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountain Front Range where the mountains meet the Great Plains physiographic province. Continued population growth and the resulting need for additional water supplies in the Denver Basin and throughout the western United States emphasize the need to continually monitor and reassess the availability of groundwater resources. In 2004, the U.S. Geological Survey initiated large-scale regional studies to provide updated groundwater-availability assessments of important principal aquifers across the United States, including the Denver Basin. This study of the Denver Basin aquifer system evaluates the hydrologic effects of continued pumping and documents an updated groundwater flow model useful for appraisal of hydrologic conditions.

Continuous executive function disruption interferes with application of an information integration categorization strategy.

PubMed

Miles, Sarah J; Matsuki, Kazunaga; Minda, John Paul

2014-07-01

Category learning is often characterized as being supported by two separate learning systems. A verbal system learns rule-defined (RD) categories that can be described using a verbal rule and relies on executive functions (EFs) to learn via hypothesis testing. A nonverbal system learns non-rule-defined (NRD) categories that cannot be described by a verbal rule and uses automatic, procedural learning. The verbal system is dominant in that adults tend to use it during initial learning but may switch to the nonverbal system when the verbal system is unsuccessful. The nonverbal system has traditionally been thought to operate independently of EFs, but recent studies suggest that EFs may play a role in the nonverbal system-specifically, to facilitate the transition away from the verbal system. Accordingly, continuously interfering with EFs during the categorization process, so that EFs are never fully available to facilitate the transition, may be more detrimental to the nonverbal system than is temporary EF interference. Participants learned an NRD or an RD category while EFs were untaxed, taxed temporarily, or taxed continuously. When EFs were continuously taxed during NRD categorization, participants were less likely to use a nonverbal categorization strategy than when EFs were temporarily taxed, suggesting that when EFs were unavailable, the transition to the nonverbal system was hindered. For the verbal system, temporary and continuous interference had similar effects on categorization performance and on strategy use, illustrating that EFs play an important but different role in each of the category-learning systems.

The use of continuous culture in systems biology investigations.

PubMed

Winder, Catherine L; Lanthaler, Karin

2011-01-01

When acquiring data for systems biology studies, it is essential to perform the experiments in controlled and reproducible conditions. Advances in the fields of proteomics and metabolomics allow the quantitative analysis of the components of the biological cell. It is essential to include a method in the experimental pipeline to culture the biological system in controlled and reproducible conditions to facilitate the acquisition of high-quality data. The employment of continuous culture methods for the growth of microorganisms is an ideal tool to achieve these objectives. This chapter will review the continuous culture approaches which may be applied in such studies, outline the experimental options which should be considered, and describe the approach applied in the production of steady-state cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Web-based continuing medical education. (II): Evaluation study of computer-mediated continuing medical education.

PubMed

Curran, V R; Hoekman, T; Gulliver, W; Landells, I; Hatcher, L

2000-01-01

Over the years, various distance learning technologies and methods have been applied to the continuing medical education needs of rural and remote physicians. They have included audio teleconferencing, slow scan imaging, correspondence study, and compressed videoconferencing. The recent emergence and growth of Internet, World Wide Web (Web), and compact disk read-only-memory (CD-ROM) technologies have introduced new opportunities for providing continuing education to the rural medical practitioner. This evaluation study assessed the instructional effectiveness of a hybrid computer-mediated courseware delivery system on dermatologic office procedures. A hybrid delivery system merges Web documents, multimedia, computer-mediated communications, and CD-ROMs to enable self-paced instruction and collaborative learning. Using a modified pretest to post-test control group study design, several evaluative criteria (participant reaction, learning achievement, self-reported performance change, and instructional transactions) were assessed by various qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. This evaluation revealed that a hybrid computer-mediated courseware system was an effective means for increasing knowledge (p < .05) and improving self-reported competency (p < .05) in dermatologic office procedures, and that participants were very satisfied with the self-paced instruction and use of asynchronous computer conferencing for collaborative information sharing among colleagues.

Excimer lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, A. J.; Hess, L. D.; Stephens, R. R.; Pepper, D. M.

1977-01-01

The results of a two-year investigation into the possibility of developing continuous wave excimer lasers are reported. The program included the evaluation and selection of candidate molecular systems and discharge pumping techniques. The K Ar/K2 excimer dimer molecules and the xenon fluoride excimer molecule were selected for study; each used a transverse and capillary discharges pumping technique. Experimental and theoretical studies of each of the two discharge techniques applied to each of the two molecular systems are reported. Discharge stability and fluorine consumption were found to be the principle impediments to extending the XeF excimer laser into the continuous wave regime. Potassium vapor handling problems were the principal difficulty in achieving laser action on the K Ar/K2 system. Of the four molecular systems and pumping techniques explored, the capillary discharge pumped K Ar/K2 system appears to be the most likely candidate for demonstrating continuous wave excimer laser action primarily because of its predicted lower pumping threshold and a demonstrated discharge stability advantage.

Evidence for the Continuous Latent Structure of Mania in the Epidemiologic Catchment Area from Multiple Latent Structure and Construct Validation Methodologies

PubMed Central

Prisciandaro, James J.; Roberts, John E.

2011-01-01

Background Although psychiatric diagnostic systems have conceptualized mania as a discrete phenomenon, appropriate latent structure investigations testing this conceptualization are lacking. In contrast to these diagnostic systems, several influential theories of mania have suggested a continuous conceptualization. The present study examined whether mania has a continuous or discrete latent structure using a comprehensive approach including taxometric, information-theoretic latent distribution modeling (ITLDM), and predictive validity methodologies in the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study. Methods Eight dichotomous manic symptom items were submitted to a variety of latent structural analyses; including factor analyses, taxometric procedures, and ITLDM; in 10,105 ECA community participants. Additionally, a variety of continuous and discrete models of mania were compared in terms of their relative abilities to predict outcomes (i.e., health service utilization, internalizing and externalizing disorders, and suicidal behavior). Results Taxometric and ITLDM analyses consistently supported a continuous conceptualization of mania. In ITLDM analyses, a continuous model of mania demonstrated 6:52:1 odds over the best fitting latent class model of mania. Factor analyses suggested that the continuous structure of mania was best represented by a single latent factor. Predictive validity analyses demonstrated a consistent superior ability of continuous models of mania relative to discrete models. Conclusions The present study provided three independent lines of support for a continuous conceptualization of mania. The implications of a continuous model of mania are discussed. PMID:20507671

Exploring Academic Teachers' Continuance toward the Web-Based Learning System: The Role of Causal Attributions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hung, Ming-Chien; Chang, I.-Chiu; Hwang, Hsin-Ginn

2011-01-01

The Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) is a popular model used to explain the continuance of information system usage. However, past studies have found that the ECM, based on extrinsic motivations (e.g. perceived usefulness, user satisfaction), has limitations insofar as people often have both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations simultaneously.…

How Benefits and Challenges of Personal Response System Impact Students' Continuance Intention? A Taiwanese Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeh, C. Rosa; Tao, Yu-Hui

2013-01-01

To address four issues observed from the latest Personal Response System (PRS) review by Kay and LeSage (2009), this paper investigates, through a systematic research, how the derived benefits and challenges of PRS affect the satisfaction and continuance intention of college students in Taiwan. The empirical study samples representative college…

Camelina seed supplementation at two dietary fat levels changes ruminal bacterial community composition in a dual-flow continuous culture system

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study sought to determine the effects of camelina seed (CS) supplementation at different dietary fat levels on the ruminal bacterial community composition in dairy cows, and how it relates to changes in ruminal fermentation and metabolism in a dual-flow continuous culture system. Diets were ran...

Use of Continuous Integration Tools for Application Performance Monitoring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vergara Larrea, Veronica G; Joubert, Wayne; Fuson, Christopher B

High performance computing systems are becom- ing increasingly complex, both in node architecture and in the multiple layers of software stack required to compile and run applications. As a consequence, the likelihood is increasing for application performance regressions to occur as a result of routine upgrades of system software components which interact in complex ways. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous integration tools for application performance monitoring on HPC systems. In addition, this paper also describes a prototype system for application perfor- mance monitoring based on Jenkins, a Java-based continuous integration tool. The monitoringmore » system described leverages several features in Jenkins to track application performance results over time. Preliminary results and lessons learned from monitoring applications on Cray systems at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility are presented.« less

Avionics Integrity Program (AVIP). Volume 4. Force Management - Economic Life Considerations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

often used to refer to the period of time during which financial considerations justify the continued use of an existing system. The study addresses...rejporLs incl-ude contractor ei forts between September 1983 and Marih 1984. Each report represents a completed study in a specific area and stands alone...during which financial considerations justify the selection or continued use of a system. A variety of definitions currently exist for economic life. One

A wireless body measurement system to study fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Yu, Fei; Bilberg, Arne; Stenager, Egon; Rabotti, Chiara; Zhang, Bin; Mischi, Massimo

2012-12-01

Fatigue is reported as the most common symptom by patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The physiological and functional parameters related to fatigue in MS patients are currently not well established. A new wearable wireless body measurement system, named Fatigue Monitoring System (FAMOS), was developed to study fatigue in MS. It can continuously measure electrocardiogram, body-skin temperature, electromyogram and motions of feet. The goal of this study is to test the ability of distinguishing fatigued MS patients from healthy subjects by the use of FAMOS. This paper presents the realization of the measurement system including the design of both hardware and dedicated signal processing algorithms. Twenty-six participants including 17 MS patients with fatigue and 9 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included in the study for continuous 24 h monitoring. The preliminary results show significant differences between fatigued MS patients and healthy controls. In conclusion, the FAMOS enables continuous data acquisition and estimation of multiple physiological and functional parameters. It provides a new, flexible and objective approach to study fatigue in MS, which can distinguish between fatigued MS patients and healthy controls. The usability and reliability of the FAMOS should however be further improved and validated through larger clinical trials.

Continuing Education for Texas: Special Studies of Non-Traditional Approaches to Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neidhart, Anthony C., Ed.

The report presents 13 studies, undertaken by Texas institutions of higher learning, responding to educational needs for improved delivery systems of higher education services to adults, and adult continuing education programs. The individual studies are: The Urban University and the Learning Society (J. E. Champagne, R. Hopper, B. Leaman); The…

40 CFR 62.15220 - What additional requirements must I meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system? 62.15220 Section 62.15220 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system...

40 CFR 62.15220 - What additional requirements must I meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system? 62.15220 Section 62.15220 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system...

From pattern to process: The strategy of the Earth Observing System: Volume 2: EOS Science Steering Committee report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

The Earth Observing System (EOS) represents a new approach to the study of the Earth. It consists of remotely sensed and correlative in situ observations designed to address important, interrelated global-scale processes. There is an urgent need to study the Earth as a complete, integrated system in order to understand and predict changes caused by human activities and natural processes. The EOS approach is based on an information system concept and designed to provide a long-term study of the Earth using a variety of measurement methods from both operational and research satellite payloads and continuing ground-based Earth science studies. The EOS concept builds on the foundation of the earlier, single-discipline space missions designed for relatively short observation periods. Continued progress in our understanding of the Earth as a system will come from EOS observations spanning several decades using a variety of contemporaneous measurements.

Network dynamics and systems biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norrell, Johannes A.

The physics of complex systems has grown considerably as a field in recent decades, largely due to improved computational technology and increased availability of systems level data. One area in which physics is of growing relevance is molecular biology. A new field, systems biology, investigates features of biological systems as a whole, a strategy of particular importance for understanding emergent properties that result from a complex network of interactions. Due to the complicated nature of the systems under study, the physics of complex systems has a significant role to play in elucidating the collective behavior. In this dissertation, we explore three problems in the physics of complex systems, motivated in part by systems biology. The first of these concerns the applicability of Boolean models as an approximation of continuous systems. Studies of gene regulatory networks have employed both continuous and Boolean models to analyze the system dynamics, and the two have been found produce similar results in the cases analyzed. We ask whether or not Boolean models can generically reproduce the qualitative attractor dynamics of networks of continuously valued elements. Using a combination of analytical techniques and numerical simulations, we find that continuous networks exhibit two effects---an asymmetry between on and off states, and a decaying memory of events in each element's inputs---that are absent from synchronously updated Boolean models. We show that in simple loops these effects produce exactly the attractors that one would predict with an analysis of the stability of Boolean attractors, but in slightly more complicated topologies, they can destabilize solutions that are stable in the Boolean approximation, and can stabilize new attractors. Second, we investigate ensembles of large, random networks. Of particular interest is the transition between ordered and disordered dynamics, which is well characterized in Boolean systems. Networks at the transition point, called critical, exhibit many of the features of regulatory networks, and recent studies suggest that some specific regulatory networks are indeed near-critical. We ask whether certain statistical measures of the ensemble behavior of large continuous networks are reproduced by Boolean models. We find that, in spite of the lack of correspondence between attractors observed in smaller systems, the statistical characterization given by the continuous and Boolean models show close agreement, and the transition between order and disorder known in Boolean systems can occur in continuous systems as well. One effect that is not present in Boolean systems, the failure of information to propagate down chains of elements of arbitrary length, is present in a class of continuous networks. In these systems, a modified Boolean theory that takes into account the collective effect of propagation failure on chains throughout the network gives a good description of the observed behavior. We find that propagation failure pushes the system toward greater order, resulting in a partial or complete suppression of the disordered phase. Finally, we explore a dynamical process of direct biological relevance: asymmetric cell division in A. thaliana. The long term goal is to develop a model for the process that accurately accounts for both wild type and mutant behavior. To contribute to this endeavor, we use confocal microscopy to image roots in a SHORT-ROOT inducible mutant. We compute correlation functions between the locations of asymmetrically divided cells, and we construct stochastic models based on a few simple assumptions that accurately predict the non-zero correlations. Our result shows that intracellular processes alone cannot be responsible for the observed divisions, and that an intercell signaling mechanism could account for the measured correlations.

Unlocking information for coordination of care in Australia: a qualitative study of information continuity in four primary health care models

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Coordination of care is considered a key component of patient-centered health care systems, but is rarely defined or operationalised in health care policy. Continuity, an aspect of coordination, is the patient’s experience of care over time, and is often described in terms of three dimensions: information, relational and management continuity. With the current health policy focus on both the use of information technology and care coordination, this study aimed to 1) explore how information continuity supports coordination and 2) investigate conditions required to support information continuity. Methods Four diverse Australian primary health care initiatives were purposively selected for inclusion in the study. Each has improved coordination as an aim or fundamental principle. Each organization was asked to identify practitioners, managers and decision makers who could provide insight into the use of information for care coordination to participate in the study. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews, we explored four questions covering the scope and use of information, the influence of governance, data ownership and confidentiality and the influence of financial incentives and quality improvement on information continuity and coordination. Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo 8. Results The overall picture that emerged across all four cases was that whilst accessibility and continuity of information underpin effective care, they are not sufficient for coordination of care for complex conditions. Shared information reduced unnecessary repetition and provided health professionals with the opportunity to access records of care from other providers, but participants described their role in coordination in terms of the active involvement of a person in care rather than the passive availability of information. Complex issues regarding data ownership and confidentiality often hampered information sharing. Successful coordination in each case was associated with responsiveness to local rather than system level factors. Conclusions The availability of information is not sufficient to ensure continuity for the patient or coordination from the systems perspective. Policy directed at information continuity must give consideration to the broader ‘fit’ with management and relational continuity and provide a broad base that allows for local responsiveness in order for coordination of care to be achieved. PMID:23497291

Unlocking information for coordination of care in Australia: a qualitative study of information continuity in four primary health care models.

PubMed

Banfield, Michelle; Gardner, Karen; McRae, Ian; Gillespie, James; Wells, Robert; Yen, Laurann

2013-03-13

Coordination of care is considered a key component of patient-centered health care systems, but is rarely defined or operationalised in health care policy. Continuity, an aspect of coordination, is the patient's experience of care over time, and is often described in terms of three dimensions: information, relational and management continuity. With the current health policy focus on both the use of information technology and care coordination, this study aimed to 1) explore how information continuity supports coordination and 2) investigate conditions required to support information continuity. Four diverse Australian primary health care initiatives were purposively selected for inclusion in the study. Each has improved coordination as an aim or fundamental principle. Each organization was asked to identify practitioners, managers and decision makers who could provide insight into the use of information for care coordination to participate in the study. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews, we explored four questions covering the scope and use of information, the influence of governance, data ownership and confidentiality and the influence of financial incentives and quality improvement on information continuity and coordination. Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo 8. The overall picture that emerged across all four cases was that whilst accessibility and continuity of information underpin effective care, they are not sufficient for coordination of care for complex conditions. Shared information reduced unnecessary repetition and provided health professionals with the opportunity to access records of care from other providers, but participants described their role in coordination in terms of the active involvement of a person in care rather than the passive availability of information. Complex issues regarding data ownership and confidentiality often hampered information sharing. Successful coordination in each case was associated with responsiveness to local rather than system level factors. The availability of information is not sufficient to ensure continuity for the patient or coordination from the systems perspective. Policy directed at information continuity must give consideration to the broader 'fit' with management and relational continuity and provide a broad base that allows for local responsiveness in order for coordination of care to be achieved.

Long-term cropping systems study

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This long-term study has been conducted on the Agronomy Farm at ARDC since the early 1970’s. In the beginning, the objectives were mainly related to crop production as affected by different cropping systems. The cropping systems included in the study are Continuous Corn, Soybean, and Sorghum; 2-year...

Sustainability of the Communities That Care prevention system by coalitions participating in the Community Youth Development Study.

PubMed

Gloppen, Kari M; Arthur, Michael W; Hawkins, J David; Shapiro, Valerie B

2012-09-01

Community prevention coalitions are a common strategy to mobilize stakeholders to implement tested and effective prevention programs to promote adolescent health and well-being. This article examines the sustainability of Communities That Care (CTC) coalitions approximately 20 months after study support for the intervention ended. The Community Youth Development Study is a community-randomized trial of the CTC prevention system. Using data from 2007 and 2009 coalition leader interviews, this study reports changes in coalition activities from a period of study support for CTC (2007) to 20 months following the end of study support for CTC (2009), measured by the extent to which coalitions continued to meet specific benchmarks. Twenty months after study support for CTC implementation ended, 11 of 12 CTC coalitions in the Community Youth Development Study still existed. The 11 remaining coalitions continued to report significantly higher scores on the benchmarks of phases 2 through 5 of the CTC system than did prevention coalitions in the control communities. At the 20-month follow-up, two-thirds of the CTC coalitions reported having a paid staff person. This study found that the CTC coalitions maintained a relatively high level of implementation fidelity to the CTC system 20 months after the study support for the intervention ended. However, the downward trend in some of the measured benchmarks indicates that continued high-quality training and technical assistance may be important to ensure that CTC coalitions maintain a science-based approach to prevention, and continue to achieve public health impacts on adolescent health and behavior outcomes. Copyright © 2012 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 60.1765 - What additional requirements must I meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system? 60.1765 Section 60.1765 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR... continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system? Use the required span values...

40 CFR 60.1765 - What additional requirements must I meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system? 60.1765 Section 60.1765 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR... continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system? Use the required span values...

Liberated Learning: Analysis of University Students' Perceptions and Experiences with Continuous Automated Speech Recognition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryba, Ken; McIvor, Tom; Shakir, Maha; Paez, Di

2006-01-01

This study examined continuous automated speech recognition in the university lecture theatre. The participants were both native speakers of English (L1) and English as a second language students (L2) enrolled in an information systems course (Total N=160). After an initial training period, an L2 lecturer in information systems delivered three…

The Use of System Thinking Concepts in Order to Assure Continuous Improvement of Project Based Learning Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arantes do Amaral, Joao Alberto; Gonçalves, Paulo

2015-01-01

This case study describes a continuous improvement experience, conducted from 2002 to 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, within 47 Project-Based Learning MBA courses, involving approximately 1,400 students. The experience report will focus on four themes: (1) understanding the main dynamics present in MBA courses; (2) planning a systemic intervention in…

Assessment of continuous acoustic respiratory rate monitoring as an addition to a pulse oximetry-based patient surveillance system.

PubMed

McGrath, Susan P; Pyke, Joshua; Taenzer, Andreas H

2017-06-01

Technology advances make it possible to consider continuous acoustic respiratory rate monitoring as an integral component of physiologic surveillance systems. This study explores technical and logistical aspects of augmenting pulse oximetry-based patient surveillance systems with continuous respiratory rate monitoring and offers some insight into the impact on patient deterioration detection that may result. Acoustic respiratory rate sensors were introduced to a general care pulse oximetry-based surveillance system with respiratory rate alarms deactivated. Simulation was used after 4324 patient days to determine appropriate alarm thresholds for respiratory rate, which were then activated. Data were collected for an additional 4382 patient days. Physiologic parameters, alarm data, sensor utilization and patient/staff feedback were collected throughout the study and analyzed. No notable technical or workflow issues were observed. Sensor utilization was 57 %, with patient refusal leading reasons for nonuse (22.7 %). With respiratory rate alarm thresholds set to 6 and 40 breaths/min., the majority of nurse pager clinical notifications were triggered by low oxygen saturation values (43 %), followed by low respiratory rate values (21 %) and low pulse rate values (13 %). Mean respiratory rate collected was 16.6 ± 3.8 breaths/min. The vast majority (82 %) of low oxygen saturation states coincided with normal respiration rates of 12-20 breaths/min. Continuous respiratory rate monitoring can be successfully added to a pulse oximetry-based surveillance system without significant technical, logistical or workflow issues and is moderately well-tolerated by patients. Respiratory rate sensor alarms did not significantly impact overall system alarm burden. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation distributions suggest adding continuous respiratory rate monitoring to a pulse oximetry-based surveillance system may not significantly improve patient deterioration detection.

Biohydrogen production from enzymatic hydrolysis of food waste in batch and continuous systems

PubMed Central

Han, Wei; Yan, Yingting; Shi, Yiwen; Gu, Jingjing; Tang, Junhong; Zhao, Hongting

2016-01-01

In this study, the feasibility of biohydrogen production from enzymatic hydrolysis of food waste was investigated. Food waste (solid-to-liquid ratio of 10%, w/v) was first hydrolyzed by commercial glucoamylase to release glucose (24.35 g/L) in the food waste hydrolysate. Then, the obtained food waste hydrolysate was used as substrate for biohydrogen production in the batch and continuous (continuous stirred tank reactor, CSTR) systems. It was observed that the maximum cumulative hydrogen production of 5850 mL was achieved with a yield of 245.7 mL hydrogen/g glucose (1.97 mol hydrogen/mol glucose) in the batch system. In the continuous system, the effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on biohydrogen production from food waste hydrolysate was investigated. The optimal HRT obtained from this study was 6 h with the highest hydrogen production rate of 8.02 mmol/(h·L). Ethanol and acetate were the major soluble microbial products with low propionate production at all HRTs. Enzymatic hydrolysis of food waste could effectively accelerate hydrolysis speed, improve substrate utilization rate and increase hydrogen yield. PMID:27910937

Study on ammonium and organics removal combined with electricity generation in a continuous flow microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Liu, Shuxin; Li, Lan; Li, Huiqiang; Wang, Hui; Yang, Ping

2017-11-01

A continuous microbial fuel cell system was constructed treating ammonium/organics rich wastewater. Operational performance of MFC system, mechanisms of ammonium removal, effect of ammonium on organics removal and energy output, C and N balance of anode chamber and microbial community analysis of anode chamber were studied. It was concluded that 0.0914kg/m 3 d NH 4 + -N and 5.739kg/m 3 d COD were removed from anode chamber and simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) occurred in cathode chamber resulting in COD, TN removal rate of 88.53%, 71.35% respectively. Excess ammonium affected energy output and the MFC system reached maximum energy output of 816.8mV and 62.94mW/m 3 . In anode chamber, Spirochaetes bacterium sp., Methanobacterium formicicum sp. was predominant in bacteria, archaea communities respectively which contributed to wastewater treatment and electricity generation. This study showed the potential for practical application of continuous flow MFC system treating ammonium/organics rich wastewater and achieving electricity generation simultaneously. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

HTA decision support system for sustainable business continuity management in hospitals. The case of surgical activity at the University Hospital in Florence.

PubMed

Miniati, Roberto; Dori, Fabrizio; Cecconi, Giulio; Gusinu, Roberto; Niccolini, Fabrizio; Gentili, Guido Biffi

2013-01-01

A fundamental element of the social and safety function of a health structure is the need to guarantee continuity of clinical activity through the continuity of technology. This paper aims to design a Decision Support System (DSS) for medical technology evaluations based on the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in order to provide a multi-disciplinary valuation of a technology in a health structure. The methodology used in planning the DSS followed the following key steps: the definition of relevant KPIs, the development of a database to calculate the KPIs, the calculation of the defined KPIs and the resulting study report. Finally, the clinical and economic validation of the system was conducted though a case study of Business Continuity applied in the operating department of the Florence University Hospital AOU Careggi in Italy. A web-based support system was designed for HTA in health structures. The case study enabled Business Continuity Management (BCM) to be implemented in a hospital department in relation to aspects of a single technology and the specific clinical process. Finally, an economic analysis of the procedure was carried out. The system is useful for decision makers in that it precisely defines which equipment to include in the BCM procedure, using a scale analysis of the specific clinical process in which the equipment is used. In addition, the economic analysis shows how the cost of the procedure is completely covered by the indirect costs which would result from the expenses incurred from a broken device, hence showing the complete auto-sustainability of the methodology.

Distributed Optimization Design of Continuous-Time Multiagent Systems With Unknown-Frequency Disturbances.

PubMed

Wang, Xinghu; Hong, Yiguang; Yi, Peng; Ji, Haibo; Kang, Yu

2017-05-24

In this paper, a distributed optimization problem is studied for continuous-time multiagent systems with unknown-frequency disturbances. A distributed gradient-based control is proposed for the agents to achieve the optimal consensus with estimating unknown frequencies and rejecting the bounded disturbance in the semi-global sense. Based on convex optimization analysis and adaptive internal model approach, the exact optimization solution can be obtained for the multiagent system disturbed by exogenous disturbances with uncertain parameters.

A continuous [15O]H2O production and infusion system for PET imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajjad, Munawwar; Liow, Jeih-San

1999-06-01

A system for continuous production and infusion of [15O]H2O has been designed for PET cerebral blood flow studies. The injection system consists of a four-port-two-position valve, two Horizon Nxt infusion pumps, and a sterile 50 ml vial. The variation of the production of [15O]H2O was <1%. The variation of activity delivered measured by scanner counts during the steady state period was <2%.

Optimization and Quantization in Gradient Symbol Systems: A Framework for Integrating the Continuous and the Discrete in Cognition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smolensky, Paul; Goldrick, Matthew; Mathis, Donald

2014-01-01

Mental representations have continuous as well as discrete, combinatorial properties. For example, while predominantly discrete, phonological representations also vary continuously; this is reflected by gradient effects in instrumental studies of speech production. Can an integrated theoretical framework address both aspects of structure? The…

Factors in the Spread of Continuing Training in the European Community.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aventur, Francois; Campo, Christian; Moebus, Martine

1999-01-01

A study compared 17 European countries' initial and continuing vocational training systems. Two kinds of continuing training (CT)--that which is initiated by the employer and that which is intiated by the individual--provide an indicator for comparing the different situations observed throughout the European Community. The two forms are mutually…

Continuing Education: Bridging the Information Gap. Research Publication 76-1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

State Univ. of New York, Ithaca. Cornell Inst. for Research and Development in Occupational Education.

As part of a statewide effort to contribute necessary information for the improvement of planning, administration, and delivery of continuing education services, the central region studies were an attempt to discover more about adult learning interests, the needs for continuing education services, and the present delivery system in an 11-county…

Contamination of dental unit waterlines: assessment of three continuous water disinfection systems

PubMed Central

Offner, Damien; Fioretti, Florence; Musset, Anne-Marie

2016-01-01

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of three continuous water disinfection systems for dental units under real conditions of dental care. Design and settings: A prospective study carried out from 45 days to 20 months on the water microbial quality of the dental units is benefited from three different systems: two chemical treatment systems (IGN EVO/Calbenium/IGN Cartridge and Sterispray) and one physical treatment system (BacTerminator). Studied items were six dental units of the Dental Medicine and Oral Surgery Center within the University Hospital of Strasbourg (HUS), France. Results and disucussion: The IGN EVO/Calbenium/IGN Cartridge and Sterispray systems showed an immediate and long-term efficacy on contaminated dental unit waterlines. However, the first system offers ergonomic advantages (automatic system, action on the water from the water supply network). The BacTerminator system took longer to be effective and was less effective than the other two. PMID:29607068

The development of the rotigotine transdermal patch: a historical perspective.

PubMed

Waters, Cheryl

2013-08-01

The rotigotine transdermal system is a dopamine receptor agonist delivered over a 24-hour period. It is approved for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). This article reviews the development of the rotigotine transdermal system, including rotigotine's receptor profile, steady-state pharmacokinetics, and metabolism. Preclinical studies of rotigotine in animal models of PD and proof-of-concept studies in patients with PD are reviewed. These preclinical and clinical studies established this system as an effective method for providing continuous rotigotine delivery across the skin providing the basis for continued clinical development of rotigotine for the treatment of early and advanced PD. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A comparative study of integrated pest management strategies based on impulsive control.

PubMed

Páez Chávez, Joseph; Jungmann, Dirk; Siegmund, Stefan

2018-12-01

The paper presents a comprehensive numerical study of mathematical models used to describe complex biological systems in the framework of integrated pest management. Our study considers two specific ecosystems that describe the application of control mechanisms based on pesticides and natural enemies, implemented in an impulsive and periodic manner, due to which the considered models belong to the class of impulsive differential equations. The present work proposes a numerical approach to study such type of models in detail, via the application of path-following (continuation) techniques for nonsmooth dynamical systems, via the novel continuation platform COCO (Dankowicz and Schilder). In this way, a detailed study focusing on the influence of selected system parameters on the effectiveness of the pest control scheme is carried out for both ecological scenarios. Furthermore, a comparative study is presented, with special emphasis on the mechanisms upon which a pest outbreak can occur in the considered ecosystems. Our study reveals that such outbreaks are determined by the presence of a branching point found during the continuation analysis. The numerical investigation concludes with an in-depth study of the state-dependent pesticide mortality considered in one of the ecological scenarios.

Use of a continuous twin screw granulation and drying system during formulation development and process optimization.

PubMed

Vercruysse, J; Peeters, E; Fonteyne, M; Cappuyns, P; Delaet, U; Van Assche, I; De Beer, T; Remon, J P; Vervaet, C

2015-01-01

Since small scale is key for successful introduction of continuous techniques in the pharmaceutical industry to allow its use during formulation development and process optimization, it is essential to determine whether the product quality is similar when small quantities of materials are processed compared to the continuous processing of larger quantities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether material processed in a single cell of the six-segmented fluid bed dryer of the ConsiGma™-25 system (a continuous twin screw granulation and drying system introduced by GEA Pharma Systems, Collette™, Wommelgem, Belgium) is predictive of granule and tablet quality during full-scale manufacturing when all drying cells are filled. Furthermore, the performance of the ConsiGma™-1 system (a mobile laboratory unit) was evaluated and compared to the ConsiGma™-25 system. A premix of two active ingredients, powdered cellulose, maize starch, pregelatinized starch and sodium starch glycolate was granulated with distilled water. After drying and milling (1000 μm, 800 rpm), granules were blended with magnesium stearate and compressed using a Modul™ P tablet press (tablet weight: 430 mg, main compression force: 12 kN). Single cell experiments using the ConsiGma™-25 system and ConsiGma™-1 system were performed in triplicate. Additionally, a 1h continuous run using the ConsiGma™-25 system was executed. Process outcomes (torque, barrel wall temperature, product temperature during drying) and granule (residual moisture content, particle size distribution, bulk and tapped density, hausner ratio, friability) as well as tablet (hardness, friability, disintegration time and dissolution) quality attributes were evaluated. By performing a 1h continuous run, it was detected that a stabilization period was needed for torque and barrel wall temperature due to initial layering of the screws and the screw chamber walls with material. Consequently, slightly deviating granule and tablet quality attributes were obtained during the start-up phase of the 1h run. For the single cell runs, granule and tablet properties were comparable with results obtained during the second part of the 1h run (after start-up). Although deviating granule quality (particle size distribution and Hausner ratio) was observed due to the divergent design of the ConsiGma™-1 unit and the ConsiGma™-25 system (horizontal set-up) used in this study, tablet quality produced from granules processed with the ConsiGma™-1 system was predictive for tablet quality obtained during continuous production using the ConsiGma™-25 system. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Pilot Study of the Challenges and Prospects of Continuous Assessment Implementation in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Owolabi, Henry O.; Onuka, Adams O. U.

2010-01-01

This study obtained basic information from teachers and students on the challenges and prospects of implementing continuous assessment (CA) in the Nigerian school system. Secondary Schools in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, located in the central region of Nigeria were sampled for use in the study. It employed survey research design…

Development, Interaction and Linkage of Normal Fault Segments along the 100-km Bilila-Mtakataka Fault, Malawi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fagereng, A.; Hodge, M.; Biggs, J.; Mdala, H. S.; Goda, K.

2016-12-01

Faults grow through the interaction and linkage of isolated fault segments. Continuous fault systems are those where segments interact, link and may slip synchronously, whereas non-continuous fault systems comprise isolated faults. As seismic moment is related to fault length (Wells and Coppersmith, 1994), understanding whether a fault system is continuous or not is critical in evaluating seismic hazard. Maturity may be a control on fault continuity: immature, low displacement faults are typically assumed to be non-continuous. Here, we study two overlapping, 20 km long, normal fault segments of the N-S striking Bilila-Mtakataka fault, Malawi, in the southern section of the East African Rift System. Despite its relative immaturity, previous studies concluded the Bilila-Mtakataka fault is continuous for its entire 100 km length, with the most recent event equating to an Mw8.0 earthquake (Jackson and Blenkinsop, 1997). We explore whether segment geometry and relationship to pre-existing high-grade metamorphic foliation has influenced segment interaction and fault development. Fault geometry and scarp height is constrained by DEMs derived from SRTM, Pleiades and `Structure from Motion' photogrammetry using a UAV, alongside direct field observations. The segment strikes differ on average by 10°, but up to 55° at their adjacent tips. The southern segment is sub-parallel to the foliation, whereas the northern segment is highly oblique to the foliation. Geometrical surface discontinuities suggest two isolated faults; however, displacement-length profiles and Coulomb stress change models suggest segment interaction, with potential for linkage at depth. Further work must be undertaken on other segments to assess the continuity of the entire fault, concluding whether an earthquake greater than that of the maximum instrumentally recorded (1910 M7.4 Rukwa) is possible.

40 CFR 60.2941 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.2941 Section 60.2941 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES... emission monitoring systems? (a) Conduct annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems...

Recommendations on the choice of gas analysis equipment for systems of continuous monitoring and accounting of emissions from thermal power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondrat'eva, O. E.; Roslyakov, P. V.; Burdyukov, D. A.; Khudolei, O. D.; Loktionov, O. A.

2017-10-01

According to Federal Law no. 219-FZ, dated July 21, 2014, all enterprises that have a significant negative impact on the environment shall continuously monitor and account emissions of harmful substances into the atmospheric air. The choice of measuring equipment that is included in continuous emission monitoring and accounting systems (CEM&ASs) is a complex technical problem; in particular, its solution requires a comparative analysis of gas analysis systems; each of these systems has its advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the choice of gas analysis systems for CEM&ASs should be maximally objective and not depend on preferences of separate experts and specialists. The technique of choosing gas analysis equipment that was developed in previous years at Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI) has been analyzed and the applicability of the mathematical tool of a multiple criteria analysis to choose measuring equipment for the continuous emission monitoring and accounting system have been estimated. New approaches to the optimal choice of gas analysis equipment for systems of the continuous monitoring and accounting of harmful emissions from thermal power plants have been proposed, new criteria of evaluation of gas analysis systems have been introduced, and weight coefficients have been determined for these criteria. The results of this study served as a basis for the Preliminary National Standard of the Russian Federation "Best Available Technologies. Automated Systems of Continuous Monitoring and Accounting of Emissions of Harmful (Polluting) Substances from Thermal Power Plants into the Atmospheric Air. Basic Requirements," which was developed by the Moscow Power Engineering Institute, National Research University, in cooperation with the Council of Power Producers and Strategic Electric Power Investors Association and the All-Russia Research Institute for Materials and Technology Standardization.

Using a complex adaptive system lens to understand family caregiving experiences navigating the stroke rehabilitation system.

PubMed

Ghazzawi, Andrea; Kuziemsky, Craig; O'Sullivan, Tracey

2016-10-01

Family caregivers provide the stroke survivor with social support and continuity during the transition home from a rehabilitation facility. In this exploratory study we examined family caregivers' perceptions and experiences navigating the stroke rehabilitation system. The theories of continuity of care and complex adaptive systems were integrated to examine the transition from a stroke rehabilitation facility to the patient's home. This study provides an understanding of the interacting complexities at the macro and micro levels. A convenient sample of family caregivers (n = 14) who provide care for a stroke survivor were recruited 4-12 weeks following the patient's discharge from a stroke rehabilitation facility in Ontario, Canada. Interviews were conducted with family caregivers to examine their perceptions and experiences navigating the stroke rehabilitation system. Directed and inductive content analysis and the theory of Complex Adaptive Systems were used to interpret the perceptions of family caregivers. Health system policies and procedures at the macro-level determined the types and timing of information being provided to caregivers, and impacted continuity of care and access to supports and services at the micro-level. Supports and services in the community, such as outpatient physiotherapy services, were limited or did not meet the specific needs of the stroke survivors or family caregivers. Relationships with health providers, informational support, and continuity in case management all influence the family caregiving experience and ultimately the quality of care for the stroke survivor, during the transition home from a rehabilitation facility.

Implementation of Sentinel-2 Data in the M4Land System for the Generation of Continuous Information Products in Agriculture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klug, P.; Schlenz, F.; Hank, T.; Migdall, S.; Weiß, I.; Danner, M.; Bach, H.; Mauser, W.

