Attitude towards Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation of High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cyril, A. Vences; Jeyasekaran, D.

2016-01-01

Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) refers to a system of school-based evaluation introduced by CBSE in all CBSE affiliated schools across the country to evaluate both scholastic and non-scholastic aspects of students' growth and development. Continuous and comprehensive evaluation is to evaluate every aspect of the child during their…

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...

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 60.1270 - 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...

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 60.53b - Standards for municipal waste combustor operating practices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... for the purpose of evaluating system performance, testing new technology or control technologies... evaluating system performance, testing new technology or control technologies, diagnostic testing, or related... (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of...

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...

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 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...

Continuing Chapter 1's Leadership in Modeling Best Practices in Evaluation. A Symposium Presentation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ligon, Glynn

This paper examines whether the Title I/Chapter 1 tradition of leading the way in educational evaluation will continue or whether Chapter 1 will change its role by delegating decision-making authority over evaluation methodology to state and local school systems. Whatever direction Chapter 1 takes, states, school systems, and schools must be held…

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Vvvv of... - Applicability and Timing of Notifications

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... § 63.9(e). b. A notification of the date for the continuous monitoring system performance evaluation as... control device performance test and continuous monitoring system performance evaluation. ... Notifications 7 Table 7 to Subpart VVVV of Part 63 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY...

Quality evaluation on an e-learning system in continuing professional education of nurses.

PubMed

Lin, I-Chun; Chien, Yu-Mei; Chang, I-Chiu

2006-01-01

Maintaining high quality in Web-based learning is a powerful means of increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of distance learning. Many studies have evaluated Web-based learning but seldom evaluate from the information systems (IS) perspective. This study applied the famous IS Success model in measuring the quality of a Web-based learning system using a Web-based questionnaire for data collection. One hundred and fifty four nurses participated in the survey. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, the variables of the research model fit for measuring the quality of a Web-based learning system. As Web-based education continues to grow worldwide, the results of this study may assist the system adopter (hospital executives), the learner (nurses), and the system designers in making reasonable and informed judgments with regard to the quality of Web-based learning system in continuing professional education.

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...

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...

Using CONFIG for Simulation of Operation of Water Recovery Subsystems for Advanced Control Software Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malin, Jane T.; Flores, Luis; Fleming, Land; Throop, Daiv

2002-01-01

A hybrid discrete/continuous simulation tool, CONFIG, has been developed to support evaluation of the operability life support systems. CON FIG simulates operations scenarios in which flows and pressures change continuously while system reconfigurations occur as discrete events. In simulations, intelligent control software can interact dynamically with hardware system models. CONFIG simulations have been used to evaluate control software and intelligent agents for automating life support systems operations. A CON FIG model of an advanced biological water recovery system has been developed to interact with intelligent control software that is being used in a water system test at NASA Johnson Space Center

12 CFR 228.27 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... response by the bank to public comment on the plan. (3) Criteria for evaluating plan. The Board evaluates a... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Strategic plan. 228.27 Section 228.27 Banks and Banking FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED) BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED...

12 CFR 228.27 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... response by the bank to public comment on the plan. (3) Criteria for evaluating plan. The Board evaluates a... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Strategic plan. 228.27 Section 228.27 Banks and Banking FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED) BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED...

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...

Continuation Power Flow with Variable-Step Variable-Order Nonlinear Predictor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kojima, Takayuki; Mori, Hiroyuki

This paper proposes a new continuation power flow calculation method for drawing a P-V curve in power systems. The continuation power flow calculation successively evaluates power flow solutions through changing a specified value of the power flow calculation. In recent years, power system operators are quite concerned with voltage instability due to the appearance of deregulated and competitive power markets. The continuation power flow calculation plays an important role to understand the load characteristics in a sense of static voltage instability. In this paper, a new continuation power flow with a variable-step variable-order (VSVO) nonlinear predictor is proposed. The proposed method evaluates optimal predicted points confirming with the feature of P-V curves. The proposed method is successfully applied to IEEE 118-bus and IEEE 300-bus systems.

A toolbox for safety instrumented system evaluation based on improved continuous-time Markov chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wardana, Awang N. I.; Kurniady, Rahman; Pambudi, Galih; Purnama, Jaka; Suryopratomo, Kutut

2017-08-01

Safety instrumented system (SIS) is designed to restore a plant into a safe condition when pre-hazardous event is occur. It has a vital role especially in process industries. A SIS shall be meet with safety requirement specifications. To confirm it, SIS shall be evaluated. Typically, the evaluation is calculated by hand. This paper presents a toolbox for SIS evaluation. It is developed based on improved continuous-time Markov chain. The toolbox supports to detailed approach of evaluation. This paper also illustrates an industrial application of the toolbox to evaluate arch burner safety system of primary reformer. The results of the case study demonstrates that the toolbox can be used to evaluate industrial SIS in detail and to plan the maintenance strategy.

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

Development of Rapid, Continuous Calibration Techniques and Implementation as a Prototype System for Civil Engineering Materials Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, M. L.; Gagarin, N.; Mekemson, J. R.; Chintakunta, S. R.

2011-06-01

Until recently, civil engineering material calibration data could only be obtained from material sample cores or via time consuming, stationary calibration measurements in a limited number of locations. Calibration data are used to determine material propagation velocities of electromagnetic waves in test materials for use in layer thickness measurements and subsurface imaging. Limitations these calibration methods impose have been a significant impediment to broader use of nondestructive evaluation methods such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR). In 2006, a new rapid, continuous calibration approach was designed using simulation software to address these measurement limitations during a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) research and development effort. This continuous calibration method combines a digitally-synthesized step-frequency (SF)-GPR array and a data collection protocol sequence for the common midpoint (CMP) method. Modeling and laboratory test results for various data collection protocols and materials are presented in this paper. The continuous-CMP concept was finally implemented for FHWA in a prototype demonstration system called the Advanced Pavement Evaluation (APE) system in 2009. Data from the continuous-CMP protocol is processed using a semblance/coherency analysis to determine material propagation velocities. Continuously calibrated pavement thicknesses measured with the APE system in 2009 are presented. This method is efficient, accurate, and cost-effective.

Development of rapid, continuous calibration techniques and implementation as a prototype system for civil engineering materials evaluation

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

Scott, M. L.; Gagarin, N.; Mekemson, J. R.

Until recently, civil engineering material calibration data could only be obtained from material sample cores or via time consuming, stationary calibration measurements in a limited number of locations. Calibration data are used to determine material propagation velocities of electromagnetic waves in test materials for use in layer thickness measurements and subsurface imaging. Limitations these calibration methods impose have been a significant impediment to broader use of nondestructive evaluation methods such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR). In 2006, a new rapid, continuous calibration approach was designed using simulation software to address these measurement limitations during a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) research andmore » development effort. This continuous calibration method combines a digitally-synthesized step-frequency (SF)-GPR array and a data collection protocol sequence for the common midpoint (CMP) method. Modeling and laboratory test results for various data collection protocols and materials are presented in this paper. The continuous-CMP concept was finally implemented for FHWA in a prototype demonstration system called the Advanced Pavement Evaluation (APE) system in 2009. Data from the continuous-CMP protocol is processed using a semblance/coherency analysis to determine material propagation velocities. Continuously calibrated pavement thicknesses measured with the APE system in 2009 are presented. This method is efficient, accurate, and cost-effective.« less

Developing a Promotional Campaign for a Statewide Continuing Education System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munger, Paul; And Others

1981-01-01

Describes activities developed in promoting a statewide continuing education system. They included television and radio advertisements, a user's manual, and a logo. Program evaluation and implementation are also discussed. (CT)

40 CFR 60.2940 - 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? 60.2940 Section 60.2940 Protection of Environment... monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure carbon monoxide and oxygen. (b) Complete your...

40 CFR 60.3039 - 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? 60.3039 Section 60.3039 Protection of Environment... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure carbon monoxide and oxygen. (b...