2016-08-01

The analysis system developed in the frame of the M4Land project (Model based, Multi-temporal, Multi scale and Multi sensorial retrieval of continuous land management information) has proven its capabilities of classifying crop type and creating products on the intensity of agricultural production using optical remote sensing data from Landsat and RapidEye. In this study, Sentinel-2 data is used for the first time together with Landsat 7 ETM+ and 8 OLI data within the M4Land analysis system to derive continuously crop type and the agricultural intensity of fields in an area north of Munich, Germany and the year 2015.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Washiya, Tadahiro; Komaki, Jun; Funasaka, Hideyuki

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been developing the new aqueous reprocessing system named 'NEXT' (New Extraction system for TRU recovery)1-2, which provides many advantages as waste volume reduction, cost savings by advanced components and simplification of process operation. Advanced head-end systems in the 'NEXT' process consist of fuel disassembly system, fuel shearing system and continuous dissolver system. We developed reliable fuel disassembly system with innovative procedure, and short-length shearing system and continuous dissolver system can be provided highly concentrated dissolution to adapt to the uranium crystallization process. We have carried out experimental studies, and fabrication of engineering-scale test devicesmore » to confirm the systems performance. In this paper, research and development of advanced head-end systems are described. (authors)« less

Integrating an incident management system within a continuity of operations programme: case study of the Bank of Canada.

PubMed

Loop, Carole

2013-01-01

Carrying out critical business functions without interruption requires a resilient and robust business continuity framework. By embedding an industry-standard incident management system within its business continuity structure, the Bank of Canada strengthened its response plan by enabling timely response to incidents while maintaining a strong focus on business continuity. A total programme approach, integrating the two disciplines, provided for enhanced recovery capabilities. While the value of an effective and efficient response organisation is clear, as demonstrated by emergency events around the world, incident response structures based on normal operating hierarchy can experience unique challenges. The internationally-recognised Incident Command System (ICS) model addresses these issues and reflects the five primary incident management functions, each contributing to the overall strength and effectiveness of the response organisation. The paper focuses on the Bank of Canada's successful implementation of the ICS model as its incident management and continuity of operations programmes evolved to reflect current best practices.

Cinema, Discourse, and Event.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koch, Christian

1980-01-01

Calls for a more contextual understanding of film study, which would recognize that the discipline called "film studies" is above all a communicational system--an open system in continual and reciprocal communication with its environment or context. (JMF)

Connecticut DOT statewide bus system study : executive summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-07-01

The Connecticut Statewide Bus System Study has been undertaken to ensure that bus transit in Connecticut serves continuing needs in the most efficient manner possible. The Study has taken a comprehensive look at the state's twenty urban and rural tra...

40 CFR 60.1250 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1250 Section 60.1250 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1250 What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems? (a) Conduct annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems no more than 13...

40 CFR 60.3040 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.3040 Section 60.3040 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES... continuous emission monitoring systems? (a) Conduct annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring...

40 CFR 60.1740 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1740 Section 60.1740 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES... evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems? (a) Conduct annual evaluations of your continuous emission...

Decentralisation, Decision Space and Directions for Future Research Comment on "Decentralisation of Health Services in Fiji: A Decision Space Analysis".

PubMed

Zahmatkesh, Maryam; Exworthy, Mark

2016-06-18

Decentralisation continues to re-appear in health system reform across the world. Evaluation of these reforms reveals how research on decentralisation continues to evolve. In this paper, we examine the theoretical foundations and empirical references which underpin current approaches to studying decentralisation in health systems. © 2016 by Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

Revisiting the Complexity of Stability of Continuous and Hybrid Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-16

encode a wide range of dynamical systems and properties. In Section IV, we study the complexity of stability of continuous systems. In Section V , we study...formulas t ≥ 0 with −t > 0, switches ∧ and ∨, and switches ∀ and ∃. Definition 3.2 (Bounded LRF -Sentences). We define the bounded quantifiers ∃ [u, v ] and...u, v ] as ∃[u, v ]x.ϕ =d f ∃x.(u≤ x∧ x≤ v ∧ϕ) ∀[u, v ]x.ϕ =d f ∀x.((u≤ x∧ x≤ v )→ ϕ) where u and v denote LRF terms, whose variables only contain free

Continuous noninvasive monitoring in the neonatal ICU.

PubMed

Sahni, Rakesh

2017-04-01

Standard hemodynamic monitoring such as heart rate and systemic blood pressure may only provide a crude estimation of organ perfusion during neonatal intensive care. Pulse oximetry monitoring allows for continuous noninvasive monitoring of hemoglobin oxygenation and thus provides estimation of end-organ oxygenation. This review aims to provide an overview of pulse oximetry and discuss its current and potential clinical use during neonatal intensive care. Technological advances in continuous assessment of dynamic changes in systemic oxygenation with pulse oximetry during transition to extrauterine life and beyond provide additional details about physiological interactions among the key hemodynamic factors regulating systemic blood flow distribution along with the subtle changes that are frequently transient and undetectable with standard monitoring. Noninvasive real-time continuous systemic oxygen monitoring has the potential to serve as biomarkers for early-organ dysfunction, to predict adverse short-term and long-term outcomes in critically ill neonates, and to optimize outcomes. Further studies are needed to establish values predicting adverse outcomes and to validate targeted interventions to normalize abnormal values to improve outcomes.

A continuous optimization approach for inferring parameters in mathematical models of regulatory networks.

PubMed

Deng, Zhimin; Tian, Tianhai

2014-07-29

The advances of systems biology have raised a large number of sophisticated mathematical models for describing the dynamic property of complex biological systems. One of the major steps in developing mathematical models is to estimate unknown parameters of the model based on experimentally measured quantities. However, experimental conditions limit the amount of data that is available for mathematical modelling. The number of unknown parameters in mathematical models may be larger than the number of observation data. The imbalance between the number of experimental data and number of unknown parameters makes reverse-engineering problems particularly challenging. To address the issue of inadequate experimental data, we propose a continuous optimization approach for making reliable inference of model parameters. This approach first uses a spline interpolation to generate continuous functions of system dynamics as well as the first and second order derivatives of continuous functions. The expanded dataset is the basis to infer unknown model parameters using various continuous optimization criteria, including the error of simulation only, error of both simulation and the first derivative, or error of simulation as well as the first and second derivatives. We use three case studies to demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the proposed new approach. Compared with the corresponding discrete criteria using experimental data at the measurement time points only, numerical results of the ERK kinase activation module show that the continuous absolute-error criteria using both function and high order derivatives generate estimates with better accuracy. This result is also supported by the second and third case studies for the G1/S transition network and the MAP kinase pathway, respectively. This suggests that the continuous absolute-error criteria lead to more accurate estimates than the corresponding discrete criteria. We also study the robustness property of these three models to examine the reliability of estimates. Simulation results show that the models with estimated parameters using continuous fitness functions have better robustness properties than those using the corresponding discrete fitness functions. The inference studies and robustness analysis suggest that the proposed continuous optimization criteria are effective and robust for estimating unknown parameters in mathematical models.

Continuing Professional Development in Context: Teachers' Continuing Professional Development Culture in Germany and Sweden

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wermke, Wieland

2011-01-01

This article investigates the continuing professional development (CPD) culture of teachers, and asks how it is influenced by properties of the school system. It reports the results of a questionnaire study with 418 secondary teachers from Sweden and Germany. The results show highly significant differences between Swedish and German teachers'…

Users' Continuance Intention of Virtual Learning Community Services: The Moderating Role of Usage Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Min; Liu, Yupei; Yan, Weiwei; Zhang, Yan

2017-01-01

Users' continuance intention plays a significant role in the process of information system (IS) service, especially virtual learning community (VLC) services. Following the IS success model and IS post-acceptance model, this study explores the determinants of users' intention to continue using VLCs' service from the perspective of quality,…

Understanding the Quality Factors That Influence the Continuance Intention of Students toward Participation in MOOCs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Ming; Shao, Zhen; Liu, Qian; Liu, Chuiyi

2017-01-01

The massive open online course (MOOC) is emerging as the new paradigm for modern education. The success of MOOCs depends on learners' continued usage. Drawing upon the information systems success model (IS success model) and technology acceptance model, a theoretical model for studying learners' continuance intentions toward participation in MOOCs…

Business Continuity Management Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

organization ( Shaw , 2004). Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) does not have a framework that can help develop a business continuity management (BCM...cites two case studies that demonstrate how an organization mitigated issues during catastrophic events that led to disruptions to their business ...www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/legacy/ issues /defense/files/guideli nesbc.pdf Comprehensive Emergency Management Associates. (2006). Business continuity

Comparison of Microbial Communities in a Simulated Chloraminated Drinking Water Distribution System Subjected to Episodes of Nitrification

EPA Science Inventory

Bacterial populations were examined in a simulated chloraminated drinking water distribution system. After six months of continuous operation, coupons were incubated in CDC reactors receiving water from the simulated system to study biofilm development. The study was organized ...

Experimental study on filtration and continuous regeneration of a particulate filter system for heavy-duty diesel engines.

PubMed

Tang, Tao; Zhang, Jun; Cao, Dongxiao; Shuai, Shijin; Zhao, Yanguang

2014-12-01

This study investigated the filtration and continuous regeneration of a particulate filter system on an engine test bench, consisting of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a catalyzed diesel particulate filter (CDPF). Both the DOC and the CDPF led to a high conversion of NO to NO2 for continuous regeneration. The filtration efficiency on solid particle number (SPN) was close to 100%. The post-CDPF particles were mainly in accumulation mode. The downstream SPN was sensitively influenced by the variation of the soot loading. This phenomenon provides a method for determining the balance point temperature by measuring the trend of SPN concentration. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Satellite mirror systems for providing terrestrial power - System concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Billman, K. W.; Gilbreath, W. P.; Bowen, S. W.

1978-01-01

A system of orbiting reflectors, SOLARES, has been studied as a possible means of providing terrestrial power with a space system of minimum mass and complexity. The key impact that such a system, providing continuous and slightly concentrated insolation, makes on the economic viability of solar farming is demonstrated. New developments in solar sailing are incorporated to reduce mirror mass and transportation cost. The system is compatible with incremental implementation and continual expansion to produce the world's power needs. Key technology, environmental, and economic issues and payoffs are identified. SOLARES appears to be economically superior to other advanced, and even conventional, energy systems and could be scaled to completely abate our fossil fuel usage for power generation.

Planning and Instruction and the Social Studies Curriculum: A Discourse on Design and Delivery Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peters, Richard

A model for Continuous-Integrated-Sequential (C/I/S) curricula for social studies education is presented. The design advocated involves ensuring continuity of instruction from grades K-12, an integration of social studies disciplines, and a sequential process of refining and reinforcing concept and skills from grade-to-grade along the K-12…

Organisation and Management of Continuing Higher Education: Findings of a Comparative Study in Six Countries from a German Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knust, Michaela; Zawacki-Richter, Olaf; Hanft, Anke

2008-01-01

An international comparison study investigated the organisation and management of continuing higher education (CHE) in Germany, Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Austria and the United States of America. CHE is compared on the system level (boundaries between traditional study programmes and CHE, linking of CHE and vocational training,…

Model-Based Prognostics of Hybrid Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daigle, Matthew; Roychoudhury, Indranil; Bregon, Anibal

2015-01-01

Model-based prognostics has become a popular approach to solving the prognostics problem. However, almost all work has focused on prognostics of systems with continuous dynamics. In this paper, we extend the model-based prognostics framework to hybrid systems models that combine both continuous and discrete dynamics. In general, most systems are hybrid in nature, including those that combine physical processes with software. We generalize the model-based prognostics formulation to hybrid systems, and describe the challenges involved. We present a general approach for modeling hybrid systems, and overview methods for solving estimation and prediction in hybrid systems. As a case study, we consider the problem of conflict (i.e., loss of separation) prediction in the National Airspace System, in which the aircraft models are hybrid dynamical systems.

Effect of different disinfection protocols on microbial and biofilm contamination of dental unit waterlines in community dental practices.

PubMed

Dallolio, Laura; Scuderi, Amalia; Rini, Maria S; Valente, Sabrina; Farruggia, Patrizia; Sabattini, Maria A Bucci; Pasquinelli, Gianandrea; Acacci, Anna; Roncarati, Greta; Leoni, Erica

2014-02-18

Output water from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) may be a potential source of infection for both dental healthcare staff and patients. This study compared the efficacy of different disinfection methods with regard to the water quality and the presence of biofilm in DUWLs. Five dental units operating in a public dental health care setting were selected. The control dental unit had no disinfection system; two were disinfected intermittently with peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide 0.26% and two underwent continuous disinfection with hydrogen peroxide/silver ions (0.02%) and stabilized chlorine dioxide (0.22%), respectively. After three months of applying the disinfection protocols, continuous disinfection systems were more effective than intermittent systems in reducing the microbial contamination of the water, allowing compliance with the CDC guidelines and the European Council regulatory thresholds for drinking water. P. aeruginosa, Legionella spp, sulphite-reducing Clostridium spores, S. aureus and β-haemolytic streptococci were also absent from units treated with continuous disinfection. The biofilm covering the DUWLs was more extensive, thicker and more friable in the intermittent disinfection dental units than in those with continuous disinfection. Overall, the findings showed that the products used for continuous disinfection of dental unit waterlines showed statistically better results than the intermittent treatment products under the study conditions.

Effect of Different Disinfection Protocols on Microbial and Biofilm Contamination of Dental Unit Waterlines in Community Dental Practices

PubMed Central

Dallolio, Laura; Scuderi, Amalia; Rini, Maria S.; Valente, Sabrina; Farruggia, Patrizia; Bucci Sabattini, Maria A.; Pasquinelli, Gianandrea; Acacci, Anna; Roncarati, Greta; Leoni, Erica

2014-01-01

Output water from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) may be a potential source of infection for both dental healthcare staff and patients. This study compared the efficacy of different disinfection methods with regard to the water quality and the presence of biofilm in DUWLs. Five dental units operating in a public dental health care setting were selected. The control dental unit had no disinfection system; two were disinfected intermittently with peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide 0.26% and two underwent continuous disinfection with hydrogen peroxide/silver ions (0.02%) and stabilized chlorine dioxide (0.22%), respectively. After three months of applying the disinfection protocols, continuous disinfection systems were more effective than intermittent systems in reducing the microbial contamination of the water, allowing compliance with the CDC guidelines and the European Council regulatory thresholds for drinking water. P. aeruginosa, Legionella spp, sulphite-reducing Clostridium spores, S. aureus and β-haemolytic streptococci were also absent from units treated with continuous disinfection. The biofilm covering the DUWLs was more extensive, thicker and more friable in the intermittent disinfection dental units than in those with continuous disinfection. Overall, the findings showed that the products used for continuous disinfection of dental unit waterlines showed statistically better results than the intermittent treatment products under the study conditions. PMID:24552789

USING CONTINUOUS MONITORS FOR CONDUCTING TRACER STUDIES IN WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

EPA Science Inventory

The use of online monitors for conducting a distribution system tracer study is proving to be an essential tool to accurately understand the flow dynamics in a distribution system. In a series of field testing sponsored by U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Greater ...

Modeling and Properties of Nonlinear Stochastic Dynamical System of Continuous Culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lei; Feng, Enmin; Ye, Jianxiong; Xiu, Zhilong

The stochastic counterpart to the deterministic description of continuous fermentation with ordinary differential equation is investigated in the process of glycerol bio-dissimilation to 1,3-propanediol by Klebsiella pneumoniae. We briefly discuss the continuous fermentation process driven by three-dimensional Brownian motion and Lipschitz coefficients, which is suitable for the factual fermentation. Subsequently, we study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the stochastic system as well as the boundedness of the Two-order Moment and the Markov property of the solution. Finally stochastic simulation is carried out under the Stochastic Euler-Maruyama method.

Coupled dynamics of a viscoelastically supported infinite string and a number of discrete mechanical systems moving with uniform speed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Soumyajit; Chakraborty, G.; DasGupta, Anirvan

2018-02-01

The mutual interaction between a number of multi degrees of freedom mechanical systems moving with uniform speed along an infinite taut string supported by a viscoelastic layer has been studied using the substructure synthesis method when base excitations of a common frequency are given to the mechanical systems. The mobility or impedance matrices of the string have been calculated analytically by Fourier transform method as well as wave propagation technique. The above matrices are used to calculate the response of the discrete mechanical systems. Special attention is paid to the contact forces between the discrete and the continuous systems which are estimated by numerical simulation. The effects of phase difference, the distance between the systems and different base excitation amplitudes on the collective behaviour of the mechanical systems are also studied. The present study has relevance to the coupled dynamic problem of more than one railway pantographs and an overhead catenary system where the pantographs are modelled as discrete systems and the catenary is modelled as a taut string supported by continuous viscoelastic layer.

Chinese midwives' experience of providing continuity of care to labouring women.

PubMed

Gu, Chunyi; Zhang, Zheng; Ding, Yan

2011-04-01

to explore and describe Chinese midwives' experience of providing one-to-one continuity of care to labouring women. a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected using open-ended, tape-recorded interviews. The analysis of the transcribed texts included searching for themes sorted into clusters for a final expression of the essential structure of the phenomenon. Obstetrics and gynaecology hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. 12 midwives, providing one-to-one continuity of care to labouring women. two main categories were identified: (1) midwives' feelings on providing continuity of care, and (2) impact of on-call system on midwives providing continuity of care. Key themes emerged from each main category: (1) 'playing important roles in labour care', 'gaining a sense of self-achievement', 'falling into exhaustion and frustration' and 'coping with caring work'; and (2) 'on-call syndrome', 'affecting personal lives' and 'managing on-call shift'. The midwives experienced mixed feelings of being with women and expressed their adaptation to being on-call, which was the essence of this study. They played important roles in caring for women, gained a sense of self-achievement and developed suitable coping strategies. However, they also indicated the impact of the on-call system upon them in the process of providing continuity of care. midwives have gained both positive and negative experiences when providing continuity of care to labouring women. The positive aspects may facilitate other professional midwives working in a similar role, whereas the negative aspects may inform them of learning to live with this situation, and may also have implications for managers to develop new approaches to the organisation and provision of continuity of care to support midwives' practice, and to fully utilise 'flexibility' under an on-call system. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fractional dynamics of globally slow transcription and its impact on deterministic genetic oscillation.

PubMed

Wei, Kun; Gao, Shilong; Zhong, Suchuan; Ma, Hong

2012-01-01

In dynamical systems theory, a system which can be described by differential equations is called a continuous dynamical system. In studies on genetic oscillation, most deterministic models at early stage are usually built on ordinary differential equations (ODE). Therefore, gene transcription which is a vital part in genetic oscillation is presupposed to be a continuous dynamical system by default. However, recent studies argued that discontinuous transcription might be more common than continuous transcription. In this paper, by appending the inserted silent interval lying between two neighboring transcriptional events to the end of the preceding event, we established that the running time for an intact transcriptional event increases and gene transcription thus shows slow dynamics. By globally replacing the original time increment for each state increment by a larger one, we introduced fractional differential equations (FDE) to describe such globally slow transcription. The impact of fractionization on genetic oscillation was then studied in two early stage models--the Goodwin oscillator and the Rössler oscillator. By constructing a "dual memory" oscillator--the fractional delay Goodwin oscillator, we suggested that four general requirements for generating genetic oscillation should be revised to be negative feedback, sufficient nonlinearity, sufficient memory and proper balancing of timescale. The numerical study of the fractional Rössler oscillator implied that the globally slow transcription tends to lower the chance of a coupled or more complex nonlinear genetic oscillatory system behaving chaotically.

Stability of Dynamical Systems with Discontinuous Motions:

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, Anthony N.; Hou, Ling

In this paper we present a stability theory for discontinuous dynamical systems (DDS): continuous-time systems whose motions are not necessarily continuous with respect to time. We show that this theory is not only applicable in the analysis of DDS, but also in the analysis of continuous dynamical systems (continuous-time systems whose motions are continuous with respect to time), discrete-time dynamical systems (systems whose motions are defined at discrete points in time) and hybrid dynamical systems (HDS) (systems whose descriptions involve simultaneously continuous-time and discrete-time). We show that the stability results for DDS are in general less conservative than the corresponding well-known classical Lyapunov results for continuous dynamical systems and discrete-time dynamical systems. Although the DDS stability results are applicable to general dynamical systems defined on metric spaces (divorced from any kind of description by differential equations, or any other kinds of equations), we confine ourselves to finite-dimensional dynamical systems defined by ordinary differential equations and difference equations, to make this paper as widely accessible as possible. We present only sample results, namely, results for uniform asymptotic stability in the large.

77 FR 18709 - Quality Assurance Requirements for Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems at Stationary Sources

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-28

... Quality Assurance Requirements for Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems at Stationary Sources AGENCY... direct final rule titled ``Quality Assurance Requirements for Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems at...--Quality Assurance Requirements for Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems at Stationary Sources Docket, EPA...

Reconstruction of the in-plane mode shape of a rotating tire with a continuous scanning measurement using the Hilbert-Huang transform.

PubMed

Lee, Jongsuh; Wang, Semyung; Pluymers, Bert; Desmet, Wim; Kindt, Peter

2015-02-01

Generally, the dynamic characteristics (natural frequency, damping, and mode shape) of a structure can be estimated by experimental modal analysis. Among these dynamic characteristics, mode shape requires multiple measurements of the structure at different positions, which increases the experimental cost and time. Recently, the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) method has been introduced to extract mode-shape information from a continuous measurement, which requires vibration measurements from one position to another position continuously with a non-contact sensor. In this research study, an effort has been made to estimate the mode shapes of a rolling tire with a single measurement instead of using the conventional experimental setup (i.e., measurement of the vibration of a rolling tire at multiple positions similar to the case of a non-rotating structure), which is used to estimate the dynamic behavior of a rolling tire. For this purpose, HHT, which was used in the continuous measurement of a non-rotating structure in previous research studies, has been used for the case of a rotating system in this study. Ambiguous mode combinations can occur in this rotating system, and therefore, a method to overcome this ambiguity is proposed in this study. In addition, the specific phenomenon for a rotating system is introduced, and the effect of this phenomenon with regard to the obtained results through HHT is investigated.

SCALE Continuous-Energy Eigenvalue Sensitivity Coefficient Calculations

DOE PAGES

Perfetti, Christopher M.; Rearden, Bradley T.; Martin, William R.

2016-02-25

Sensitivity coefficients describe the fractional change in a system response that is induced by changes to system parameters and nuclear data. The Tools for Sensitivity and UNcertainty Analysis Methodology Implementation (TSUNAMI) code within the SCALE code system makes use of eigenvalue sensitivity coefficients for an extensive number of criticality safety applications, including quantifying the data-induced uncertainty in the eigenvalue of critical systems, assessing the neutronic similarity between different critical systems, and guiding nuclear data adjustment studies. The need to model geometrically complex systems with improved fidelity and the desire to extend TSUNAMI analysis to advanced applications has motivated the developmentmore » of a methodology for calculating sensitivity coefficients in continuous-energy (CE) Monte Carlo applications. The Contributon-Linked eigenvalue sensitivity/Uncertainty estimation via Tracklength importance CHaracterization (CLUTCH) and Iterated Fission Probability (IFP) eigenvalue sensitivity methods were recently implemented in the CE-KENO framework of the SCALE code system to enable TSUNAMI-3D to perform eigenvalue sensitivity calculations using continuous-energy Monte Carlo methods. This work provides a detailed description of the theory behind the CLUTCH method and describes in detail its implementation. This work explores the improvements in eigenvalue sensitivity coefficient accuracy that can be gained through the use of continuous-energy sensitivity methods and also compares several sensitivity methods in terms of computational efficiency and memory requirements.« less

Comparison of Fungal Community in Black Pepper-Vanilla and Vanilla Monoculture Systems Associated with Vanilla Fusarium Wilt Disease.

PubMed

Xiong, Wu; Zhao, Qingyun; Xue, Chao; Xun, Weibing; Zhao, Jun; Wu, Huasong; Li, Rong; Shen, Qirong

2016-01-01

Long-term vanilla monocropping often results in the occurrence of vanilla Fusarium wilt disease, seriously affecting its production all over the world. In the present study, vanilla exhibited significantly less Fusarium wilt disease in the soil of a long-term continuously cropped black pepper orchard. The entire fungal communities of bulk and rhizosphere soils between the black pepper-vanilla system (i.e., vanilla cropped in the soil of a continuously cropped black pepper orchard) and vanilla monoculture system were compared through the deep pyrosequencing. The results showed that the black pepper-vanilla system revealed a significantly higher fungal diversity than the vanilla monoculture system in both bulk and rhizosphere soils. The UniFrac-weighted PCoA analysis revealed significant differences in bulk soil fungal community structures between the two cropping systems, and fungal community structures were seriously affected by the vanilla root system. In summary, the black pepper-vanilla system harbored a lower abundance of Fusarium oxysporum in the vanilla rhizosphere soil and increased the putatively plant-beneficial fungal groups such as Trichoderma and Penicillium genus, which could explain the healthy growth of vanilla in the soil of the long-term continuously cropped black pepper field. Thus, cropping vanilla in the soil of continuously cropped black pepper fields for maintaining the vanilla industry is executable and meaningful as an agro-ecological system.

Comparison of Fungal Community in Black Pepper-Vanilla and Vanilla Monoculture Systems Associated with Vanilla Fusarium Wilt Disease

PubMed Central

Xiong, Wu; Zhao, Qingyun; Xue, Chao; Xun, Weibing; Zhao, Jun; Wu, Huasong; Li, Rong; Shen, Qirong

2016-01-01

Long-term vanilla monocropping often results in the occurrence of vanilla Fusarium wilt disease, seriously affecting its production all over the world. In the present study, vanilla exhibited significantly less Fusarium wilt disease in the soil of a long-term continuously cropped black pepper orchard. The entire fungal communities of bulk and rhizosphere soils between the black pepper-vanilla system (i.e., vanilla cropped in the soil of a continuously cropped black pepper orchard) and vanilla monoculture system were compared through the deep pyrosequencing. The results showed that the black pepper-vanilla system revealed a significantly higher fungal diversity than the vanilla monoculture system in both bulk and rhizosphere soils. The UniFrac-weighted PCoA analysis revealed significant differences in bulk soil fungal community structures between the two cropping systems, and fungal community structures were seriously affected by the vanilla root system. In summary, the black pepper-vanilla system harbored a lower abundance of Fusarium oxysporum in the vanilla rhizosphere soil and increased the putatively plant-beneficial fungal groups such as Trichoderma and Penicillium genus, which could explain the healthy growth of vanilla in the soil of the long-term continuously cropped black pepper field. Thus, cropping vanilla in the soil of continuously cropped black pepper fields for maintaining the vanilla industry is executable and meaningful as an agro-ecological system. PMID:26903995

Multiple coupled landscapes and non-adiabatic dynamics with applications to self-activating genes.

PubMed

Chen, Cong; Zhang, Kun; Feng, Haidong; Sasai, Masaki; Wang, Jin

2015-11-21

Many physical, chemical and biochemical systems (e.g. electronic dynamics and gene regulatory networks) are governed by continuous stochastic processes (e.g. electron dynamics on a particular electronic energy surface and protein (gene product) synthesis) coupled with discrete processes (e.g. hopping among different electronic energy surfaces and on and off switching of genes). One can also think of the underlying dynamics as the continuous motion on a particular landscape and discrete hoppings among different landscapes. The main difference of such systems from the intra-landscape dynamics alone is the emergence of the timescale involved in transitions among different landscapes in addition to the timescale involved in a particular landscape. The adiabatic limit when inter-landscape hoppings are fast compared to continuous intra-landscape dynamics has been studied both analytically and numerically, but the analytical treatment of the non-adiabatic regime where the inter-landscape hoppings are slow or comparable to continuous intra-landscape dynamics remains challenging. In this study, we show that there exists mathematical mapping of the dynamics on 2(N) discretely coupled N continuous dimensional landscapes onto one single landscape in 2N dimensional extended continuous space. On this 2N dimensional landscape, eddy current emerges as a sign of non-equilibrium non-adiabatic dynamics and plays an important role in system evolution. Many interesting physical effects such as the enhancement of fluctuations, irreversibility, dissipation and optimal kinetics emerge due to non-adiabaticity manifested by the eddy current illustrated for an N = 1 self-activator. We further generalize our theory to the N-gene network with multiple binding sites and multiple synthesis rates for discretely coupled non-equilibrium stochastic physical and biological systems.

40 CFR 60.3040 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.3040 Section 60.3040 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... continuous emission monitoring systems? (a) Conduct annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring... emission monitoring systems daily and quarterly as specified in appendix F of this part. ...

40 CFR 60.2939 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and Qualification Monitoring § 60.2939 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install? (a) You must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for carbon... carbon monoxide. (b) You must install, evaluate, and operate each continuous emission monitoring system...

40 CFR 60.2939 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... and Qualification Monitoring § 60.2939 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install? (a) You must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for carbon... carbon monoxide. (b) You must install, evaluate, and operate each continuous emission monitoring system...

QKD Via a Quantum Wavelength Router Using Spatial Soliton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kouhnavard, M.; Amiri, I. S.; Afroozeh, A.; Jalil, M. A.; Ali, J.; Yupapin, P. P.

2011-05-01

A system for continuous variable quantum key distribution via a wavelength router is proposed. The Kerr type of light in the nonlinear microring resonator (NMRR) induces the chaotic behavior. In this proposed system chaotic signals are generated by an optical soliton or Gaussian pulse within a NMRR system. The parameters, such as input power, MRRs radii and coupling coefficients can change and plays important role in determining the results in which the continuous signals are generated spreading over the spectrum. Large bandwidth signals of optical soliton are generated by the input pulse propagating within the MRRs, which is allowed to form the continuous wavelength or frequency with large tunable channel capacity. The continuous variable QKD is formed by using the localized spatial soliton pulses via a quantum router and networks. The selected optical spatial pulse can be used to perform the secure communication network. Here the entangled photon generated by chaotic signals has been analyzed. The continuous entangled photon is generated by using the polarization control unit incorporating into the MRRs, required to provide the continuous variable QKD. Results obtained have shown that the application of such a system for the simultaneous continuous variable quantum cryptography can be used in the mobile telephone hand set and networks. In this study frequency band of 500 MHz and 2.0 GHz and wavelengths of 775 nm, 2,325 nm and 1.55 μm can be obtained for QKD use with input optical soliton and Gaussian beam respectively.

Development of a Software Safety Process and a Case Study of Its Use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, J. C.

1996-01-01

Research in the year covered by this reporting period has been primarily directed toward: continued development of mock-ups of computer screens for operator of a digital reactor control system; development of a reactor simulation to permit testing of various elements of the control system; formal specification of user interfaces; fault-tree analysis including software; evaluation of formal verification techniques; and continued development of a software documentation system. Technical results relating to this grant and the remainder of the principal investigator's research program are contained in various reports and papers.

Dynamic stability analysis of torsional vibrations of a shaft system connected by a Hooke's joint through a continuous system model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulut, Gökhan

2014-08-01

Stability of parametrically excited torsional vibrations of a shaft system composed of two torsionally elastic shafts interconnected through a Hooke's joint is studied. The shafts are considered to be continuous (distributed-parameter) systems and an approximate discrete model for the torsional vibrations of the shaft system is derived via a finite element scheme. The stability of the solutions of the linearized equations of motion, consisting of a set of Mathieu-Hill type equations, is examined by means of a monodromy matrix method and the results are presented in the form of a Strutt-Ince diagram visualizing the effects of the system parameters on the stability of the shaft system.

Short term evaluation of harvesting systems for ecosystem management

Treesearch

Michael D. Erickson; Penn Peters; Curt Hassler

1995-01-01

Continuous time/motion studies have traditionally been the basis for productivity estimates of timber harvesting systems. The detailed data from such studies permits the researcher or analyst to develop mathematical relationships based on stand, system, and stem attributes for describing machine cycle times. The resulting equation(s) allow the analyst to estimate...

Voice Interactive Analysis System Study. Final Report, August 28, 1978 through March 23, 1979.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harry, D. P.; And Others

The Voice Interactive Analysis System study continued research and development of the LISTEN real-time, minicomputer based connected speech recognition system, within NAVTRAEQUIPCEN'S program of developing automatic speech technology in support of training. An attempt was made to identify the most effective features detected by the TTI-500 model…

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study (exhibit C)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G. M.

1978-01-01

A coplanar satellite conceptual approach was defined. This effort included several trade studies related to satellite design and also construction approaches for this satellite. A transportation system, consistent with this concept, was also studied, including an electric orbit transfer vehicle and a parallel-burn heavy lift launch vehicle. Work on a solid state microwave concept continued and several alternative approaches were evaluated. Computer determination of an optimized transistor and circuit design was also continued. Experiment/verification planning resulted in the development of a total solar array and microwave technology development plan, as well as definition of near-term research to evaluate key technology issues.

76 FR 70075 - Proximity Detection Systems for Continuous Mining Machines in Underground Coal Mines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-10

... Detection Systems for Continuous Mining Machines in Underground Coal Mines AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health... proposed rule addressing Proximity Detection Systems for Continuous Mining Machines in Underground Coal... Detection Systems for Continuous Mining Machines in Underground Coal Mines. MSHA conducted hearings on...

76 FR 63238 - Proximity Detection Systems for Continuous Mining Machines in Underground Coal Mines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-12

... Detection Systems for Continuous Mining Machines in Underground Coal Mines AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health... Agency's proposed rule addressing Proximity Detection Systems for Continuous Mining Machines in... proposed rule for Proximity Detection Systems on Continuous Mining Machines in Underground Coal Mines. Due...

40 CFR 60.1740 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1740 Section 60.1740 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems? (a) Conduct annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems no more than 13 months after the previous evaluation was conducted. (b) Evaluate your...

40 CFR 60.1235 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1235 Section 60.1235 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1235 How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used? You must use data from the continuous emission monitoring systems for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen...

40 CFR 60.1235 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1235 Section 60.1235 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1235 How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used? You must use data from the continuous emission monitoring systems for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen...

40 CFR 62.15195 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 62.15195 Section 62.15195 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems? (a) Conduct annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems no more than 13 months after the previous evaluation was conducted. (b) Evaluate your...

40 CFR 62.15195 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 62.15195 Section 62.15195 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems? (a) Conduct annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems no more than 13 months after the previous evaluation was conducted. (b) Evaluate your...

Continuous 30-day measurements utilizing the monkey metabolism pod. [study of weightlessness effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pace, N.; Kodama, A. M.; Mains, R. C.; Rahlmann, D. F.; Grunbaum, B. W.

1977-01-01

A fiberglass system was previously described, using which quantitative physiological measurements could be made to study the effects of weightlessness on 10 to 14 kg adult monkeys maintained in comfortable restraint under space flight conditions. Recent improvements in the system have made it possible to obtain continuous measurements of respiratory gas exchange, cardiovascular function, and mineral balance for periods of up to 30 days on pig-tailed monkeys. It has also been possible to operate two pods which share one set of instrumentation, thereby permitting simultaneous measurements to be made on two animals by commutating signal outputs from the pods. In principle, more than two pods could be operated in this fashion. The system is compatible with Spacelab design. Representative physiological data from ground tests of the system are presented.

Study of a homotopy continuation method for early orbit determination with the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. L.; Huang, C.

1986-01-01

A recent mathematical technique for solving systems of equations is applied in a very general way to the orbit determination problem. The study of this technique, the homotopy continuation method, was motivated by the possible need to perform early orbit determination with the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), using range and Doppler tracking alone. Basically, a set of six tracking observations is continuously transformed from a set with known solution to the given set of observations with unknown solutions, and the corresponding orbit state vector is followed from the a priori estimate to the solutions. A numerical algorithm for following the state vector is developed and described in detail. Numerical examples using both real and simulated TDRSS tracking are given. A prototype early orbit determination algorithm for possible use in TDRSS orbit operations was extensively tested, and the results are described. Preliminary studies of two extensions of the method are discussed: generalization to a least-squares formulation and generalization to an exhaustive global method.

40 CFR 60.1270 - What is required for my continuous opacity monitoring system and how are the data used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... opacity monitoring system and how are the data used? 60.1270 Section 60.1270 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1270 What is required for my continuous opacity monitoring system and how... system. (b) Install, evaluate, and operate each continuous opacity monitoring system according to § 60.13...

Provider connectedness and communication patterns: extending continuity of care in the context of the circle of care

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Continuity is an important aspect of quality of care, especially for complex patients in the community. We explored provider perceptions of continuity through a system’s lens. The circle of care was used as the system. Methods Soft systems methodology was used to understand and improve continuity for end of life patients in two communities. Participants: Physicians, nurses, pharmacists in two communities in British Columbia, involved in end of life care. Two debates/discussion groups were completed after the interviews and initial analysis to confirm findings. Interview recordings were qualitatively analyzed to extract components and enablers of continuity. Results 32 provider interviews were completed. Findings from this study support the three types of continuity described by Haggerty and Reid (information, management, and relationship continuity). This work extends their model by adding features of the circle of care that influence and enable continuity: Provider Connectedness the sense of knowing and trust between providers who share care of a patient; a set of ten communication patterns that are used to support continuity across the circle of care; and environmental factors outside the circle that can indirectly influence continuity. Conclusions We present an extended model of continuity of care. The components in the model can support health planners consider how health care is organized to promote continuity and by researchers when considering future continuity research. PMID:23941179

Evaluating Evaluation Systems: Policy Levers and Strategies for Studying Implementation of Educator Evaluation. Policy Snapshot

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matlach, Lauren

2015-01-01

Evaluation studies can provide feedback on implementation, support continuous improvement, and increase understanding of evaluation systems' impact on teaching and learning. Despite the importance of educator evaluation studies, states often need support to prioritize and fund them. Successful studies require expertise, time, and a shared…

WhiteRef: a new tower-based hyperspectral system for continuous reflectance measurements.

PubMed

Sakowska, Karolina; Gianelle, Damiano; Zaldei, Alessandro; MacArthur, Alasdair; Carotenuto, Federico; Miglietta, Franco; Zampedri, Roberto; Cavagna, Mauro; Vescovo, Loris

2015-01-08

Proximal sensing is fundamental to monitor the spatial and seasonal dynamics of ecosystems and can be considered as a crucial validation tool to upscale in situ observations to the satellite level. Linking hyperspectral remote sensing with carbon fluxes and biophysical parameters is critical to allow the exploitation of spatial and temporal extensive information for validating model simulations at different scales. In this study, we present the WhiteRef, a new hyperspectral system designed as a direct result of the needs identified during the EUROSPEC ES0903 Cost Action, and developed by Fondazione Edmund Mach and the Institute of Biometeorology, CNR, Italy. The system is based on the ASD FieldSpec Pro spectroradiometer and was designed to acquire continuous radiometric measurements at the Eddy Covariance (EC) towers and to fill a gap in the scientific community: in fact, no system for continuous spectral measurements in the Short Wave Infrared was tested before at the EC sites. The paper illustrates the functioning of the WhiteRef and describes its main advantages and disadvantages. The WhiteRef system, being based on a robust and high quality commercially available instrument, has a clear potential for unattended continuous measurements aiming at the validation of satellites' vegetation products.