40 CFR 60.2940 - 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? 60.2940 Section 60.2940 Protection of Environment... monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure carbon monoxide and oxygen. (b) Complete your...

40 CFR 60.2940 - 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? 60.2940 Section 60.2940 Protection of Environment... monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure carbon monoxide and oxygen. (b) Complete your...

40 CFR 60.3039 - 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? 60.3039 Section 60.3039 Protection of Environment... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure carbon monoxide and oxygen. (b...

40 CFR 60.3039 - 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? 60.3039 Section 60.3039 Protection of Environment... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure carbon monoxide and oxygen. (b...

40 CFR 60.3039 - 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? 60.3039 Section 60.3039 Protection of Environment... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure carbon monoxide and oxygen. (b...

40 CFR 60.3039 - 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? 60.3039 Section 60.3039 Protection of Environment... emission monitoring systems are operating correctly? (a) Conduct initial, daily, quarterly, and annual evaluations of your continuous emission monitoring systems that measure carbon monoxide and oxygen. (b...

[Recommendations for the evaluation and follow-up of the continuous quality improvement].

PubMed

Maurellet-Evrard, S; Daunizeau, A

2013-06-01

Continual improvement of the quality in a medical laboratory is based on the implementation of tools for systematically evaluate the quality management system and its ability to meet the objectives defined. Monitoring through audit and management review, addressing complaints and nonconformities and performing client satisfaction survey are the key for the continual improvement.

Response to Intervention and Continuous School Improvement: Using Data, Vision, and Leadership to Design, Implement, and Evaluate a Schoolwide Prevention System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernhardt, Victoria L.; Hebert, Connie L.

2011-01-01

Ensure the success of your school and improve the learning of "all" students by implementing Response-to-Intervention (RTI) as part of a continuous school improvement (CSI) process. This book shows you how to get your entire staff working together to design, implement, and evaluate a schoolwide prevention system. With specific examples, CSI expert…

Framework for Evaluating Educational Systemic Initiatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ikegulu, T. Nelson

This paper describes the implementation of the Holistic Systemic Evaluation (HSE), a component of an Education Systemic Initiative's strategic management. The HSE provides general guidance for the implementation and continual improvement of an Education Systemic Initiative Reform (ESIR). The implementation of the education system initiative plan:…

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…

Development and evaluation of endurance test system for ventricular assist devices.

PubMed

Sumikura, Hirohito; Homma, Akihiko; Ohnuma, Kentaro; Taenaka, Yoshiyuki; Takewa, Yoshiaki; Mukaibayashi, Hiroshi; Katano, Kazuo; Tatsumi, Eisuke

2013-06-01

We developed a novel endurance test system that can arbitrarily set various circulatory conditions and has durability and stability for long-term continuous evaluation of ventricular assist devices (VADs), and we evaluated its fundamental performance and prolonged durability and stability. The circulation circuit of the present endurance test system consisted of a pulsatile pump with a small closed chamber (SCC), a closed chamber, a reservoir and an electromagnetic proportional valve. Two duckbill valves were mounted in the inlet and outlet of the pulsatile pump. The features of the circulation circuit are as follows: (1) the components of the circulation circuit consist of optimized industrial devices, giving durability; (2) the pulsatile pump can change the heart rate and stroke length (SL), as well as its compliance using the SCC. Therefore, the endurance test system can quantitatively reproduce various circulatory conditions. The range of reproducible circulatory conditions in the endurance test circuit was examined in terms of fundamental performance. Additionally, continuous operation for 6 months was performed in order to evaluate the durability and stability. The circulation circuit was able to set up a wide range of pressure and total flow conditions using the SCC and adjusting the pulsatile pump SL. The long-term continuous operation test demonstrated that stable, continuous operation for 6 months was possible without leakage or industrial device failure. The newly developed endurance test system demonstrated a wide range of reproducible circulatory conditions, durability and stability, and is a promising approach for evaluating the basic characteristics of VADs.

Whether Experience and Training of Teachers Affect Their Attitude towards Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE)?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sahanowas, S. K.; Halder, Santoshi

2016-01-01

Teaching experience and training of the teachers are important variables for teaching and evaluating effectively having an immense impact to their inclination, attitude and perfection. West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (W.B.B.S.E), India, has taken the initiative to implement Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation system up to class VIII…

The computer in office medical practice.

PubMed

Dowdle, John

2002-04-01

There will continue to be change and evolution in the medical office environment. As voice recognition systems continue to improve, instant creation of office notes with the absence of dictation may be commonplace. As medical and computer technology evolves, we must continue to evaluate the many new computer systems that can assist us in our clinical office practice.

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…

40 CFR 63.7952 - What records must I keep?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... performance tests and performance evaluations as required by § 63.10(b)(2)(viii). (4) The records of initial... your continuous monitoring system. (2) Performance evaluation plans, including previous (i.e... Section 63.7952 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS...

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.

Assessing the Promise of Standards-Based Performance Evaluation for Principals: Results from a Randomized Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kimball, Steven Miller; Milanowski, Anthony; McKinney, Sarah A.

2009-01-01

Principals (N = 76) in a large western U.S. school district were randomly assigned to be evaluated using either a new standards-based system or to continue with the old system. It was hypothesized that principals evaluated with the new system would report clearer performance expectations, better feedback, greater fairness and system satisfaction,…

40 CFR 60.185 - Monitoring of operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) The continuous monitoring system performance evaluation required under § 60.13(c) shall be completed... monitoring system performance evaluation required under § 60.13(c), the reference method referred to under... be Method 6. For the performance evaluation, each concentration measurement shall be of one hour...

EVALUATION OF DIOXIN EMISSIONS MONITORING SYSTEMS

EPA Science Inventory

Continuous samplers and real or semi-real-time continuous monitors for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and furans provide significant advantages relative to conventional methods of extractive sampling. Continuous samplers collect long term samples over a time period of days to wee...

1998 FFTF annual system assessment reports

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

Guttenberg, S.

The health of FFTF systems was assessed assuming a continued facility standby condition. The review was accomplished in accordance with the guidelines of FFTF-EI-083, Plant Evaluation Program. The attached document includes an executive summary of the significant conclusions and assessment reports for each system evaluated.

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...

Injection of Contaminants into a Simulated Water Distribution System Equipped with Continuous Multi-Parameter Water Monitors

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. EPA’s Technology Testing and Evaluation Program has been charged by EPA to evaluate the performance of commercially available water security-related technologies. Multi-parameter water monitors for distributions systems have been evaluated as such a water security techn...

Aeroelastic loads prediction for an arrow wing. Task 1: Evaluation of R. P. White's method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borland, C. J.; Manro, M. E.

1983-01-01

The separated flow method is evaluated. This method was developed for moderately swept wings with multiple, constant strength vortex systems. The flow on the highly swept wing used in this evaluation is characterized by a single vortex system of continuously varying strength.

Improving Reference Service: The Case for Using a Continuous Quality Improvement Method.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aluri, Rao

1993-01-01

Discusses the evaluation of library reference service; examines problems with past evaluations, including the lack of long-term planning and a systems perspective; and suggests a method for continuously monitoring and improving reference service using quality improvement tools such as checklists, cause and effect diagrams, Pareto charts, and…

Use of a novel continuous culture fermentor system for in vitro determination of enteric methane output from ruminants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Continuous culture fermentor systems (CCFS) serve to evaluate the effect of diet on in vitro nutrient digestibility, fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis. Limitations of CCFS are: maintaining protozoa populations, and avoiding accumulation of undigested material in the vessels. Therefore, a...

An Assessment of an Operational Educational Accountability System for Continuing Education in the Health Professions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walsh, Patrick L.

1982-01-01

The Educational Quality Assessment and Assurance System for continuing education in health sciences includes three components to measure inputs, processes, and outcomes. They are (1) Program Coordinator Competency List, (2) Quality Assessment and Assurance Program, and (3) evaluation of educational programs. (SK)

The Analysis of Teaching Effectiveness Evaluation Programs in Geography Departments in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooper, Brian J.

2012-01-01

Teaching evaluation systems are an important part of the total evaluation of faculty in geography departments in the United States. As demands for accountability for teaching effectiveness continue to emerge from many groups, it has become increasingly important for geography departments to develop systems that not only provide teaching…

Numerical Evaluation of the "Dual-Kernel Counter-flow" Matric Convolution Integral that Arises in Discrete/Continuous (D/C) Control Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nixon, Douglas D.

2009-01-01

Discrete/Continuous (D/C) control theory is a new generalized theory of discrete-time control that expands the concept of conventional (exact) discrete-time control to create a framework for design and implementation of discretetime control systems that include a continuous-time command function generator so that actuator commands need not be constant between control decisions, but can be more generally defined and implemented as functions that vary with time across sample period. Because the plant/control system construct contains two linear subsystems arranged in tandem, a novel dual-kernel counter-flow convolution integral appears in the formulation. As part of the D/C system design and implementation process, numerical evaluation of that integral over the sample period is required. Three fundamentally different evaluation methods and associated algorithms are derived for the constant-coefficient case. Numerical results are matched against three available examples that have closed-form solutions.

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.

Monitoring technologies for the evaluation of a Soil-Aquifer-Treatment system in coastal aquifer environments.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kallioras, Andreas; Tsertou, Athanasia; Foglia, Laura; Bumberger, Jan; Vienken, Thomas; Dietrich, Peter; Schüth, Christoph

2014-05-01

Artificial recharge of groundwater has an important role to play in water reuse. Treated sewage effluent can be infiltrated into the ground for recharge of aquifers. As the effluent water moves through the soil and the aquifer, it undergoes significant quality improvements through physical, chemical, and biological processes in the underground environment. Collectively, these processes and the water quality improvement obtained are called soil-aquifer-treatment (SAT) or geopurification. Recharge systems for SAT can be designed as infiltration-recovery systems, where all effluent water is recovered as such from the aquifer, or after blending with native groundwater. SAT typically removes essentially all suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminthic eggs). Concentrations of synthetic organic carbon, phosphorous, and heavy metals are greatly reduced. The pilot site of LTCP will involve the employment of infiltration basins, which will be using waters of impaired quality as a recharge source, and hence acting as a Soil-Aquifer-Treatment, SAT, system. T he LTCP site will be employed as a pilot SAT system complemented by new technological developments, which will be providing continuous monitoring of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of infiltrating groundwater through all hydrologic zones (i.e. surface, unsaturated and saturated zone). This will be achieved through the development and installation of an integrated system of prototype sensors, installed on-site, and offering a continuous evaluation of the performance of the SAT system. An integrated approach of the performance evaluation of any operating SAT system should aim at parallel monitoring of all hydrologic zones, proving the sustainability of all involved water quality treatment processes within unsaturated and saturated zone. Hence a prototype system of Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) sensors will be developed, in order to achieve continuous quantitative monitoring of the unsaturated zone through the entire soil column down to significant depths below the SAT basin. The above technique will offer continuous monitoring of infiltration rates and possible mechanical clogging effects. The qualitative monitoring of the unsaturated zone will be achieved through the installation of appropriate pore-water samplers within a multi-level basis, ensuring repeatability of sampling of infiltrating water of impaired quality. This study also involves the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the Lavrion multi-aquifer system through continuous monitoring of the performance of (i) the alluvial aquifer and its potential for additional water treatment as well as (ii) the effects of the SAT system for countermeasuring seawater intrusion in the area of Lavrion. Additionally, setup and calibration of numerical flow and transport models for evaluating and optimizing different operational modes of the SAT system within both saturated and unsaturated zones will be conducted. The monitoring system will be connected to an ad-hoc wireless network for continuous data transfer within the SAT facilities. It is envisaged that the development and combined application of all the above technologies will provide an integrated monitoring platform for the evaluation of SAT system performance.

Field evaluation of Fourier transform infrared continuous emissions monitoring (FTIR CEM) systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunder, Thomas A.; Geyer, Thomas J.; Kinner, Laura L.; Plummer, Grant M.

1995-02-01

Recent environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act and the Enhanced Monitoring Regulations, may require continuous emissions monitoring (CEM) of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). A promising technique for this application is Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR spectroscopy can, in principle, be used to monitor virtually any gas phase species. Two evaluations of FTIR CEM systems are discussed. The first study, performed in 1993 - 94, compared two FTIR CEM systems on a side-by-side basis in an extended field test at two coal-fired electric power plants. The FTIR CEM systems monitored the legally mandated criteria pollutants and diluents (CO, CO2, NO, NO2, and SO2) as well as H2O. In addition, one system monitored two HAPs (HCl and HF) and NH3. The FTIR CEM measurements were compared with those from the compliance CEM systems at the facilities. Several relative accuracy test audits were also performed to verify the FTIR CEM accuracy. The second evaluation was recently commenced on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency. In this study, FTIR CEM systems are evaluated specifically for the monitoring of HAP species by conducting laboratory and field tests. The evaluation culminates in the development of proposed performance specifications and protocols for FTIR CEM systems.

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.

7 CFR 205.508 - Site evaluations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., facilities, administrative and management systems, and production or handling operations certified by the... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCTION ACT...

Evaluating the Wider Outcomes of Schools: Complex Systems Modelling for Leadership Decisioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crick, Ruth Deakin; Barr, Steven; Green, Howard; Pedder, David

2017-01-01

A continuing challenge for the education system is how to evaluate the wider outcomes of schools. Wider measures of success--such as citizenship or lifelong learning--influence each other and emerge over time from complex interactions between students, teachers and leaders, and the wider community. Unless methods are found to evaluate these…

Guidelines "PEP," Peer Evaluation Program. A Systematic Approach for Evaluating Educational Programs, 1973-1974.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grotsky, Jeffery N.; And Others

The Peer Evaluation Program (PEP) has been instituted by the Division of Special Education, Pennsylvania State Department of Education, to allow intermediate units an opportunity to continuously improve their programs. The advantages of the PEP system are: (1) it is a self-improvememt system of program development; (2) PEP allows local autonomy as…

Design and implementation of an integrated, continuous evaluation, and quality improvement system for a state-based home-visiting program.

PubMed

McCabe, Bridget K; Potash, Dru; Omohundro, Ellen; Taylor, Cathy R

2012-10-01

To describe the design and implementation of an evaluation system to facilitate continuous quality improvement (CQI) and scientific evaluation in a statewide home visiting program, and to provide a summary of the system's progress in meeting intended outputs and short-term outcomes. Help Us Grow Successfully (HUGS) is a statewide home visiting program that provides services to at-risk pregnant/post-partum women, children (0-5 years), and their families. The program goals are to improve parenting skills and connect families to needed services and thus improve the health of the service population. The evaluation system is designed to: (1) integrate evaluation into daily workflow; (2) utilize standardized screening and evaluation tools; (3) facilitate a culture of CQI in program management; and, (4) facilitate scientifically rigorous evaluations. The review of the system's design and implementation occurred through a formative evaluation process (reach, dose, and fidelity). Data was collected through electronic and paper surveys, administrative data, and notes from management meetings, and medical chart review. In the design phase, four process and forty outcome measures were selected and are tracked using standardized screening and monitoring tools. During implementation, the reach and dose of training were adequate to successfully launch the evaluation/CQI system. All staff (n = 165) use the system for management of families; the supervisors (n = 18) use the system to track routine program activities. Data quality and availability is sufficient to support periodic program reviews at the region and state level. In the first 7 months, the HUGS evaluation system tracked 3,794 families (7,937 individuals). System use and acceptance is high. A successful implementation of a structured evaluation system with a strong CQI component is feasible in an existing, large statewide program. The evaluation/CQI system is an effective mechanism to drive modest change in management of the program.