40 CFR 60.1275 - What additional requirements must I meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring... additional requirements must I meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system? Use the required span values and applicable performance specifications...

40 CFR 60.1275 - What additional requirements must I meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring... additional requirements must I meet for the operation of my continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity monitoring system? Use the required span values and applicable performance specifications...

Event-Triggered Adaptive Dynamic Programming for Continuous-Time Systems With Control Constraints.

PubMed

Dong, Lu; Zhong, Xiangnan; Sun, Changyin; He, Haibo

2016-08-31

In this paper, an event-triggered near optimal control structure is developed for nonlinear continuous-time systems with control constraints. Due to the saturating actuators, a nonquadratic cost function is introduced and the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation for constrained nonlinear continuous-time systems is formulated. In order to solve the HJB equation, an actor-critic framework is presented. The critic network is used to approximate the cost function and the action network is used to estimate the optimal control law. In addition, in the proposed method, the control signal is transmitted in an aperiodic manner to reduce the computational and the transmission cost. Both the networks are only updated at the trigger instants decided by the event-triggered condition. Detailed Lyapunov analysis is provided to guarantee that the closed-loop event-triggered system is ultimately bounded. Three case studies are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Computer Simulations and Literature Survey of Continuously Variable Transmissions for Use in Buses

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-12-01

Numerous studies have been conducted on the concept of flywheel energy storage for buses. Flywheel systems require a continuously variable transmission (CVT) of some type to transmit power between the flywheel and the drive wheels. However, a CVT can...

40 CFR Table 4 to Subpart Hhhhhhh... - Applicability of the General Provisions to Part 63

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... SSM plan for continuous monitoring systems No. § 63.8(c)(5) Continuous opacity monitoring system...) Written procedures for continuous monitoring systems Yes, except for last sentence, which refers to an SSM plan. SSM plans are not required § 63.8(e) Continuous monitoring systems performance evaluation Yes...

40 CFR 60.1735 - Am I exempt from any appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1735 Section 60.1735... systems? Yes, the accuracy tests for your sulfur dioxide continuous emission monitoring system require you to also evaluate your oxygen (or carbon dioxide) continuous emission monitoring system. Therefore...

40 CFR Table 3 of Subpart Aaaa to... - Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) 3 Table 3 of Subpart AAAA to Part 60 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) For the following continuous emission monitoring systems Use...

40 CFR Table 3 of Subpart Aaaa to... - Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) 3 Table 3 of Subpart AAAA to Part 60 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) For the following continuous emission monitoring systems Use...

40 CFR 63.7747 - How do I apply for alternative monitoring requirements for a continuous emissions monitoring system?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... monitoring requirements for a continuous emissions monitoring system? 63.7747 Section 63.7747 Protection of... apply for alternative monitoring requirements for a continuous emissions monitoring system? (a) You may... prevention technique, a description of the continuous monitoring system or method including appropriate...

40 CFR 60.1735 - Am I exempt from any appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1735 Section 60.1735... systems? Yes, the accuracy tests for your sulfur dioxide continuous emission monitoring system require you to also evaluate your oxygen (or carbon dioxide) continuous emission monitoring system. Therefore...

40 CFR 63.7747 - How do I apply for alternative monitoring requirements for a continuous emissions monitoring system?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... monitoring requirements for a continuous emissions monitoring system? 63.7747 Section 63.7747 Protection of... apply for alternative monitoring requirements for a continuous emissions monitoring system? (a) You may... prevention technique, a description of the continuous monitoring system or method including appropriate...

Exploring Factors Affecting Students' Continued Wiki Use for Individual and Collaborative Learning: An Extended UTAUT Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yueh, Hsiu-Ping; Huang, Jo-Yi; Chang, Chueh

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate what factors affect students' adaptation and continued use of a Wiki system for collaborative writing tasks through an extension of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). This study was conducted in a general education course in a university in northern Taiwan. Data were…

Flash Glucose Monitoring: Differences Between Intermittently Scanned and Continuously Stored Data.

PubMed

Pleus, Stefan; Kamecke, Ulrike; Link, Manuela; Haug, Cornelia; Freckmann, Guido

2018-03-01

The flash glucose monitoring system FreeStyle Libre (Abbott Diabetes Care Ltd., Witney, UK) measures interstitial glucose concentrations and continuously stores measurement values every 15 minutes. To obtain a current glucose reading, users have to scan the sensor with the reader. In a clinical trial, 5% of the scanned data showed relative differences of more than ±10% compared with continuously stored data points (median -0.5%). Such differences might impact results of studies using this system. It should be indicated whether scanned or continuously stored data were used for analyses. Health care professionals might have to differentiate between data reports from clinical software and the scanned data their patients are provided with. Additional information on these differences and their potential impact on therapeutic decisions would be helpful.

Tracking Control and System Development for Laser-Driven Micro-Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajiwara, Itsuro; Hoshino, Kentaro; Hara, Shinji; Shiokata, Daisuke; Yabe, Takashi

The purpose of this paper is to design a control system for an integrated laser propulsion/tracking system to achieve continuous motion and control of laser-driven micro-vehicles. Laser propulsion is significant in achieving miniature and light micro-vehicles. A laser-driven micro-airplane has been studied using a paper airplane and YAG laser, resulting in successful gliding of the airplane. High-performance laser tracking control is required to achieve continuous flight. This paper presents a control design strategy based on the generalized Kalman-Yakubovic-Popov lemma to achieve this requirement. Experiments have been carried out to evaluate the performance of the integrated laser propulsion/tracking system.

Robust Adaptive Dynamic Programming of Two-Player Zero-Sum Games for Continuous-Time Linear Systems.

PubMed

Fu, Yue; Fu, Jun; Chai, Tianyou

2015-12-01

In this brief, an online robust adaptive dynamic programming algorithm is proposed for two-player zero-sum games of continuous-time unknown linear systems with matched uncertainties, which are functions of system outputs and states of a completely unknown exosystem. The online algorithm is developed using the policy iteration (PI) scheme with only one iteration loop. A new analytical method is proposed for convergence proof of the PI scheme. The sufficient conditions are given to guarantee globally asymptotic stability and suboptimal property of the closed-loop system. Simulation studies are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Quantitative Diagnosis of Continuous-Valued, Stead-State Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rouquette, N.

1995-01-01

Quantitative diagnosis involves numerically estimating the values of unobservable parameters that best explain the observed parameter values. We consider quantitative diagnosis for continuous, lumped- parameter, steady-state physical systems because such models are easy to construct and the diagnosis problem is considerably simpler than that for corresponding dynamic models. To further tackle the difficulties of numerically inverting a simulation model to compute a diagnosis, we propose to decompose a physical system model in terms of feedback loops. This decomposition reduces the dimension of the problem and consequently decreases the diagnosis search space. We illustrate this approach on a model of thermal control system studied in earlier research.

THE INCIDENCE OF HYPERGLYCAEMIA IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT PRETERM NEWBORNS. RESULTS OF A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING STUDY--PRELIMINARY REPORT.

PubMed

Szymońska, Izabela; Jagła, Mateusz; Starzec, Katarzyna; Hrnciar, Katarzyna; Kwinta, Przemko

2015-01-01

To determine the incidence of hyperglycaemia in very low birth weight preterm newborns. To assess risk factors in hyperglycemia and outcome in groups of children with and without clinically significant hyperglycaemia. The prospective study included newborns with very low birth weight in whom the continuous glucose monitoring system was used for glucose measurements. A standardized hyperglycaemia treatment schedule was implemented and a uniform nutrition strategy introduced. The patients were divided into groups: group A--patients with under 5% of the readings over 150 mg/dL of glucose (control group), group B--patients with more than 5% of the readings over 150 mg/dL of glucose and under 5% of the readings over 180 mg/dL of glucose (mild hyperglycaemia), and group C--patients with over 5% of the readings > 180 mg/dL or on insulin treatment (moderate or severe hyperglycaemia). 63 patients were included in the study. Their mean gestational age was 27.7 weeks (SD:2.4), the mean birth weight was 1059g (SD: 262 g). Hyperglycaemia was detected in 27 (42.9%), including mild hyperglycaemia in 19 (30.2%), and moderate or severe hyperglycaemia in 8 (12.7%) neonates. Lower gestational age (p = 0.02) and higher CRIB IIscore (p < 0.01) were positively associated with hyperglycaemia. Early-onset sepsis (p < 0.01) was associated with higher glucose levels as well. A significantly higher mortality rate on the 28th day of life (p = 0.02), depending on the severity of hyperglycemia, was noted. No adverse effects related to the continuous glucose monitoring system were observed. The study confirmed the usefulness and safety of the continuous glucose monitoring system in VLBW neonates. A continuous glucose monitoring system should be used in neonatal intensive care units as a standard method.

Research study on stabilization and control: Modern sampled-data control theory. Continuous and discrete describing function analysis of the LST system. [with emphasis on the control moment gyroscope control loop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuo, B. C.; Singh, G.

1974-01-01

The dynamics of the Large Space Telescope (LST) control system were studied in order to arrive at a simplified model for computer simulation without loss of accuracy. The frictional nonlinearity of the Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) Control Loop was analyzed in a model to obtain data for the following: (1) a continuous describing function for the gimbal friction nonlinearity; (2) a describing function of the CMG nonlinearity using an analytical torque equation; and (3) the discrete describing function and function plots for CMG functional linearity. Preliminary computer simulations are shown for the simplified LST system, first without, and then with analytical torque expressions. Transfer functions of the sampled-data LST system are also described. A final computer simulation is presented which uses elements of the simplified sampled-data LST system with analytical CMG frictional torque expressions.

Performance evaluations of continuous glucose monitoring systems: precision absolute relative deviation is part of the assessment.

PubMed

Obermaier, Karin; Schmelzeisen-Redeker, Günther; Schoemaker, Michael; Klötzer, Hans-Martin; Kirchsteiger, Harald; Eikmeier, Heino; del Re, Luigi

2013-07-01

Even though a Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute proposal exists on the design of studies and performance criteria for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, it has not yet led to a consistent evaluation of different systems, as no consensus has been reached on the reference method to evaluate them or on acceptance levels. As a consequence, performance assessment of CGM systems tends to be inconclusive, and a comparison of the outcome of different studies is difficult. Published information and available data (as presented in this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology by Freckmann and coauthors) are used to assess the suitability of several frequently used methods [International Organization for Standardization, continuous glucose error grid analysis, mean absolute relative deviation (MARD), precision absolute relative deviation (PARD)] when assessing performance of CGM systems in terms of accuracy and precision. The combined use of MARD and PARD seems to allow for better characterization of sensor performance. The use of different quantities for calibration and evaluation, e.g., capillary blood using a blood glucose (BG) meter versus venous blood using a laboratory measurement, introduces an additional error source. Using BG values measured in more or less large intervals as the only reference leads to a significant loss of information in comparison with the continuous sensor signal and possibly to an erroneous estimation of sensor performance during swings. Both can be improved using data from two identical CGM sensors worn by the same patient in parallel. Evaluation of CGM performance studies should follow an identical study design, including sufficient swings in glycemia. At least a part of the study participants should wear two identical CGM sensors in parallel. All data available should be used for evaluation, both by MARD and PARD, a good PARD value being a precondition to trust a good MARD value. Results should be analyzed and presented separately for clinically different categories, e.g., hypoglycemia, exercise, or night and day. © 2013 Diabetes Technology Society.

Map of assessed continuous (unconventional) oil resources in the United States, 2014

USGS Publications Warehouse

,; Biewick, Laura R. H.

2015-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducts quantitative assessments of potential oil and gas resources of the onshore United States and associated coastal State waters. Since 2000, the USGS has completed assessments of continuous (unconventional) resources in the United States based on geologic studies and analysis of well-production data and has compiled digital maps of the assessment units classified into four categories: shale gas, tight gas, coalbed gas, and shale oil or tight oil (continuous oil). This is the fourth digital map product in a series of USGS unconventional oil and gas resource maps; its focus being shale-oil or tight-oil (continuous-oil) assessments. The map plate included in this report can be printed in hardcopy form or downloaded in a Geographic Information System (GIS) data package, which includes an ArcGIS ArcMap document (.mxd), geodatabase (.gdb), and a published map file (.pmf). Supporting geologic studies of total petroleum systems and assessment units, as well as studies of the methodology used in the assessment of continuous-oil resources in the United States, are listed with hyperlinks in table 1. Assessment results and geologic reports are available at the USGS websitehttp://energy.usgs.gov/OilGas/AssessmentsData/NationalOilGasAssessment.aspx.

Feasibility of utilizing bioindicators for testing microbial inactivation in sweetpotato purees processed with a continuous-flow microwave system.

PubMed

Brinley, T A; Dock, C N; Truong, V-D; Coronel, P; Kumar, P; Simunovic, J; Sandeep, K P; Cartwright, G D; Swartzel, K R; Jaykus, L-A

2007-06-01

Continuous-flow microwave heating has potential in aseptic processing of various food products, including purees from sweetpotatoes and other vegetables. Establishing the feasibility of a new processing technology for achieving commercial sterility requires evaluating microbial inactivation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using commercially available plastic pouches of bioindicators containing spores of Geobacillius stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 35021 for evaluating the degree of microbial inactivation achieved in vegetable purees processed in a continuous-flow microwave heating unit. Sweetpotato puree seeded with the bioindicators was subjected to 3 levels of processing based on the fastest particles: undertarget process (F(0) approximately 0.65), target process (F(0) approximately 2.8), and overtarget process (F(0) approximately 10.10). After initial experiments, we found it was necessary to engineer a setup with 2 removable tubes connected to the continuous-flow microwave system to facilitate the injection of indicators into the unit without interrupting the puree flow. Using this approach, 60% of the indicators injected into the system could be recovered postprocess. Spore survival after processing, as evaluated by use of growth indicator dyes and standard plating methods, verified inactivation of the spores in sweetpotato puree. The log reduction results for B. subtilis were equivalent to the predesigned degrees of sterilization (F(0)). This study presents the first report suggesting that bioindicators such as the flexible, food-grade plastic pouches can be used for microbial validation of commercial sterilization in aseptic processing of foods using a continuous-flow microwave system.

40 CFR 62.15190 - Am I exempt from any 40 CFR part 60 appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? 62.15190 Section... evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? Yes, the accuracy tests for your sulfur dioxide continuous emission monitoring system require you to also evaluate your oxygen (or carbon dioxide) continuous emission...

40 CFR 62.15190 - Am I exempt from any 40 CFR part 60 appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? 62.15190 Section... evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? Yes, the accuracy tests for your sulfur dioxide continuous emission monitoring system require you to also evaluate your oxygen (or carbon dioxide) continuous emission...

40 CFR 89.419 - Dilute gaseous exhaust sampling and analytical system description.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) Continuous HC measurement system. (i) The continuous HC sample system (as shown in Figure 2 or 3 in appendix... this is not required. (ii) No other analyzers may draw a sample from the continuous HC sample probe... continuous HC sampling system shall consist of a probe (which must raise the sample to the specified...

40 CFR 60.1760 - What is required for my continuous opacity monitoring system and how are the data used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... opacity monitoring system and how are the data used? 60.1760 Section 60.1760 Protection of Environment... continuous opacity monitoring system and how are the data used? (a) Install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a continuous opacity monitoring system. (b) Install, evaluate, and operate each continuous opacity...

40 CFR Table 6 to Subpart Bbbb of... - Model Rule-Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) 6 Table 6 to Subpart BBBB of Part 60 Protection of Environment...—Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) For the following continuous emission monitoring systems Use the following methods in appendix A of this part to validate poollutant concentratin...

40 CFR Table 6 to Subpart Bbbb of... - Model Rule-Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) 6 Table 6 to Subpart BBBB of Part 60 Protection of Environment...—Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) For the following continuous emission monitoring systems Use the following methods in appendix A of this part to validate poollutant concentratin...

Total heart replacement using dual intracorporeal continuous-flow pumps in a chronic bovine model: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Frazier, O H; Tuzun, Egemen; Cohn, William E; Conger, Jeffrey L; Kadipasaoglu, Kamuran A

2006-01-01

Continuous-flow pumps are small, simple, and respond physiologically to input variations, making them potentially ideal for total heart replacement. However, the physiological effects of complete pulseless flow during long-term circulatory support without a cardiac interface or with complete cardiac exclusion have not been well studied. We evaluated the feasibility of dual continuous-flow pumps as a total artificial heart (TAH) in a chronic bovine model. Both ventricles of a 6-month-old Corriente crossbred calf were excised and sewing rings attached to the reinforced atrioventricular junctions. The inlet portions of 2 Jarvik 2000 pumps were positioned through their respective sewing rings at the mid-atrial level and the pulseless atrial reservoir connected end-to-end to the pulmonary artery and aorta. Pulseless systemic and pulmonary circulations were thereby achieved. Volume status was controlled, and systemic and pulmonary resistance were managed pharmacologically to keep mean arterial pressures at 100+/-10 mmHg (systemic) and 20+/-5 mmHg (pulmonary) and both left and right atrial pressures at 15+/-5 mmHg. The left pump speed was maintained at 14,000 rpm and its output autoregulated in response to variations in right pump flow, systemic and pulmonary pressures, fluid status, and activity level. Hemodynamics, end-organ function, and neurohormonal status remained normal. These results suggest the feasibility of using dual continuous-flow pumps as a TAH.

Low-temperature catalytic gasification of food processing wastes. 1995 topical report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Elliott, D.C.; Hart, T.R.

The catalytic gasification system described in this report has undergone continuing development and refining work at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for over 16 years. The original experiments, performed for the Gas Research Institute, were aimed at developing kinetics information for steam gasification of biomass in the presence of catalysts. From the fundamental research evolved the concept of a pressurized, catalytic gasification system for converting wet biomass feedstocks to fuel gas. Extensive batch reactor testing and limited continuous stirred-tank reactor tests provided useful design information for evaluating the preliminary economics of the process. This report is a follow-on to previousmore » interim reports which reviewed the results of the studies conducted with batch and continuous-feed reactor systems from 1989 to 1994, including much work with food processing wastes. The discussion here provides details of experiments on food processing waste feedstock materials, exclusively, that were conducted in batch and continuous- flow reactors.« less

A Human Serum-Based Enzyme-Free Continuous Glucose Monitoring Technique Using a Needle-Type Bio-Layer Interference Sensor.

PubMed

Seo, Dongmin; Paek, Sung-Ho; Oh, Sangwoo; Seo, Sungkyu; Paek, Se-Hwan

2016-09-24

The incidence of diabetes is continually increasing, and by 2030, it is expected to have increased by 69% and 20% in underdeveloped and developed countries, respectively. Therefore, glucose sensors are likely to remain in high demand in medical device markets. For the current study, we developed a needle-type bio-layer interference (BLI) sensor that can continuously monitor glucose levels. Using dialysis procedures, we were able to obtain hypoglycemic samples from commercial human serum. These dialysis-derived samples, alongside samples of normal human serum were used to evaluate the utility of the sensor for the detection of the clinical interest range of glucose concentrations (70-200 mg/dL), revealing high system performance for a wide glycemic state range (45-500 mg/dL). Reversibility and reproducibility were also tested over a range of time spans. Combined with existing BLI system technology, this sensor holds great promise for use as a wearable online continuous glucose monitoring system for patients in a hospital setting.

An Indirect System Identification Technique for Stable Estimation of Continuous-Time Parameters of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kukreja, Sunil L.; Wallin, Ragnar; Boyle, Richard D.

2013-01-01

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is a well-known dual mode bifurcating system that consists of slow and fast modes associated with nystagmus and saccade, respectively. Estimation of continuous-time parameters of nystagmus and saccade models are known to be sensitive to estimation methodology, noise and sampling rate. The stable and accurate estimation of these parameters are critical for accurate disease modelling, clinical diagnosis, robotic control strategies, mission planning for space exploration and pilot safety, etc. This paper presents a novel indirect system identification method for the estimation of continuous-time parameters of VOR employing standardised least-squares with dual sampling rates in a sparse structure. This approach permits the stable and simultaneous estimation of both nystagmus and saccade data. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated via simulation of a continuous-time model of VOR with typical parameters found in clinical studies and in the presence of output additive noise.

Studies with sample conductivity, insertion rates, and particle deflection in a continuous flow electrophoresis system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, G., Jr.

1982-01-01

The continuous flow electrophoresis system makes electrophoresis possible in a free-flowing film of aqueous electrolyte medium. The sample continuously enters the electrolyte at the top of the chamber and is subjected to the action of a lateral dc field. This divides the sample into fractions since each component has a distinctive electrophoretic mobility. Tests were made using monodisperse polystyrene latex microspheres to determine optimum sample conductivity, insertion rates and optimum electric field applications as baseline data for future STS flight experiments. Optimum sample flow rates for the selected samples were determined to be approximately 26 micro-liters/min. Experiments with samples in deionized water yielded best results and voltages in the 20 V/cm to 30 V/cm range were optimum. Deflections of formaldehyde fixed turkey and bovine erythrocytes were determined using the continuous flow electrophoresis system. The effects of particle interactions on sample resolution and migration in the chamber was also evaluated.

Information system end-user satisfaction and continuance intention: A unified modeling approach.

PubMed

Hadji, Brahim; Degoulet, Patrice

2016-06-01

Permanent evaluation of end-user satisfaction and continuance intention is a critical issue at each phase of a clinical information system (CIS) project, but most validation studies are concerned with the pre- or early post-adoption phases. The purpose of this study was twofold: to validate at the Pompidou University Hospital (HEGP) an information technology late post-adoption model built from four validated models and to propose a unified metamodel of evaluation that could be adapted to each context or deployment phase of a CIS project. Five dimensions, i.e., CIS quality (CISQ), perceived usefulness (PU), confirmation of expectations (CE), user satisfaction (SAT), and continuance intention (CI) were selected to constitute the CI evaluation model. The validity of the model was tested using the combined answers to four surveys performed between 2011 and 2015, i.e., more than ten years after the opening of HEGP in July 2000. Structural equation modeling was used to test the eight model-associated hypotheses. The multi-professional study group of 571 responders consisted of 158 doctors, 282 nurses, and 131 secretaries. The evaluation model accounted for 84% of variance of satisfaction and 53% of CI variance for the period 2011-2015 and for 92% and 69% for the period 2014-2015. In very late post adoption, CISQ appears to be the major determinant of satisfaction and CI. Combining the results obtained at various phases of CIS deployment, a Unified Model of Information System Continuance (UMISC) is proposed. In a meaningful CIS use situation at HEGP, this study confirms the importance of CISQ in explaining satisfaction and CI. The proposed UMISC model that can be adapted to each phase of CIS deployment could facilitate the necessary efforts of permanent CIS acceptance and continuance evaluation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

What Drives Nurses' Blended e-Learning Continuance Intention?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheng, Yung-Ming

2014-01-01

This study's purpose was to synthesize the user network (including subjective norm and network externality), task-technology fit (TTF), and expectation-confirmation model (ECM) to explain nurses' intention to continue using the blended electronic learning (e-learning) system within medical institutions. A total of 450 questionnaires were…

Financing Continuing Education in Mental Health.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southern Regional Education Board, Atlanta, GA.

Based on a study of the component parts of the mental health continuing education system, this publication presents guidelines for the following fiscal functions: determining funding needs, obtaining funds, budgeting funds, expending funds, and cost accounting. In addition to considering these components, the guidelines explore principal issues in…

Design of intelligent proximity detection zones to prevent striking and pinning fatalities around continuous mining machines.

PubMed

Bissert, P T; Carr, J L; DuCarme, J P; Smith, A K

2016-01-01

The continuous mining machine is a key piece of equipment used in underground coal mining operations. Over the past several decades these machines have been involved in a number of mine worker fatalities. Proximity detection systems have been developed to avert hazards associated with operating continuous mining machines. Incorporating intelligent design into proximity detection systems allows workers greater freedom to position themselves to see visual cues or avoid other hazards such as haulage equipment or unsupported roof or ribs. However, intelligent systems must be as safe as conventional proximity detection systems. An evaluation of the 39 fatal accidents for which the Mine Safety and Health Administration has published fatality investigation reports was conducted to determine whether the accident may have been prevented by conventional or intelligent proximity. Multiple zone configurations for the intelligent systems were studied to determine how system performance might be affected by the zone configuration. Researchers found that 32 of the 39 fatalities, or 82 percent, may have been prevented by both conventional and intelligent proximity systems. These results indicate that, by properly configuring the zones of an intelligent proximity detection system, equivalent protection to a conventional system is possible.

A Preliminary Comparison of Student and Professional Motivations for Choosing Information Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Nita; Korzaan, Melinda; Ceccucci, Wendy

2014-01-01

Demand for qualified information systems professionals continues to rise. Additionally, over the past decade, enrollment in information systems-related educational programs has declined. In order to understand why and to better understand how to position information systems undergraduate programs to recruit and retain students, this study provides…

The random continued fraction transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalle, Charlene; Kempton, Tom; Verbitskiy, Evgeny

2017-03-01

We introduce a random dynamical system related to continued fraction expansions. It uses random combinations of the Gauss map and the Rényi (or backwards) continued fraction map. We explore the continued fraction expansions that this system produces, as well as the dynamical properties of the system.

Greenhouse gas emissions from traditional and biofuels cropping systems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cropping systems can have a tremendous effect on the greenhouse gas emissions from soils. The objectives of this study were to compare greenhouse gas emissions from traditional (continuous corn or corn/soybean rotation) and biomass (miscanthus, sorghum, switchgrass) cropping systems. Biomass croppin...

Application of Total Quality Management System in Thai Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prueangphitchayathon, Setthiya; Tesaputa, Kowat; Somprach, Kanokorn

2015-01-01

The present study seeks to develop a total quality management (TQM) system that can be applied to primary schools. The approach focuses on customer orientation, total involvement of all constituencies and continuous improvement. TQM principles were studied and synthesized according to case studies of the best practices in 3 primary schools (small,…

Central Radar System, Over-the-Horizon Backscatter

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-09

1,2-Dibromo-3- chloropropane (DBCP) 0.3 TABLE 41-6 (Continued). MINNESOTA RECOMMENDED ALLOWABLE LIMITS (RAL) FOR DRINKING WATER WELLS Compound RAL (ug/ 1 ...TABLE OF CONTENTS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS PROCESS OVERVIEW ............ TECHNICAL STUDY 1 FACILITIES...TECHNICAL STUDY 10 0 TECHNICAL STUDY 1 CENTRAL RADAR SYSTEM OVER-THE-HORIZON BACKSCATTER RADAR PROGRAM 0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Development of a Supporting System of the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for Construction Companies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mano, Kouhei; Shiraki, Wataru; Inomo, Hitoshi; Kuyama, Hironori; Isouchi, Chikako

Recently, the natural disaster and the accident have happened frequently. Thus, many companies and local organizations had been suffered such as discontinuity of business, loss of profits, customers' confidence decrease, and tremendous damage out of business. Especially the business stop of construction companies are influenced the recovery activities, so that it could be late the rescue activities. In this study, a supporting system of the business continuity plan (BCP) for construction companies is developed using the web server and database, and then some ideas for the user's friendly system are considered.

40 CFR 60.2941 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.2941 Section 60.2941 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... emission monitoring systems? (a) Conduct annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems... emission monitoring systems daily and quarterly as specified in appendix F of this part. ...

Algal culture studies related to a Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Radmer, R. O.; Ollinger, O.; Venables, A.; Fernandez, E.

1982-01-01

Studies with algal cultures which relate to closed ecological life support systems (CELSS) are discussed. A description of a constant cell density apparatus for continuous culture of algae is included. Excretion of algal by-products, and nitrogen utilization and excretion are discussed.

Multicenter User Evaluation of ACCU-CHEK® Combo, an Integrated System for Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

PubMed Central

Kerr, David; Hoogma, Roel P.L.M; Buhr, Andreas; Petersen, Bettina; Storms, Fred E.M.G

2010-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate a newly developed system for insulin delivery incorporating a multifunctional blood glucose meter and a remotely controlled insulin pump (ACCU-CHEK® Combo system) in established pump users with type 1 diabetes. The technology was assessed both from device performance and subject usability perspectives. Method A multicenter, prospective, single group study was carried out in five centers in the Netherlands and four centers in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months. The study was divided into two phases: Phase 1 (4 weeks) for device validation purposes and phase 2 (22 weeks) to observe the impact of the system on metabolic control, patient satisfaction [using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ)] and device safety. Results Eighty subjects completed the planned study period. There were no unexpected device errors. Treatment satisfaction was high at baseline and further increased to study end (DTSQ change version: sum score, 10.6 ± 7.2; scale score range, -18 to +18, p < 0.0001). Hemoglobin A1c improved continuously over time, from 7.9% (±0.9%) to 7.7% (±0.8%) at month 3 (p < 0.001) and 7.6% (±0.8%) at month 6 (p < 0.0001). The frequency of severe hypoglycemia was 0.08 per patient years. There was no case of ketoacidosis. Conclusions The new system was evaluated by experienced continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion users as safe in daily practice and associated with favorable treatment satisfaction and a modest improvement in glycemic control. PMID:21129336

Continuing Education of Health Sciences Librarians: A National Survey.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Qureshi, Azra

This study examines continuing education and professional development of 210 health sciences librarians affiliated with 70 academic medical libraries in the United States, which has the most advanced system of education in librarianship in the world. Of the 102 respondents, the largest categories were library directors/administrators and public…

Continuing Education for Scientists and Engineers: Delivery Systems in North Carolina.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrell, Daniel E.; Gibbs, Rebecca F.

Focusing on the continuing education (CE) of scientists/engineers in North Carolina working in small (1-500 employees), geographically dispersed companies, this study: 1) identified and described CE resources currently being used by scientists/engineers to maintain and extend their professional competence and capabilities; 2) determined the extent…

Creating a Cycle of Continuous Improvement through Instructional Rounds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyer-Looze, Catherine L.

2015-01-01

Instructional Rounds is a continuous improvement strategy that focuses on the technical core of educational systems as well as educators collaborating side-by-side. Concentrating on collective learning, this process only makes sense within an overall strategy of improvement. This case study examined the Instructional Rounds process in a northern…

Learning to Collaborate: A Case Study of Performance Improvement CME

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shershneva, Marianna B.; Mullikin, Elizabeth A.; Loose, Anne-Sophie; Olson, Curtis A.

2008-01-01

Introduction: Performance Improvement Continuing Medical Education (PI CME) is a mechanism for joining quality improvement (QI) in health care to continuing medical education (CME) systems together. Although QI practices and CME approaches have been recognized for years, what emerges from their integration is largely unfamiliar, because it…

Implementation of Ultrasonic Sensing for High Resolution Measurement of Binary Gas Mixture Fractions

PubMed Central

Bates, Richard; Battistin, Michele; Berry, Stephane; Bitadze, Alexander; Bonneau, Pierre; Bousson, Nicolas; Boyd, George; Bozza, Gennaro; Crespo-Lopez, Olivier; Riva, Enrico Da; Degeorge, Cyril; Deterre, Cecile; DiGirolamo, Beniamino; Doubek, Martin; Favre, Gilles; Godlewski, Jan; Hallewell, Gregory; Hasib, Ahmed; Katunin, Sergey; Langevin, Nicolas; Lombard, Didier; Mathieu, Michel; McMahon, Stephen; Nagai, Koichi; Pearson, Benjamin; Robinson, David; Rossi, Cecilia; Rozanov, Alexandre; Strauss, Michael; Vitek, Michal; Vacek, Vaclav; Zwalinski, Lukasz

2014-01-01

We describe an ultrasonic instrument for continuous real-time analysis of the fractional mixture of a binary gas system. The instrument is particularly well suited to measurement of leaks of a high molecular weight gas into a system that is nominally composed of a single gas. Sensitivity < 5 × 10−5 is demonstrated to leaks of octaflouropropane (C3F8) coolant into nitrogen during a long duration (18 month) continuous study. The sensitivity of the described measurement system is shown to depend on the difference in molecular masses of the two gases in the mixture. The impact of temperature and pressure variances on the accuracy of the measurement is analysed. Practical considerations for the implementation and deployment of long term, in situ ultrasonic leak detection systems are also described. Although development of the described systems was motivated by the requirements of an evaporative fluorocarbon cooling system, the instrument is applicable to the detection of leaks of many other gases and to processes requiring continuous knowledge of particular binary gas mixture fractions. PMID:24961217

High Resolution Continuous Flow Analysis System for Polar Ice Cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dallmayr, Remi; Azuma, Kumiko; Yamada, Hironobu; Kjær, Helle Astrid; Vallelonga, Paul; Azuma, Nobuhiko; Takata, Morimasa

2014-05-01

In the last decades, Continuous Flow Analysis (CFA) technology for ice core analyses has been developed to reconstruct the past changes of the climate system 1), 2). Compared with traditional analyses of discrete samples, a CFA system offers much faster and higher depth resolution analyses. It also generates a decontaminated sample stream without time-consuming sample processing procedure by using the inner area of an ice-core sample.. The CFA system that we have been developing is currently able to continuously measure stable water isotopes 3) and electrolytic conductivity, as well as to collect discrete samples for the both inner and outer areas with variable depth resolutions. Chemistry analyses4) and methane-gas analysis 5) are planned to be added using the continuous water stream system 5). In order to optimize the resolution of the current system with minimal sample volumes necessary for different analyses, our CFA system typically melts an ice core at 1.6 cm/min. Instead of using a wire position encoder with typical 1mm positioning resolution 6), we decided to use a high-accuracy CCD Laser displacement sensor (LKG-G505, Keyence). At the 1.6 cm/min melt rate, the positioning resolution was increased to 0.27mm. Also, the mixing volume that occurs in our open split debubbler is regulated using its weight. The overflow pumping rate is smoothly PID controlled to maintain the weight as low as possible, while keeping a safety buffer of water to avoid air bubbles downstream. To evaluate the system's depth-resolution, we will present the preliminary data of electrolytic conductivity obtained by melting 12 bags of the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling (NEEM) ice core. The samples correspond to different climate intervals (Greenland Stadial 21, 22, Greenland Stadial 5, Greenland Interstadial 5, Greenland Interstadial 7, Greenland Stadial 8). We will present results for the Greenland Stadial -8, whose depths and ages are between 1723.7 and 1724.8 meters, and 35.520 to 35.636 kyr b2k 7), respectively. The results show the conductivity measured upstream and downstream of the debubbler. We will calculate the depth resolution of our system and compare it with earlier studies. 1) Bigler at al, "Optimization of High-Resolution Continuous Flow Analysis For Transient Climate Signals in Ice Cores". Environ. Sci. Technol. 2011, 45, 4483-4489 2) Kaufmann et al, "An Improved Continuous Flow Analysis System for High Resolution Field Measurements on Ice Cores". Environmental Environ. Sci. Technol. 2008, 42, 8044-8050 3) Gkinis, V., T. J. Popp, S. J. Johnsen and T, Blunier, 2010: A continuous stream flash evaporator for the calibration of an IR cavity ring down spectrometer for the isotopic analysis of water. Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies, 46(4), 463-475. 4) McConnell et al, "Continuous ice-core chemical analyses using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2002, 36, 7-11 5) Rhodes et al, "Continuous methane measurements from a late Holocene Greenland ice core : Atmospheric and in-situ signals" Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 2013, 368, 9-19 6) Breton et al, "Quantifying Signal Dispersion in a Hybrid Ice Core Melting System". Environ. Sci. Technol. 2012, 46, 11922-11928 7) Rasmussen et al, " A first chronology for the NEEM ice core". Climate of the Past. 2013, 9, 2967--3013

Synergistic dark and photo-fermentation continuous system for hydrogen production from molasses by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 and Rhodobacter capsulatus DSM 1710.

PubMed

Morsy, Fatthy Mohamed

2017-04-01

This study investigated synergistic dark and photo-fermentation using continuous fermentation system (CFS). The system relies on connecting several fermenters from bottom of one to top culture level of the next in a manner that allows for delaying movement of the substrate and thus for its full consumption. While H 2 was collected, CFS allowed for moving liquid byproducts toward the outlet and hence continuous productivity. CFS could be efficiently used for: (1) Continuous dark and photo-fermentation H 2 production by Clostridium acetobutylicum and Rhodobacter capsulatus producing 5.65moleH 2 mole -1 hexose; (2) Continuous dark-fermentation synergistic H 2 , acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE) production by C. acetobutylicum which produced per mole hexose, 2.43mol H 2 along with 73.08g ABE (3) Continuous H 2 and methane production by C. acetobutylicum and bacterial sludge producing, per mole hexose, 1.64mol pure H 2 and 2.56mol CH 4 mixed with 0.37mol H 2 ·The hydraulic retention time (HRT) for whole system was short where organic acids produced in dark-fermentation in first fermenter were synergistically utilized for H 2 production by R. capsulatus in subsequent fermenters. CFS is suitable for fast-digestible sugars but not lignocelluloses or other hard-digestible organics, requiring prolonged HRT, unless such polymeric organics were hydrolyzed prior to fermentation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flow system for optical activity detection of vegetable extracts employing molecular exclusion continuous chromatographic detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fajer, V.; Rodríguez, C.; Naranjo, S.; Mesa, G.; Mora, W.; Arista, E.; Cepero, T.; Fernández, H.

2006-02-01

The combination of molecular exclusion chromatography and laser polarimetric detection has turned into a carbohydrate separation and quantification system for plant fluids of industrial value, making it possible the evaluation of the quality of sugarcane juices, agave juices and many other plant extracts. Some previous papers described a system where liquid chromatography separation and polarimetric detection using a LASERPOL 101M polarimeter with He-Ne light source allowed the collection and quantification of discrete samples for analytical purposes. In this paper, the authors are introducing a new improved system which accomplishes polarimetric measurements in a continuous flux. Chromatograms of several carbohydrates standard solutions were obtained as useful references to study juice quality of several sugarcane varieties under different physiological conditions. Results by either discrete or continuous flux systems were compared in order to test the validation of the new system. An application of the system to the diagnostics of scalded foliar is described. A computer program allowing the output of the chromatograms to a display on line and the possibility of digital storing, maxima detections, zone integration, and some other possibilities make this system very competitive and self-convincing.