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…

Solar energy system economic evaluation for Wormser Columbia, South Carolina

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The Solar Energy System is not economically beneficial under the assumed economic conditions at the sites considered. Economic benefits from this system depend on decreasing the initial investment and the continued increase in the cost of conventional energy. Decreasing the cost depends on favorable tax treatment and continuing development of solar energy technology. Fuel cost would have to increase drastically while the cost of the system would have to remain constant or decrease for the system to become economically feasible.

Field trials of a short-rotation biomass feller buncher and selected harvesting systems

Treesearch

Bryce J. Stokes; Douglas J. Frederick; Dennis T. Curtin

1986-01-01

A continuous-speed felling and bunching prototype machine was evaluated in harvesting a three-year-old, short-rotation sycamore plantation. A small tractor, grapple skidder, and large chipper were evaluate along with the prototype machine as complete harvesting systems. Prediction equations, production rates, and costs were developed for each component of the systems....

Superintendents' Perceptions of Readiness in Regard to Transitioning to the Missouri Educator Evaluation System to Fulfill the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Request

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hollingsworth, Stacy

2013-01-01

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has begun the transition to the Missouri Educator Evaluation System devised of seven Essential Principles of Effective Evaluation. This study considered superintendents' perceptions of readiness levels for each essential principle in order to understand continued needs to assist the…

40 CFR 63.7941 - How do I conduct a performance test, design evaluation, or other type of initial compliance...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... evaluation, you must collect the appropriate operating parameter monitoring system data, average the... 760 °C or higher. (f) You must conduct a performance evaluation for each continuous monitoring system... Level 1 controls, § 63.1063(d) for Tank Level 2 controls, § 63.926(a) for Container Level 1 controls...

40 CFR 63.7941 - How do I conduct a performance test, design evaluation, or other type of initial compliance...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... evaluation, you must collect the appropriate operating parameter monitoring system data, average the... 760 °C or higher. (f) You must conduct a performance evaluation for each continuous monitoring system... Level 1 controls, § 63.1063(d) for Tank Level 2 controls, § 63.926(a) for Container Level 1 controls...

40 CFR 63.7941 - How do I conduct a performance test, design evaluation, or other type of initial compliance...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... evaluation, you must collect the appropriate operating parameter monitoring system data, average the... 760 °C or higher. (f) You must conduct a performance evaluation for each continuous monitoring system... Level 1 controls, § 63.1063(d) for Tank Level 2 controls, § 63.926(a) for Container Level 1 controls...

Continuous glucose monitoring system: dawn period calibration does not change accuracy of the method.

PubMed

Augusto, Gustavo A; Sousa, André G P; Perazo, Marcela N A; Correa-Giannella, Maria L C; Nery, Marcia; Melo, Karla F S de

2009-06-01

Continuous glucose monitoring system is a valuable instrument to measure glycemic control, which uses a retrospective calibration based upon 3 to 4 capillary glucose meter values inserted by the patient each day. We evaluated the interference of calibration during the dawn period in the system accuracy. The monitoring data were retrospectively divided into two groups: with (Group A) or without (Group B) the dawn period calibration (between 1:00 and 5:00 AM). Accuracy of the method was expressed by relative absolute difference. Thirty-four continuous glucose monitoring data were evaluated comprising a total of 112 nights. A total of 289 paired readings were analyzed - 195 in Group A and 94 in Group B. We did not find a difference in relative absolute difference (RAD%) in any analyzed period of day by adding dawn calibration. These data suggest that dawn calibration does not alter accuracy of method.

Evaluation of the Separability of Monodisperse Polystyrene Latex Microspheres in a Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, G., Jr.

1983-01-01

The continuous flow electrophoresis system makes electrophoresis possible in a free flowing film of aqueous electrolyte medium. The sample is introduced at one end of the chamber and is subjected to a lateral dc field. This process separates the sample into fractions since each component has a distinctive electrophoric mobility. Evaluations were made of sample conductivity and buffer conductivity as they affect sample band spread and separation using the Continuous Particle Electrophoresis (CPE) system. Samples were prepared from mixtures of 5 percent and 1 percent polystyrene latex (PSL) microspheres which were .4, .56 and .7 microns in diameter. These were prepared in electrolyte media 1x and 3x the conductivity of the curtain buffer, approximately 150 and 450 micro mhos/cm. Samples with matched conductivities produced greater resolution and less band spread than those with 3x the conductivity of the curtain buffer.

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.

Faculty Planning, Development, and Evaluation System: Washtenaw Community College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Altieri, Guy; And Others

Between 1989 and 1991, the Planning, Development and Evaluation (PDE) Committee of Washtenaw Community College (Michigan) designed a faculty assessment process focusing on professional development and academic planning. It is an approach in which all educators (faculty and administrators) work together, using the PDE system to continually define…

21 CFR 890.1925 - Isokinetic testing and evaluation system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Isokinetic testing and evaluation system. 890.1925 Section 890.1925 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PHYSICAL MEDICINE DEVICES Physical Medicine Diagnostic Devices § 890.1925...

21 CFR 890.1925 - Isokinetic testing and evaluation system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Isokinetic testing and evaluation system. 890.1925 Section 890.1925 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PHYSICAL MEDICINE DEVICES Physical Medicine Diagnostic Devices § 890.1925...

21 CFR 890.1925 - Isokinetic testing and evaluation system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Isokinetic testing and evaluation system. 890.1925 Section 890.1925 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PHYSICAL MEDICINE DEVICES Physical Medicine Diagnostic Devices § 890.1925...

21 CFR 890.1925 - Isokinetic testing and evaluation system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Isokinetic testing and evaluation system. 890.1925 Section 890.1925 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PHYSICAL MEDICINE DEVICES Physical Medicine Diagnostic Devices § 890.1925...

21 CFR 890.1925 - Isokinetic testing and evaluation system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Isokinetic testing and evaluation system. 890.1925 Section 890.1925 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PHYSICAL MEDICINE DEVICES Physical Medicine Diagnostic Devices § 890.1925...

Evaluation of the use of snowplowable raised pavement markers.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and durability of snowplowable raised pavement markers (RPM) installed on the RPM system in Kentucky. The durability evaluation dealt wit the marker housing. : The data show that continued...

Benchtop evaluation of pressure barrier insufflator and standard insufflator systems.

PubMed

Nepple, Kenneth G; Kallogjeri, Dorina; Bhayani, Sam B

2013-01-01

Previous experimental research has reported minimal differences in pressure maintenance between different versions of standard insufflators (SI). However, a recent report identified potential clinical benefits with a valveless pressure barrier insufflator (PBI). We sought to perform a benchtop objective evaluation of SI and PBI systems. A rigid box system with continuous pressure manometry was used to evaluate a PBI (Surgiquest Airseal) and two SIs (SI1 = Stryker PneumoSure High Flow Insufflator and SI2 = Storz SCB Thermoflator). Pressure maintenance of 15 mmHg was evaluated during experimental conditions of leakage from a 5 mm port site, leakage from a 12 mm port site, and continuous suction. With leakage from the 5 mm port site, the PBI maintained pressure of >13 mmHg whereas the pressures dropped moderately with the SI1 (7-13 mmHg) and SI2 insufflators (3-7 mmHg) and did not regain goal pressure until leakage was stopped. With leakage from 12 mm port site, the PBI pressure decreased to 9-11 mmHg, whereas the SI1 and SI2 lost insufflation pressures completely. The PBI maintained pressure of >11 mmHg during continuous suction while the SI1 and SI2 lost pressure entirely, and actually showed negative pressure from air suction into the rigid box system. When evaluated statistically with the mixed model repeated measures ANOVA, the SI1 and SI2 performed similarly while the PBI maintained increased pressure. In the experimental rigid box system, the PBI more successfully maintained pressure in response to leakage and suction than SIs.

Rapid Bacterial Testing for Spacecraft Water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lisle, John T.; Pyle, Barry H.; McFeters, Gordon A.

1996-01-01

Evaluations of the fluorogenic stains and probes will continue. E. coli 0157:H7 will be used as the reference strain for optimizing protocols. We anticipate the continued use of the fluorescent antibodies (TRITC and FITC labeled) in conjunction with CTC, Rhl23, DiBAC4(3), DAPI and acridine orange. Chemunex, the manufacturer of the ChemScan analyzer system, also makes a fluorogenic probe, Chemchrome B, which will be incorporated into the suite of probes to evaluate once their system is on site. Regardless of the combination of stains and probes all will be evaluated on membrane filters. Development of a FISH protocol that will be applicable to our conditions will be continued. Complimentary 16s rRNA probes to Ps. aeruginosa and currently in our laboratory will be evaluated first. Once this protocol has been adequately optimized other probes will be ordered for u a select number of other species. Currently, protocols to evaluate the effects of disinfection and the resulting lethality, injury on stain and/or probe specificity and reliability are being developed. E. coli 0157:H7 is the reference strain and chlorine the disinfectant the reference protocol is being developed around. Upon completion of this work, the resulting protocol will be extended to other species and disinfectants (e.g., iodine). Similar disinfectant experiments will then be conducted on the same species after starvation to evaluate the effects of starvation on disinfection resistance and the applicability of the stains and probes. Development of the immunomagnetic separation system will continue. Combined with the rapid methods described above, with enumeration by the ChemScan, we anticipate that this will provide a highly sensitive technique for the detection of specific, active bacteria.

Performability modeling with continuous accomplishment sets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, J. F.

1979-01-01

A general modeling framework that permits the definition, formulation, and evaluation of performability is described. It is shown that performability relates directly to system effectiveness, and is a proper generalization of both performance and reliability. A hierarchical modeling scheme is used to formulate the capability function used to evaluate performability. The case in which performance variables take values in a continuous accomplishment set is treated explicitly.

40 CFR 60.1270 - 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 SOURCES Standards of Performance for Small Municipal Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is... Performance Specification 1 in appendix B of this part. Complete the evaluation within 60 days after your...

Research design issues for evaluating complex multicomponent interventions in neighborhoods and communities.

PubMed

Komro, Kelli A; Flay, Brian R; Biglan, Anthony; Wagenaar, Alexander C

2016-03-01

Major advances in population health will not occur unless we translate existing knowledge into effective multicomponent interventions, implement and maintain these in communities, and develop rigorous translational research and evaluation methods to ensure continual improvement and sustainability. We discuss challenges and offer approaches to evaluation that are key for translational research stages 3 to 5 to advance optimized adoption, implementation, and maintenance of effective and replicable multicomponent strategies. The major challenges we discuss concern (a) multiple contexts of evaluation/research, (b) complexity of packages of interventions, and (c) phases of evaluation/research questions. We suggest multiple alternative research designs that maintain rigor but accommodate these challenges and highlight the need for measurement systems. Longitudinal data collection and a standardized continuous measurement system are fundamental to the evaluation and refinement of complex multicomponent interventions. To be useful to T3-T5 translational research efforts in neighborhoods and communities, such a system would include assessments of the reach, implementation, effects on immediate outcomes, and effects of the comprehensive intervention package on more distal health outcomes.

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.

Rebooting Kirkpatrick: Integrating Information System Theory Into the Evaluation of Web-based Continuing Professional Development Interventions for Interprofessional Education.

PubMed

Shen, Nelson; Yufe, Shira; Saadatfard, Omid; Sockalingam, Sanjeev; Wiljer, David

2017-01-01

Information system research has stressed the importance of theory in understanding how user perceptions can motivate the use and adoption of technology such as web-based continuing professional development programs for interprofessional education (WCPD-IPE). A systematic review was conducted to provide an information system perspective on the current state of WCPD-IPE program evaluation and how current evaluations capture essential theoretical constructs in promoting technology adoption. Six databases were searched to identify studies evaluating WCPD-IPE. Three investigators determined eligibility of the articles. Evaluation items extracted from the studies were assessed using the Kirkpatrick-Barr framework and mapped to the Benefits Evaluation Framework. Thirty-seven eligible studies yielded 362 evaluation items for analysis. Most items (n = 252) were assessed as Kirkpatrick-Barr level 1 (reaction) and were mainly focused on the quality (information, service, and quality) and satisfaction dimensions of the Benefits Evaluation. System quality was the least evaluated quality dimension, accounting for 26 items across 13 studies. WCPD-IPE use was reported in 17 studies and its antecedent factors were evaluated in varying degrees of comprehensiveness. Although user reactions were commonly evaluated, greater focus on user perceptions of system quality (ie, functionality and performance), usefulness, and usability of the web-based platform is required. Surprisingly, WCPD-IPE use was reported in less than half of the studies. This is problematic as use is a prerequisite to realizing any individual, organizational, or societal benefit of WCPD-IPE. This review proposes an integrated framework which accounts for these factors and provides a theoretically grounded guide for future evaluations.

NASAwide electronic publishing system: Electronic printing and duplicating, stage-2 evaluation report (GSFC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuey, Richard C.; Lane, Robert; Hart, Susan V.

1995-01-01

The NASA Scientific and Technical Information Office was assigned the responsibility to continue with the expansion of the NASAwide networked electronic duplicating effort by including the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) as an additional node to the existing configuration of networked electronic duplicating systems within NASA. The subject of this report is the evaluation of a networked electronic duplicating system which meets the duplicating requirements and expands electronic publishing capabilities without increasing current operating costs. This report continues the evaluation reported in 'NASA Electronic Publishing System - Electronic Printing and Duplicating Evaluation Report' (NASA TM-106242) and 'NASA Electronic Publishing System - Stage 1 Evaluation Report' (NASA TM-106510). This report differs from the previous reports through the inclusion of an external networked desktop editing, archival, and publishing functionality which did not exist with the previous networked electronic duplicating system. Additionally, a two-phase approach to the evaluation was undertaken; the first was a paper study justifying a 90-day, on-site evaluation, and the second phase was to validate, during the 90-day evaluation, the cost benefits and productivity increases that could be achieved in an operational mode. A benchmark of the functionality of the networked electronic publishing system and external networked desktop editing, archival, and publishing system was performed under a simulated daily production environment. This report can be used to guide others in determining the most cost effective duplicating/publishing alternative through the use of cost/benefit analysis and return on investment techniques. A treatise on the use of these techniques can be found by referring to 'NASA Electronic Publishing System -Cost/Benefit Methodology' (NASA TM-106662).

The Evaluation of Teachers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Education Association, Washington, DC. Div. of Instruction and Professional Development.

The several components of this package on the evaluation of teachers and educational programs are designed to help affiliates deal constructively with the subject. The issue of evaluation continues to intensify as state legislatures increasingly mandate that evaluation systems be imposed throughout the state to measure the performance of teachers…

40 CFR 141.626 - Operational evaluation levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Section 141.626 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Requirements § 141... operations, excess storage capacity, distribution system flushing, changes in sources or source water quality...

Evaluation and Testing of Rail Transit Undercar Fire Detection and Suppression Systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1989-08-01

This document presents the results of a comprehensive review and evaluation of transit undercar fire detection and suppression methods. The evaluation of fire detection method resulted in a recommendation that continuous wire type linear thermal dete...

Solar energy system economic evaluation for Colt Pueblo, Pueblo, Colorado

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The Solar Energy System is not economically beneficial under the assumed economic conditions at Pueblo, Colorado; Yosemite, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Fort Worth, Texas; and Washington, D.C. Economic benefits from this system depend on decreasing the initial investment and the continued increase in the cost of conventional energy. Decreasing the cost depends on favorable tax treatment and continuing development of solar energy technology. Fuel cost would have to increase drastically while the cost of the system would have to remain constant or decrease for the system to become economically feasible.