Consensus for linear multi-agent system with intermittent information transmissions using the time-scale theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taousser, Fatima; Defoort, Michael; Djemai, Mohamed

2016-01-01

This paper investigates the consensus problem for linear multi-agent system with fixed communication topology in the presence of intermittent communication using the time-scale theory. Since each agent can only obtain relative local information intermittently, the proposed consensus algorithm is based on a discontinuous local interaction rule. The interaction among agents happens at a disjoint set of continuous-time intervals. The closed-loop multi-agent system can be represented using mixed linear continuous-time and linear discrete-time models due to intermittent information transmissions. The time-scale theory provides a powerful tool to combine continuous-time and discrete-time cases and study the consensus protocol under a unified framework. Using this theory, some conditions are derived to achieve exponential consensus under intermittent information transmissions. Simulations are performed to validate the theoretical results.

Disentanglement in bipartite continuous-variable systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barbosa, F. A. S.; Coelho, A. S.; Nussenzveig, P.

2011-11-15

Entanglement in bipartite continuous-variable systems is investigated in the presence of partial losses such as those introduced by a realistic quantum communication channel, e.g., by propagation in an optical fiber. We find that entanglement can vanish completely for partial losses, in a situation reminiscent of so-called entanglement sudden death. Even states with extreme squeezing may become separable after propagation in lossy channels. Having in mind the potential applications of such entangled light beams to optical communications, we investigate the conditions under which entanglement can survive for all partial losses. Different loss scenarios are examined, and we derive criteria to testmore » the robustness of entangled states. These criteria are necessary and sufficient for Gaussian states. Our study provides a framework to investigate the robustness of continuous-variable entanglement in more complex multipartite systems.« less

40 CFR 60.1235 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1235 Section 60.1235 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1235 How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems... oxides, and carbon monoxide to demonstrate continuous compliance with the emission limits specified in...

40 CFR 60.1720 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install for gaseous pollutants?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... systems must I install for gaseous pollutants? 60.1720 Section 60.1720 Protection of Environment... or Before August 30, 1999 Model Rule-Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1720 What continuous..., maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for oxygen (or carbon dioxide), sulfur dioxide...

40 CFR 60.1235 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1235 Section 60.1235 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1235 How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems... oxides, and carbon monoxide to demonstrate continuous compliance with the emission limits specified in...

40 CFR 60.1720 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install for gaseous pollutants?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... systems must I install for gaseous pollutants? 60.1720 Section 60.1720 Protection of Environment... or Before August 30, 1999 Model Rule-Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1720 What continuous..., maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for oxygen (or carbon dioxide), sulfur dioxide...

40 CFR 60.1235 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1235 Section 60.1235 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1235 How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems... oxides, and carbon monoxide to demonstrate continuous compliance with the emission limits specified in...

40 CFR 60.1720 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install for gaseous pollutants?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... systems must I install for gaseous pollutants? 60.1720 Section 60.1720 Protection of Environment... or Before August 30, 1999 Model Rule-Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1720 What continuous..., maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for oxygen (or carbon dioxide), sulfur dioxide...

A homecare application based on the ASTM E2369-05 Standard Specification for Continuity of Care Record.

PubMed

Botsivaly, M; Spyropoulos, B; Koutsourakis, K; Mertika, K

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study is the presentation of a system appropriate to be used upon the transition of a patient from hospital to homecare. The developed system is structured according to the ASTM E2369-05 Standard Specification for Continuity of Care Record and its function is based upon the creation of a structured subset of data, containing the patient's most relevant clinical information, enabling simultaneously the planning and the optimal documentation of the provided homecare.

Developing a Management Information System for the Chief of Supply.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

This study examined the information needs of the Chief of Supply in order to facilitate the development of a Management Information System (MIS...information items found to be available within the SBSS program, it was determined feasible to continue the development of this Management Information System . The...results of this study led to two recommendations. The first was to immediately implement a Management Information System for the Chief of

A new device for administration of continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants: comparison with a standard nasal CPAP continuous positive airway pressure system.

PubMed

Trevisanuto, Daniele; Grazzina, Nicoletta; Doglioni, Nicoletta; Ferrarese, Paola; Marzari, Francesco; Zanardo, Vincenzo

2005-06-01

We compared the effectiveness of a new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device (neonatal helmet CPAP) with a conventional nasal CPAP system in preterm neonates needing continuous distending pressure. Randomized, physiological, cross-over study in a tertiary referral, neonatal intensive care unit in a university teaching hospital. Twenty very low birth weight infants with a postnatal age greater than 24 h who were receiving nasal CPAP for apnea and/or mild respiratory distress were enrolled. CPAP delivered by neonatal helmet CPAP and nasal CPAP in random order for two subsequent 90-min periods. Were continuously measured the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) score, oxygen requirements, respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous PO(2) (tcPO(2)) and PCO(2) (tcPCO(2)), blood pressure, and desaturations. NIPS scores were significantly lower when the infants were on the neonatal helmet CPAP than when they were on nasal CPAP (0.26+/-0.07 vs. 0.63+/-0.12). The other studied parameters did not differ between the two CPAP modes. The number of desaturations was reduced during the neonatal helmet CPAP treatment (18 vs. 32), although this difference was not significant. In this short-term physiological study the neonatal helmet CPAP appears to be as good as the golden standard for managing preterm infants needing continuous distending pressure, with enhanced tolerability. Further evaluation in a randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm these findings.

A telehealth architecture for networked embedded systems: a case study in in vivo health monitoring.

PubMed

Dabiri, Foad; Massey, Tammara; Noshadi, Hyduke; Hagopian, Hagop; Lin, C K; Tan, Robert; Schmidt, Jacob; Sarrafzadeh, Majid

2009-05-01

The improvement in processor performance through continuous breakthroughs in transistor technology has resulted in the proliferation of lightweight embedded systems. Advances in wireless technology and embedded systems have enabled remote healthcare and telemedicine. While medical examinations could previously extract only localized symptoms through snapshots, now continuous monitoring can discretely analyze how a patient's lifestyle affects his/her physiological conditions and if additional symptoms occur under various stimuli. We demonstrate how medical applications in particular benefit from a hierarchical networking scheme that will improve the quantity and quality of ubiquitous data collection. Our Telehealth networking infrastructure provides flexibility in terms of functionality and the type of applications that it supports. We specifically present a case study that demonstrates the effectiveness of our networked embedded infrastructure in an in vivo pressure application. Experimental results of the in vivo system demonstrate how it can wirelessly transmit pressure readings measuring from 0 to 1.5 lbf/in (2) with an accuracy of 0.02 lbf/in (2). The challenges in biocompatible packaging, transducer drift, power management, and in vivo signal transmission are also discussed. This research brings researchers a step closer to continuous, real-time systemic monitoring that will allow one to analyze the dynamic human physiology.

Continuous-flow extraction system for elemental association study: a case of synthetic metal-doped iron hydroxide.

PubMed

Hinsin, Duangduean; Pdungsap, Laddawan; Shiowatana, Juwadee

2002-12-06

A continuous-flow extraction system originally developed for sequential extraction was applied to study elemental association of a synthetic metal-doped amorphous iron hydroxide phase. The homogeneity and metal association of the precipitates were evaluated by gradual leaching using the system. Leachate was collected in fractions for determination of elemental concentrations. The result obtained as extractograms indicated that the doped metals were adsorbed more on the outermost surface rather than homogeneously distributed in the precipitates. The continuous-flow extraction method was also used for effective removal of surface adsorbed metals to obtain a homogeneous metal-doped synthetic iron hydroxide by a sequential extraction using acetic acid and small volume of hydroxylamine hydrochloride solution. The system not only ensures complete washing, but the extent of metal immobilization in the synthetic iron hydroxide could be determined with high accuracy from the extractograms. The initial metal/iron mole ratio (M/Fe) in solution affected the M/Fe mole ratio in homogeneous doped iron hydroxide phase. The M/Fe mole ratio of metal incorporation was approximately 0.01-0.02 and 0.03-0.06, for initial solution M/Fe mole ratio of 0.025 and 0.100, respectively.

Aperiodic Robust Model Predictive Control for Constrained Continuous-Time Nonlinear Systems: An Event-Triggered Approach.

PubMed

Liu, Changxin; Gao, Jian; Li, Huiping; Xu, Demin

2018-05-01

The event-triggered control is a promising solution to cyber-physical systems, such as networked control systems, multiagent systems, and large-scale intelligent systems. In this paper, we propose an event-triggered model predictive control (MPC) scheme for constrained continuous-time nonlinear systems with bounded disturbances. First, a time-varying tightened state constraint is computed to achieve robust constraint satisfaction, and an event-triggered scheduling strategy is designed in the framework of dual-mode MPC. Second, the sufficient conditions for ensuring feasibility and closed-loop robust stability are developed, respectively. We show that robust stability can be ensured and communication load can be reduced with the proposed MPC algorithm. Finally, numerical simulations and comparison studies are performed to verify the theoretical results.

40 CFR 75.40 - General demonstration requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Alternative Monitoring Systems § 75.40 General demonstration... continuous emission monitoring system may apply to the Administrator for approval of an alternative monitoring system (or system component) to determine average hourly emission data for SO2, NOX, and/or...

Microbiological impact of three commercial laying hen housing systems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Hen housing for commercial egg production continues to be a societal and regulatory concern. Controlled studies have examined various aspects of egg safety but a comprehensive assessment of commercial hen housing systems in the US has not been conducted. The current study is part of a holistic, mu...

21 CFR 864.5425 - Multipurpose system for in vitro coagulation studies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Multipurpose system for in vitro coagulation studies. 864.5425 Section 864.5425 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Automated and Semi-Automated...

21 CFR 864.5425 - Multipurpose system for in vitro coagulation studies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Multipurpose system for in vitro coagulation studies. 864.5425 Section 864.5425 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Automated and Semi-Automated...

21 CFR 864.5425 - Multipurpose system for in vitro coagulation studies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Multipurpose system for in vitro coagulation studies. 864.5425 Section 864.5425 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Automated and Semi-Automated...

An Interactive Model for Studying Student Retention. AIR 1990 Annual Forum Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glover, Robert H.; Wilcox, Jerry

A design for improving the quality of information available for continuous operational study of student retention at the University of Hartford in Connecticut was examined involving a microcomputer based decision support system for student retention research. The system, an interactive modeling approach to conduct longitudinal and comparative…

Discrete and continuous dynamics modeling of a mass moving on a flexible structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herman, Deborah Ann

1992-01-01

A general discrete methodology for modeling the dynamics of a mass that moves on the surface of a flexible structure is developed. This problem was motivated by the Space Station/Mobile Transporter system. A model reduction approach is developed to make the methodology applicable to large structural systems. To validate the discrete methodology, continuous formulations are also developed. Three different systems are examined: (1) simply-supported beam, (2) free-free beam, and (3) free-free beam with two points of contact between the mass and the flexible beam. In addition to validating the methodology, parametric studies were performed to examine how the system's physical properties affect its dynamics.

Development of an integrated generic model for multi-scale assessment of the impacts of agro-ecosystems on major ecosystem services in West Africa.

PubMed

Belem, Mahamadou; Saqalli, Mehdi

2017-11-01

This paper presents an integrated model assessing the impacts of climate change, agro-ecosystem and demographic transition patterns on major ecosystem services in West-Africa along a partial overview of economic aspects (poverty reduction, food self-sufficiency and income generation). The model is based on an agent-based model associated with a soil model and multi-scale spatial model. The resulting Model for West-Africa Agro-Ecosystem Integrated Assessment (MOWASIA) is ecologically generic, meaning it is designed for all sudano-sahelian environments but may then be used as an experimentation facility for testing different scenarios combining ecological and socioeconomic dimensions. A case study in Burkina Faso is examined to assess the environmental and economic performances of semi-continuous and continuous farming systems. Results show that the semi-continuous system using organic fertilizer and fallowing practices contribute better to environment preservation and food security than the more economically performant continuous system. In addition, this study showed that farmers heterogeneity could play an important role in agricultural policies planning and assessment. In addition, the results showed that MOWASIA is an effective tool for designing, analysing the impacts of agro-ecosystems. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Intention of Continuing to use the Hospital Information System: Integrating the elaboration-likelihood, social influence and cognitive learning.

PubMed

Farzandipour, Mehrdad; Mohamadian, Hashem; Sohrabi, Niloufar

2016-12-01

Anticipating effective factors in information system acceptance by using persuasive messages, is one of the main issues less focused on so far. This is one of the first attempts at using the elaboration-likelihood model combined with the perception of emotional, cognitive, self-efficacy, informational and normative influence constructs, in order to investigate the determinants of intention to continue use of the hospital information system in Iran. The present study is a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2014. 600 nursing staff were chosen from clinical sectors of public hospitals using purposive sampling. The questionnaire survey was in two parts: Part one was comprised of demographic data, and part two included 52 questions pertaining to the constructs of the model in the study. To analyze the data, structural equation model using LISREL 8.5 software was applied. The findings suggest that self-efficacy (t= 6.01, β= 0.21), affective response (t= 5.84, β= 0.23), and cognitive response (t= 4.97, β= 0.21) explained 64% of the variance for the intention of continuing to use the hospital information system. Furthermore, the final model was able to explain 0.46 for self-efficacy, 0.44 for normative social influence, 0.52 for affective response, 0.55 for informational social influence, and 0.53 for cognitive response. Designing the necessary mechanisms and effective use of appropriate strategies to improve emotional and cognitive understanding and self-efficacy of the nursing staff is required, in order to increase the intention of continued use of the hospital information system in Iran.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) and Environmental isolates associated with a Simulated Chloraminated Drinking Water Distribution System Subjected to Episodes of Nitrification

EPA Science Inventory

Bacterial populations were examined in a simulated chloraminated drinking water distribution system. After six months of continuous operation, coupons were incubated in CDC reactors receiving water from the simulated system to study biofilm development. The distribution system ...

15 CFR 911.7 - Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Continuation of the NOAA Data... REGULATIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONCERNING USE OF THE NOAA SPACE-BASED DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS § 911.7 Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems. (a) NOAA expects to continue to operate DCS on its...

15 CFR 911.7 - Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Continuation of the NOAA Data... REGULATIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONCERNING USE OF THE NOAA SPACE-BASED DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS § 911.7 Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems. (a) NOAA expects to continue to operate DCS on its...

15 CFR 911.7 - Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Continuation of the NOAA Data... REGULATIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONCERNING USE OF THE NOAA SPACE-BASED DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS § 911.7 Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems. (a) NOAA expects to continue to operate DCS on its...

15 CFR 911.7 - Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Continuation of the NOAA Data... REGULATIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONCERNING USE OF THE NOAA SPACE-BASED DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS § 911.7 Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems. (a) NOAA expects to continue to operate DCS on its...

40 CFR 60.1240 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1240 Section 60.1240 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1240 How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous...

40 CFR 60.1240 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1240 Section 60.1240 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1240 How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous...

40 CFR 60.1240 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1240 Section 60.1240 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1240 How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous...

40 CFR 60.1240 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1240 Section 60.1240 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1240 How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous...

40 CFR 60.1240 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1240 Section 60.1240 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1240 How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous...

15 CFR 911.7 - Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Continuation of the NOAA Data... REGULATIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONCERNING USE OF THE NOAA SPACE-BASED DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS § 911.7 Continuation of the NOAA Data Collection Systems. (a) NOAA expects to continue to operate DCS on its...

40 CFR 60.1760 - What is required for my continuous opacity monitoring system and how are the data used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY... monitoring system according to § 60.13. (c) Complete an initial evaluation of your continuous opacity monitoring system according to Performance Specification 1 in appendix B of this part. Complete the...

40 CFR 62.15180 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 62.15180 Section 62.15180 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Constructed on or Before August 30, 1999 Continuous Emission Monitoring § 62.15180 How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used? You must use data from the continuous emission monitoring...

40 CFR 62.15205 - What minimum amount of monitoring data must I collect with my continuous emission monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... must I collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is this requirement enforceable? 62... with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is this requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages. Make sure the...

40 CFR 62.15205 - What minimum amount of monitoring data must I collect with my continuous emission monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... must I collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is this requirement enforceable? 62... with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is this requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages. Make sure the...

40 CFR 60.1725 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1725 Section 60.1725 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Before August 30, 1999 Model Rule-Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1725 How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used? You must use data from the continuous emission monitoring...

40 CFR 60.2942 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems, and is the data collection... with my continuous emission monitoring systems, and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages. Make sure...

40 CFR 60.1245 - Am I exempt from any appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1245 Section 60.1245... appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? Yes, the accuracy tests for your sulfur dioxide continuous emission monitoring system require you to also evaluate your oxygen (or...

40 CFR 60.3041 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems, and is the data collection... collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems, and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages...

40 CFR 60.3041 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems, and is the data collection... collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems, and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages...

40 CFR 62.15280 - What minimum amount of monitoring data must I collect with my continuous parameter monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... must I collect with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is this requirement enforceable? 62... with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is this requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous parameter monitoring systems are used, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages for three parameters: (1...

40 CFR 62.15280 - What minimum amount of monitoring data must I collect with my continuous parameter monitoring...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... must I collect with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is this requirement enforceable? 62... with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is this requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous parameter monitoring systems are used, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages for three parameters: (1...

40 CFR 62.15180 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 62.15180 Section 62.15180 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Constructed on or Before August 30, 1999 Continuous Emission Monitoring § 62.15180 How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used? You must use data from the continuous emission monitoring...

40 CFR 60.1245 - Am I exempt from any appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1245 Section 60.1245... appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? Yes, the accuracy tests for your sulfur dioxide continuous emission monitoring system require you to also evaluate your oxygen (or...

40 CFR 60.2942 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems, and is the data collection... with my continuous emission monitoring systems, and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages. Make sure...

40 CFR 60.1725 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1725 Section 60.1725 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Before August 30, 1999 Model Rule-Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1725 How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used? You must use data from the continuous emission monitoring...

Partial Sleep Deprivation Attenuates the Positive Affective System: Effects Across Multiple Measurement Modalities.

PubMed

Finan, Patrick H; Quartana, Phillip J; Remeniuk, Bethany; Garland, Eric L; Rhudy, Jamie L; Hand, Matthew; Irwin, Michael R; Smith, Michael T

2017-01-01

Ample behavioral and neurobiological evidence links sleep and affective functioning. Recent self-report evidence suggests that the affective problems associated with sleep loss may be stronger for positive versus negative affective state and that those effects may be mediated by changes in electroencepholographically measured slow wave sleep (SWS). In the present study, we extend those preliminary findings using multiple measures of affective functioning. In a within-subject randomized crossover experiment, we tested the effects of one night of sleep continuity disruption via forced awakenings (FA) compared to one night of uninterrupted sleep (US) on three measures of positive and negative affective functioning: self-reported affective state, affective pain modulation, and affect-biased attention. The study was set in an inpatient clinical research suite. Healthy, good sleeping adults (N = 45) were included. Results indicated that a single night of sleep continuity disruption attenuated positive affective state via FA-induced reductions in SWS. Additionally, sleep continuity disruption attenuated the inhibition of pain by positive affect as well as attention bias to positive affective stimuli. Negative affective state, negative affective pain facilitation, nor negative attention bias were altered by sleep continuity disruption. The present findings, observed across multiple measures of affective function, suggest that sleep continuity disruption has a stronger influence on the positive affective system relative to the negative affective affective system. © Sleep Research Society 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Continuing Professional Education Delivery Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weeks, James P.

This investigation of delivery systems for continuing professional education provides an overview of current operational delivery systems in continuing professional education, drawing on experience as found in the literature. Learning theories and conclusions are woven into the descriptive text. Delivery systems profiled in the paper include the…

76 FR 57989 - Privacy Act System of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-19

... one new, consolidated system of records, FCC/PSHSB-1, ``FCC Emergency and Continuity Contacts System (ECCS).'' FCC/PSHSB-1, ``FCC Emergency and Continuity Contacts System (ECCS)'' will incorporate the..., FCC/EB-4, ``Crisis Management Contacts,'' and FCC/OMD-11, ``Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP...

40 CFR 60.3038 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... December 9, 2004 Model Rule-Monitoring § 60.3038 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install? (a) You must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for... system according to the “Monitoring Requirements” in § 60.13. ...

40 CFR 60.3038 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... December 9, 2004 Model Rule-Monitoring § 60.3038 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install? (a) You must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for... system according to the “Monitoring Requirements” in § 60.13. ...

Enzymatic production of monoacylglycerols containing polyunsaturated fatty acids through an efficient glycerolysis system.

PubMed

Yang, Tiankui; Rebsdorf, Morten; Engelrud, Ulrik; Xu, Xuebing

2005-03-09

The aim of the study was to develop an efficient glycerolysis system for the enzymatic production of monoacylglycerols (MAGs) containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. Glycerolysis has been widely applied in industry for the chemical production of food MAGs under high temperature. The enzymatic glycerolysis system at 40-70 degrees C is unfortunately a multiphase system, which leads to the lower reaction efficiency. A tert-butyl alcohol system was developed after careful evaluation and more than 20-fold of the reaction efficiency from this system was obtained compared to the solvent-free system. Novozym 435 was employed as a catalyst in the glycerolysis from the screening. In the batch reaction system with tert-butyl alcohol, temperature higher than 40 degrees C was favored. The glycerol/oil ratio was best in the study with 4.5 while the solvent weight ratio from 1 to 3 had little effect. In general, 60-70% yield can be obtained at 2 h in the stirred tank reactor. The continuous glycerolysis was conducted in a packed bed reactor. MAG yield up to 70% was reached at 30-40 min residence time. The continuous glycerolysis was more sensitive to the amount of tert-butyl alcohol, and in the weight ratio to oil more than 2 was favored. The continuous process was optimized with the assistance of response surface methodology. Optimal conditions for the packed bed reactor after all considerations were recommended as glycerol/oil 4:1 (mol/mol), temperature 40 degrees C, and residence time 45 min. The operation stability study showed that there was no slight reduction of reaction performance at more than 30 days, implying a high feasibility in practical applications.

Consequences of nonclassical measurement for the algorithmic description of continuous dynamical systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fields, Chris

1989-01-01

Continuous dynamical systems intuitively seem capable of more complex behavior than discrete systems. If analyzed in the framework of the traditional theory of computation, a continuous dynamical system with countably many quasistable states has at least the computational power of a universal Turing machine. Such an analysis assumes, however, the classical notion of measurement. If measurement is viewed nonclassically, a continuous dynamical system cannot, even in principle, exhibit behavior that cannot be simulated by a universal Turing machine.

Consequences of nonclassical measurement for the algorithmic description of continuous dynamical systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fields, Chris

1989-01-01

Continuous dynamical systems intuitively seem capable of more complex behavior than discrete systems. If analyzed in the framework of the traditional theory of computation, a continuous dynamical system with countablely many quasistable states has at least the computational power of a universal Turing machine. Such an analyses assumes, however, the classical notion of measurement. If measurement is viewed nonclassically, a continuous dynamical system cannot, even in principle, exhibit behavior that cannot be simulated by a universal Turing machine.

Investigation of crystallization kinetics of sodium bicarbonate in a continuous stirred tank crystallizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yi; Haut, Benoît; Halloin, Veronique; Delplancke-Ogletree, Marie-Paule

2005-08-01

In our previous work [J. Crystal Growth 263 (2004) 459], a supersaturation determination method using a high-precision densimeter was designed and developed for monitoring sodium bicarbonate supersaturation in the sodium carbonate-bicarbonate system, a two-component solution in equilibrium. In the present paper, we apply this method to the study of sodium bicarbonate continuous crystallization. It gives us access to the sodium bicarbonate supersaturation evolution. The sodium bicarbonate supersaturation evolution and their crystallization kinetics obtained in a continuous stirred tank crystallizer are investigated under different operational conditions, such as residence time, initial supersaturation and seeding. The induction time determined by density measurements is discussed. Mathematical modeling is used to interpret the supersaturation evolution. It is shown that measuring the density gives satisfying performances for studying the crystallization of a two-component solution in equilibrium, such as the sodium carbonate-bicarbonate system.

Biofloc technology production systems reduce common preharvest off-flavors in channel catfish

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The use of biofloc technology production systems continues to increase in the aquaculture industry worldwide. Studies have not previously been performed to determine the composition of phytoplankton communities and related off-flavor problems in these biofloc production systems. In two separate st...

EMuJoy: software for continuous measurement of perceived emotions in music.

PubMed

Nagel, Frederik; Kopiez, Reinhard; Grewe, Oliver; Altenmüller, Eckart

2007-05-01

An adequate study of emotions in music and film should be based on the real-time measurement of self-reported data using a continuous-response method. The recording system discussed in this article reflects two important aspects of such research: First, for a better comparison of results, experimental and technical standards for continuous measurement should be taken into account, and second, the recording system should be open to the inclusion of multimodal stimuli. In light of these two considerations, our article addresses four basic principles of the continuous measurement of emotions: (1) the dimensionality of the emotion space, (2) data acquisition (e.g., the synchronization of media and the self-reported data), (3) interface construction for emotional responses, and (4) the use of multiple stimulus modalities. Researcher-developed software (EMuJoy) is presented as a freeware solution for the continuous measurement of responses to different media, along with empirical data from the self-reports of 38 subjects listening to emotional music and viewing affective pictures.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as a Means to Reducing Barriers to Inclusive Education: Research Study of the Education of Refugee Children in the Czech Republic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bacakova, Marketa; Closs, Alison

2013-01-01

The article supports the view that teachers are key to quality inclusive education and that continuing professional development (CPD) plays an essential role in promoting pro-inclusion changes in education systems. It reports and uses the findings from a research study focused on the educational experiences of two groups of Myanmar (Burmese)…

A primary shift rotation nurse scheduling using zero-one linear goal programming.

PubMed

Huarng, F

1999-01-01

In this study, the author discusses the effect of nurse shift schedules on circadian rhythm and some important ergonomics criteria. The author also reviews and compares different nurse shift scheduling methods via the criteria of flexibility, fairness, continuity in shift assignments, nurses' preferences, and ergonomics principles. In this article, a primary shift rotation system is proposed to provide better continuity in shift assignments to satisfy nurses' preferences. The primary shift rotation system is modeled as a zero-one linear goal programming (LGP) problem. To generate the shift assignment for a unit with 13 nurses, the zero-one LGP model takes less than 3 minutes on average, whereas the head nurses spend approximately 2 to 3 hours on shift scheduling. This study reports the process of implementing the primary shift rotation system.

40 CFR 60.2939 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... systems must I install? 60.2939 Section 60.2939 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... and Qualification Monitoring § 60.2939 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install? (a) You must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for carbon...

Re-Culturing Educator Preparation Programs: A Collaborative Case Study of Continuous Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snow, Jennifer; Dismuke, Sherry; Zenkert, A. J.; Loffer, Carolyn

2017-01-01

Teacher educators at one institution of higher education collaborated to reculture systems for a focus on continuous improvement even within mounting accountability pressures. A framework of social network theory allowed for themes to develop around layered interactions of faculty, processes, and professional capital. Findings focused on people,…

How to Setup a Continuous Experimental Teaching System: Case Study on the Tourism Management Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hu, Jun; Zhang, Mu; Huang, Xiang

2014-01-01

Chinese higher tourism education witnesses 32-year continuous innovation and exploration since the reform and opening policies. And it has gained many successful experiences in the aspects of talents cultivation mentality, nurture target, subject construction, curriculum arrangement and training module. However, it suffers the shortage of tourism…

Lessons in University Continuing Education: A 25-Year Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hou, Andy; Rogers, Lynda M.

2017-01-01

This article examines the enrollment patterns of a continuing education institution over 25 years of its history. The institution is an auxiliary unit of a major state university system with the mission of providing postgraduate professional training to nonmatriculated students. Our study illustrates that both the quantity and the quality of…

Diagnoses, Labels and Stereotypes: Supporting Children with Intellectual Disabilities in the Hospital

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aston, Megan; Breau, Lynn; MacLeod, Emily

2014-01-01

Children with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and their parents continue to experience stigma within health-care systems. Whilst some research studies have examined the stigma associated with children who have IDs, there continues to be a gap in understanding how the experiences of these children, their parents and nurses have been constructed…

Overcoming Research Design Problems via Methodological Integration: Use of Computer Assisted Technologies in Studying Teacher Behaviors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ivy, Diana K.; And Others

Continuous Attitudinal Response Technology (CART) is an alternative approach to testing students' instantaneous response to teacher behaviors in the classroom. The system uses a microcomputer and video technology device that allows researchers to measure subjects' instantaneous responses to static and continuous stimuli, graphic or verbal. A…

Development of a continuous multisite accelerometry system for studying movements during sleep.

PubMed

Terrill, Philip I; Mason, David G; Wilson, Stephen J

2010-01-01

Actigraphy has proven to be a useful tool in the assessment of circadian rhythms, and more recently in the automatic staging of sleep and wake states. Whilst accuracy of commercial systems appears good over 24 hour periods, the sensitivity of detecting wake during time in bed is poor. One possible explanation for these poor results is the technical limitations of currently available commercial actigraphs. In particular, raw data is generally not available to the user. Instead, activity counts for each epoch (typically between 10-60 secs) are calculated using various algorithms, from which sleep state is identified. Consequently morphologically different movements observed during sleep and wake states may not be detected as such. In this paper, the development of a continuous multisite, accelerometry system (CMAS) is described. Initial results, comparing data collected using a commercial actigraph (Actiwatch- Mini Motionlogger), and the continuous multisite accelerometry system are presented. The CMAS is able to differentiate brief movement "twitches" from postural changes.

A novel milliliter-scale chemostat system for parallel cultivation of microorganisms in stirred-tank bioreactors.

PubMed

Schmideder, Andreas; Severin, Timm Steffen; Cremer, Johannes Heinrich; Weuster-Botz, Dirk

2015-09-20

A pH-controlled parallel stirred-tank bioreactor system was modified for parallel continuous cultivation on a 10 mL-scale by connecting multichannel peristaltic pumps for feeding and medium removal with micro-pipes (250 μm inner diameter). Parallel chemostat processes with Escherichia coli as an example showed high reproducibility with regard to culture volume and flow rates as well as dry cell weight, dissolved oxygen concentration and pH control at steady states (n=8, coefficient of variation <5%). Reliable estimation of kinetic growth parameters of E. coli was easily achieved within one parallel experiment by preselecting ten different steady states. Scalability of milliliter-scale steady state results was demonstrated by chemostat studies with a stirred-tank bioreactor on a liter-scale. Thus, parallel and continuously operated stirred-tank bioreactors on a milliliter-scale facilitate timesaving and cost reducing steady state studies with microorganisms. The applied continuous bioreactor system overcomes the drawbacks of existing miniaturized bioreactors, like poor mass transfer and insufficient process control. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Immunization Information Systems: A Decade of Progress in Law and Policy

PubMed Central

Martin, Daniel W.; Lowery, N. Elaine; Brand, Bill; Gold, Rebecca; Horlick, Gail

2015-01-01

This article reports on a study of laws, regulations, and policies governing Immunization Information Systems (IIS, also known as “immunization registries”) in states and selected urban areas of the United States. The study included a search of relevant statutes, administrative codes and published attorney general opinions/findings, an online questionnaire completed by immunization program managers and/or their staff, and follow-up telephone interviews. The legal/regulatory framework for IIS has changed considerably since 2000, largely in ways that improve IIS’ ability to perform their public health functions while continuing to maintain strict confidentiality and privacy controls. Nevertheless, the exchange of immunization data and other health information between care providers and public health and between entities in different jurisdictions remains difficult due in part to ongoing regulatory diversity. To continue to be leaders in health information exchange and facilitate immunization of children and adults, IIS will need to address the challenges presented by the interplay of federal and state legislation, regulations, and policies and continue to move toward standardized data collection and sharing necessary for interoperable systems. PMID:24402434

Using ergonomics checkpoints to support a participatory ergonomics intervention in an industrially developing country (IDC)--a case study.

PubMed

Helali, Faramarz

2009-01-01

To achieve ergonomics awareness in 3 subsidiary companies, an intervention team was formed. The aims of this study were to implement basic ergonomics through a participatory ergonomics intervention process that can support a continuous learning process and lead to an improvement in health and safety as well as in the work systems in the organization. The findings of this study (i.e., method, continuous learning and integration) were key to making the participatory ergonomics intervention successful. Furthermore, 4 issues of the ergonomics checkpoints (i.e., work schedules, work tasks, healthy work organization and learning) for assessing the work system were found suitable for both changing work schedules and for improving the work system. This paper describes the result of this project and also the experiences gained and the conclusions reached from using the International Labour Office's ergonomics checkpoints in the industries of industrially developing country.

Using the Scroll Wheel on a Wireless Mouse as a Motion Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Richard S.; Wilson, William R.

2010-12-01

Since its inception in the mid-80s, the computer mouse has undergone several design changes. As the mouse has evolved, physicists have found new ways to utilize it as a motion sensor. For example, the rollers in a mechanical mouse have been used as pulleys to study the motion of a magnet moving through a copper tube as a quantitative demonstration of Lenz's law and to study mechanical oscillators (e.g., mass-spring system and compound pendulum).1-3 Additionally, the optical system in an optical mouse has been used to study a mechanical oscillator (e.g., mass-spring system).4 The argument for using a mouse as a motion sensor has been and continues to be availability and cost. This paper continues this tradition by detailing the use of the scroll wheel on a wireless mouse as a motion sensor.

40 CFR 60.1825 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous parameter...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is the data collection... must collect with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous parameter monitoring systems are used, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages for...

40 CFR 60.1750 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is the data collection... I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages...

40 CFR 60.1825 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous parameter...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is the data collection... must collect with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous parameter monitoring systems are used, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages for...

40 CFR 60.1750 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is the data collection... I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages...

Shedding light to sleep studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dieffenderfer, James; Krystal, Andrew; Bozkurt, Alper

2017-08-01

This paper presents our efforts in the development of a small wireless, flexible bandage sized near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system for sleep analysis. The current size of the system is 2.8 cm × 1.7 cm × 0.6 cm. It is capable of performing NIRS with 660nm, 940nm and 850nm wavelengths for up to 11 hours continuously. The device is placed on the forehead to measure from the prefrontal cortex and the raw data is continuously streamed over Bluetooth to a nearby data aggregator such as a smartphone for post processing and cloud connection. In this study, we performed traditional polysomnography simultaneously with NIRS to evaluate agreement with traditional measures of sleep and to provide labelled data for future work involving learning algorithms. Ultimately, we expect a machine learning algorithm to be able to generate characterization of sleep states comparable to traditional methods based on this biophotonics data. The system also includes an inertial measurement unit and the features that can be extracted from the presented system include sleep posture, heart rate, respiratory rate, relative change in oxy and deoxy hemoglobin concentrations and tissue oxygenation and cerebral arterial oxygen extracted from these. Preliminary proof of concept results are promising and demonstrate the capability to measure heart rate, respiratory rate and slow-wave-sleep stages. This system serves as a prototype to evaluate the potential of a small bandage-size continuous-wave NIRS device to be a useful means of studying sleep.

Fractional System Identification: An Approach Using Continuous Order-Distributions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartley, Tom T.; Lorenzo, Carl F.

1999-01-01

This paper discusses the identification of fractional- and integer-order systems using the concept of continuous order-distribution. Based on the ability to define systems using continuous order-distributions, it is shown that frequency domain system identification can be performed using least squares techniques after discretizing the order-distribution.

40 CFR 60.1730 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1730 Section 60.1730 Protection of Environment... continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or carbon dioxide...

40 CFR 60.1730 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1730 Section 60.1730 Protection of Environment... continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or carbon dioxide...

40 CFR 62.15185 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 62.15185 Section 62.15185 Protection of Environment... make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or...

40 CFR 60.1730 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1730 Section 60.1730 Protection of Environment... continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or carbon dioxide...

40 CFR 60.1730 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1730 Section 60.1730 Protection of Environment... continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or carbon dioxide...

40 CFR 62.15185 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 62.15185 Section 62.15185 Protection of Environment... make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or...

40 CFR 60.1730 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.1730 Section 60.1730 Protection of Environment... continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or carbon dioxide...

40 CFR 62.15185 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 62.15185 Section 62.15185 Protection of Environment... make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or...

40 CFR 62.15185 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 62.15185 Section 62.15185 Protection of Environment... make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or...

40 CFR 62.15185 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 62.15185 Section 62.15185 Protection of Environment... make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure oxygen (or...

40 CFR 60.2939 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... systems must I install? 60.2939 Section 60.2939 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... § 60.2939 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install? (a) You must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for carbon monoxide and for oxygen. You must...

40 CFR 60.2939 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... systems must I install? 60.2939 Section 60.2939 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... § 60.2939 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install? (a) You must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate continuous emission monitoring systems for carbon monoxide and for oxygen. You must...

Pneumatic Muscle Actuated Equipment for Continuous Passive Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deaconescu, Tudor T.; Deaconescu, Andrea I.

2009-10-01

Applying continuous passive rehabilitation movements as part of the recovery programme of patients with post-traumatic disabilities of the bearing joints of the inferior limbs requires the development of new high performance equipment. This chapter discusses a study of the kinematics and performance of such a new, continuous passive motion based rehabilitation system actuated by pneumatic muscles. The utilized energy source is compressed air ensuring complete absorption of the end of stroke shocks, thus minimizing user discomfort.

[Design and implementation of real-time continuous glucose monitoring instrument].

PubMed

Huang, Yonghong; Liu, Hongying; Tian, Senfu; Jia, Ziru; Wang, Zi; Pi, Xitian

2017-12-01

Real-time continuous glucose monitoring can help diabetics to control blood sugar levels within the normal range. However, in the process of practical monitoring, the output of real-time continuous glucose monitoring system is susceptible to glucose sensor and environment noise, which will influence the measurement accuracy of the system. Aiming at this problem, a dual-calibration algorithm for the moving-window double-layer filtering algorithm combined with real-time self-compensation calibration algorithm is proposed in this paper, which can realize the signal drift compensation for current data. And a real-time continuous glucose monitoring instrument based on this study was designed. This real-time continuous glucose monitoring instrument consisted of an adjustable excitation voltage module, a current-voltage converter module, a microprocessor and a wireless transceiver module. For portability, the size of the device was only 40 mm × 30 mm × 5 mm and its weight was only 30 g. In addition, a communication command code algorithm was designed to ensure the security and integrity of data transmission in this study. Results of experiments in vitro showed that current detection of the device worked effectively. A 5-hour monitoring of blood glucose level in vivo showed that the device could continuously monitor blood glucose in real time. The relative error of monitoring results of the designed device ranged from 2.22% to 7.17% when comparing to a portable blood meter.