Evaluation and Management: Continuous Professional Growth. [Federal Policy Platform Series. Brief 4

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Leaders, 2014

2014-01-01

Despite the recent push to design and adopt educator evaluation systems, many states and local educational agencies (LEAs) have focused primarily on teacher evaluations and lack the appropriate attention to design and implementation of school leader evaluations and aligned professional development. And, since principals are responsible for…

Airspace Concept Evaluation System (ACES), Concept Simulations using Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) System Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kubat, Greg; Vandrei, Don

2006-01-01

Project Objectives include: a) CNS Model Development; b Design/Integration of baseline set of CNS Models into ACES; c) Implement Enhanced Simulation Capabilities in ACES; d) Design and Integration of Enhanced (2nd set) CNS Models; and e) Continue with CNS Model Integration/Concept evaluations.

An Exploration of Teachers' and Administrators' Perspectives: The Collaborative Process Using the Danielson Framework for Teaching Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Landolfi, Adrienne M.

2016-01-01

As accountability measures continue to increase within education, public school systems have integrated standards-based evaluation systems to formally assess professional practices among educators. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent in which the communication process between evaluators and teachers impacts teacher performance…

32 CFR 806b.30 - Evaluating information systems for Privacy Act compliance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Evaluating information systems for Privacy Act compliance. 806b.30 Section 806b.30 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR... privacy issues are unchanged. (d) The depth and content of the Privacy Impact Assessment should be...

32 CFR 806b.30 - Evaluating information systems for Privacy Act compliance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Evaluating information systems for Privacy Act compliance. 806b.30 Section 806b.30 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR... privacy issues are unchanged. (d) The depth and content of the Privacy Impact Assessment should be...

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, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 9 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Am I exempt from any 40 CFR part 60... Emission Monitoring § 62.15190 Am I exempt from any 40 CFR part 60 appendix B or appendix F requirements to... 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, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 9 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Am I exempt from any 40 CFR part 60... Emission Monitoring § 62.15190 Am I exempt from any 40 CFR part 60 appendix B or appendix F requirements to... 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, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 9 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Am I exempt from any 40 CFR part 60... Emission Monitoring § 62.15190 Am I exempt from any 40 CFR part 60 appendix B or appendix F requirements to... emission monitoring system require you to also evaluate your oxygen (or carbon dioxide) 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.

The transfer of safety training in work organizations: a systems perspective to continuous learning.

PubMed

Ford, J K; Fisher, S

1994-01-01

The effectiveness of safety and health programs can be evaluated from a "transfer" perspective, which evaluates the effectiveness of training in individual programs, and from a "systems" perspective that contends that a safety training program cannot be isolated from the organizational system of which it is a part. This chapter explores the effectiveness of training from a systems perspective and includes recommendations for improving safety and health training.

SNAP 19 Viking Program. Bimonthly technical progress report, October 1979-November 1979

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

Not Available

1979-12-01

Monitoring and evaluation of Viking 1 Lander power system data continued. The RTG series power range as measured at the PCDA was 65 to 68 watts at fin root temperatures between 280/sup 0/F and 310/sup 0/F. The Mars landed performance history of Viking 1 include both the minimum and maximum data for each of the SOL days. Monitoring and evaluation of Viking 2 Lander power system data continued. The RTG series power range as measured at the PCDA was 71 to 72 watts at fin root temperatures between 230/sup 0/F and 260/sup 0/F. The Mars landed performance history of Vikingmore » 2 include both the minimum and maximum data for each of the SOL days. The performance of both power systems continues to be very satisfactory. Power system performance data for Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 spacecraft were monitored through the reporting period. The estimated RTG system net power was 116 watts for Pioneer 10 and 118 watts for Pioneer Saturn. The September 1 encounter with Saturn appears to have had no deleterious effect on the RTG's of the spacecraft power system. The telemetry signals from both spacecrafts remain satisfactory.« less

Continuous Fiber Ceramic Composite (CFCC) Program: Gaseous Nitridation

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

R. Suplinskas G. DiBona; W. Grant

2001-10-29

Textron has developed a mature process for the fabrication of continuous fiber ceramic composite (CFCC) tubes for application in the aluminum processing and casting industry. The major milestones in this project are System Composition; Matrix Formulation; Preform Fabrication; Nitridation; Material Characterization; Component Evaluation

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.

Modernizing the Regulatory System for Biotechnology Products

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This Web page describes the continuing effort to modernize the federal regulatory system for biotechnology products as well as clarify various roles of EPA, FDA and USDA in evaluating new biotechnology products.

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.

Suboptimal Scheduling in Switched Systems With Continuous-Time Dynamics: A Least Squares Approach.

PubMed

Sardarmehni, Tohid; Heydari, Ali

2018-06-01

Two approximate solutions for optimal control of switched systems with autonomous subsystems and continuous-time dynamics are presented. The first solution formulates a policy iteration (PI) algorithm for the switched systems with recursive least squares. To reduce the computational burden imposed by the PI algorithm, a second solution, called single loop PI, is presented. Online and concurrent training algorithms are discussed for implementing each solution. At last, effectiveness of the presented algorithms is evaluated through numerical simulations.

Continuous flow electrophoresis system experiments on shuttle flights STS-6 and STS-7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, Robert S.; Rhodes, Percy H.; Miller, Teresa Y.

1988-01-01

The development of a space continuous flow electrophoresis system (CFES) is discussed. The objectives of the experiment were: (1) to use a model sample material at a high concentration to evaluate the continuous flow electrophoresis process in the McDonnell Douglass CFES instrument and compare its separation resolution and sample throughput with related devices on Earth, and (2) to expand the basic knowledge of the limitations imposed by fluid flows and particle concentration effects on the electrophoresis process by careful design and evaluation of the space experiment. Hemoglobin and polysaccharide were selected as samples of concentration effects. The results from space show a large band spread of the high concentration of the single species of hemoglobin that was principally due to the mismatch of electrical conductivity between the sample and buffer.

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

Mankamo, T.; Kim, I.S.; Yang, Ji Wu

Failures in the auxiliary feedwater (AFW) system of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) are considered to involve substantial risk whether a decision is made to either continue power operation while repair is being done, or to shut down the plant to undertake repairs. Technical specification action requirements usually require immediate plant shutdown in the case of multiple failures in the system (in some cases, immediate repair of one train is required when all AFW trains fail). This paper presents a probabilistic risk assessment-based method to quantitatively evaluate and compare both the risks of continued power operation and of shutting the plantmore » down, given known failures in the system. The method is applied to the AFW system for four different PWRs. Results show that the risk of continued power operation and plant shutdown both are substantial, but the latter is larger than the former over the usual repair time. This was proven for four plants with different designs: two operating Westinghouse plants, one operating Asea-Brown Boveri Combustion Engineering Plant, and one of evolutionary design. The method can be used to analyze individual plant design and to improve AFW action requirements using risk-informed evaluations.« less

Professional Development through Organizational Assessment: Using APPA's Facilities Management Evaluation Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Medlin, E. Lander; Judd, R. Holly

2013-01-01

APPA's Facilities Management Evaluation Program (FMEP) provides an integrated system to optimize organizational performance. The criteria for evaluation not only provide a tool for organizational continuous improvement, they serve as a compelling leadership development tool essential for today's facilities management professional. The senior…

40 CFR 60.175 - Monitoring of operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Primary Zinc... monitor and record the opacity of gases discharged into the atmosphere from any sintering machine. The... volume. (i) The continuous monitoring system performance evaluation required under § 60.13(c) shall be...