Oil extraction from Scenedesmus obliquus using a continuous microwave system--design, optimization, and quality characterization.

PubMed

Balasubramanian, Sundar; Allen, James D; Kanitkar, Akanksha; Boldor, Dorin

2011-02-01

A 1.2 kW, 2450 MHz resonant continuous microwave processing system was designed and optimized for oil extraction from green algae (Scenedesmus obliquus). Algae-water suspension (1:1 w/w) was heated to 80 and 95°C, and subjected to extraction for up to 30 min. Maximum oil yield was achieved at 95°C and 30 min. The microwave system extracted 76-77% of total recoverable oil at 20-30 min and 95°C, compared to only 43-47% for water bath control. Extraction time and temperature had significant influence (p<0.0001) on extraction yield. Oil analysis indicated that microwaves extracted oil containing higher percentages of unsaturated and essential fatty acids (indicating higher quality). This study validates for the first time the efficiency of a continuous microwave system for extraction of lipids from algae. Higher oil yields, faster extraction rates and superior oil quality demonstrate this system's feasibility for oil extraction from a variety of feedstock. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Continuous water sampling and water analysis in estuaries

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schemel, L.E.; Dedini, L.A.

1982-01-01

Salinity, temperature, light transmission, oxygen saturation, pH, pCO2, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and the concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, dissolved silica, orthophosphate, and ammonia are continuously measured with a system designed primarily for estuarine studies. Near-surface water (2-m depth) is sampled continuously while the vessel is underway; on station, water to depths of 100 m is sampled with a submersible pump. The system is comprised of commercially available instruments, equipment, and components, and of specialized items designed and fabricated by the authors. Data are read from digital displays, analog strip-chart recorders, and a teletype printout, and can be logged in disc storage for subsequent plotting. Data records made in San Francisco Bay illustrate physical, biological, and chemical estuarine processes, such as mixing and phytoplankton net production. The system resolves large- and small-scale events, which contributes to its reliability and usefulness.

World-System Mobility and Economic Growth, 1980-2000

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Rob

2010-01-01

World-system scholars have traditionally emphasized the stability of the core/periphery hierarchy. However, prior network studies employing both categorical and continuous measures of world-system position reveal substantial mobility across time, whereby a number of developing states have become more integrated in the world economy over the past…

Comparison of Microbial Communities in a Simulated Chloraminated Drinking Water Distribution System Subjected to Episodes of Nitrification (poster)

EPA Science Inventory

Bacterial populations were examined in a simulated chloraminated drinking water distribution system (i.e. PVC pipe loop). After six months of continuous operation, coupons were incubated in CDC reactors receiving water from the simulated system to study biofilm development. The s...

Exploratory Practice and Soft Systems Methodology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tajino, Akira; Smith, Craig

2005-01-01

This paper aims to demonstrate that Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), a soft systems approach developed in management studies (see Checkland, 1981), can be usefully linked with Exploratory Practice (EP), a form of practitioner research for language classrooms. Some compatible SSM and EP characteristics, in tandem, could enhance continual efforts to…

Applications of the Theory of Distributed and Real Time Systems to the Development of Large-Scale Timing Based Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-04-01

time systems . The focus is on the study of ’building-blocks’ for the construction of reliable and efficient systems. Our works falls into three...Members of MIT’s Theory of Distributed Systems group have continued their work on modelling, designing, verifying and analyzing distributed and real

Assessment of Web-Based Authentication Methods in the U.S.: Comparing E-Learning Systems to Internet Healthcare Information Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattord, Herbert J.

2012-01-01

Organizations continue to rely on password-based authentication methods to control access to many Web-based systems. This research study developed a benchmarking instrument intended to assess authentication methods used in Web-based information systems (IS). It developed an Authentication Method System Index (AMSI) to analyze collected data from…

Enhancing Continuity in Care: An Implemantation of the ASTM E2369-05 Standard Specification for Continuity of Care Record in a Homecare Application

PubMed Central

Botsivaly, M.; Spyropoulos, B.; Koutsourakis, K.; Mertika, K.

2006-01-01

Sharing of healthcare related information among the different healthcare providers is a crucial aspect for the continuity of the provided care The purpose of this study is the presentation of a system appropriate to be used upon the transition or the referral of a patient, and especially in transition from hospital to homecare. The function of the developed system is based upon the creation of a structured subset of data, concerning the most relevant facts about a patient’s healthcare, organized and transportable, in order to be employed during the post-discharge homecare period, enabling simultaneously the planning and the optimal documentation of the provided homecare. The structure and the content of the created data sets are complying with the ASTM E2369-0 Standard, Specification for Continuity of Care Record. PMID:17238304

Enhancing continuity in care: an implemantation of the ASTM E2369-05 Standard Specification for Continuity of Care Record in a homecare application.

PubMed

Botsivaly, M; Spyropoulos, B; Koutsourakis, K; Mertika, K

2006-01-01

Sharing of healthcare related information among the different healthcare providers is a crucial aspect for the continuity of the provided care The purpose of this study is the presentation of a system appropriate to be used upon the transition or the referral of a patient, and especially in transition from hospital to homecare. The function of the developed system is based upon the creation of a structured subset of data, concerning the most relevant facts about a patient's healthcare, organized and transportable, in order to be employed during the post-discharge homecare period, enabling simultaneously the planning and the optimal documentation of the provided homecare. The structure and the content of the created data sets are complying with the ASTM E2369-0 Standard, Specification for Continuity of Care Record.

Equation-free analysis of agent-based models and systematic parameter determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Spencer A.; Lloyd, David J. B.; Skeldon, Anne C.

2016-12-01

Agent based models (ABM)s are increasingly used in social science, economics, mathematics, biology and computer science to describe time dependent systems in circumstances where a description in terms of equations is difficult. Yet few tools are currently available for the systematic analysis of ABM behaviour. Numerical continuation and bifurcation analysis is a well-established tool for the study of deterministic systems. Recently, equation-free (EF) methods have been developed to extend numerical continuation techniques to systems where the dynamics are described at a microscopic scale and continuation of a macroscopic property of the system is considered. To date, the practical use of EF methods has been limited by; (1) the over-head of application-specific implementation; (2) the laborious configuration of problem-specific parameters; and (3) large ensemble sizes (potentially) leading to computationally restrictive run-times. In this paper we address these issues with our tool for the EF continuation of stochastic systems, which includes algorithms to systematically configuration problem specific parameters and enhance robustness to noise. Our tool is generic and can be applied to any 'black-box' simulator and determines the essential EF parameters prior to EF analysis. Robustness is significantly improved using our convergence-constraint with a corrector-repeat (C3R) method. This algorithm automatically detects outliers based on the dynamics of the underlying system enabling both an order of magnitude reduction in ensemble size and continuation of systems at much higher levels of noise than classical approaches. We demonstrate our method with application to several ABM models, revealing parameter dependence, bifurcation and stability analysis of these complex systems giving a deep understanding of the dynamical behaviour of the models in a way that is not otherwise easily obtainable. In each case we demonstrate our systematic parameter determination stage for configuring the system specific EF parameters.

A Human Serum-Based Enzyme-Free Continuous Glucose Monitoring Technique Using a Needle-Type Bio-Layer Interference Sensor

PubMed Central

Seo, Dongmin; Paek, Sung-Ho; Oh, Sangwoo; Seo, Sungkyu; Paek, Se-Hwan

2016-01-01

The incidence of diabetes is continually increasing, and by 2030, it is expected to have increased by 69% and 20% in underdeveloped and developed countries, respectively. Therefore, glucose sensors are likely to remain in high demand in medical device markets. For the current study, we developed a needle-type bio-layer interference (BLI) sensor that can continuously monitor glucose levels. Using dialysis procedures, we were able to obtain hypoglycemic samples from commercial human serum. These dialysis-derived samples, alongside samples of normal human serum were used to evaluate the utility of the sensor for the detection of the clinical interest range of glucose concentrations (70–200 mg/dL), revealing high system performance for a wide glycemic state range (45–500 mg/dL). Reversibility and reproducibility were also tested over a range of time spans. Combined with existing BLI system technology, this sensor holds great promise for use as a wearable online continuous glucose monitoring system for patients in a hospital setting. PMID:27669267

Continuous EEG signal analysis for asynchronous BCI application.

PubMed

Hsu, Wei-Yen

2011-08-01

In this study, we propose a two-stage recognition system for continuous analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. An independent component analysis (ICA) and correlation coefficient are used to automatically eliminate the electrooculography (EOG) artifacts. Based on the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and Student's two-sample t-statistics, active segment selection then detects the location of active segment in the time-frequency domain. Next, multiresolution fractal feature vectors (MFFVs) are extracted with the proposed modified fractal dimension from wavelet data. Finally, the support vector machine (SVM) is adopted for the robust classification of MFFVs. The EEG signals are continuously analyzed in 1-s segments, and every 0.5 second moves forward to simulate asynchronous BCI works in the two-stage recognition architecture. The segment is first recognized as lifted or not in the first stage, and then is classified as left or right finger lifting at stage two if the segment is recognized as lifting in the first stage. Several statistical analyses are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed system. The results indicate that it is a promising system in the applications of asynchronous BCI work.

Systems of Support for Elementary School Principals: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Francone, Jennifer

2017-01-01

Principals need support throughout their careers in order to lead effectively and promote continuous improvement. However, some elementary school principals of small, rural schools lack access to structured systems of support that could increase their knowledge and skills as instructional leaders. The purpose of this study was to examine a central…

Hybrid computers and simulation languages in the study of dynamics of continuous systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acaccia, G. M.; Lucifredi, A. L.

1970-01-01

A comparison is presented of the use of hybrid computers and simulation languages as a means of studying the behavior of dynamic systems. Both procedures are defined and their advantages and disadvantages at the present state of the art are discussed. Some comparison and evaluation criteria are presented.

Results of a Research Study to Identify Historical RDTE (Research, Development, Test and Evaluation) Obligations and Expenditures on Major Army Materiel and Non-Materiel Systems,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

SYSTEMS OBJECTIVES. This study was conducted as part of a continuing effort to obtain actual (historical) life cycle costs of major Army systems from...Procurement, AMS Code for RDTE, etc.). System life cycle costs cut across appropriation lines. A common architecture should be prerequisite to... life cycle costs of major Army systems have not been successful, but attention recently has been directed toward the possibility that a significant

Assessment of forest fragmentation in southern New England using remote sensing and geographic information systems technology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vogelmann, James E.

1995-01-01

Spatial patterns and rates of forest fragmentation were assessed using digital remote sensing data for a region in southern New England that included 157 townships in southern New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts. The study area has undergone marked population increases over the last several decades. Following classification of 1973 and 1988 Landsat Multispectral Scanner data into forest and nonforest classes, data were incorporated into a geographic information system. The natural logarithms of forest area to perimeter ratios, referred to as the forest continuity index, were used to assess patterns and trends of forest fragmentation across the region Forest continuity index values were extracted from each township for both data sets and compared with population data. Forest continuity index values were found to decrease with increasing population density until about 200 persons per square kilometer, after which the relationship stabilized. With slight population increases at low densities forest continuity index values declined sharply, implying abrupt increases in forest fragmentation. Results from the study indicated good negative correlations (r2 values of 0.81 and 0.77) between the Multispectral Scanner-derived forest continuity index and natural logs of township population density. Socioeconomic indicators such as affluence and commuting patterns did not appear to correlate well with forest fragmentation estimates. Decreases in forest continuity index values occurred throughout much of the study region between 1973 and 1988, suggesting that forest fragmentation is occurring over large regions within the eastern United States. It is technologically feasible to assess patterns and rates of forest fragmentation across much larger areas than analyzed in this study; such analyses would provide useful overviews enabling objective assessment of the magnitude of forest fragmentation.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) and Environmental Isolates Associated with a Simulated Chloraminated Drinking Water Distribution System Subjected to Episodes of Nitrification - poster #2168

EPA Science Inventory

Bacterial populations were examined in a simulated chloraminated drinking water distribution system. After six months of continuous operation, coupons were incubated in CDC reactors receiving water from the simulated system to study biofilm development. The distribution system wa...

Synthetic Flight Training System Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-23

Distribution unlimited IC. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTiS - 19. KEY WORDS (Continue on reveree side if necoeeary and Identify by block nunber) Visual Systems Computer ...platforms, instructional features, computer hardware and software, student stations, etc. DOR 1473 EDITON OF INMOV6S ISOSOLETE Unclassified SECURITY... Computational Systems .................................... 4-I I 4.5.3 Visual Processing Systems .......................... 4-13 4.5.4 Instructor Stations

Considerations for designing robotic upper limb rehabilitation devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadas, I.; Vaida, C.; Gherman, B.; Pisla, D.; Carbone, G.

2017-12-01

The present study highlights the advantages of robotic systems for post-stroke rehabilitation of the upper limb. The latest demographic studies illustrate a continuous increase of the average life span, which leads to a continuous increase of stroke incidents and patients requiring rehabilitation. Some studies estimate that by 2030 the number of physical therapists will be insufficient for the patients requiring physical rehabilitation, imposing a shift in the current methodologies. A viable option is the implementation of robotic systems that assist the patient in performing rehabilitation exercises, the physical therapist role being to establish the therapeutic program for each patient and monitor their individual progress. Using a set of clinical measurements for the upper limb motions, the analysis of rehabilitation robotic systems provides a comparative study between the motions required by clinicians and the ones that robotic systems perform for different therapeutic exercises. A critical analysis of existing robots is performed using several classifications: mechanical design, assistance type, actuation and power transmission, control systems and human robot interaction (HRI) strategies. This classification will determine a set of pre-requirements for the definition of new concepts and efficient solutions for robotic assisted rehabilitation therapy.

Earth Observing System, Conclusions and Recommendations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

The following Earth Observing Systems (E.O.S.) recommendations were suggested: (1) a program must be initiated to ensure that present time series of Earth science data are maintained and continued. (2) A data system that provides easy, integrated, and complete access to past, present, and future data must be developed as soon as possible. (3) A long term research effort must be sustained to study and understand these time series of Earth observations. (4) The E.O.S. should be established as an information system to carry out those aspects of the above recommendations which go beyond existing and currently planned activities. (5) The scientific direction of the E.O.S. should be established and continued through an international scientific steering committee.

Nurse Continuity and Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers: A Comparative Analysis Using an Electronic Health Record "Big Data" Set.

PubMed

Stifter, Janet; Yao, Yingwei; Lodhi, Muhammad Kamran; Lopez, Karen Dunn; Khokhar, Ashfaq; Wilkie, Diana J; Keenan, Gail M

2015-01-01

Little research demonstrating the association between nurse continuity and patient outcomes exists despite an intuitive belief that continuity makes a difference in care outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the association of nurse continuity with the prevention of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU). A secondary use of data from the Hands on Automated Nursing Data System (HANDS) was performed for this comparative study. The HANDS is a nursing plan of care data set containing 42,403 episodes documented by 787 nurses, on nine units, in four hospitals and includes nurse staffing and patient characteristics. The HANDS data set resides in a "big data" relational database consisting of 89 tables and 747 columns of data. Via data mining, we created an analytic data set of 840 care episodes, 210 with and 630 without HAPUs, matched by nursing unit, patient age, and patient characteristics. Logistic regression analysis determined the association of nurse continuity and additional nurse-staffing variables on HAPU occurrence. Poor nurse continuity (unit mean continuity index = .21-.42 [1.0 = optimal continuity]) was noted on all nine study units. Nutrition, mobility, perfusion, hydration, and skin problems on admission, as well as patient age, were associated with HAPUs (p < .001). Controlling for patient characteristics, nurse continuity, and the interactions between nurse continuity and other nurse-staffing variables were not significantly associated with HAPU development. Patient characteristics including nutrition, mobility, and perfusion were associated with HAPUs, but nurse continuity was not. We demonstrated a high level of variation in the degree of continuity between patient episodes in the HANDS data, showing that it offers rich potential for future study of nurse continuity and its effect on patient outcomes.

Renyi entanglement entropy of interacting fermions calculated using the continuous-time quantum Monte Carlo method.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Troyer, Matthias

2014-09-12

We present a new algorithm for calculating the Renyi entanglement entropy of interacting fermions using the continuous-time quantum Monte Carlo method. The algorithm only samples the interaction correction of the entanglement entropy, which by design ensures the efficient calculation of weakly interacting systems. Combined with Monte Carlo reweighting, the algorithm also performs well for systems with strong interactions. We demonstrate the potential of this method by studying the quantum entanglement signatures of the charge-density-wave transition of interacting fermions on a square lattice.

A Homecare Application based on the ASTM E2369-05 Standard Specification for Continuity of Care Record

PubMed Central

Botsivaly, M.; Spyropoulos, B.; Koutsourakis, K.; Mertika, K.

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study is the presentation of a system appropriate to be used upon the transition of a patient from hospital to homecare. The developed system is structured according to the ASTM E2369-05 Standard Specification for Continuity of Care Record and its function is based upon the creation of a structured subset of data, containing the patient’s most relevant clinical information, enabling simultaneously the planning and the optimal documentation of the provided homecare. PMID:17238479

Cognitive Improvement of Attention and Inhibition in the Late Afternoon in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treated With Osmotic-Release Oral System Methylphenidate.

PubMed

Slama, Hichem; Fery, Patrick; Verheulpen, Denis; Vanzeveren, Nathalie; Van Bogaert, Patrick

2015-07-01

Long-acting medications have been developed and approved for use in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These compounds are intended to optimize and maintain symptoms control throughout the day. We tested prolonged effects of osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate on both attention and inhibition, in the late afternoon. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 36 boys (7-12 years) with ADHD and 40 typically developing children. The ADHD children received an individualized dose of placebo or osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate. They were tested about 8 hours after taking with 2 continuous performance tests (continuous performance test-X [CPT-X] and continuous performance test-AX [CPT-AX]) and a counting Stroop. A positive effect of osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate was present in CPT-AX with faster and less variable reaction times under osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate than under placebo, and no difference with typically developing children. In the counting Stroop, we found a decreased interference with osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate but no difference between children with ADHD under placebo and typically developing children. © The Author(s) 2014.

How do medical doctors in the European Union demonstrate that they continue to meet criteria for registration and licencing?

PubMed

Solé, Meritxell; Panteli, Dimitra; Risso-Gill, Isabelle; Döring, Nora; Busse, Reinhard; McKee, Martin; Legido-Quigley, Helena

2014-12-01

This paper reviews procedures for ensuring that physicians in the European Union (EU) continue to meet criteria for registration and the implications of these procedures for cross-border movement of health professionals following implementation of the 2005/36/EC Directive on professional qualifications. A questionnaire was completed by key informants in 10 EU member states, supplemented by a review of peer-reviewed and grey literature and a review conducted by key experts in each country. The questionnaire covered three aspects: actors involved in processes for ensuring continued adherence to standards for registration and/or licencing (such as revalidation), including their roles and functions; the processes involved, including continuing professional development (CPD) and/or continuing medical education (CME); and contextual factors, particularly those impacting professional mobility. All countries included in the study view CPD/CME as one mechanism to demonstrate that doctors continue to meet key standards. Although regulatory bodies in a few countries have established explicit systems of ensuring continued competence, at least for some doctors (in Belgium, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovenia and the UK), self-regulation is considered sufficient to ensure that physicians are up to date and fit to practice in others (Austria, Finland, Estonia and Spain). Formal systems vary greatly in their rationale, structure, and coverage. Whereas in Germany, Hungary and Slovenia, systems are exclusively focused on CPD/CME, the Netherlands also includes peer review and minimum activity thresholds. Belgium and the UK have developed more complex mechanisms, comprising a review of complaints or compliments on performance and (in the UK) colleague and patient questionnaires. Systems for ensuring that doctors continue to meet criteria for registration and licencing across the EU are complex and inconsistent. Participation in CPD/CME is only one aspect of maintaining professional competence but it is the only one common to all countries. Thus, there is a need to bring clarity to this confused landscape. © 2014 Royal College of Physicians.

Power Inversion in a Tapped Delay-Line Array.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-03-01

and identify by block number) This report discusses recent studies on adaptive arrays for theNavy ITACS system. The report considers the power inversion...this report we discuss recent studies on adaptive arrays for the Navy ITACS system. The goal of this research is to develop an adaptive antenna system...here is a continuation of earlier research on power inversion by Compton, Lee, and Schwegman [1,2,3,4]. This work differs from previous studies in that

Performance of Continuous CO2 Measurements in Soils: A Preliminary Assessment

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sensors for the continuous measurement of CO2 concentrations in soil are available but are not validated for real time, in situ measurement of CO2 in actively growing cropping systems. This study evaluated the Vaisala GM222 CO2 sensor over a range of soil conditions in the greenhouse and in the fiel...

Worst error performance of continuous Kalman filters. [for deep space navigation and maneuvers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nishimura, T.

1975-01-01

The worst error performance of estimation filters is investigated for continuous systems in this paper. The pathological performance study, without assuming any dynamical model such as Markov processes for perturbations, except for its bounded amplitude, will give practical and dependable criteria in establishing the navigation and maneuver strategy in deep space missions.

Continuing Vocational Training in the Space Industry: A Siberian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Churlyaeva, Natalya; Kukushkin, Sergey

2013-01-01

The development of a continuing vocational training programme at the Information Satellite Systems Joint-Stock Company (ISS JSC) during the transition from the planned Soviet economy to what is now called the Russian market economy is briefly outlined. How the collapse of a planned economy led to the degradation of engineering higher education…

Continuous Advances in Technology for Continuing Adult Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demirdogen, R. Esra

2007-01-01

This paper is about a study carried out at a chemical production facility in Izmir, Turkey during 2005/6 using CNC Learning environment and Kolb cycle. The system has been tested with 12 chemists working in this factory. The training course was carried on in a web-based environment and also routine meetings with the instructors were held. The…

Professional Development of Continuing Higher Education Unit Leaders: A Need for a Competency-Based Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bacheler, Margaret

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of professional development experiences on the career competencies of continuing higher education unit leaders (CHEULs). In the American system of higher education, a CHEUL manages an administrative unit that offers educational programs to adult learners (Cranton, 1996). To face the challenges…

Learning Is Change: Creating an Environment for Sustainable Organizational Change in Continuing and Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schultz, Christie

2014-01-01

This article explores the ways in which learning itself is a form of organizational change and, as such, supports organizational readiness for change. The study considers a continuing education unit within a major Canadian university that managed to transform its decentralized and independent student records and administration system (student…

Alignment of Teacher and Student Perceptions on the Continued Use of Business Simulation Games

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tao, Yu-Hui; Cheng, Chieh-Jen; Sun, Szu-Yuan

2012-01-01

The higher education system in Taiwan has increasingly adopted business simulation games (BSGs) in recent years. Previous BSG benefit research has shifted focus from learning performance to motivation due to mixed results. One recent study empirically investigated student perceptions on the continued use of BSGs; however, the counterpart of higher…

The Role of Self-Determination Theory in Explaining Teachers' Motivation to Continue to Use E-Learning Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sorebo, Oystein; Halvari, Hallgier; Gulli, Vebjorn Flaata; Kristiansen, Roar

2009-01-01

Based on self-determination theory, this study proposes an extended information systems continuance theory in the context of teachers' utilization of e-learning technology in connection with on-site courses. In the proposed model teachers' extrinsic motivation (i.e. perceived usefulness), confirmation of pre-acceptance expectations and intrinsic…

Corn and soybean rotation under reduced tillage management: impacts on soil properties, yield, and net return

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A 4-yr field study was conducted from 2007 to 2010 at Stoneville, MS to examine the effects of rotating corn and soybean under reduced tillage conditions on soil properties, yields, and net return. The six rotation systems were continuous corn (CCCC), continuous soybean (SSSS), corn-soybean (CSCS),...

Construction Theory and Noise Analysis Method of Global CGCS2000 Coordinate Frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Z.; Wang, F.; Bai, J.; Li, Z.

2018-04-01

The definition, renewal and maintenance of geodetic datum has been international hot issue. In recent years, many countries have been studying and implementing modernization and renewal of local geodetic reference coordinate frame. Based on the precise result of continuous observation for recent 15 years from state CORS (continuously operating reference system) network and the mainland GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) network between 1999 and 2007, this paper studies the construction of mathematical model of the Global CGCS2000 frame, mainly analyzes the theory and algorithm of two-step method for Global CGCS2000 Coordinate Frame formulation. Finally, the noise characteristic of the coordinate time series are estimated quantitatively with the criterion of maximum likelihood estimation.

Continuous-time quantum random walks require discrete space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manouchehri, K.; Wang, J. B.

2007-11-01

Quantum random walks are shown to have non-intuitive dynamics which makes them an attractive area of study for devising quantum algorithms for long-standing open problems as well as those arising in the field of quantum computing. In the case of continuous-time quantum random walks, such peculiar dynamics can arise from simple evolution operators closely resembling the quantum free-wave propagator. We investigate the divergence of quantum walk dynamics from the free-wave evolution and show that, in order for continuous-time quantum walks to display their characteristic propagation, the state space must be discrete. This behavior rules out many continuous quantum systems as possible candidates for implementing continuous-time quantum random walks.

Validation of the replica trick for simple models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinzato, Takashi

2018-04-01

We discuss the replica analytic continuation using several simple models in order to prove mathematically the validity of the replica analysis, which is used in a wide range of fields related to large-scale complex systems. While replica analysis consists of two analytical techniques—the replica trick (or replica analytic continuation) and the thermodynamical limit (and/or order parameter expansion)—we focus our study on replica analytic continuation, which is the mathematical basis of the replica trick. We apply replica analysis to solve a variety of analytical models, and examine the properties of replica analytic continuation. Based on the positive results for these models we propose that replica analytic continuation is a robust procedure in replica analysis.

Department of Defense Chemical and Biological Defense Program. FY2004-2006 Performance Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-01

Agents (NTAs) Compare the direct effects of PAF on smooth muscle, hematic constituents, and lung to determine role in toxicity. Continue to identify...Range Biometric Target ID System Explore technologies for a long range biometric target identification system. Air Containment Monitoring System...Continue development of systems for contained air monitoring for chemical agents.Long Range Biometric Air Containment Monitoring System Continued

Intention of Continuing to use the Hospital Information System: Integrating the elaboration-likelihood, social influence and cognitive learning

PubMed Central

Farzandipour, Mehrdad; Mohamadian, Hashem; Sohrabi, Niloufar

2016-01-01

Introduction Anticipating effective factors in information system acceptance by using persuasive messages, is one of the main issues less focused on so far. This is one of the first attempts at using the elaboration-likelihood model combined with the perception of emotional, cognitive, self-efficacy, informational and normative influence constructs, in order to investigate the determinants of intention to continue use of the hospital information system in Iran. Methods The present study is a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2014. 600 nursing staff were chosen from clinical sectors of public hospitals using purposive sampling. The questionnaire survey was in two parts: Part one was comprised of demographic data, and part two included 52 questions pertaining to the constructs of the model in the study. To analyze the data, structural equation model using LISREL 8.5 software was applied. Result The findings suggest that self-efficacy (t= 6.01, β= 0.21), affective response (t= 5.84, β= 0.23), and cognitive response (t= 4.97, β= 0.21) explained 64% of the variance for the intention of continuing to use the hospital information system. Furthermore, the final model was able to explain 0.46 for self-efficacy, 0.44 for normative social influence, 0.52 for affective response, 0.55 for informational social influence, and 0.53 for cognitive response. Conclusion Designing the necessary mechanisms and effective use of appropriate strategies to improve emotional and cognitive understanding and self-efficacy of the nursing staff is required, in order to increase the intention of continued use of the hospital information system in Iran. PMID:28163852

Multiple Kernel Learning for Heterogeneous Anomaly Detection: Algorithm and Aviation Safety Case Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Das, Santanu; Srivastava, Ashok N.; Matthews, Bryan L.; Oza, Nikunj C.

2010-01-01

The world-wide aviation system is one of the most complex dynamical systems ever developed and is generating data at an extremely rapid rate. Most modern commercial aircraft record several hundred flight parameters including information from the guidance, navigation, and control systems, the avionics and propulsion systems, and the pilot inputs into the aircraft. These parameters may be continuous measurements or binary or categorical measurements recorded in one second intervals for the duration of the flight. Currently, most approaches to aviation safety are reactive, meaning that they are designed to react to an aviation safety incident or accident. In this paper, we discuss a novel approach based on the theory of multiple kernel learning to detect potential safety anomalies in very large data bases of discrete and continuous data from world-wide operations of commercial fleets. We pose a general anomaly detection problem which includes both discrete and continuous data streams, where we assume that the discrete streams have a causal influence on the continuous streams. We also assume that atypical sequence of events in the discrete streams can lead to off-nominal system performance. We discuss the application domain, novel algorithms, and also discuss results on real-world data sets. Our algorithm uncovers operationally significant events in high dimensional data streams in the aviation industry which are not detectable using state of the art methods

Adaptive control of periodic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Zhiling

2009-12-01

Adaptive control is needed to cope with parametric uncertainty in dynamical systems. The adaptive control of LTI systems in both discrete and continuous time has been studied for four decades and the results are currently used widely in many different fields. In recent years, interest has shifted to the adaptive control of time-varying systems. It is known that the adaptive control of arbitrarily rapidly time-varying systems is in general intractable, but systems with periodically time-varying parameters (LTP systems) which have much more structure, are amenable to mathematical analysis. Further, there is also a need for such control in practical problems which have arisen in industry during the past twenty years. This thesis is the first attempt to deal with the adaptive control of LTP systems. Adaptive Control involves estimation of unknown parameters, adjusting the control parameters based on the estimates, and demonstrating that the overall system is stable. System theoretic properties such as stability, controllability, and observability play an important role both in formulating of the problems, as well as in generating solutions for them. For LTI systems, these properties have been studied since 1960s, and algebraic conditions that have to be satisfied to assure these properties are now well established. In the case of LTP systems, these properties can be expressed only in terms of transition matrices that are much more involved than those for LTI systems. Since adaptive control problems can be formulated only when these properties are well understood, it is not surprising that systematic efforts have not been made thus far for formulating and solving adaptive control problems that arise in LTP systems. Even in the case of LTI systems, it is well recognized that problems related to adaptive discrete-time system are not as difficult as those that arise in the continuous-time systems. This is amply evident in the solutions that were derived in the 1980s and 1990s for all the important problems. These differences are even more amplified in the LTP case; some problems in continuous time cannot even be formulated precisely. This thesis consequently focuses primarily on the adaptive identification and control of discrete-time systems, and derives most of the results that currently exist in the literature for LTI systems. Based on these investigations of discrete-time adaptive systems, attempts are made in the thesis to examine their continuous-time counterparts, and discuss the principal difficulties encountered. The dissertation examines critically the system theoretic properties of LTP systems in Chapter 2, and the mathematical framework provided for their analysis by Floquet theory in Chapter 3. Assuming that adaptive identification and control problems can be formulated precisely, a unified method of developing stable adaptive laws using error models is treated in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 presents a detailed study of the adaptation in SISO discrete-time LTP systems, and represents the core of the thesis. The important problems of identification, stabilization, regulation, and tracking of arbitrary signals are investigated, and practically implementable stable adaptive laws are derived. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of continuous-time adaptive control in Chapter 6 and discrete multivariable systems in Chapter 7. Directions for future research are indicated towards the end of the dissertation.

Kinetic Study of Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol Fermentation in Continuous Culture

PubMed Central

Buehler, Edward A.; Mesbah, Ali

2016-01-01

Acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation by clostridia has shown promise for industrial-scale production of biobutanol. However, the continuous ABE fermentation suffers from low product yield, titer, and productivity. Systems analysis of the continuous ABE fermentation will offer insights into its metabolic pathway as well as into optimal fermentation design and operation. For the ABE fermentation in continuous Clostridium acetobutylicum culture, this paper presents a kinetic model that includes the effects of key metabolic intermediates and enzymes as well as culture pH, product inhibition, and glucose inhibition. The kinetic model is used for elucidating the behavior of the ABE fermentation under the conditions that are most relevant to continuous cultures. To this end, dynamic sensitivity analysis is performed to systematically investigate the effects of culture conditions, reaction kinetics, and enzymes on the dynamics of the ABE production pathway. The analysis provides guidance for future metabolic engineering and fermentation optimization studies. PMID:27486663

Open questions and a proposal: A critical review of the evidence on infant numerical abilities

PubMed Central

Cantrell, Lisa; Smith, Linda B.

2013-01-01

Considerable research has investigated infants’ numerical capacities. Studies in this domain have used procedures of habituation, head turn, violation of expectation, reaching, and crawling to ask what quantities infants discriminate and represent visually, auditorily as well as intermodally. The concensus view from these studies is that infants possess a numerical system that is amodal and aplicable to the quantification of any kind of entity and that this system is fundamentally separate from other systems that represent continuous magnitude. Although there is much evidence consistent with this view, there are also inconsistencies in the data. This paper provides a broad review of what we know, including the evidence suggesting systematic early knowledge as well as the peculiarities and gaps in the empirical findings with respect to the concensus view. We argue, from these inconsistencies, that the concensus view cannot be entirely correct. In light of the evidence, we propose a new hypothesis, the Signal Clarity hypothesis, that posits a developmental role for dimensions of continuous quantity within the discrete quantity system and calls for a broader research agenda that considers the covariation of discrete and continuous quantities not simply as a problem for experimental control but as information that developing infants may use to build more precise and robust representations of number. PMID:23748213

Numerical research of dynamic characteristics in tower solar cavity receiver based on step-change radiation flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhengwei; Wang, Yueshe; Hao, Yun; Wang, Qizhi

2013-07-01

The solar cavity receiver is an important light-energy to thermal-energy convector in the tower solar thermal power plant system. The heat flux in the inner surface of the cavity will show the characteristics of non-continuous step change especially in non-normal and transient weather conditions, which may result in a continuous dynamic variation of the characteristic parameters. Therefore, the research of dynamic characteristics of the receiver plays a very important role in the operation and the control safely in solar cavity receiver system. In this paper, based on the non-continuous step change of radiation flux, a non-linear dynamic model is put forward to obtain the effects of the non-continuous step change radiation flux and step change feed water flow on the receiver performance by sequential modular approach. The subject investigated in our study is a 1MW solar power station constructed in Yanqing County, Beijing. This study has obtained the dynamic responses of the characteristic parameters in the cavity receiver, such as drum pressure, drum water level, main steam flow and main steam enthalpy under step change radiation flux. And the influence law of step-change feed water flow to the dynamic characteristics in the receiver also has been analyzed. The results have a reference value for the safe operation and the control in solar cavity receiver system.

40 CFR 62.15215 - What is required for my continuous opacity monitoring system and how are the data used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... opacity monitoring system and how are the data used? 62.15215 Section 62.15215 Protection of Environment... required for my continuous opacity monitoring system and how are the data used? (a) Install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a continuous opacity monitoring system. (b) Install, evaluate, and operate each...

Laser plasma cryogenic target on translating substrate for generation of continuously repetitive EUV and soft X-ray pulses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Amano, Sho

2014-06-15

To generate continuously repetitive EUV and soft X-ray pulses with various wavelengths from laser-produced plasmas, a one-dimensionally translating substrate system with a closed He gas cryostat that can continuously supply various cryogenic targets for ∼10 Hz laser pulses has been developed. The system was successfully operated at a lowest temperature of 15 K and at a maximum up-down speed of 12 mm/s. Solid Ar, Kr, and Xe layers were formed, and their growth rates and the laser crater sizes on them were studied. By optimization of the operational parameters in accordance with our design rule, it was shown that stablemore » output power was achieved continuously from the plasma emission at frequencies of 1–10 Hz. The average soft X-ray and EUV powers obtained were 19 mW at 3.2 nm, 33 mW at 10.0 nm, and 66 mW at 10.8 nm, with 10% bandwidths, from the Ar, Kr, and Xe solid targets, respectively, with a laser power of 1 W. We will be able to achieve higher frequencies using a high beam quality laser that produces smaller craters, and can expect higher powers. Although only Ar, Kr, and Xe gases were tested in this study, the target system achieved a temperature of 15 K and can thus solidify almost all target gases, apart from H and He, and can continuously supply the solid target. The use of various target materials will enable expansion of the EUV and soft X-ray emission wavelength range.« less

Multipartite entanglement in three-mode Gaussian states of continuous-variable systems: Quantification, sharing structure, and decoherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adesso, Gerardo; Serafini, Alessio; Illuminati, Fabrizio

2006-03-01

We present a complete analysis of the multipartite entanglement of three-mode Gaussian states of continuous-variable systems. We derive standard forms which characterize the covariance matrix of pure and mixed three-mode Gaussian states up to local unitary operations, showing that the local entropies of pure Gaussian states are bound to fulfill a relationship which is stricter than the general Araki-Lieb inequality. Quantum correlations can be quantified by a proper convex roof extension of the squared logarithmic negativity, the continuous-variable tangle, or contangle. We review and elucidate in detail the proof that in multimode Gaussian states the contangle satisfies a monogamy inequality constraint [G. Adesso and F. Illuminati, New J. Phys8, 15 (2006)]. The residual contangle, emerging from the monogamy inequality, is an entanglement monotone under Gaussian local operations and classical communications and defines a measure of genuine tripartite entanglements. We determine the analytical expression of the residual contangle for arbitrary pure three-mode Gaussian states and study in detail the distribution of quantum correlations in such states. This analysis yields that pure, symmetric states allow for a promiscuous entanglement sharing, having both maximum tripartite entanglement and maximum couplewise entanglement between any pair of modes. We thus name these states GHZ/W states of continuous-variable systems because they are simultaneous continuous-variable counterparts of both the GHZ and the W states of three qubits. We finally consider the effect of decoherence on three-mode Gaussian states, studying the decay of the residual contangle. The GHZ/W states are shown to be maximally robust against losses and thermal noise.

Thorium Fuel Cycle Option Screening in the United States

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taiwo, Temitope A.; Kim, Taek K.; Wigeland, Roald A.