Integrated monitoring technologies for the management of a Soil-Aquifer-Treatment (SAT) system.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadopoulos, Alexandros; Kallioras, Andreas; Kofakis, Petros; Bumberger, Jan; Schmidt, Felix; Athanasiou, Georgios; Uzunoglou, Nikolaos; Amditis, Angelos; Dietrich, Peter

2016-04-01

Artificial recharge of groundwater has an important role to play in water reuse as treated wastewater effluent can be infiltrated into the ground for aquifer recharge. As the effluent moves through the soil and the aquifer, it undergoes significant quality improvements through physical, chemical, and biological processes in the underground environment. Collectively, these processes and the water quality improvement obtained are called soil-aquifer-treatment (SAT) or geopurification. The pilot site of Lavrion Technological & Cultural Park (LTCP) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), involves the employment of plot infiltration basins at experimental scale, which will be using waters of impaired quality as a recharge source, and hence acting as a Soil-Aquifer-Treatment, SAT, system. Τhe LTCP site will be employed as a pilot SAT system complemented by new technological developments, which will be providing continuous monitoring of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of infiltrating groundwater through all hydrologic zones (i.e. surface, unsaturated and saturated zone). This will be achieved by the development and installation of an integrated system of prototype sensing technologies, installed on-site, and offering a continuous evaluation of the performance of the SAT system. An integrated approach of the performance evaluation of any operating SAT system should aim at parallel monitoring of all hydrologic zones, proving the sustainability of all involved water quality treatment processes within unsaturated and saturated zone. Hence a prototype system of Time and Frequency Domain Reflectometry (TDR & FDR) sensors is developed and will be installed, in order to achieve continuous quantitative monitoring of the unsaturated zone through the entire soil column down to significant depths below the SAT basin. Additionally, the system contains two different radar-based sensing systems that will be offering (i) identification of preferential flow effects of the TDR/FDR sensors and (ii) monitoring of the water table within the shallow karst aquifer layer. The above technique will offer continuous monitoring of infiltration rates and identify possible mechanical or biological clogging effects. The monitoring system will be connected to an ad-hoc wireless network for continuous data transfer within the SAT facilities. It is envisaged that the development and combined application of all the above technologies will provide an integrated monitoring platform for the evaluation of SAT system performance.

Reduction and Immobilization of Radionuclides and Toxic Metal Ions Using Combined Zero Valent Iron and Anaerobic Bacteria

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

Lenly J. Weathers; Lynn E. Katz

2002-05-29

The use of zero valent iron, permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for groundwater remediation continues to increase. AN exciting variation of this technology involves introducing anaerobic bacteria into these barriers so that both biological and abiotic pollutant removal processes are functional. This work evaluated the hypothesis that a system combining a mixed culture of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) with zero valent iron would have a greater cr(VI) removal efficiency and a greater total Cr(VI) removal capacity than a zero valent iron system without the microorganisms. Hence, the overall goal of this research was to compare the performance of these types ofmore » systems with regard to their Cr(VI) removal efficiency and total Cr(VI) removal capacity. Both batch and continuous flow reactor systems were evaluated.« less

A video-angiometer for simultaneous and continuous measurement of inner and outer vessel diameters. Technical report.

PubMed

Assmann, R; Henrich, H

1978-09-29

A system is described for continuously measuring vessel diameters. It bases on the evaluation of video signal differences of a video camera which are induced by light intensity differences (grey levels) caused by the vascular wall structures. The system is electronically linear, automatically measuring and in addition eyeball controlled by the human sensor: the inaccuracy does not exceed the 5% level.

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

46 CFR 133.40 - Evaluation, testing and approval of lifesaving appliances and arrangements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Evaluation, testing and approval of lifesaving appliances and arrangements. 133.40 Section 133.40 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS LIFESAVING SYSTEMS General § 133.40 Evaluation, testing and approval of...

46 CFR 133.40 - Evaluation, testing and approval of lifesaving appliances and arrangements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Evaluation, testing and approval of lifesaving appliances and arrangements. 133.40 Section 133.40 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS LIFESAVING SYSTEMS General § 133.40 Evaluation, testing and approval of...

40 CFR 63.2994 - How do I verify the performance of monitoring equipment?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... monitoring equipment. (2) Conduct a performance evaluation of the continuous monitoring system (CMS...-specific performance evaluation plan, conduct of the performance evaluation, and reporting of performance... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true How do I verify the performance of...

46 CFR 62.20-3 - Plans for information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...-based system hardware. (3) Safety controls. (4) Automated electric power management. (5) Automation... COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING VITAL SYSTEM AUTOMATION Plan... Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, for use in the evaluation of automated systems provided to replace...

Solar radiation alert system : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-03-01

The Solar Radiation Alert (SRA) system continuously evaluates measurements of high-energy protons made by instruments on GOES satellites. If the measurements indicate a substantial elevation of effective dose rates at aircraft flight altitudes, the C...

Veterans Health Administration's Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) Training Evaluation: Potential Implications for Disaster Health Care Volunteers.

PubMed

Schmitz, Susan; Radcliff, Tiffany A; Chu, Karen; Smith, Robert E; Dobalian, Aram

2018-02-20

The US Veterans Health Administration's Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) is a team of employee disaster response volunteers who provide clinical and non-clinical staffing assistance when local systems are overwhelmed. This study evaluated attitudes and recommendations of the DEMPS program to understand the impact of multi-modal training on volunteer perceptions. DEMPS volunteers completed an electronic survey in 2012 (n=2120). Three training modes were evaluated: online, field exercise, and face-to-face. Measures included: "Training Satisfaction," "Attitudes about Training," "Continued Engagement in DEMPS." Data were analyzed using χ2 and logistic regression. Open-ended questions were evaluated in a manner consistent with grounded theory methodology. Most respondents participated in DEMPS training (80%). Volunteers with multi-modal training who completed all 3 modes (14%) were significantly more likely to have positive attitudes about training, plan to continue as volunteers, and would recommend DEMPS to others (P-value<0.001). Some respondents requested additional interactive activities and suggested increased availability of training may improve volunteer engagement. A blended learning environment using multi-modal training methods, could enhance satisfaction and attitudes and possibly encourage continued engagement in DEMPS or similar programs. DEMPS training program modifications in 2015 expanded this blended learning approach through new interactive online learning opportunities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; page 1 of 8).

Management Development of Internal Evaluation in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Case Study)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keshavarz, Mohsen

2011-01-01

During the last two decades, many higher education systems in the world have attempted to evaluate and improve the quality of education, research and services at the university and higher education level. Countries which have been successful in these attempts have initiated continuous evaluation and applied internal evaluation as a basis for…

The Domains for the Multi-Criteria Decisions about E-Learning Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uysal, Murat Pasa

2012-01-01

Developments in computer and information technologies continue to give opportunities for designing advanced E-learning systems while entailing objective and technical evaluation methodologies. Design and development of E-learning systems require time-consuming and labor-intensive processes; therefore any decision about these systems and their…

Academic Master Planning in the California State University and Colleges 1972-73 through 1976-77.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California State Colleges, Los Angeles. Div. of Academic Planning.

The California State University and Colleges have devised a system of academic Master Planning that allows them to design curricular models for the future while at the same time evaluating their present curricular offerings. It provides for a continual curricular evaluation cycle for each campus within the system. The materials contained in this…

40 CFR 141.401 - Sanitary surveys for ground water systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... systems. 141.401 Section 141.401 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... an evaluation of the applicable components listed in paragraphs (c)(1) through (8) of this section... facilities, and controls, (6) Monitoring, reporting, and data verification, (7) System management and...

How an educational improvement project improved the summative evaluation of medical students.

PubMed

Hoffman, K G; Brown, R Margaret A; Gay, J W; Headrick, L A

2009-08-01

At the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine (USA) "commitment to improving quality and safety in healthcare" is one of eight key characteristics set as goals for our graduates. As educators, commitment to continuous improvement in the educational experience has been modelled through improvement of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) letter (formerly the Dean's letter). This educational improvement project decreased waste, increased collaboration and developed locally useful knowledge. By applying continuous improvement principles to the construction of the MSPE the overall efficiency of the process could be enhanced, and the MSPE committee was able to spend less cognitive energy on structure and format and focus more on the content of the letters. Four MSPE cycles have been completed using a new Web-based system; after each cycle, additional enhancements were identified and implemented. This work adds to the literature, as it describes the application of continuous improvement principles to an educational system.