2016-05-01

As part of a nuclear fuel cycle Evaluation and Screening (E&S) study, a wide-range of thorium fuel cycle options were evaluated and their performance characteristics and challenges to implementation were compared to those of other nuclear fuel cycle options based on criteria specified by the Nuclear Energy Office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The evaluated nuclear fuel cycles included the once-through, limited, and continuous recycle options using critical or externally-driven nuclear energy systems. The E&S study found that the continuous recycle of 233U/Th in fuel cycles using either thermal or fast reactors is an attractive promising fuel cyclemore » option with high effective fuel resource utilization and low waste generation, but did not perform quite as well as the continuous recycle of Pu/U using a fast critical system, which was identified as one of the most promising fuel cycle options in the E&S study. This is because compared to their uranium counterparts the thorium-based systems tended to have higher radioactivity in the short term (about 100 years post irradiation) because of differences in the fission product yield curves, and in the long term (100,000 years post irradiation) because of the decay of 233U and daughters, and because of higher mass flow rates due to lower discharge burnups. Some of the thorium-based systems also require enriched uranium support, which tends to be detrimental to resource utilization and waste generation metrics. Finally, similar to the need for developing recycle fuel fabrication, fuels separations and fast reactors for the most promising options using Pu/U recycle, the future thorium-based fuel cycle options with continuous recycle would also require such capabilities, although their deployment challenges are expected to be higher since such facilities have not been developed in the past to a comparable level of maturity for Th-based systems.« less

Development of phytoplankton communities and common off-flavors in a biofloc technology system used to culture channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The use of biofloc technology production systems continues to increase in the aquaculture industry worldwide. Recent research demonstrated that outdoor biofloc systems can be used to produce high yields of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). However, studies have not yet been performed to deter...

An Empirical Examination of Individual and System Characteristics on Enhancing E-Learning Acceptance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Yi-Hsuan; Hsiao, Chan; Purnomo, Sutrisno Hadi

2014-01-01

Due to the continued prevalence of e-learning underutilization in Indonesia's higher education context, this study empirically examines individual and system characteristics believed to influence students' acceptance of e-learning systems. The proposed research model is developed to examine the influence of five characteristics of the Technology…

Educator Evaluation: A Case Study of Massachusetts' Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Catherine; Partelow, Lisette; Konoske-Graf, Annette

2016-01-01

There has been a sea change in teacher evaluation over the past eight years. Inspired in part by President Barack Obama's policies, schools have instituted teacher evaluation systems that include multiple measures of teacher impact. Model systems are aligned to systems of continuous improvement, helping teachers identify areas of weakness in their…

Lasting effects of soil health improvements with management changes in cotton-based cropping systems in a sandy soil

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The soil microbial component is essential for sustainable agricultural systems and soil health. This study evaluated the lasting impacts of 5 years of soil health improvements from alternative cropping systems compared to intensively tilled continuous cotton (Cont. Ctn) in a low organic matter sandy...

South African Teachers' Views of Collaboration within an Inclusive Education System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nel, Mirna; Engelbrecht, Petra; Nel, Norma; Tlale, Dan

2014-01-01

The development of sustainable collaborative partnerships between different role players within an inclusive education system seems to be a continuous challenge in South Africa. The focus of this research study was to understand how teachers view collaboration within an inclusive education system. Open-ended questionnaires were completed by 85…

Long wavelength fluorescence based biosensors for in vivo continuous monitoring of metabolites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Joseph; Ambroise, Arounaguiry; Birchfield, Kara; Cai, Wensheng; Sandmann, Christian; Singh, Sarabjit; Weidemaier, Kristin; Pitner, J. Bruce

2006-02-01

The early stage development studies of novel implantable continuous metabolite sensor systems for glucose, lactate and fatty acids are discussed. These sensors utilize non-enzymatic "reagentless" sensor systems based on NIR fluorophore-labeled binding proteins. For in vivo applications, NIR fluorescence based systems (beyond 600 nm) have the added benefit of reduced interference from background scattering, tissue and serum absorption and cell auto-fluorescence. The long wavelength emission facilitates implanted sensor disks to transmit fluorescence to an external reader through wireless connections and the resulting fluorescence signals can be correlated to metabolite concentrations. We have developed a prototype optical system that uses a bifurcated optical fiber to transmit excitation and read emission at the surface of the skin. With this system, fluorescence signals were read over time through animal skin. The changes in glucose concentration were studied using immobilized sensor proteins and were compared to non-immobilized sensors in solution. For sensors in solution, no response delay was observed. For immobilized systems, the fluorescence response showed a delay corresponding to the diffusion time for the metabolite to equilibrate within the sensor.

Use of SCALE Continuous-Energy Monte Carlo Tools for Eigenvalue Sensitivity Coefficient Calculations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perfetti, Christopher M; Rearden, Bradley T

2013-01-01

The TSUNAMI code within the SCALE code system makes use of eigenvalue sensitivity coefficients for an extensive number of criticality safety applications, such as quantifying the data-induced uncertainty in the eigenvalue of critical systems, assessing the neutronic similarity between different critical systems, and guiding nuclear data adjustment studies. The need to model geometrically complex systems with improved fidelity and the desire to extend TSUNAMI analysis to advanced applications has motivated the development of a methodology for calculating sensitivity coefficients in continuous-energy (CE) Monte Carlo applications. The CLUTCH and Iterated Fission Probability (IFP) eigenvalue sensitivity methods were recently implemented in themore » CE KENO framework to generate the capability for TSUNAMI-3D to perform eigenvalue sensitivity calculations in continuous-energy applications. This work explores the improvements in accuracy that can be gained in eigenvalue and eigenvalue sensitivity calculations through the use of the SCALE CE KENO and CE TSUNAMI continuous-energy Monte Carlo tools as compared to multigroup tools. The CE KENO and CE TSUNAMI tools were used to analyze two difficult models of critical benchmarks, and produced eigenvalue and eigenvalue sensitivity coefficient results that showed a marked improvement in accuracy. The CLUTCH sensitivity method in particular excelled in terms of efficiency and computational memory requirements.« less

Analysis on electronic control unit of continuously variable transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Shuanggui

Continuously variable transmission system can ensure that the engine work along the line of best fuel economy, improve fuel economy, save fuel and reduce harmful gas emissions. At the same time, continuously variable transmission allows the vehicle speed is more smooth and improves the ride comfort. Although the CVT technology has made great development, but there are many shortcomings in the CVT. The CVT system of ordinary vehicles now is still low efficiency, poor starting performance, low transmission power, and is not ideal controlling, high cost and other issues. Therefore, many scholars began to study some new type of continuously variable transmission. The transmission system with electronic systems control can achieve automatic control of power transmission, give full play to the characteristics of the engine to achieve optimal control of powertrain, so the vehicle is always traveling around the best condition. Electronic control unit is composed of the core processor, input and output circuit module and other auxiliary circuit module. Input module collects and process many signals sent by sensor and , such as throttle angle, brake signals, engine speed signal, speed signal of input and output shaft of transmission, manual shift signals, mode selection signals, gear position signal and the speed ratio signal, so as to provide its corresponding processing for the controller core.

Graphite nanoplatelets-modified PLA/PCL: Effect of blend ratio and nanofiller localization on structure and properties.

PubMed

Kelnar, Ivan; Kratochvíl, Jaroslav; Kaprálková, Ludmila; Zhigunov, Alexander; Nevoralová, Martina

2017-07-01

Structure and properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) influenced by graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) were studied in dependence on blend composition. Electron microscopy indicates predominant localization of GNP in PCL. GNP-induced changes in viscosity hinder refinement of PCL inclusions, support PCL continuity in the co-continuous system, and lead to reduction of PLA inclusions size without GNP being present at the interface in the PCL-matrix blend. Negligible differences in crystallinity of both phases indicate that mechanical behaviour is mainly influenced by reinforcement and GNP-induced changes in morphology. Addition of 5 parts of GNP leads to ~40% and ~25% increase of stiffness in the PCL- and PLA-matrix systems, respectively, whereas the reinforcing effect is practically eliminated in the co-continuous systems due to GNP-induced lower continuity of PLA which enhances toughness. Impact resistance of the 80/20 blend shows increase with 5 parts content due to synergistic effect of PCL/GNP stacks, whereas minor increase in the blend of the ductile PCL matrix with brittle PLA inclusions is caused by GNP-modification of the component parameters. Results indicate high potential of GNP in preparing biocompatible systems with wide range of structure and properties. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The renaissance of continuous culture in the post-genomics age.

PubMed

Bull, Alan T

2010-10-01

The development of continuous culture techniques 60 years ago and the subsequent formulation of theory and the diversification of experimental systems revolutionised microbiology and heralded a unique period of innovative research. Then, progressively, molecular biology and thence genomics and related high-information-density omics technologies took centre stage and microbial growth physiology in general faded from educational programmes and research funding priorities alike. However, there has been a gathering appreciation over the past decade that if the claims of systems biology are going to be realised, they will have to be based on rigorously controlled and reproducible microbial and cell growth platforms. This revival of continuous culture will be long lasting because its recognition as the growth system of choice is firmly established. The purpose of this review, therefore, is to remind microbiologists, particularly those new to continuous culture approaches, of the legacy of what I call the first age of continuous culture, and to explore a selection of researches that are using these techniques in this post-genomics age. The review looks at the impact of continuous culture across a comprehensive range of microbiological research and development. The ability to establish (quasi-) steady state conditions is a frequently stated advantage of continuous cultures thereby allowing environmental parameters to be manipulated without causing concomitant changes in the specific growth rate. However, the use of continuous cultures also enables the critical study of specified transition states and chemical, physical or biological perturbations. Such dynamic analyses enhance our understanding of microbial ecology and microbial pathology for example, and offer a wider scope for innovative drug discovery; they also can inform the optimization of batch and fed-batch operations that are characterized by sequential transitions states.

Postgraduate Education for Medical Personnel in the USSR.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

World Health Organization, Geneva (Switzerland).

In recent years it has become apparent that the system of continuing medical education developed in the USSR has reached a high level of achievement. At the invitation of the Ministry of Health of the USSR, an international study tour was organized by the World Health Organization to study the Soviet system. This report presents the findings of…

Towards Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Implementation: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meaney, Miriam

2006-01-01

"Despite its central role in real-world geography, the Geographic Information System (GIS) has had little uptake to date in School Geography." (Wiegand, 2001) This statement can be accurately applied to the author's current school setting and was the focus of her and her colleagues' case study, commenced in 2004 and continued into 2005.…

Organizing the Baby Boomer Construct: An Exploration of Marketing, Social Systems, and Culture

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lipschultz, Jeremy H.; Hilt, Michael L.; Reilly, Hugh J.

2007-01-01

Baby boomer trends are applied in the development of a conceptual framework that offers a social systems and cultural model for future studies. While there has been considerable recent attention paid to baby boomers, the studies lack a coherent theoretical base that would allow for more advanced and continuing research. Aging baby boomers heading…

Observations of accreting pulsars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prince, Thomas A.; Bildsten, Lars; Chakrabarty, Deepto; Wilson, Robert B.; Finger, Mark H.

1994-01-01

We discuss recent observations of accreting binary pulsars with the all-sky BATSE instrument on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. BATSE has detected and studied nearly half of the known accreting pulsar systems. Continuous timing studies over a two-year period have yielded accurate orbital parameters for 9 of these systems, as well as new insights into long-term accretion torque histories.

Validating the Satisfaction and Continuance Intention of E-Learning Systems: Combining TAM and IS Success Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Tung-Cheng; Chen, Ching-Jen

2012-01-01

Many e-learning studies have evaluated learning attitudes and behaviors, based on TAM. However, a successful e-learning system (ELS) should take both system and information quality into account by applying ISM developed by Delone and McLean. In addition, the acceptance for information system depends on the perceived usefulness and ease of use…

Provider continuity in family medicine: does it make a difference for total health care costs?

PubMed

De Maeseneer, Jan M; De Prins, Lutgarde; Gosset, Christiane; Heyerick, Jozef

2003-01-01

International comparisons of health care systems have shown a relationship at the macro level between a well-structured primary health care plan and lower total health care costs. The objective of this study was to assess whether provider continuity with a family physician is related to lower health care costs using the individual patient as the unit of analysis. We undertook a study of a stratified sample of patients (age, sex, region, insurance company) for which 2 cohorts were constructed based on the patients' utilization pattern of family medicine (provider continuity or not). Patient utilization patterns were observed for 2 years. The setting was the Belgian health care system. The participants were 4,134 members of the 2 largest health insurance companies in 2 regions (Aalst and Liège). The main outcome measures were the total health care costs of patients with and without provider continuity with a family physician, controlling for variables known to influence health care utilization (need factors, predisposing factors, enabling factors). Bivariate analyses showed that patients who were visiting the same family physician had a lower total cost for medical care. A multivariate linear regression showed that provider continuity with a family physician was one of the most important explanatory variables related to the total health care cost. Provider continuity with a family physician is related to lower total health care costs. This finding brings evidence to the debate on the importance of structured primary health care (with high continuity for family practice) for a cost-effective health policy.

Exploring continuous and integrated strategies for the up- and downstream processing of human mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Cunha, Bárbara; Aguiar, Tiago; Silva, Marta M; Silva, Ricardo J S; Sousa, Marcos F Q; Pineda, Earl; Peixoto, Cristina; Carrondo, Manuel J T; Serra, Margarida; Alves, Paula M

2015-11-10

The integration of up- and downstream unit operations can result in the elimination of hold steps, thus decreasing the footprint, and ultimately can create robust closed system operations. This type of design is desirable for the bioprocess of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), where high numbers of pure cells, at low volumes, need to be delivered for therapy applications. This study reports a proof of concept of the integration of a continuous perfusion culture in bioreactors with a tangential flow filtration (TFF) system for the concentration and washing of hMSC. Moreover, we have also explored a continuous alternative for concentrating hMSC. Results show that expanding cells in a continuous perfusion operation mode provided a higher expansion ratio, and led to a shift in cells' metabolism. TFF operated either in continuous or discontinuous allowed to concentrate cells, with high cell recovery (>80%) and viability (>95%); furthermore, continuous TFF permitted to operate longer with higher cell concentrations. Continuous diafiltration led to higher protein clearance (98%) with lower cell death, when comparing to discontinuous diafiltration. Overall, an integrated process allowed for a shorter process time, recovering 70% of viable hMSC (>95%), with no changes in terms of morphology, immunophenotype, proliferation capacity and multipotent differentiation potential. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

BioMon: A Google Earth Based Continuous Biomass Monitoring System (Demo Paper)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vatsavai, Raju

2009-01-01

We demonstrate a Google Earth based novel visualization system for continuous monitoring of biomass at regional and global scales. This system is integrated with a back-end spatiotemporal data mining system that continuously detects changes using high temporal resolution MODIS images. In addition to the visualization, we demonstrate novel query features of the system that provides insights into the current conditions of the landscape.

The assembly and use of continuous flow systems for chemical synthesis.

PubMed

Britton, Joshua; Jamison, Timothy F

2017-11-01

The adoption of and opportunities in continuous flow synthesis ('flow chemistry') have increased significantly over the past several years. Continuous flow systems provide improved reaction safety and accelerated reaction kinetics, and have synthesised several active pharmaceutical ingredients in automated reconfigurable systems. Although continuous flow platforms are commercially available, systems constructed 'in-lab' provide researchers with a flexible, versatile, and cost-effective alternative. Herein, we describe the assembly and use of a modular continuous flow apparatus from readily available and affordable parts in as little as 30 min. Once assembled, the synthesis of a sulfonamide by reacting 4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride with dibenzylamine in a single reactor coil with an in-line quench is presented. This example reaction offers the opportunity to learn several important skills including reactor construction, charging of a back-pressure regulator, assembly of stainless-steel syringes, assembly of a continuous flow system with multiple junctions, and yield determination. From our extensive experience of single-step and multistep continuous flow synthesis, we also describe solutions to commonly encountered technical problems such as precipitation of solids ('clogging') and reactor failure. Following this protocol, a nonspecialist can assemble a continuous flow system from reactor coils, syringes, pumps, in-line liquid-liquid separators, drying columns, back-pressure regulators, static mixers, and packed-bed reactors.

Litter survey : status report 2.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-01-01

This report discusses the results of three series of litter pickups at twenty 0.1-mile long sites on Virginia highways 4 sites on the interstate system, and 8 each on the primary and secondary systems. This study is a continuing effort to monitor qua...

[Psychological features of the motivation component in the training of doctors in the system of postgraduate education].

PubMed

Koshova, Svitlana; Horachuk, Viktoriia; Pishchykov, Valerii

2018-01-01

Introduction: Тhe problem of motivating adult learning in postgraduate education has so far been the subject of study primarily in methodological and pedagogical studies. They focus on the analysis of the content side of the motivation of adult learning activities. As for the problem of the dynamics of motivation for adult learning activities, including for doctors in the system of postgraduate medical education with continuous professional development, it has not been sufficiently studied so far. The aim: This work is to analyze information and psychological features of the motivational sphere of doctors, which contribute to their successful training during continuous professional development in the system of postgraduate medical education. Materials and methods: In the work is used a range of methods: content analysis, bibliosemantic, systematic approach, analysis of products of activity. Review: At the present stage of social and economic transformations in Ukraine, the development of the general abilities of a person, his professional self-awareness, motivation for postgraduate education and obtaining a new specialization (E.О. Klimov, N.S. Glukhanyuk, I.V. Dubrovin, D.N. Zabrodin, T.V. Kudryavtsev, V.D. Shadrikov, etc.) The existing system of professional retraining does not pay enough attention to the study of conscious motives in adult learning activity. The practical relevance of this problem is determined, on the one hand, by the dynamic processes in the system of vocational training and retraining, the requirements for high efficiency of the results of the work of trained specialists. On the other hand, there is need to create conditions in the system of continuing education, the result of which is the effectiveness of adult learning activities. Conclusions: The study of the dynamics of motivation of adult learning activities is, in our opinion, relevant and has great theoretical as well as practical interest. It will allow to expand the idea of dynamics as the most important characteristic of motivation of educational activity. In addition, the knowledge of the features of the dynamics of the motivation of the learning activity of the adult factors that determine it will become in the hands of the practical teachers the lever through which it will be possible to control the motivation of adults during the educational activity with continuous postgraduate education.

Initiation and continuation of long-acting reversible contraception in the United States military healthcare system.

PubMed

Chiles, Daniel P; Roberts, Timothy A; Klein, David A

2016-09-01

Long-acting reversible contraception is more effective for pregnancy prevention than shorter-acting contraceptive methods and has the potential to reduce healthcare disparities and costs. However, long-acting reversible contraception is underused in the United States. One population of interest is beneficiaries of the United States military healthcare system who have access to universal healthcare, including no-cost, no-copay contraception with unlimited method switching, and comprise a large, actual use cohort. Efforts to increase long-acting reversible contraception initiation and continuation in this population may improve health outcomes and mitigate the profound consequences of unintended or mistimed pregnancy on readiness and cost to the military. We aimed to determine long-acting reversible contraception initiation and continuation rates among the diverse population with universal healthcare who are enrolled in the US military healthcare system. This study is a retrospective cohort of >1.7 million women, aged 14-40 years, who were enrolled in the US military healthcare system, TRICARE Prime, between October 2009 and September 2014. Individuals were assessed for long-acting reversible contraception initiation and continuation with the use of medical billing records. Method continuation and factors that were associated with early method discontinuation were evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazard models. During the study dates, 188,533 women initiated long-acting reversible contraception. Of these, 74.6% women selected intrauterine contraceptives. Method initiation rates remained relatively stable (41.7-50.1/1000 women/year) for intrauterine methods, although the rate for subdermal implants increased from 6.1-23.0/1000 women/year. In analysis of women who selected intrauterine contraceptives, 61.2% continued their method at 36 months, and 48.8% continued at 60 months. Among women who selected the implant, 32.0% continued their method at 36 months; however, 45.8% continued until 33 months (ie, 3 months before the currently recommended expiration date). Compared with intrauterine contraceptive users, implant users were more likely to discontinue their method during the 36 months after insertion (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-1.62; P < .001). Adolescents aged 14-19 years were the least likely age group to discontinue the implant before 36 months; women aged 35-40 years were the least likely to discontinue an intrauterine contraceptive before 60 months. In multivariable analysis that controlled for demographic factors and contraceptive type, early contraceptive method discontinuation was most likely among women aged 20-24 years, implant users, and women with method initiation in military clinics. In the US military healthcare system, TRICARE Prime, the initiation of long-acting reversible contraception is low but increasing, and continuation rates are high. This evidence supports long-acting reversible contraception as first-line recommendations for women of all ages who seek contraception. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Continuous variable quantum optical simulation for time evolution of quantum harmonic oscillators

PubMed Central

Deng, Xiaowei; Hao, Shuhong; Guo, Hong; Xie, Changde; Su, Xiaolong

2016-01-01

Quantum simulation enables one to mimic the evolution of other quantum systems using a controllable quantum system. Quantum harmonic oscillator (QHO) is one of the most important model systems in quantum physics. To observe the transient dynamics of a QHO with high oscillation frequency directly is difficult. We experimentally simulate the transient behaviors of QHO in an open system during time evolution with an optical mode and a logical operation system of continuous variable quantum computation. The time evolution of an atomic ensemble in the collective spontaneous emission is analytically simulated by mapping the atomic ensemble onto a QHO. The measured fidelity, which is used for quantifying the quality of the simulation, is higher than its classical limit. The presented simulation scheme provides a new tool for studying the dynamic behaviors of QHO. PMID:26961962

Development of the Baylor-Nikkiso centrifugal pump with a purging system for circulatory support.

PubMed

Naito, K; Miyazoe, Y; Aizawa, T; Mizuguchi, K; Tasai, K; Ohara, Y; Orime, Y; Glueck, J; Takatani, S; Noon, G P

1993-07-01

The Baylor-Nikkiso centrifugal pump is a magnetically coupled system with a V-ring seal separating the pump and the actuator chamber. To prevent thrombus formation behind the impeller and to extend the life of the pump to 2 weeks of continuous operation, we incorporated a purging chamber behind the V-ring seal. An external pump connected to this purging chamber infused fluid at a constant rate to wash the shaft-seal area. To evaluate the effectiveness of the purging system, we have carried out biventricular bypass experiments using calves. The purging system was successful in reducing the level of thrombus formation after 2 weeks of operation. The results of these studies confirmed that the Baylor-Nikkiso centrifugal pump with this purging system is suitable for at least 2 weeks of continuous operation as a circulatory support system.

A Data Base Management System for Clinical and Epidemiologic Studies In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Design and Maintenance

PubMed Central

Kosmides, Victoria S.; Hochberg, Marc C.

1984-01-01

This report describes the development, design specifications, features and implementation of a data base management system (DBMS) for clinical and epidemiologic studies in SLE. The DBMS is multidimensional with arrays formulated across patients, studies and variables. The major impact of this DBMS has been to increase the efficiency of managing and analyzing vast amounts of clinical and laboratory data and, as a result, to allow for continued growth in research productivity in areas related to SLE.

Continuity of pullback and uniform attractors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoang, Luan T.; Olson, Eric J.; Robinson, James C.

2018-03-01

We study the continuity of pullback and uniform attractors for non-autonomous dynamical systems with respect to perturbations of a parameter. Consider a family of dynamical systems parameterized by λ ∈ Λ, where Λ is a complete metric space, such that for each λ ∈ Λ there exists a unique pullback attractor Aλ (t). Using the theory of Baire category we show under natural conditions that there exists a residual set Λ* ⊆ Λ such that for every t ∈ R the function λ ↦Aλ (t) is continuous at each λ ∈Λ* with respect to the Hausdorff metric. Similarly, given a family of uniform attractors Aλ, there is a residual set at which the map λ ↦Aλ is continuous. We also introduce notions of equi-attraction suitable for pullback and uniform attractors and then show when Λ is compact that the continuity of pullback attractors and uniform attractors with respect to λ is equivalent to pullback equi-attraction and, respectively, uniform equi-attraction. These abstract results are then illustrated in the context of the Lorenz equations and the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations.

Space shuttle propulsion systems on-board checkout and monitoring system development study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

Investigations on the fundamental space shuttle propulsion systems program are reported, with emphasis on in-depth reviews of preliminary drafts of the guidelines. The guidelines will be used to incorporate the onboard checkout and monitoring function into the basic design of the propulsion systems and associated interfacing systems. The analysis of checkout and monitoring requirements of the Titan 3 L expandable booster propulsion systems was completed, and the techniques for accomplishing the checkout and monitoring functions were determined. Updating results of the basic study of propulsion system checkout and monitoring is continuing.

40 CFR 60.1250 - What is my schedule for evaluating continuous emission monitoring systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1250 Section 60.1250 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Small Municipal Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is Commenced...

[The Continued Breastfeeding Experiences of Women Who Suffer From Breast Abscess].

PubMed

Liu, Yu-Yan; Chen, Wei-Chih; Chen, Shu-Ling

2016-04-01

Up to 11% of women with mastitis develop a breast abscess, which obviously affects breastfeeding. Therefore, this is a potentially significant issue for women's health. Women with breast abscesses suffer from severe pain. Pain is the most significant factor causing the termination of breastfeeding. The experience of women with breast abscesses who continued to breastfeed may provide valuable insights/guidance to women who are currently in the same or similar situations. This study explores the continuous breastfeeding experience of women with breast abscesses. We collected qualitative data from 10 qualified female participants using 60-90 minute, in-depth interviews that were conducted between April 2012 and June 2012 in a central medical center. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was used to analyze and categorize the major themes. Results were generalized into the following seven themes: (1) experiencing uncomfortable breast pain; (2) feeling helpless to manage the abnormal breast symptoms; (3) relying on the concept of motherhood to support continued breastfeeding; (4) feeling shocked about the process of diagnosis and treatment; (5) facing the doubts and difficulties regarding continuing to breastfeed; (6) experiencing the assistance of the support system for breastfeeding; (7) returning to a normal pattern of life. The findings provide nurses with a deeper understanding of the biological and psychological behaviors and social support system experiences of women with breast abscesses who continue to breastfeed. Study results may serve as a reference for nurses in providing mother-centered breastfeeding care.

40 CFR 141.521 - What updated watershed control requirements must my unfiltered system implement to continue to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS Enhanced Filtration and Disinfection-Systems Serving Fewer Than 10,000... oocysts in the source water. Your system's watershed control program must, for Cryptosporidium: (a...

40 CFR 141.521 - What updated watershed control requirements must my unfiltered system implement to continue to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS Enhanced Filtration and Disinfection-Systems Serving Fewer Than 10,000... oocysts in the source water. Your system's watershed control program must, for Cryptosporidium: (a...

40 CFR 141.521 - What updated watershed control requirements must my unfiltered system implement to continue to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS Enhanced Filtration and Disinfection-Systems Serving Fewer Than 10,000... oocysts in the source water. Your system's watershed control program must, for Cryptosporidium: (a...

40 CFR 141.521 - What updated watershed control requirements must my unfiltered system implement to continue to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS Enhanced Filtration and Disinfection-Systems Serving Fewer Than 10,000... oocysts in the source water. Your system's watershed control program must, for Cryptosporidium: (a...

Initial in vitro testing of a paediatric continuous-flow total artificial heart.

PubMed

Fukamachi, Kiyotaka; Karimov, Jamshid H; Horvath, David J; Sunagawa, Gengo; Byram, Nicole A; Kuban, Barry D; Moazami, Nader

2018-06-01

Mechanical circulatory support has become standard therapy for adult patients with end-stage heart failure; however, in paediatric patients with congenital heart disease, the options for chronic mechanical circulatory support are limited to paracorporeal devices or off-label use of devices intended for implantation in adults. Congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy often involve both the left and right ventricles; in such cases, heart transplantation, a biventricular assist device or a total artificial heart is needed to adequately sustain both pulmonary and systemic circulations. We aimed to evaluate the in vitro performance of the initial prototype of our paediatric continuous-flow total artificial heart. The paediatric continuous-flow total artificial heart pump was downsized from the adult continuous-flow total artificial heart configuration by a scale factor of 0.70 (1/3 of total volume) to enable implantation in infants. System performance of this prototype was evaluated using the continuous-flow total artificial heart mock loop set to mimic paediatric circulation. We generated maps of pump performance and atrial pressure differences over a wide range of systemic vascular resistance/pulmonary vascular resistance and pump speeds. Performance data indicated left pump flow range of 0.4-4.7 l/min at 100 mmHg delta pressure. The left/right atrial pressure difference was maintained within ±5 mmHg with systemic vascular resistance/pulmonary vascular resistance ratios between 1.4 and 35, with/without pump speed modulation, verifying expected passive self-regulation of atrial pressure balance. The paediatric continuous-flow total artificial heart prototype met design requirements for self-regulation and performance; in vivo pump performance studies are ongoing.

Improving the Way Higher Education Institutions Study Themselves: Use and Impact of Academic Improvement Systems. Professional File. Number 118, Fall 2010

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bender, Kim K.; Jonson, Jessica L.; Siller, Thomas J.

2010-01-01

Can higher education institutions continue using planning and self-evaluation processes that are decades old without any reform? Several recent monographs urge institutions to embrace continuous improvement processes that engage systematic planning and department self-evaluation across whole campuses, but they do not show institutions how to do…

Economic Analysis of Continued Education by Holders of Short-Cycle Technical Diplomas in French Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gendron, Benedicte

2006-01-01

In a context of fierce competition in the labour market and employment system, the decision to continue studying after completing French short-cycle higher vocational education must be distinguished from the simple individual decision for optimum allocation of resources postulated by standard human-resource theory. It has much more to do with a…

The influence of the pressure force control signal on selected parameters of the vehicle continuously variable transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bieniek, A.; Graba, M.; Prażnowski, K.

2016-09-01

The paper presents results of research on the effect of frequency control signal on the course selected operating parameters of the continuously variable transmission CVT. The study used a gear Fuji Hyper M6 with electro-hydraulic control system and proprietary software for control and data acquisition developed in LabView environment.

The Jones Commission - DoD Study of the Military Commissary System. Volume 1. Study Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-18

management and contract distribution, ship sailings to * Chapter 7 defines a short range product support overseas commissaries, and other distribution strategy...continuing productivity rather than increasing selling shift in the military from single Service prices. The commission focused on the members to married...distribution of has a different accounting system and a resale products . different "above-store level" automated system. Bill paying is also different

Assessing dry weather flow contribution in TSS and COD storm events loads in combined sewer systems.

PubMed

Métadier, M; Bertrand-Krajewski, J L

2011-01-01

Continuous high resolution long term turbidity measurements along with continuous discharge measurements are now recognised as an appropriate technique for the estimation of in sewer total suspended solids (TSS) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) loads during storm events. In the combined system of the Ecully urban catchment (Lyon, France), this technique is implemented since 2003, with more than 200 storm events monitored. This paper presents a method for the estimation of the dry weather (DW) contribution to measured total TSS and COD event loads with special attention devoted to uncertainties assessment. The method accounts for the dynamics of both discharge and turbidity time series at two minutes time step. The study is based on 180 DW days monitored in 2007-2008. Three distinct classes of DW days were evidenced. Variability analysis and quantification showed that no seasonal effect and no trend over the year were detectable. The law of propagation of uncertainties is applicable for uncertainties estimation. The method has then been applied to all measured storm events. This study confirms the interest of long term continuous discharge and turbidity time series in sewer systems, especially in the perspective of wet weather quality modelling.

A Hierarchical structure of key performance indicators for operation management and continuous improvement in production systems

PubMed Central

Kang, Ningxuan; Zhao, Cong; Li, Jingshan; Horst, John A.

2018-01-01

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are critical for manufacturing operation management and continuous improvement (CI). In modern manufacturing systems, KPIs are defined as a set of metrics to reflect operation performance, such as efficiency, throughput, availability, from productivity, quality and maintenance perspectives. Through continuous monitoring and measurement of KPIs, meaningful quantification and identification of different aspects of operation activities can be obtained, which enable and direct CI efforts. A set of 34 KPIs has been introduced in ISO 22400. However, the KPIs in a manufacturing system are not independent, and they may have intrinsic mutual relationships. The goal of this paper is to introduce a multi-level structure for identification and analysis of KPIs and their intrinsic relationships in production systems. Specifically, through such a hierarchical structure, we define and layer KPIs into levels of basic KPIs, comprehensive KPIs and their supporting metrics, and use it to investigate the relationships and dependencies between KPIs. Such a study can provide a useful tool for manufacturing engineers and managers to measure and utilize KPIs for CI. PMID:29398722

Electric motor assisted bicycle as an aerobic exercise machine.

PubMed

Nagata, T; Okada, S; Makikawa, M

2012-01-01

The goal of this study is to maintain a continuous level of exercise intensity around the aerobic threshold (AT) during riding on an electric motor assisted bicycle using a new control system of electrical motor assistance which uses the efficient pedaling rate of popular bicycles. Five male subjects participated in the experiment, and the oxygen uptake was measured during cycling exercise using this new pedaling rate control system of electrical motor assistance, which could maintain the pedaling rate within a specific range, similar to that in previous type of electrically assisted bicycles. Results showed that this new pedaling rate control system at 65 rpm ensured continuous aerobic exercise intensity around the AT in two subjects, and this intensity level was higher than that observed in previous type. However, certain subjects were unable to maintain the expected exercise intensity because of their particular cycling preferences such as the pedaling rate. It is necessary to adjust the specific pedaling rate range of the electrical motor assist control according to the preferred pedaling rate, so that this system becomes applicable to anyone who want continuous aerobic exercise.

A Hierarchical structure of key performance indicators for operation management and continuous improvement in production systems.

PubMed

Kang, Ningxuan; Zhao, Cong; Li, Jingshan; Horst, John A

2016-01-01

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are critical for manufacturing operation management and continuous improvement (CI). In modern manufacturing systems, KPIs are defined as a set of metrics to reflect operation performance, such as efficiency, throughput, availability, from productivity, quality and maintenance perspectives. Through continuous monitoring and measurement of KPIs, meaningful quantification and identification of different aspects of operation activities can be obtained, which enable and direct CI efforts. A set of 34 KPIs has been introduced in ISO 22400. However, the KPIs in a manufacturing system are not independent, and they may have intrinsic mutual relationships. The goal of this paper is to introduce a multi-level structure for identification and analysis of KPIs and their intrinsic relationships in production systems. Specifically, through such a hierarchical structure, we define and layer KPIs into levels of basic KPIs, comprehensive KPIs and their supporting metrics, and use it to investigate the relationships and dependencies between KPIs. Such a study can provide a useful tool for manufacturing engineers and managers to measure and utilize KPIs for CI.

Addressing case specific biogas plant tasks: industry oriented methane yields derived from 5L Automatic Methane Potential Test Systems in batch or semi-continuous tests using realistic inocula, substrate particle sizes and organic loading.

PubMed

Kolbl, Sabina; Paloczi, Attila; Panjan, Jože; Stres, Blaž

2014-02-01

The primary aim of the study was to develop and validate an in-house upscale of Automatic Methane Potential Test System II for studying real-time inocula and real-scale substrates in batch, codigestion and enzyme enhanced hydrolysis experiments, in addition to semi-continuous operation of the developed equipment and experiments testing inoculum functional quality. The successful upscale to 5L enabled comparison of different process configurations in shorter preparation times with acceptable accuracy and high-through put intended for industrial decision making. The adoption of the same scales, equipment and methodologies in batch and semi-continuous tests mirroring those at full scale biogas plants resulted in matching methane yields between the two laboratory tests and full-scale, confirming thus the increased decision making value of the approach for industrial operations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stress reaction process-based hierarchical recognition algorithm for continuous intrusion events in optical fiber prewarning system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Hongquan; Yuan, Shijiao; Wang, Yanping; Yang, Dan

2018-04-01

To improve the recognition performance of optical fiber prewarning system (OFPS), this study proposed a hierarchical recognition algorithm (HRA). Compared with traditional methods, which employ only a complex algorithm that includes multiple extracted features and complex classifiers to increase the recognition rate with a considerable decrease in recognition speed, HRA takes advantage of the continuity of intrusion events, thereby creating a staged recognition flow inspired by stress reaction. HRA is expected to achieve high-level recognition accuracy with less time consumption. First, this work analyzed the continuity of intrusion events and then presented the algorithm based on the mechanism of stress reaction. Finally, it verified the time consumption through theoretical analysis and experiments, and the recognition accuracy was obtained through experiments. Experiment results show that the processing speed of HRA is 3.3 times faster than that of a traditional complicated algorithm and has a similar recognition rate of 98%. The study is of great significance to fast intrusion event recognition in OFPS.

ZBLAN Fiber Phase B Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Workman, Gary L.; Smith, Guy A.

1997-01-01

A Phase B feasibility study will be performed for the study of the effects of microgravity on the preform processing and fiber pulling of ZBLAN optical glass. Continuing from the positive results achieved in the fiber annealing experiments in 20 second intervals at 0.001 g on the KC-135 and the 5 minute experiments on the SPAR rocket, experiments will continue to work towards design of a fiber sting to initiate fiber pulling operations in space. Anticipated results include less homogeneous nucleation than ground-based annealed fibers. Infrared Fiber Systems and Galileo are the participating industrial investigators.

Development of a cost-effective and flexible vibration DAQ system for long-term continuous structural health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Theanh; Chan, Tommy H. T.; Thambiratnam, David P.; King, Les

2015-12-01

In the structural health monitoring (SHM) field, long-term continuous vibration-based monitoring is becoming increasingly popular as this could keep track of the health status of structures during their service lives. However, implementing such a system is not always feasible due to on-going conflicts between budget constraints and the need of sophisticated systems to monitor real-world structures under their demanding in-service conditions. To address this problem, this paper presents a comprehensive development of a cost-effective and flexible vibration DAQ system for long-term continuous SHM of a newly constructed institutional complex with a special focus on the main building. First, selections of sensor type and sensor positions are scrutinized to overcome adversities such as low-frequency and low-level vibration measurements. In order to economically tackle the sparse measurement problem, a cost-optimized Ethernet-based peripheral DAQ model is first adopted to form the system skeleton. A combination of a high-resolution timing coordination method based on the TCP/IP command communication medium and a periodic system resynchronization strategy is then proposed to synchronize data from multiple distributed DAQ units. The results of both experimental evaluations and experimental-numerical verifications show that the proposed DAQ system in general and the data synchronization solution in particular work well and they can provide a promising cost-effective and flexible alternative for use in real-world SHM projects. Finally, the paper demonstrates simple but effective ways to make use of the developed monitoring system for long-term continuous structural health evaluation as well as to use the instrumented building herein as a multi-purpose benchmark structure for studying not only practical SHM problems but also synchronization related issues.

Extended Hamiltonian approach to continuous tempering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gobbo, Gianpaolo; Leimkuhler, Benedict J.

2015-06-01

We introduce an enhanced sampling simulation technique based on continuous tempering, i.e., on continuously varying the temperature of the system under investigation. Our approach is mathematically straightforward, being based on an extended Hamiltonian formulation in which an auxiliary degree of freedom, determining the effective temperature, is coupled to the physical system. The physical system and its temperature evolve continuously in time according to the equations of motion derived from the extended Hamiltonian. Due to the Hamiltonian structure, it is easy to show that a particular subset of the configurations of the extended system is distributed according to the canonical ensemble for the physical system at the correct physical temperature.

Base stock system for patient vs impatient customers with varying demand distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathima, Dowlath; Uduman, P. Sheik

2013-09-01

An optimal Base-Stock inventory policy for Patient and Impatient Customers using finite-horizon models is examined. The Base stock system for Patient and Impatient customers is a different type of inventory policy. In case of the model I, Base stock for Patient customer case is evaluated using the Truncated Exponential Distribution. The model II involves the study of Base-stock inventory policies for Impatient customer. A study on these systems reveals that the Customers wait until the arrival of the next order or the customers leaves the system which leads to lost sale. In both the models demand during the period [0, t] is taken to be a random variable. In this paper, Truncated Exponential Distribution satisfies the Base stock policy for the patient customer as a continuous model. So far the Base stock for Impatient Customers leaded to a discrete case but, in this paper we have modeled this condition into a continuous case. We justify this approach mathematically and also numerically.

A Method of High Throughput Monitoring Crop Physiology Using Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Multispectral Imaging.

PubMed

Wang, Heng; Qian, Xiangjie; Zhang, Lan; Xu, Sailong; Li, Haifeng; Xia, Xiaojian; Dai, Liankui; Xu, Liang; Yu, Jingquan; Liu, Xu

2018-01-01

We present a high throughput crop physiology condition monitoring system and corresponding monitoring method. The monitoring system can perform large-area chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and multispectral imaging. The monitoring method can determine the crop current condition continuously and non-destructively. We choose chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and relative reflectance of multispectral as the indicators of crop physiological status. Using tomato as experiment subject, the typical crop physiological stress, such as drought, nutrition deficiency and plant disease can be distinguished by the monitoring method. Furthermore, we have studied the correlation between the physiological indicators and the degree of stress. Besides realizing the continuous monitoring of crop physiology, the monitoring system and method provide the possibility of machine automatic diagnosis of the plant physiology. Highlights: A newly designed high throughput crop physiology monitoring system and the corresponding monitoring method are described in this study. Different types of stress can induce distinct fluorescence and spectral characteristics, which can be used to evaluate the physiological status of plants.

Endogenous opioid system: a promising target for future smoking cessation medications.

PubMed

Norman, Haval; D'Souza, Manoranjan S

2017-05-01

Nicotine addiction continues to be a health challenge across the world. Despite several approved medications, smokers continue to relapse. Several human and animal studies have evaluated the role of the endogenous opioid system as a potential target for smoking cessation medications. In this review, studies that have elucidated the role of the mu (MORs), delta (DORs), and kappa (KORs) opioid receptors in nicotine reward, nicotine withdrawal, and reinstatement of nicotine seeking will be discussed. Additionally, the review will discuss discrepancies in the literature and therapeutic potential of the endogenous opioid system, and suggest studies to address gaps in knowledge with respect to the role of the opioid receptors in nicotine dependence. Data available till date suggest that blockade of the MORs and DORs decreased the rewarding effects of nicotine, while activation of the MORs and DORs decreased nicotine withdrawal-induced aversive effects. In contrast, activation of the KORs decreased the rewarding effects of nicotine, while blockade of the KORs decreased nicotine withdrawal-induced aversive effects. Interestingly, blockade of the MORs and KORs attenuated reinstatement of nicotine seeking. In humans, MOR antagonists have shown benefits in select subpopulations of smokers and further investigation is required to realize their full therapeutic potential. Future work must assess the influence of polymorphisms in opioid receptor-linked genes in nicotine dependence, which will help in both identifying individuals vulnerable to nicotine addiction and the development of opioid-based smoking cessation medications. Overall, the endogenous opioid system continues to be a promising target for future smoking cessation medications.

Closed-loop helium circulation system for actuation of a continuously operating heart catheter pump.

PubMed

Karabegovic, Alen; Hinteregger, Markus; Janeczek, Christoph; Mohl, Werner; Gföhler, Margit

2017-06-09

Currently available, pneumatic-based medical devices are operated using closed-loop pulsatile or open continuous systems. Medical devices utilizing gases with a low atomic number in a continuous closed loop stream have not been documented to date. This work presents the construction of a portable helium circulation addressing the need for actuating a novel, pneumatically operated catheter pump. The design of its control system puts emphasis on the performance, safety and low running cost of the catheter pump. Static and dynamic characteristics of individual elements in the circulation are analyzed to ensure a proper operation of the system. The pneumatic circulation maximizes the working range of the drive unit inside the catheter pump while reducing the total size and noise production.Separate flow and pressure controllers position the turbine's working point into the stable region of the pressure creation element. A subsystem for rapid gas evacuation significantly decreases the duration of helium removal after a leak, reaching subatmospheric pressure in the intracorporeal catheter within several milliseconds. The system presented in the study offers an easy control of helium mass flow while ensuring stable behavior of its internal components.

Using a new discretization approach to design a delayed LQG controller

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haraguchi, M.; Hu, H. Y.

2008-07-01

In general, discrete-time controls have become more and more preferable in engineering because of their easy implementation and simple computations. However, the available discretization approaches for the systems having time delays increase the system dimensions and have a high computational cost. This paper presents an effective discretization approach for the continuous-time systems with an input delay. The approach enables one to transform the input-delay system into a delay-free system, but retain the system dimensions unchanged in the state transformation. To demonstrate an application of the approach, this paper presents the design of an LQ regulator for continuous-time systems with an input delay and gives a state observer with a Kalman filter for estimating the full-state vector from some measurements of the system as well. The case studies in the paper well support the efficacy and efficiency of the proposed approach applied to the vibration control of a three-story structure model with the actuator delay taken into account.

Associations Between the Continuity of Ambulatory Care of Adult Diabetes Patients in Korea and the Incidence of Macrovascular Complications.

PubMed

Gong, Young-Hoon; Yoon, Seok-Jun; Seo, Hyeyoung; Kim, Dongwoo

2015-07-01

The goal of this study was to identify association between the continuity of ambulatory care of diabetes patients in South Korea (hereafter Korea) and the incidence of macrovascular complications of diabetes, using claims data compiled by the National Health Insurance Services of Korea. This study was conducted retrospectively. The subjects of the study were 43 002 patients diagnosed with diabetes in 2007, who were over 30 years of age, and had insurance claim data from 2008. The macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus were limited to ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke. We compared the characteristics of the patients in whom macrovascular complications occurred from 2009 to 2012 to the characteristics of the patients who had no such complications. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effects of continuity of ambulatory care on diabetic macrovascular complications. The continuity of ambulatory diabetes care was estimated by metrics such as the medication possession ratio, the quarterly continuity of care and the number of clinics that were visited. Patients with macrovascular complications showed statistically significant differences regarding sex, age, comorbidities, hypertension, dyslipidemia and continuity of ambulatory diabetes care. Visiting a lower number of clinics reduced the odds ratio for macrovascular complications of diabetes. A medication possession ratio below 80% was associated with an increased odds ratio for macrovascular complications, but this result was of borderline statistical significance. Diabetes care by regular health care providers was found to be associated with a lower occurrence of diabetic macrovascular complications. This result has policy implications for the Korean health care system, in which the delivery system does not work properly.

Development of manufacturing systems for nanocrystalline and ultra-fine grain materials employing indexing equal channel angular pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hester, Michael Wayne

Nanotechnology offers significant opportunities in providing solutions to existing engineering problems as well as breakthroughs in new fields of science and technology. In order to fully realize benefits from such initiatives, nanomanufacturing methods must be developed to integrate enabling constructs into commercial mainstream. Even though significant advances have been made, widespread industrialization in many areas remains limited. Manufacturing methods, therefore, must continually be developed to bridge gaps between nanoscience discovery and commercialization. A promising technology for integration of top-down nanomanufacturing yet to receive full industrialization is equal channel angular pressing, a process transforming metallic materials into nanostructured or ultra-fine grained materials with significantly improved performance characteristics. To bridge the gap between process potential and actual manufacturing output, a prototype top-down nanomanufacturing system identified as indexing equal channel angular pressing (IX-ECAP) was developed. The unit was designed to capitalize on opportunities of transforming spent or scrap engineering elements into key engineering commodities. A manufacturing system was constructed to impose severe plastic deformation via simple shear in an equal channel angular pressing die on 1100 and 4043 aluminum welding rods. 1/4 fraction factorial split-plot experiments assessed significance of five predictors on the response, microhardness, for the 4043 alloy. Predictor variables included temperature, number of passes, pressing speed, back pressure, and vibration. Main effects were studied employing a resolution III design. Multiple linear regression was used for model development. Initial studies were performed using continuous processing followed by contingency designs involving discrete variable length work pieces. IX-ECAP offered a viable solution in severe plastic deformation processing. Discrete variable length work piece pressing proved very successful. With three passes through the system, 4043 processed material experienced an 88.88% increase in microhardness, 203.4% increase in converted yield strength, and a 98.5% reduction in theoretical final grain size to 103 nanometers using the Hall-Petch relation. The process factor, number of passes, was statistically significant at the 95% confidence level; whereas, temperature was significant at the 90% confidence level. Limitations of system components precluded completion of studies involving continuous pressing. Proposed system redesigns, however, will ensure mainstream commercialization of continuous length work piece processing.

Ducks in space: from nonlinear absolute instability to noise-sustained structures in a pattern-forming system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avitabile, D.; Desroches, M.; Knobloch, E.; Krupa, M.

2017-11-01

A subcritical pattern-forming system with nonlinear advection in a bounded domain is recast as a slow-fast system in space and studied using a combination of geometric singular perturbation theory and numerical continuation. Two types of solutions describing the possible location of stationary fronts are identified, whose origin is traced to the onset of convective and absolute instability when the system is unbounded. The former are present only for non-zero upstream boundary conditions and provide a quantitative understanding of noise-sustained structures in systems of this type. The latter correspond to the onset of a global mode and are present even with zero upstream boundary conditions. The role of canard trajectories in the nonlinear transition between these states is clarified and the stability properties of the resulting spatial structures are determined. Front location in the convective regime is highly sensitive to the upstream boundary condition, and its dependence on this boundary condition is studied using a combination of numerical continuation and Monte Carlo simulations of the partial differential equation. Statistical properties of the system subjected to random or stochastic boundary conditions at the inlet are interpreted using the deterministic slow-fast spatial dynamical system.

Game among interdependent networks: The impact of rationality on system robustness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Yuhang; Cao, Gongze; He, Shibo; Chen, Jiming; Sun, Youxian

2016-12-01

Many real-world systems are composed of interdependent networks that rely on one another. Such networks are typically designed and operated by different entities, who aim at maximizing their own payoffs. There exists a game among these entities when designing their own networks. In this paper, we study the game investigating how the rational behaviors of entities impact the system robustness. We first introduce a mathematical model to quantify the interacting payoffs among varying entities. Then we study the Nash equilibrium of the game and compare it with the optimal social welfare. We reveal that the cooperation among different entities can be reached to maximize the social welfare in continuous game only when the average degree of each network is constant. Therefore, the huge gap between Nash equilibrium and optimal social welfare generally exists. The rationality of entities makes the system inherently deficient and even renders it extremely vulnerable in some cases. We analyze our model for two concrete systems with continuous strategy space and discrete strategy space, respectively. Furthermore, we uncover some factors (such as weakening coupled strength of interdependent networks, designing a suitable topology dependence of the system) that help reduce the gap and the system vulnerability.

Ducks in space: from nonlinear absolute instability to noise-sustained structures in a pattern-forming system.

PubMed

Avitabile, D; Desroches, M; Knobloch, E; Krupa, M

2017-11-01

A subcritical pattern-forming system with nonlinear advection in a bounded domain is recast as a slow-fast system in space and studied using a combination of geometric singular perturbation theory and numerical continuation. Two types of solutions describing the possible location of stationary fronts are identified, whose origin is traced to the onset of convective and absolute instability when the system is unbounded. The former are present only for non-zero upstream boundary conditions and provide a quantitative understanding of noise-sustained structures in systems of this type. The latter correspond to the onset of a global mode and are present even with zero upstream boundary conditions. The role of canard trajectories in the nonlinear transition between these states is clarified and the stability properties of the resulting spatial structures are determined. Front location in the convective regime is highly sensitive to the upstream boundary condition, and its dependence on this boundary condition is studied using a combination of numerical continuation and Monte Carlo simulations of the partial differential equation. Statistical properties of the system subjected to random or stochastic boundary conditions at the inlet are interpreted using the deterministic slow-fast spatial dynamical system.

Batteryless, wireless sensor powered by a sediment microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Donovan, Conrad; Dewan, Alim; Heo, Deukhyoun; Beyenal, Haluk

2008-11-15

Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are considered to be an alternative renewable power source for remote monitoring. There are two main challenges to using SMFCs as power sources: 1) a SMFC produces a low potential at which most sensor electronics do not operate, and 2) a SMFC cannot provide continuous power, so energy from the SMFC must be stored and then used to repower sensor electronics intermittently. In this study, we developed a SMFC and a power management system (PMS) to power a batteryless, wireless sensor. A SMFC operating with a microbial anode and cathode, located in the Palouse River, Pullman, Washington, U.S.A., was used to demonstrate the utility of the developed system. The designed PMS stored microbial energy and then started powering the wireless sensor when the SMFC potential reached 320 mV. It continued powering until the SMFC potential dropped below 52 mV. The system was repowered when the SMFC potential increased to 320 mV, and this repowering continued as long as microbial reactions continued. We demonstrated that a microbial fuel cell with a microbial anode and cathode can be used as an effective renewable power source for remote monitoring using custom-designed electronics.

Development of phytoplankton communities and common off-flavors in a biofloc technology system used for the culture of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The use of biofloc technology production systems continues to increase in the aquaculture industry worldwide. Recent research demonstrated that outdoor biofloc systems can be used to produce high yields of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). However, studies have not yet been performed to deter...

A Single-System Account of the Relationship between Priming, Recognition, and Fluency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berry, Christopher J.; Shanks, David R.; Henson, Richard N. A.

2008-01-01

A single-system computational model of priming and recognition was applied to studies that have looked at the relationship between priming, recognition, and fluency in continuous identification paradigms. The model was applied to 3 findings that have been interpreted as evidence for a multiple-systems account: (a) priming can occur for items not…

Towards the cyber security paradigm of ehealth: Resilience and design aspects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajamäki, Jyri; Pirinen, Rauno

2017-06-01

Digital technologies have significantly changed the role of healthcare clients in seeking and receiving medical help, as well as brought up more cooperative policy issues in healthcare cross-border services. Citizens continue to take a more co-creative role in decisions about their own healthcare, and new technologies can enable and facilitate this emergent trend. In this study, healthcare services have been intended as a critical societal sector and therefore healthcare systems are focused on as critical infrastructures that ought to be protected from all types of fears, including cyber security threats and attacks. Despite continual progress in the systemic risk management of cyber domain, it is clear that anticipation and prevention of all possible types of attack and malfunction are not achievable for current or future cyber infrastructures. This study focuses on the investigation of a cyber security paradigm, adaptive systems and sense of resilience in a healthcare critical information infrastructure.

[Application of biotope mapping model integrated with vegetation cover continuity attributes in urban biodiversity conservation].

PubMed

Gao, Tian; Qiu, Ling; Chen, Cun-gen

2010-09-01

Based on the biotope classification system with vegetation structure as the framework, a modified biotope mapping model integrated with vegetation cover continuity attributes was developed, and applied to the study of the greenbelts in Helsingborg in southern Sweden. An evaluation of the vegetation cover continuity in the greenbelts was carried out by the comparisons of the vascular plant species richness in long- and short-continuity forests, based on the identification of woodland continuity by using ancient woodland indicator species (AWIS). In the test greenbelts, long-continuity woodlands had more AWIS. Among the forests where the dominant trees were more than 30-year-old, the long-continuity ones had a higher biodiversity of vascular plants, compared with the short-continuity ones with the similar vegetation structure. The modified biotope mapping model integrated with the continuity features of vegetation cover could be an important tool in investigating urban biodiversity, and provide corresponding strategies for future urban biodiversity conservation.

Information transfer satellite concept study. Volume 2: Technical

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bergin, P.; Kincade, C.; Kurpiewski, D.; Leinhaupel, F.; Millican, F.; Onstad, R.

1971-01-01

The ITS concept study is preceded by two requirements studies whose primary objectives are to identify viable demands and to develop the functional requirements associated with these demands. In addition to continuing this basic activity the ITS concept study objectives are to: (1) develop tools and techniques for planning advanced information transfer satellite communications systems, and to (2) select viable systems for further analysis both in their near-term and in the far-term aspects.

Development of Raman-Mie lidar system for aerosol and water vapor profiling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Qian; Wang, Zhenzhu; Xu, Jiwei; Tan, Min; Wu, Decheng; Xie, Chenbo; Liu, Dong; Wang, Yingjian

2018-03-01

Aerosol and water vapor are two important atmospheric parameters. The accurate quantification of diurnal variation of these parameters are very useful for environment assessment and climate change studies. A moveable, compact and unattended lidar system based on modular design is developed for aerosol extinction coefficients and water vapor mixing ratios measurements. In the southern suburbs of Beijing, the continuous observation was carried out by this lidar since the middle of the year of 2017. The lidar equipment is presented and the case study is also described in this paper. The observational results show that the lidar kept a very good status from the long-time continuous measurements which is suitable for networking especially in meteorological research field.

Optimising the design and operation of semi-continuous affinity chromatography for clinical and commercial manufacture.

PubMed

Pollock, James; Bolton, Glen; Coffman, Jon; Ho, Sa V; Bracewell, Daniel G; Farid, Suzanne S

2013-04-05

This paper presents an integrated experimental and modelling approach to evaluate the potential of semi-continuous chromatography for the capture of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) in clinical and commercial manufacture. Small-scale single-column experimental breakthrough studies were used to derive design equations for the semi-continuous affinity chromatography system. Verification runs with the semi-continuous 3-column and 4-column periodic counter current (PCC) chromatography system indicated the robustness of the design approach. The product quality profiles and step yields (after wash step optimisation) achieved were comparable to the standard batch process. The experimentally-derived design equations were incorporated into a decisional tool comprising dynamic simulation, process economics and sizing optimisation. The decisional tool was used to evaluate the economic and operational feasibility of whole mAb bioprocesses employing PCC affinity capture chromatography versus standard batch chromatography across a product's lifecycle from clinical to commercial manufacture. The tool predicted that PCC capture chromatography would offer more significant savings in direct costs for early-stage clinical manufacture (proof-of-concept) (∼30%) than for late-stage clinical (∼10-15%) or commercial (∼5%) manufacture. The evaluation also highlighted the potential facility fit issues that could arise with a capture resin (MabSelect) that experiences losses in binding capacity when operated in continuous mode over lengthy commercial campaigns. Consequently, the analysis explored the scenario of adopting the PCC system for clinical manufacture and switching to the standard batch process following product launch. The tool determined the PCC system design required to operate at commercial scale without facility fit issues and with similar costs to the standard batch process whilst pursuing a process change application. A retrofitting analysis established that the direct cost savings obtained by 8 proof-of-concept batches would be sufficient to pay back the investment cost of the pilot-scale semi-continuous chromatography system. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

78 FR 46929 - Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-02

..., Continuity of Operations Plans, in its existing inventory of record systems subject to the Privacy Act of... incorporate the Continuity of Operations Office plans from agency field offices. DATES: This proposed action... of Defense. KD3D.01 System name: Continuity of Operations Plans (August 22, 2000, 65 FR 50974...

The Development of an Automated Data Base for Program Research and Evaluation in Continuing Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, William H.

The System for Program Information in Continuing Education (SPICE), an information system being implemented at The University of Calgary (Alberta, Canada), was designed to facilitate the collection, manipulation, and reporting of evaluative data from continuing education program participants. The objectives of the system include the following: to…

40 CFR 60.2940 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.2940 Section 60.2940 Protection of Environment... 16, 2006 Monitoring § 60.2940 How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous...

40 CFR 60.2940 - How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? 60.2940 Section 60.2940 Protection of Environment... 16, 2006 Monitoring § 60.2940 How do I make sure my continuous emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous...

40 CFR Table 1 to Subpart Llllll... - Applicability of General Provisions to Subpart LLLLLL

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Modacrylic Fibers Production Area Sources Pt. 63, Subpt. LLLLLL, Table 1 Table 1 to Subpart LLLLLL of Part 63... not include opacity or visible emissions standards or require a continuous opacity monitoring system... does not require a continuous opacity monitoring system or continuous emissions monitoring system. 63.9...

40 CFR Table 1 to Subpart Llllll... - Applicability of General Provisions to Subpart LLLLLL

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Modacrylic Fibers Production Area Sources Pt. 63, Subpt. LLLLLL, Table 1 Table 1 to Subpart LLLLLL of Part 63... not include opacity or visible emissions standards or require a continuous opacity monitoring system... does not require a continuous opacity monitoring system or continuous emissions monitoring system. 63.9...

40 CFR 60.1725 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1725 Section 60.1725 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Before August 30, 1999 Model Rule-Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1725 How are the data from the... systems for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide to demonstrate continuous compliance with...

40 CFR 60.1725 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1725 Section 60.1725 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Before August 30, 1999 Model Rule-Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1725 How are the data from the... systems for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide to demonstrate continuous compliance with...

40 CFR 60.1725 - How are the data from the continuous emission monitoring systems used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... emission monitoring systems used? 60.1725 Section 60.1725 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Before August 30, 1999 Model Rule-Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1725 How are the data from the... systems for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide to demonstrate continuous compliance with...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Jjj of... - Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) a

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 8 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) a 7 Table 7 to Subpart JJJ of Part 62 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL...—Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) a ER31JA03.013 ...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Jjj of... - Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) a

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 8 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) a 7 Table 7 to Subpart JJJ of Part 62 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL...—Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) a ER31JA03.013 ...

40 CFR 60.1335 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous parameter...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is the data collection... parameter monitoring systems and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous parameter monitoring systems are used, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages for three parameters: (1) Load...

40 CFR 60.1335 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous parameter...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous parameter monitoring systems and is the data collection... parameter monitoring systems and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous parameter monitoring systems are used, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages for three parameters: (1) Load...

Prediction in Language Comprehension beyond Specific Words: An ERP Study on Sentence Comprehension in Polish

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Szewczyk, Jakub M.; Schriefers, Herbert

2013-01-01

Recently, several ERP studies have shown that the human language comprehension system anticipates words that are highly likely continuations of a given text. However, it remains an open issue whether the language comprehension system can also make predictions that go beyond a specific word. Here, we address the question of whether readers predict…

Assessing pharmacokinetics of indocyanine green-loaded nanoparticle in tumor with a dynamic diffuse fluorescence tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanqi; Yin, Guoyan; Zhao, Huijuan; Ma, Wenjuan; Gao, Feng; Zhang, Limin

2018-02-01

Real-time and continuous monitoring of drug release in vivo is an important task in pharmaceutical development. Here, we devoted to explore a real-time continuous study of the pharmacokinetics of free indocyanine green (ICG) and ICG loaded in the shell-sheddable nanoparticles in tumor based on a dynamic diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT) system: A highly-sensitive dynamic DFT system of CT-scanning mode generates informative and instantaneous sampling datasets; An analysis procedure extracts the pharmacokinetic parameters from the reconstructed time curves of the mean ICG concentration in tumor, using the Gauss-Newton scheme based on two-compartment model. Compared with the pharmacokinetic parameters of free ICG in tumor, the ICG loaded in the shell-sheddable nanoparticles shows efficient accumulation in tumor. The results demonstrate our proposed dynamic-DFT can provide an integrated and continuous view of the drug delivery of the injected agents in different formulations, which is helpful for the development of diagnosis and therapy for tumors.

Magnetic navigation and catheter ablation of right atrial ectopic tachycardia in the presence of a hemi-azygos continuation: a magnetic navigation case using 3D electroanatomical mapping.

PubMed

Ernst, Sabine; Chun, Julian K R; Koektuerk, Buelent; Kuck, Karl-Heinz

2009-01-01

We report on a 63-year-old female patient in whom an electrophysiologic study discovered a hemi-azygos continuation. Using the magnetic navigation system, remote-controlled ablation was performed in conjunction with the 3D electroanatomical mapping system. Failing the attempt to advance a diagnostic catheter from the femoral vein, a diagnostic catheter was advanced via the left subclavian vein into the coronary sinus. The soft magnetic catheter was positioned in the right atrium via the hemi-azygos vein, and 3D mapping demonstrated an ectopic atrial tachycardia. Successful ablation was performed entirely remote controlled. Fluoroscopy time was only 7.1 minutes, of which 45 seconds were required during remote navigation. Remote-controlled catheter ablation using magnetic navigation in conjunction with the electroanatomical mapping system proved to be a valuable tool to perform successful ablation in the presence of a hemi-azygos continuation.

Pilot-scale study on the acid-catalyzed steam explosion of rice straw using a continuous pretreatment system.

PubMed

Chen, Wen-Hua; Tsai, Chia-Chin; Lin, Chih-Feng; Tsai, Pei-Yuan; Hwang, Wen-Song

2013-01-01

A continuous acid-catalyzed steam explosion pretreatment process and system to produce cellulosic ethanol was developed at the pilot-scale. The effects of the following parameters on the pretreatment efficiency of rice straw feedstocks were investigated: the acid concentration, the reaction temperature, the residence time, the feedstock size, the explosion pressure and the screw speed. The optimal presteaming horizontal reactor conditions for the pretreatment process are as follows: 1.7 rpm and 100-110 °C with an acid concentration of 1.3% (w/w). An acid-catalyzed steam explosion is then performed in the vertical reactor at 185 °C for 2 min. Approximately 73% of the total saccharification yield was obtained after the rice straw was pretreated under optimal conditions and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis at a combined severity factor of 0.4-0.7. Moreover, good long-term stability and durability of the pretreatment system under continuous operation was observed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keeping Up with the Diabetes Technology: 2016 Endocrine Society Guidelines of Insulin Pump Therapy and Continuous Glucose Monitor Management of Diabetes.

PubMed

Galderisi, Alfonso; Schlissel, Elise; Cengiz, Eda

2017-09-23

Decades after the invention of insulin pump, diabetes management has encountered a technology revolution with the introduction of continuous glucose monitoring, sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy and closed-loop/artificial pancreas systems. In this review, we discuss the significance of the 2016 Endocrine Society Guidelines for insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring and summarize findings from relevant diabetes technology studies that were conducted after the publication of the 2016 Endocrine Society Guidelines. The 2016 Endocrine Society Guidelines have been a great resource for clinicians managing diabetes in this new era of diabetes technology. There is good body of evidence indicating that using diabetes technology systems safely tightens glycemic control while managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The first-generation diabetes technology systems will evolve as we gain more experience and collaboratively work to improve them with an ultimate goal of keeping people with diabetes complication and burden-free until the cure for diabetes becomes a reality.

Continuous wireless pressure monitoring and mapping with ultra-small passive sensors for health monitoring and critical care

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lisa Y.; Tee, Benjamin C.-K.; Chortos, Alex L.; Schwartz, Gregor; Tse, Victor; J. Lipomi, Darren; Wong, H.-S. Philip; McConnell, Michael V.; Bao, Zhenan

2014-10-01

Continuous monitoring of internal physiological parameters is essential for critical care patients, but currently can only be practically achieved via tethered solutions. Here we report a wireless, real-time pressure monitoring system with passive, flexible, millimetre-scale sensors, scaled down to unprecedented dimensions of 1 × 1 × 0.1 cubic millimeters. This level of dimensional scaling is enabled by novel sensor design and detection schemes, which overcome the operating frequency limits of traditional strategies and exhibit insensitivity to lossy tissue environments. We demonstrate the use of this system to capture human pulse waveforms wirelessly in real time as well as to monitor in vivo intracranial pressure continuously in proof-of-concept mice studies using sensors down to 2.5 × 2.5 × 0.1 cubic millimeters. We further introduce printable wireless sensor arrays and show their use in real-time spatial pressure mapping. Looking forward, this technology has broader applications in continuous wireless monitoring of multiple physiological parameters for biomedical research and patient care.

Continuous wireless pressure monitoring and mapping with ultra-small passive sensors for health monitoring and critical care.

PubMed

Chen, Lisa Y; Tee, Benjamin C-K; Chortos, Alex L; Schwartz, Gregor; Tse, Victor; Lipomi, Darren J; Wong, H-S Philip; McConnell, Michael V; Bao, Zhenan

2014-10-06

Continuous monitoring of internal physiological parameters is essential for critical care patients, but currently can only be practically achieved via tethered solutions. Here we report a wireless, real-time pressure monitoring system with passive, flexible, millimetre-scale sensors, scaled down to unprecedented dimensions of 1 × 1 × 0.1 cubic millimeters. This level of dimensional scaling is enabled by novel sensor design and detection schemes, which overcome the operating frequency limits of traditional strategies and exhibit insensitivity to lossy tissue environments. We demonstrate the use of this system to capture human pulse waveforms wirelessly in real time as well as to monitor in vivo intracranial pressure continuously in proof-of-concept mice studies using sensors down to 2.5 × 2.5 × 0.1 cubic millimeters. We further introduce printable wireless sensor arrays and show their use in real-time spatial pressure mapping. Looking forward, this technology has broader applications in continuous wireless monitoring of multiple physiological parameters for biomedical research and patient care.

Simulation and optimization of continuous extractive fermentation with recycle system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widjaja, Tri; Altway, Ali; Rofiqah, Umi; Airlangga, Bramantyo

2017-05-01

Extractive fermentation is continuous fermentation method which is believed to be able to substitute conventional fermentation method (batch). The recovery system and ethanol refinery will be easier. Continuous process of fermentation will make the productivity increase although the unconverted sugar in continuous fermentation is still in high concentration. In order to make this process more efficient, the recycle process was used. Increasing recycle flow will enhance the probability of sugar to be re-fermented. However, this will make ethanol enter fermentation column. As a result, the accumulated ethanol will inhibit the growth of microorganism. This research aims to find optimum conditions of solvent to broth ratio (S:B) and recycle flow to fresh feed ratio in order to produce the best yield and productivity. This study employed optimization by Hooke Jeeves method using Matlab 7.8 software. The result indicated that optimum condition occured in S: B=2.615 and R: F=1.495 with yield = 50.2439 %.

Continuation of periodic orbits in symmetric Hamiltonian and conservative systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galan-Vioque, J.; Almaraz, F. J. M.; Macías, E. F.

2014-12-01

We present and review results on the continuation and bifurcation of periodic solutions in conservative, reversible and Hamiltonian systems in the presence of symmetries. In particular we show how two-point boundary value problem continuation software can be used to compute families of periodic solutions of symmetric Hamiltonian systems. The technique is introduced with a very simple model example (the mathematical pendulum), justified with a theoretical continuation result and then applied to two non trivial examples: the non integrable spring pendulum and the continuation of the figure eight solution of the three body problem.

A Buoy for Continuous Monitoring of Suspended Sediment Dynamics

PubMed Central

Mueller, Philip; Thoss, Heiko; Kaempf, Lucas; Güntner, Andreas

2013-01-01

Knowledge of Suspended Sediments Dynamics (SSD) across spatial scales is relevant for several fields of hydrology, such as eco-hydrological processes, the operation of hydrotechnical facilities and research on varved lake sediments as geoarchives. Understanding the connectivity of sediment flux between source areas in a catchment and sink areas in lakes or reservoirs is of primary importance to these fields. Lacustrine sediments may serve as a valuable expansion of instrumental hydrological records for flood frequencies and magnitudes, but depositional processes and detrital layer formation in lakes are not yet fully understood. This study presents a novel buoy system designed to continuously measure suspended sediment concentration and relevant boundary conditions at a high spatial and temporal resolution in surface water bodies. The buoy sensors continuously record turbidity as an indirect measure of suspended sediment concentrations, water temperature and electrical conductivity at up to nine different water depths. Acoustic Doppler current meters and profilers measure current velocities along a vertical profile from the water surface to the lake bottom. Meteorological sensors capture the atmospheric boundary conditions as main drivers of lake dynamics. It is the high spatial resolution of multi-point turbidity measurements, the dual-sensor velocity measurements and the temporally synchronous recording of all sensors along the water column that sets the system apart from existing buoy systems. Buoy data collected during a 4-month field campaign in Lake Mondsee demonstrate the potential and effectiveness of the system in monitoring suspended sediment dynamics. Observations were related to stratification and mixing processes in the lake and increased turbidity close to a catchment outlet during flood events. The rugged buoy design assures continuous operation in terms of stability, energy management and sensor logging throughout the study period. We conclude that the buoy is a suitable tool for continuous monitoring of suspended sediment concentrations and general dynamics in fresh water bodies. PMID:24129017

THE RECIPROCAL SYSTEM FORMED BY THE CHLORIDES AND THE BROMIDES OF LITHIUM AND THALLIUM (in Russian)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bergman, A.G.; Arabadzhan, A.S.

1963-06-01

The phase diagrams of 2 series of continuous solid solutions, the Li, K:: Cl,Br and the Li,Tl:: Cl,Br were investigated, as part of a study of the relation between thermal effect of equilibrium reactions and the structure of the melts. In the second system, the heat of the exchange reaction LiCl + TlBr in equilibrium LiBr + TlCl amounts to 8.19 kcal/mole, being larger than that of the corresponding reaction in the Li,K:: Cl,Br system; this affects the crystallization surface in the system. A Pt crucible and Pt, Au, Pd/Pt-Rh thermocouple were used in the thermal studies. It was foundmore » that the liquidus surface consists of 2 fields of continuous series of solid solutions. The joint crystallization curve has a maximum at 392 deg C at the stable portion of the LiCl-TlBr system. There is crest in the liquidus surface corresponding to the stable diagonal LiCl--TlBr; this is visible more markedly in the Li(Cl,Br) field. (TTT)« less

Detection of coupling delay: A problem not yet solved

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coufal, David; Jakubík, Jozef; Jajcay, Nikola; Hlinka, Jaroslav; Krakovská, Anna; Paluš, Milan

2017-08-01

Nonparametric detection of coupling delay in unidirectionally and bidirectionally coupled nonlinear dynamical systems is examined. Both continuous and discrete-time systems are considered. Two methods of detection are assessed—the method based on conditional mutual information—the CMI method (also known as the transfer entropy method) and the method of convergent cross mapping—the CCM method. Computer simulations show that neither method is generally reliable in the detection of coupling delays. For continuous-time chaotic systems, the CMI method appears to be more sensitive and applicable in a broader range of coupling parameters than the CCM method. In the case of tested discrete-time dynamical systems, the CCM method has been found to be more sensitive, while the CMI method required much stronger coupling strength in order to bring correct results. However, when studied systems contain a strong oscillatory component in their dynamics, results of both methods become ambiguous. The presented study suggests that results of the tested algorithms should be interpreted with utmost care and the nonparametric detection of coupling delay, in general, is a problem not yet solved.

40 CFR 60.1735 - Am I exempt from any appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1735 Section 60.1735... Combustion Units Constructed on or Before August 30, 1999 Model Rule-Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1735... to also evaluate your oxygen (or carbon dioxide) continuous emission monitoring system. Therefore...

40 CFR 62.15215 - What is required for my continuous opacity monitoring system and how are the data used?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... initial evaluation of your continuous opacity monitoring system according to Performance Specification 1 in appendix B of 40 CFR part 60. Complete this evaluation by 180 days after your final compliance... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF STATE PLANS...

Nonlinear dynamics of global atmospheric and Earth-system processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saltzman, Barry; Ebisuzaki, Wesley; Maasch, Kirk A.; Oglesby, Robert; Pandolfo, Lionel

1990-01-01

Researchers are continuing their studies of the nonlinear dynamics of global weather systems. Sensitivity analyses of large-scale dynamical models of the atmosphere (i.e., general circulation models i.e., GCM's) were performed to establish the role of satellite-signatures of soil moisture, sea surface temperature, snow cover, and sea ice as crucial boundary conditions determining global weather variability. To complete their study of the bimodality of the planetary wave states, they are using the dynamical systems approach to construct a low-order theoretical explanation of this phenomenon. This work should have important implications for extended range forecasting of low-frequency oscillations, elucidating the mechanisms for the transitions between the two wave modes. Researchers are using the methods of jump analysis and attractor dimension analysis to examine the long-term satellite records of significant variables (e.g., long wave radiation, and cloud amount), to explore the nature of mode transitions in the atmosphere, and to determine the minimum number of equations needed to describe the main weather variations with a low-order dynamical system. Where feasible they will continue to explore the applicability of the methods of complex dynamical systems analysis to the study of the global earth-system from an integrative viewpoint involving the roles of geochemical cycling and the interactive behavior of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Effects of direction of rotation in continuous and discontinuous 8 hour shift systems

PubMed Central

Tucker, P.; Smith, L.; Macdonald, I.; Folkard, S.

2000-01-01

OBJECTIVES—Previous research has produced conflicting evidence on the relative merits of advancing and delaying shift systems. The current study assessed the effects of the direction of shift rotation within 8 hour systems, upon a range of measures including sleep, on shift alertness, physical health, and psychological wellbeing.
METHODS—An abridged version of the standard shiftwork index which included retrospective alertness ratings was completed by four groups of industrial shiftworkers on relatively rapidly rotating 8 hour systems (n=611). Two groups worked continuous systems that were either advancing or delaying; the other two groups worked discontinuous systems that were either advancing or delaying.
RESULTS—Few effects were found of direction of rotation on chronic measures of health and wellbeing, even when the systems incorporated "quick returns" (a break of only 8 hours when changing from one shift to another). This was despite the use of measures previously shown to be sensitive to the effects of a broad range of features of shift systems. However, advancing continuous systems seemed to be associated with marginally steeper declines in alertness across the shift (F (3,1080)=2.87, p<0.05). They were also associated with shorter sleeps between morning shifts (F (1,404)=4.01, p<0.05), but longer sleeps between afternoons (F (1,424)=4.16, p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS—The absence of negative effects of advancing shifts upon the chronic outcome measures accorded with previous evidence that advancing shifts may not be as harmful as early research indicated. However, this interpretation is tempered by the possibility that difficult shift systems self select those workers most able to cope with their deleterious effects. The presence of quick returns in advancing continuous systems seemed to impact upon some of the acute measures such as duration of sleep, although the associated effects on alertness seemed to be marginal.


Keywords: shift rotation; health; alertness PMID:10984340

Restraint system usage in the traffic population. 1987 annual report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-08-01

This study continued to monitor the use of occupant restraint systems and motorcycle/moped helmet usage in 19 U.S. cities during 1987. A total of 272,857 observations of automobile drivers indicated an overall driver safety belt usage rate of 42.3 pe...

New Adsorption Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wankat, Phillip C.

1984-01-01

Discusses a simple method for following the movement of a solute in an adsorption or ion exchange system. This movement is used to study a variety of operational methods, including continuous flow and pulsed flow counter-current operations and simulated counter-current systems. Effect of changing thermodynamic variables is also considered. (JM)

Restraint system use in 19 U.S. cities 1989 annual report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1990-06-01

This study continued to monitor the use of occupant restraint systems and motorcycle/moped helmet use in 19 U.S. cities during 1989. A total of 69,232 observations of automobile drivers indicated an overall driver safety belt use rate of 46.3 percent...

Restraint system use in 19 U.S. cities. 1991 annual report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-03-01

This study continued to monitor the use of occupant restraint systems and motorcycle/moped helmet use in 19 U.S. cities during 1991. A total of 256,907 observations of automobile drivers indicated an overall driver safety belt use rate of 51.1%. The ...

Multipartite entanglement in three-mode Gaussian states of continuous-variable systems: Quantification, sharing structure, and decoherence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adesso, Gerardo; Centre for Quantum Computation, DAMTP, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA; Serafini, Alessio

2006-03-15

We present a complete analysis of the multipartite entanglement of three-mode Gaussian states of continuous-variable systems. We derive standard forms which characterize the covariance matrix of pure and mixed three-mode Gaussian states up to local unitary operations, showing that the local entropies of pure Gaussian states are bound to fulfill a relationship which is stricter than the general Araki-Lieb inequality. Quantum correlations can be quantified by a proper convex roof extension of the squared logarithmic negativity, the continuous-variable tangle, or contangle. We review and elucidate in detail the proof that in multimode Gaussian states the contangle satisfies a monogamy inequalitymore » constraint [G. Adesso and F. Illuminati, New J. Phys8, 15 (2006)]. The residual contangle, emerging from the monogamy inequality, is an entanglement monotone under Gaussian local operations and classical communications and defines a measure of genuine tripartite entanglements. We determine the analytical expression of the residual contangle for arbitrary pure three-mode Gaussian states and study in detail the distribution of quantum correlations in such states. This analysis yields that pure, symmetric states allow for a promiscuous entanglement sharing, having both maximum tripartite entanglement and maximum couplewise entanglement between any pair of modes. We thus name these states GHZ/W states of continuous-variable systems because they are simultaneous continuous-variable counterparts of both the GHZ and the W states of three qubits. We finally consider the effect of decoherence on three-mode Gaussian states, studying the decay of the residual contangle. The GHZ/W states are shown to be maximally robust against losses and thermal noise.« less

Interactive CT-Video Registration for the Continuous Guidance of Bronchoscopy

PubMed Central

Merritt, Scott A.; Khare, Rahul; Bascom, Rebecca

2014-01-01

Bronchoscopy is a major step in lung cancer staging. To perform bronchoscopy, the physician uses a procedure plan, derived from a patient’s 3D computed-tomography (CT) chest scan, to navigate the bronchoscope through the lung airways. Unfortunately, physicians vary greatly in their ability to perform bronchoscopy. As a result, image-guided bronchoscopy systems, drawing upon the concept of CT-based virtual bronchoscopy (VB), have been proposed. These systems attempt to register the bronchoscope’s live position within the chest to a CT-based virtual chest space. Recent methods, which register the bronchoscopic video to CT-based endoluminal airway renderings, show promise but do not enable continuous real-time guidance. We present a CT-video registration method inspired by computer-vision innovations in the fields of image alignment and image-based rendering. In particular, motivated by the Lucas–Kanade algorithm, we propose an inverse-compositional framework built around a gradient-based optimization procedure. We next propose an implementation of the framework suitable for image-guided bronchoscopy. Laboratory tests, involving both single frames and continuous video sequences, demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of the method. Benchmark timing tests indicate that the method can run continuously at 300 frames/s, well beyond the real-time bronchoscopic video rate of 30 frames/s. This compares extremely favorably to the ≥1 s/frame speeds of other methods and indicates the method’s potential for real-time continuous registration. A human phantom study confirms the method’s efficacy for real-time guidance in a controlled setting, and, hence, points the way toward the first interactive CT-video registration approach for image-guided bronchoscopy. Along this line, we demonstrate the method’s efficacy in a complete guidance system by presenting a clinical study involving lung cancer patients. PMID:23508260

Continuous in vitro evolution of a ribozyme ligase: a model experiment for the evolution of a biomolecule.

PubMed

Ledbetter, Michael P; Hwang, Tony W; Stovall, Gwendolyn M; Ellington, Andrew D

2013-01-01

Evolution is a defining criterion of life and is central to understanding biological systems. However, the timescale of evolutionary shifts in phenotype limits most classroom evolution experiments to simple probability simulations. In vitro directed evolution (IVDE) frequently serves as a model system for the study of Darwinian evolution but produces noticeable phenotypic shifts in a matter of hours. An IVDE demonstration lab would serve to both directly demonstrate how Darwinian selection can act on a pool of variants and introduce students to an essential method of modern molecular biology. To produce an IVDE demonstration lab, continuous IVDE of a T500 ribozyme ligase population has been paired with a fluorescent strand displacement reporter system to visualize the selection of improved catalytic function. A ribozyme population is taken through rounds of isothermal amplification dependent on the self-ligation of a T7 promoter. As the population is selectively enriched with better ligase activity, the strand displacement system allows for the monitoring of the population's ligation rate. The strand displacement reporter system permits the detection of ligated ribozyme. Once ligated with the T7 promoter, the 5' end of the ribozyme displaces paired fluorophore-quencher oligonucleotides, in turn, generating visible signal upon UV light excitation. As the ligation rate of the population increases, due to the selection for faster ligating species, the fluorescent signal develops more rapidly. The pairing of the continuous isothermal system with the fluorescent reporting scheme allows any user, provided with minimal materials, to model the continuous directed evolution of a biomolecule. Copyright © 2013 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Clinical Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

PubMed

Slattery, David; Choudhary, Pratik

2017-05-01

With the emphasis on intensive management of type 1 diabetes, data from studies support frequent monitoring of glucose levels to improve glycemic control and reduce glucose variability, which can be related to an increase in macro and microvascular complications. However, few perform capillary blood glucose that frequently. There are currently two available alternatives that this review will discuss, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring. CGM has become an important diagnostic and therapeutic option in optimizing diabetes management. CGM systems are now more accurate, smaller, and easier to use compared to original models. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that CGM can improve Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) and reduce glucose variability in both continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and multiple daily injection users. When used in an automated "insulin-suspend" system, reduced frequency of hypoglycemia and shorter time spent in hypoglycemic range have been demonstrated. Despite the potential benefits CGM has to offer in clinical practice, concerns exist on the accuracy of these devices and patient compliance with therapy, which may prevent the true clinical benefit of CGM being achieved, as observed in RCTs. Flash glucose monitoring systems FreeStyle ® Libre™ (Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, CA) are as accurate as many CGM systems available and have the added benefit of being factory calibrated. Studies have shown that flash glucose monitoring systems are very well tolerated by patients and effectively reduce glucose variability, increasing time in range.

Bifurcations of a periodically forced microbial continuous culture model with restrained growth rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Jingli; Yuan, Qigang

2017-08-01

A three dimensional microbial continuous culture model with a restrained microbial growth rate is studied in this paper. Two types of dilution rates are considered to investigate the dynamic behaviors of the model. For the unforced system, fold bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation are detected, and numerical simulations reveal that the system undergoes degenerate Hopf bifurcation. When the system is periodically forced, bifurcation diagrams for periodic solutions of period-one and period-two are given by researching the Poincaré map, corresponding to different bifurcation cases in the unforced system. Stable and unstable quasiperiodic solutions are obtained by Neimark-Sacker bifurcation with different parameter values. Periodic solutions of various periods can occur or disappear and even change their stability, when the Poincaré map of the forced system undergoes Neimark-Sacker bifurcation, flip bifurcation, and fold bifurcation. Chaotic attractors generated by a cascade of period doublings and some phase portraits are given at last.

Quality improvement in basic histotechnology: the lean approach.

PubMed

Clark, David

2016-01-01

Lean is a comprehensive system of management based on the Toyota production system (TPS), encompassing all the activities of an organization. It focuses management activity on creating value for the end-user by continuously improving operational effectiveness and removing waste. Lean management creates a culture of continuous quality improvement with a strong emphasis on developing the problem-solving capability of staff using the scientific method (Deming's Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle). Lean management systems have been adopted by a number of histopathology departments throughout the world to simultaneously improve quality (reducing errors and shortening turnround times) and lower costs (by increasing efficiency). This article describes the key concepts that make up a lean management system, and how these concepts have been adapted from manufacturing industry and applied to histopathology using a case study of lean implementation and evidence from the literature. It discusses the benefits, limitations, and pitfalls encountered when implementing lean management systems.

Recent developments in the remote radio control of insect flight.

PubMed

Sato, Hirotaka; Maharbiz, Michel M

2010-01-01

The continuing miniaturization of digital circuits and the development of low power radio systems coupled with continuing studies into the neurophysiology and dynamics of insect flight are enabling a new class of implantable interfaces capable of controlling insects in free flight for extended periods. We provide context for these developments, review the state-of-the-art and discuss future directions in this field.

The Role of Perceived User-Interface Design in Continued Usage Intention of Self-Paced E-Learning Tools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cho, Vincent; Cheng, T. C. Edwin; Lai, W. M. Jennifer

2009-01-01

While past studies on user-interface design focused on a particular system or application using the experimental approach, we propose a theoretical model to assess the impact of perceived user-interface design (PUID) on continued usage intention (CUI) of self-paced e-learning tools in general. We argue that the impact of PUID is mediated by two…

Recent Developments in the Remote Radio Control of Insect Flight

PubMed Central

Sato, Hirotaka; Maharbiz, Michel M.

2010-01-01

The continuing miniaturization of digital circuits and the development of low power radio systems coupled with continuing studies into the neurophysiology and dynamics of insect flight are enabling a new class of implantable interfaces capable of controlling insects in free flight for extended periods. We provide context for these developments, review the state-of-the-art and discuss future directions in this field. PMID:21629761

Lack of difference between continuous versus intermittent heparin infusion on maintenance of intra-arterial catheter in postoperative pediatric surgery: a randomized controlled study

PubMed Central

Witkowski, Maria Carolina; de Moraes, Maria Antonieta P.; Firpo, Cora Maria F.

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To compare two systems of arterial catheters maintenance in postoperative pediatric surgery using intermittent or continuous infusion of heparin solution and to analyze adverse events related to the site of catheter insertion and the volume of infused heparin solution. METHODS: Randomized control trial with 140 patients selected for continuous infusion group (CIG) and intermittent infusion group (IIG). The variables analyzed were: type of heart disease, permanence time and size of the catheter, insertion site, technique used, volume of heparin solution and adverse events. The descriptive variables were analyzed by Student's t-test and the categorical variables, by chi-square test, being significant p<0.05. RESULTS: The median age was 11 (0-22) months, and 77 (55%) were females. No significant differences between studied variables were found, except for the volume used in CIG (12.0±1.2mL/24 hours) when compared to IIG (5.3±3.5mL/24 hours) with p<0.0003. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous infusion system and the intermittent infusion of heparin solution can be used for intra-arterial catheters maintenance in postoperative pediatric surgery, regardless of patient's clinical and demographic characteristics. Adverse events up to the third postoperative day occurred similarly in both groups. However, the intermittent infusion system usage in underweight children should be considered, due to the lower volume of infused heparin solution [ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01097031]. PMID:24473958

Should drivers be operating within an automation-free bandwidth? Evaluating haptic steering support systems with different levels of authority.

PubMed

Petermeijer, Sebastiaan M; Abbink, David A; de Winter, Joost C F

2015-02-01

The aim of this study was to compare continuous versus bandwidth haptic steering guidance in terms of lane-keeping behavior, aftereffects, and satisfaction. An important human factors question is whether operators should be supported continuously or only when tolerance limits are exceeded. We aimed to clarify this issue for haptic steering guidance by investigating costs and benefits of both approaches in a driving simulator. Thirty-two participants drove five trials, each with a different level of haptic support: no guidance (Manual); guidance outside a 0.5-m bandwidth (Band1); a hysteresis version of Band1, which guided back to the lane center once triggered (Band2); continuous guidance (Cont); and Cont with double feedback gain (ContS). Participants performed a reaction time task while driving. Toward the end of each trial, the guidance was unexpectedly disabled to investigate aftereffects. All four guidance systems prevented large lateral errors (>0.7 m). Cont and especially ContS yielded smaller lateral errors and higher time to line crossing than Manual, Band1, and Band2. Cont and ContS yielded short-lasting aftereffects, whereas Band1 and Band2 did not. Cont yielded higher self-reported satisfaction and faster reaction times than Band1. Continuous and bandwidth guidance both prevent large driver errors. Continuous guidance yields improved performance and satisfaction over bandwidth guidance at the cost of aftereffects and variability in driver torque (indicating human-automation conflicts). The presented results are useful for designers of haptic guidance systems and support critical thinking about the costs and benefits of automation support systems.

Effects of Pulsed and CW (Continuous Wave) 2450 MHz Radiation on Transformation and Chromosomes of Human Lymphocytes in vitro

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-15

conditions of these experiments. In order to provide reliable quantitative data on exposure, a system with automated dosimetry was developed, and tested...exposure system and dosimetry, and (2) studies on lymphocyte cultures, and (3) conclusions. EXPOSURE SYSTEM AND DOSIMETRY Description of the Exposure... System The experiments planned in this project necessitated the design and assembly of an exposure system that would meet several engineering

Continuous-Reading Cryogen Level Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barone, F. E.; Fox, E.; Macumber, S.

1984-01-01

Two pressure transducers used in system for measuring amount of cryogenic liquid in tank. System provides continuous measurements accurate within 0.03 percent. Sensors determine pressure in liquid and vapor in tank. Microprocessor uses pressure difference to compute mass of cryogenic liquid in tank. New system allows continuous sensing; unaffected by localized variations in composition and density as are capacitance-sensing schemes.

40 CFR 60.1230 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install for gaseous pollutants?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... according to the “Monitoring Requirements” in § 60.13. (c) You must monitor the oxygen (or carbon dioxide... systems must I install for gaseous pollutants? 60.1230 Section 60.1230 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1230 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install for...

40 CFR 60.1230 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install for gaseous pollutants?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... according to the “Monitoring Requirements” in § 60.13. (c) You must monitor the oxygen (or carbon dioxide... systems must I install for gaseous pollutants? 60.1230 Section 60.1230 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1230 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install for...

40 CFR 60.1230 - What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install for gaseous pollutants?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... according to the “Monitoring Requirements” in § 60.13. (c) You must monitor the oxygen (or carbon dioxide... systems must I install for gaseous pollutants? 60.1230 Section 60.1230 Protection of Environment... Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1230 What continuous emission monitoring systems must I install for...

40 CFR 60.4345 - What are the requirements for the continuous emission monitoring system equipment, if I choose to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring system equipment, if I choose to use this option? 60.4345 Section 60.4345... PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Monitoring § 60.4345 What are the requirements for the continuous emission monitoring system equipment, if I...

40 CFR 60.1260 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is the data collection... monitoring systems and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages. Make sure the averages for sulfur dioxide...

40 CFR 60.1280 - What must I do if any of my continuous emission monitoring systems are temporarily unavailable to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are temporarily unavailable to meet the data collection requirements? 60.1280... Modification or Reconstruction is Commenced After June 6, 2001 Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1280 What must I do if any of my continuous emission monitoring systems are temporarily unavailable to meet the...

40 CFR Table 6 to Subpart Jjj of... - Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 8 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) 6 Table 6 to Subpart JJJ of Part 62 Protection of Environment... of Part 62—Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) ER31JA03.012 ...

40 CFR Table 4 to Subpart Ffff of... - Model Rule-Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Model Rule-Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) 4 Table 4 to Subpart FFFF of Part 60 Protection of Environment...—Model Rule—Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) As stated in § 60.3039, you...

40 CFR Table 4 to Subpart Ffff of... - Model Rule-Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Model Rule-Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) 4 Table 4 to Subpart FFFF of Part 60 Protection of Environment...—Model Rule—Requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) As stated in § 60.3039, you...

40 CFR 60.1260 - What is the minimum amount of monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... monitoring data I must collect with my continuous emission monitoring systems and is the data collection... monitoring systems and is the data collection requirement enforceable? (a) Where continuous emission monitoring systems are required, obtain 1-hour arithmetic averages. Make sure the averages for sulfur dioxide...

40 CFR Table 6 to Subpart Jjj of... - Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 8 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) 6 Table 6 to Subpart JJJ of Part 62 Protection of Environment... of Part 62—Requirements for Validating Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) ER31JA03.012 ...

40 CFR 60.4345 - What are the requirements for the continuous emission monitoring system equipment, if I choose to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... continuous emission monitoring system equipment, if I choose to use this option? 60.4345 Section 60.4345... PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Monitoring § 60.4345 What are the requirements for the continuous emission monitoring system equipment, if I...

40 CFR 60.1280 - What must I do if any of my continuous emission monitoring systems are temporarily unavailable to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission monitoring systems are temporarily unavailable to meet the data collection requirements? 60.1280... Modification or Reconstruction is Commenced After June 6, 2001 Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1280 What must I do if any of my continuous emission monitoring systems are temporarily unavailable to meet the...

Numerical continuation and bifurcation analysis in aircraft design: an industrial perspective.

PubMed

Sharma, Sanjiv; Coetzee, Etienne B; Lowenberg, Mark H; Neild, Simon A; Krauskopf, Bernd

2015-09-28

Bifurcation analysis is a powerful method for studying the steady-state nonlinear dynamics of systems. Software tools exist for the numerical continuation of steady-state solutions as parameters of the system are varied. These tools make it possible to generate 'maps of solutions' in an efficient way that provide valuable insight into the overall dynamic behaviour of a system and potentially to influence the design process. While this approach has been employed in the military aircraft control community to understand the effectiveness of controllers, the use of bifurcation analysis in the wider aircraft industry is yet limited. This paper reports progress on how bifurcation analysis can play a role as part of the design process for passenger aircraft. © 2015 The Author(s).

Extending the use of DRGs to estimate mean Home-Care cost by employing an adapted ASTM E2369-05 Continuity of Care Record.

PubMed

Spyropoulos, B; Botsivaly, M; Tzavaras, A; Koutsourakis, K

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study is the presentation of a system appropriate to be used upon the transition of a patient, from hospital to homecare. The developed system is based upon the creation of a structured subset of data, complying with the ASTM E2369-0 Standard Specification for Continuity of Care Record, concerning the most relevant facts about a patient's healthcare, organized and transportable, in order to be employed during the post-discharge homecare period. The system allows for the extension of the use of DRGs to estimate mean Home-Care cost, taking advantage of the planning and the optimal documentation of the provided homecare.

Continuous estimation of evapotranspiration and gross primary productivity from an Unmanned Aerial System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Bandini, F.; Jakobsen, J.; J Zarco-Tejada, P.; Liu, X.; Haugård Olesen, D.; Ibrom, A.; Bauer-Gottwein, P.; Garcia, M.

2017-12-01

Model prediction of evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary productivity (GPP) using optical and thermal satellite imagery is biased towards clear-sky conditions. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) can collect optical and thermal signals at unprecedented very high spatial resolution (< 1 meter) under sunny and cloudy weather conditions. However, methods to obtain model outputs between image acquisitions are still needed. This study uses UAS based optical and thermal observations to continuously estimate daily ET and GPP in a Danish willow forest for an entire growing season of 2016. A hexacopter equipped with multispectral and thermal infrared cameras and a real-time kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System was used. The Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI) were used as proxies for leaf area index and soil moisture conditions, respectively. To obtain continuously daily records between UAS acquisitions, UAS surface temperature was assimilated by the ensemble Kalman filter into a prognostic land surface model (Noilhan and Planton, 1989), which relies on the force-restore method, to simulate the continuous land surface temperature. NDVI was interpolated into daily time steps by the cubic spline method. Using these continuous datasets, a joint ET and GPP model, which combines the Priestley-Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory ET model (Fisher et al., 2008; Garcia et al., 2013) and the Light Use Efficiency GPP model (Potter et al., 1993), was applied. The simulated ET and GPP were compared with the footprint of eddy covariance observations. The simulated daily ET has a RMSE of 14.41 W•m-2 and a correlation coefficient of 0.83. The simulated daily GPP has a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.56 g•C•m-2•d-1 and a correlation coefficient of 0.87. This study demonstrates the potential of UAS based multispectral and thermal mapping to continuously estimate ET and GPP for both sunny and cloudy weather conditions.

Validation of Attitude and Heading Reference System and Microsoft Kinect for Continuous Measurement of Cervical Range of Motion Compared to the Optical Motion Capture System.

PubMed

Song, Young Seop; Yang, Kyung Yong; Youn, Kibum; Yoon, Chiyul; Yeom, Jiwoon; Hwang, Hyeoncheol; Lee, Jehee; Kim, Keewon

2016-08-01

To compare optical motion capture system (MoCap), attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) sensor, and Microsoft Kinect for the continuous measurement of cervical range of motion (ROM). Fifteen healthy adult subjects were asked to sit in front of the Kinect camera with optical markers and AHRS sensors attached to the body in a room equipped with optical motion capture camera. Subjects were instructed to independently perform axial rotation followed by flexion/extension and lateral bending. Each movement was repeated 5 times while being measured simultaneously with 3 devices. Using the MoCap system as the gold standard, the validity of AHRS and Kinect for measurement of cervical ROM was assessed by calculating correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot with 95% limits of agreement (LoA). MoCap and ARHS showed fair agreement (95% LoA<10°), while MoCap and Kinect showed less favorable agreement (95% LoA>10°) for measuring ROM in all directions. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values between MoCap and AHRS in -40° to 40° range were excellent for flexion/extension and lateral bending (ICC>0.9). ICC values were also fair for axial rotation (ICC>0.8). ICC values between MoCap and Kinect system in -40° to 40° range were fair for all motions. Our study showed feasibility of using AHRS to measure cervical ROM during continuous motion with an acceptable range of error. AHRS and Kinect system can also be used for continuous monitoring of flexion/extension and lateral bending in ordinary range.

Examining Associations Between Relocation, Continuity of Care, and Patient Satisfaction in Military Spouses.

PubMed

Gleason, Jessica L; Beck, Kenneth H

2017-05-01

The purpose of this study was to determine how frequent permanent change of station moves and turnover in primary care providers are associated with continuity of care and patient satisfaction in military spouses. These domains have been studied extensively in civilian populations, but this study seeks to begin filling a gap in the literature surrounding military spouses and their experiences with the military health system. Spouses were recruited via social media to complete a brief online questionnaire to examine factors related to continuity of care and satisfaction with military health care. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance and χ 2 tests, and through logistic regression. Continuity of care scores were significantly lower as the number of moves and providers increased. Patient satisfaction was also significantly associated with continuity. In logistic regression analyses, patient-provider relationship and health status were the only significant predictors across two measures of patient satisfaction. Respondents with higher relationship scores were nearly two times more likely to report being satisfied than those with lower scores. Qualitative results indicated that the majority of dissatisfied spouses were unhappy with their military providers, which supported quantitative findings related to patient-provider relationship. No studies have previously been conducted to determine why military health system beneficiaries are less satisfied with care than their civilian counterparts. Discontinuous care is an ongoing issue for military families, which can impact satisfaction and potentially lead to poorer health outcomes. Although the military culture may not allow for fewer relocations, these results indicate that taking steps to promote enduring, trusting relationships with primary care providers may improve patient satisfaction. Reprint & Copyright © 2017 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Using Electronic Health Record (EHR) “Big Data” to Examine the Influence of Nurse Continuity on a Hospital-Acquired Never Event

PubMed Central

STIFTER, Janet; YAO, Yingwei; LODHI, Muhammad Kamran; LOPEZ, Karen Dunn; KHOKHAR, Ashfaq; WILKIE, Diana J.; KEENAN, Gail M.

2015-01-01

Background There is little research demonstrating the influence of nurse continuity on patient outcomes despite an intuitive belief that continuity of care makes a difference in care outcomes. Objective To examine the influence of nurse continuity (the number of consecutive care days by the same/consistent RN[s]) on the prevention of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU). Method A secondary use of data from the Hands on Automated Nursing Data System (HANDS) was performed for this comparative study. The HANDS is a nursing plan of care (POC) “big data” database containing 42,403 episodes documented by 787 nurses, on 9 units, in four hospitals and includes nurse staffing and patient characteristics. Via data mining, we created an analytic dataset of 840 care episodes, 210 with and 630 without HAPUs, matched by nursing unit, patient age, and patient characteristics. Logistic regression analysis determined the influence of nurse continuity and additional nurse-staffing variables on the presence of HAPUs. Results Poor nurse continuity (Continuity Index=.21-.42 [1.0=optimal continuity]) was noted on all nine study units. Nutrition, mobility, perfusion, hydration, and skin problems on admission as well as patient age were associated with HAPUs (p<.001). Controlling for patient characteristics, nurse continuity and the interactions between nurse continuity and other nurse-staffing variables were not significantly associated with HAPU development. Discussion Patient characteristics including nutrition, mobility, and perfusion were associated with HAPUs, but nurse continuity was not. One study implication is that to reduce the incidence of HAPUs the most effective resource utilization might be in the continued development of best practices to address patient characteristics that lead to pressure ulcer vulnerability rather than a focus on nurse staffing. PMID:26325278

Comparative study of gas-analyzing systems designed for continuous monitoring of TPP emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondrat'eva, O. E.; Roslyakov, P. V.

2017-06-01

Determining the composition of combustion products is important in terms of both control of emissions into the atmosphere from thermal power plants and optimization of fuel combustion processes in electric power plants. For this purpose, the concentration of oxygen, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and sulfur oxides in flue gases is monitored; in case of solid fuel combustion, fly ash concentration is monitored as well. According to the new nature conservation law in Russia, all large TPPs shall be equipped with continuous emission monitoring and measurement systems (CEMMS) into the atmosphere. In order to ensure the continuous monitoring of pollutant emissions, direct round-the-clock measurements are conducted with the use of either domestically produced or imported gas analyzers and analysis systems, the operation of which is based on various physicochemical methods and which can be generally used when introducing CEMMS. Depending on the type and purposes of measurement, various kinds of instruments having different features may be used. This article represents a comparative study of gas-analysis systems for measuring the content of polluting substances in exhaust gases based on various physical and physicochemical analysis methods. It lists basic characteristics of the methods commonly applied in the area of gas analysis. It is proven that, considering the necessity of the long-term, continuous operation of gas analyzers for monitoring and measurement of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere, as well as the requirements for reliability and independence from aggressive components and temperature of the gas flow, it is preferable to use optical gas analyzers for the aforementioned purposes. In order to reduce the costs of equipment comprising a CEMMS at a TPP and optimize the combustion processes, electrochemical and thermomagnetic gas analyzers may also be used.

40 CFR 60.1245 - Am I exempt from any appendix B or appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... appendix F requirements to evaluate continuous emission monitoring systems? 60.1245 Section 60.1245... Commenced After June 6, 2001 Continuous Emission Monitoring § 60.1245 Am I exempt from any appendix B or... carbon dioxide) continuous emission monitoring system. Therefore, your oxygen (or carbon dioxide...

The impact of continuous versus intermittent vital signs monitoring in hospitals: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

PubMed

Downey, C L; Chapman, S; Randell, R; Brown, J M; Jayne, D G

2018-08-01

Continuous vital signs monitoring on general hospital wards may allow earlier detection of patient deterioration and improve patient outcomes. This systematic review will assess if continuous monitoring is practical outside of the critical care setting, and whether it confers any clinical benefit to patients. MEDLINE ® , MEDLINE ® In-Process, EMBASE, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library were searched for articles that evaluated the clinical or non-clinical outcomes of continuous vital signs monitoring in adults outside of the critical care setting. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017058098). Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria and reported outcomes on a total of 40,274 patients and 59 ward staff in nine countries. The majority of studies showed benefits in terms of critical care use and length of hospital stay. Larger studies were more likely to demonstrate clinical benefit, particularly critical care use and length of hospital stay. Three studies showed cost-effectiveness. Barriers to implementation included nursing and patient satisfaction and the burden of false alerts. Continuous vital signs monitoring outside the critical care setting is feasible and may provide a benefit in terms of improved patient outcomes and cost efficiency. Large, well-controlled studies in high-risk populations are required to evaluate the clinical benefit of continuous monitoring systems. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploratory Study for Continuous-time Parameter Estimation of Ankle Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kukreja, Sunil L.; Boyle, Richard D.

2014-01-01

Recently, a parallel pathway model to describe ankle dynamics was proposed. This model provides a relationship between ankle angle and net ankle torque as the sum of a linear and nonlinear contribution. A technique to identify parameters of this model in discrete-time has been developed. However, these parameters are a nonlinear combination of the continuous-time physiology, making insight into the underlying physiology impossible. The stable and accurate estimation of continuous-time parameters is critical for accurate disease modeling, clinical diagnosis, robotic control strategies, development of optimal exercise protocols for longterm space exploration, sports medicine, etc. This paper explores the development of a system identification technique to estimate the continuous-time parameters of ankle dynamics. The effectiveness of this approach is assessed via simulation of a continuous-time model of ankle dynamics with typical parameters found in clinical studies. The results show that although this technique improves estimates, it does not provide robust estimates of continuous-time parameters of ankle dynamics. Due to this we conclude that alternative modeling strategies and more advanced estimation techniques be considered for future work.

Optoacoustic technique for noninvasive monitoring of blood oxygenation: a feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esenaliev, Rinat O.; Larina, Irina V.; Larin, Kirill V.; Deyo, Donald J.; Motamedi, Massoud; Prough, Donald S.

2002-08-01

Replacement of invasive monitoring of cerebral venous oxygenation with noninvasive techniques offers great promise in the management of life-threatening neurologic illnesses including traumatic brain injury. We developed and built an optoacoustic system to noninvasively monitor cerebral venous oxygenation; the system includes a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser and a specially designed optoacoustic probe. We tested the system in vitro in sheep blood with experimentally varied oxygenation. Our results demonstrated that (1) the amplitude and temporal profile of the optoacoustic waves increase with blood oxygenation in the range from 24% to 92%, (2) optoacoustic signals can be detected despite optical and acoustic attenuation by thick bone, and (3) the system is capable of real-time and continuous measurements. These results suggest that the optoacoustic technique is technically feasible for continuous, noninvasive monitoring of cerebral venous oxygenation.

Application of dynamical systems theory to the high angle of attack dynamics of the F-14

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jahnke, Craig C.; Culick, Fred E. C.

1990-01-01

Dynamical systems theory has been used to study the nonlinear dynamics of the F-14. An eight degree of freedom model that does not include the control system present in operational F-14s has been analyzed. The aerodynamic model, supplied by NASA, includes nonlinearities as functions of the angles of attack and sideslip, the rotation rate, and the elevator deflection. A continuation method has been used to calculate the steady states of the F-14 as continuous functions of the control surface deflections. Bifurcations of these steady states have been used to predict the onset of wing rock, spiral divergence, and jump phenomena which cause the aircraft to enter a spin. A simple feedback control system was designed to eliminate the wing rock and spiral divergence instabilities. The predictions were verified with numerical simulations.

Destiny-yield relationship for channel catfish reared in a biofloc technology production system

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The effect of stocking density on yield of stocker channel catfish and water quality in a biofloc technology production system was studied in this completely randomized design experiment. Fingerling channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus; 48.0 g/fish, 17.8 cm/fish) were stocked into nine continuously ...

Automated method for study of drug metabolism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Furner, R. L.; Feller, D. D.

1973-01-01

Commercially available equipment can be modified to provide automated system for assaying drug metabolism by continuous flow-through. System includes steps and devices for mixing drug with enzyme and cofactor in the presence of pure oxygen, dialyzing resulting metabolite against buffer, and determining amount of metabolite by colorimetric method.

Characterizing a shallow groundwater system beneath irrigated sugarcane with electrical resistivity and radon (Rn-222), Puunene, Hawaii

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In this study, we use a combination of electrical resistivity profiling and radon (222Rn) measurements to characterize a shallow groundwater system beneath the last remaining, large-scale sugarcane plantation on Maui, Hawaii. Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company has continuously operated a sugarcane...

A continued program of planetary study at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trafton, L.

1991-01-01

The program conducts solar system research in support of NASA missions and of general astronomical interest. Investigations of composition, physical characteristics and changes in solar system bodies are conducted primarily using the facilities of McDonald Observatory. Progress, accomplishments, and projected accomplishments are discussed.

Key Factors to Instructors' Satisfaction of Learning Management Systems in Blended Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Busaidi, Kamla Ali; Al-Shihi, Hafedh

2012-01-01

Learning Management System (LMS) enables institutions to administer their educational resources, and support their traditional classroom education and distance education. LMS survives through instructors' continuous use, which may be to a great extent associated with their satisfaction of the LMS. Consequently, this study examined the key factors…

Use of an intravascular fluorescent continuous glucose sensor in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Romey, Matthew; Jovanovič, Lois; Bevier, Wendy; Markova, Kateryna; Strasma, Paul; Zisser, Howard

2012-11-01

Stress hyperglycemia in the critically ill is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Continuous glucose monitoring offers a solution to the difficulties of dosing intravenous insulin properly to maintain glycemic control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an intravascular continuous glucose monitoring (IV-CGM) system with a sensing element based on the concept of quenched fluorescence. A second-generation intravascular continuous glucose sensor was evaluated in 13 volunteer subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus. There were 21 study sessions of up to 24 h in duration. Sensors were inserted into peripheral veins of the upper extremity, up to two sensors per subject per study session. Sensor output was compared with temporally correlated reference measurements obtained from venous samples on a laboratory glucose analyzer. Data were obtained from 23 sensors in 13 study sessions with 942 paired reference values. Fourteen out of 23 sensors (60.9%) had a mean absolute relative difference ≤ 10%. Eighty-nine percent of paired points were in the clinically accurate A zone of the Clarke error grid and met ISO 15197 performance criteria. Adequate venous blood flow was identified as a necessary condition for accuracy when local sensor readings are compared with venous blood glucose. The IV-CGM system was capable of achieving a high level of glucose measurement accuracy. However, superficial peripheral veins may not provide adequate blood flow for reliable indwelling blood glucose monitoring. © 2012 Diabetes Technology Society.

Use of an Intravascular Fluorescent Continuous Glucose Sensor in Subjects with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Romey, Matthew; Jovanovič, Lois; Bevier, Wendy; Markova, Kateryna; Strasma, Paul; Zisser, Howard

2012-01-01

Background Stress hyperglycemia in the critically ill is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Continuous glucose monitoring offers a solution to the difficulties of dosing intravenous insulin properly to maintain glycemic control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an intravascular continuous glucose monitoring (IV-CGM) system with a sensing element based on the concept of quenched fluorescence. Method A second-generation intravascular continuous glucose sensor was evaluated in 13 volunteer subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus. There were 21 study sessions of up to 24 h in duration. Sensors were inserted into peripheral veins of the upper extremity, up to two sensors per subject per study session. Sensor output was compared with temporally correlated reference measurements obtained from venous samples on a laboratory glucose analyzer. Results Data were obtained from 23 sensors in 13 study sessions with 942 paired reference values. Fourteen out of 23 sensors (60.9%) had a mean absolute relative difference ≤ 10%. Eighty-nine percent of paired points were in the clinically accurate A zone of the Clarke error grid and met ISO 15197 performance criteria. Adequate venous blood flow was identified as a necessary condition for accuracy when local sensor readings are compared with venous blood glucose. Conclusions The IV-CGM system was capable of achieving a high level of glucose measurement accuracy. However, superficial peripheral veins may not provide adequate blood flow for reliable indwelling blood glucose monitoring. PMID:23294770

Intelligent transportation systems for planned special events : a cross-cutting study

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-11-01

This cross-cutting study examines how six agencies in five states used and continue to use ITS to reduce congestion generated by planned special events, thereby reducing crashes, increasing travel time reliability, and reducing driver frustration.

Preliminary study of climate adaptation for the statewide transportation system in Arizona.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

This research study presents recommendations for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) : to continue working toward being more resilient, flexible, and responsive to the effects of global : climate change. The main objectives were to identi...

10 CFR 602.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... ENERGY (CONTINUED) ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS EPIDEMIOLOGY AND OTHER HEALTH STUDIES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE... Studies means research pertaining to potential health effects resulting from DOE or predecessor agency...) in the United States and abroad. Related systems or activities to enhance these areas, as well as...

10 CFR 602.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... ENERGY (CONTINUED) ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS EPIDEMIOLOGY AND OTHER HEALTH STUDIES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE... Studies means research pertaining to potential health effects resulting from DOE or predecessor agency...) in the United States and abroad. Related systems or activities to enhance these areas, as well as...

10 CFR 602.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... ENERGY (CONTINUED) ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS EPIDEMIOLOGY AND OTHER HEALTH STUDIES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE... Studies means research pertaining to potential health effects resulting from DOE or predecessor agency...) in the United States and abroad. Related systems or activities to enhance these areas, as well as...

10 CFR 602.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... ENERGY (CONTINUED) ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS EPIDEMIOLOGY AND OTHER HEALTH STUDIES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE... Studies means research pertaining to potential health effects resulting from DOE or predecessor agency...) in the United States and abroad. Related systems or activities to enhance these areas, as well as...

Entanglement preservation by continuous distillation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mundarain, D.; Orszag, M.

2009-05-15

We study the two-qubit entanglement preservation for a system in the presence of independent thermal baths. We use a combination of filtering operations and distillation protocols as a series of frequent measurements on the system. It is shown that a small fraction of the total amount of available copies of the system preserves or even improves its initial entanglement during the evolution.