Intelligent transportation systems benefits : 2001 Update

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-06-01

This report continues the series of reports that document evaluation results of ITS user services and the benefits these services provide to the surface transportation system. The organization of this report differs from that of the previous ITS Bene...

Weigh-in-Motion systems evaluation : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-04-01

This relatively short-term project was initiated in order to perfect installation, operation, and maintenance practices necessary for continued accurate and reliable operation of a computerized Weigh-in-Motion system which will be used to gather truc...

Continued development of abradable gas path seals. [for gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiembob, L. T.

1975-01-01

Major program objectives were the continued development of NiCrAlY feltmetal and honeycomb systems for knife edge seal applications in the 1144 to 1366 K temperature range, and to initiate abradable seal material evaluation for blade tip seal applications in the 1366 to 1589 K temperature range. Larger fiber size, higher density feltmetal showed greatly improved erosion resistance with a slight reduction in abradability compared to the baseline feltmetal. Pack aluminide coating of the honeycomb extended the oxidation resistance and slightly improved the abradability of this material. Evaluation through selected abradability, erosion and oxidation testing, and pertinent metallography led to selection of a plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (ZrO2)/CoCrAlY layered system as the system with the most potential to meet the 1589 K requirement for blade tip seals. This system demonstrated structural integrity, erosion resistance, and some degree of abradability.

SITE project. Phase 1: Continuous data bit-error-rate testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fujikawa, Gene; Kerczewski, Robert J.

1992-01-01

The Systems Integration, Test, and Evaluation (SITE) Project at NASA LeRC encompasses a number of research and technology areas of satellite communications systems. Phase 1 of this project established a complete satellite link simulator system. The evaluation of proof-of-concept microwave devices, radiofrequency (RF) and bit-error-rate (BER) testing of hardware, testing of remote airlinks, and other tests were performed as part of this first testing phase. This final report covers the test results produced in phase 1 of the SITE Project. The data presented include 20-GHz high-power-amplifier testing, 30-GHz low-noise-receiver testing, amplitude equalization, transponder baseline testing, switch matrix tests, and continuous-wave and modulated interference tests. The report also presents the methods used to measure the RF and BER performance of the complete system. Correlations of the RF and BER data are summarized to note the effects of the RF responses on the BER.

Washington State Ferries : evaluation results : wireless connection project

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-08-23

The purpose of the Wireless Connection Project was "to provide passengers if the WSF system continuous high-speed Internet access at the dock and onboard ferries wjile en route to enhance the user experience." The objective of this evaluation report ...

Minimum fuel control of a vehicle with a continuously variable transmission. [control system simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burghart, J. H.; Donoghue, J. F.

1980-01-01

The design and evaluation of a control system for a sedan with a heat engine and a continuously variable transmission, is considered in a effort to minimize fuel consumption and achieve satisfactory dynamic response of vehicle variables as the vehicle is driven over a standard driving cycle. Even though the vehicle system was highly nonlinear, attention was restricted to linear control algorithms which could be easily understood and implemented demonstrated by simulation. Simulation results also revealed that the vehicle could exhibit unexpected dynamic behavior which must be taken into account in any control system design.

An Architecture for Continuous Data Quality Monitoring in Medical Centers.

PubMed

Endler, Gregor; Schwab, Peter K; Wahl, Andreas M; Tenschert, Johannes; Lenz, Richard

2015-01-01

In the medical domain, data quality is very important. Since requirements and data change frequently, continuous and sustainable monitoring and improvement of data quality is necessary. Working together with managers of medical centers, we developed an architecture for a data quality monitoring system. The architecture enables domain experts to adapt the system during runtime to match their specifications using a built-in rule system. It also allows arbitrarily complex analyses to be integrated into the monitoring cycle. We evaluate our architecture by matching its components to the well-known data quality methodology TDQM.

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.

Integrating research, policy, and practice in juvenile justice education.

PubMed

Blomberg, Thomas G; Waldo, Gordon P

2002-06-01

This article provides an overview of the history and context leading to Florida's efforts to implement an evaluation-driven research and associated quality assurance system for its juvenile justice education policies and practices. The Juvenile Justice Educational Enhancement Program began implementing Florida's evaluation research and quality assurance system to juvenile justice education in 1998. The article includes a brief summary of articles comprising this special issue of Evaluation Review that address the Juvenile Justice Educational Enhancement Program's various functions, methodological components, data, preliminary findings, continuing evaluation research efforts, and impediments.

State Actions to Advance Teacher Evaluation. Educator Effectiveness Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gandha, Tysza; Baxter, Andy

2016-01-01

This report offers state leaders key areas for action to continue progress in implementing evaluation systems, even as federal policies on teacher evaluation relax state requirements. The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) offers its current best thinking for how state agencies can make the smartest use of funds, time and partners to refine…

The use of individualized contract plans as a method of performance evaluation for allied health faculty.

PubMed

Mitcham, M D; Vericella, B J

1985-11-01

Results from a two-year study of the individualized contract plan (ICP) approach to faculty evaluation indicate this is a workable method of performance evaluation for allied health faculty. The ICP was found to be individualized, systematic, flexible, and objective. Faculty members and department chairpersons differed in their perception of the effectiveness of the ICP, but both groups supported its continued use. Five major recommendations were made regarding the continued use of the ICP as a method of faculty performance evaluation: (1) separate evaluation and professional development aspects, (2) link results to the institutional reward structure, (3) administer the ICP uniformly among departments, (4) develop a monitoring mechanism, and (5) foster open communication among all participants in the system.

A continuous-discrete approach for evaluation of natural frequencies and mode shapes of high-rise buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malekinejad, Mohsen; Rahgozar, Reza; Malekinejad, Ali; Rahgozar, Peyman

2016-09-01

In this paper, a continuous-discrete approach based on the concept of lumped mass and equivalent continuous approach is proposed for free vibration analysis of combined system of framed tube, shear core and outrigger-belt truss in high-rise buildings. This system is treated as a continuous system (i.e., discrete beams and columns are replaced with equivalent continuous membranes) and a discrete system (or lumped mass system) at different stages of dynamic analysis. The structure is discretized at each floor of the building as a series of lumped masses placed at the center of shear core. Each mass has two transitional degrees of freedom (lateral and axial( and one rotational. The effect of shear core and outrigger-belt truss on framed tube system is modeled as a rotational spring placed at the location of outrigger-belt truss system along structure's height. By solving the resulting eigen problem, natural frequencies and mode-shapes are obtained. Numerical examples are presented to show acceptable accuracy of the procedure in estimating the fundamental frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the combined system as compared to finite element analysis of the complete structure. The simplified proposed method is much faster and should be more suitable for rapid interactive design.

Evaluation of Three Commercial Microclimate Cooling Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-11-01

easily counteracted because of the difficulty of drinking inside protective clothing . Dehydration combined with warm skin and exercise can easily result in...Stress; Exercise ; Thermoregulation 9. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse if necessary and identify by block number) (OThree commercially available microclimate...cooling systems were evaluated for their abil- ity to reduce heat stress in men exercising in a hot environment while wearing high insula- tive, low

ETF Yearbook 2012: Evaluation and Monitoring of Vocational Education and Training Systems and the Role of Evidence-Based Policy in Their Reforms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

European Training Foundation, 2012

2012-01-01

The "ETF Yearbook 2012" continues the tradition of highlighting a thematic field of particular importance to the work of the European Training Foundation (ETF). The theme of this yearbook is evaluation and monitoring of vocational education and training (VET) systems and the role of evidence-based policy in VET reforms in ETF partner…

Response to Intervention and Continuous School Improvement: How to Design, Implement, Monitor, and Evaluate a School-Wide Prevention System, 2nd Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernhardt, Victoria L.; Hébert, Connie L.

2017-01-01

Experts Bernhardt and Hébert's latest book demonstrates strategies to ensure your entire staff works together to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate a schoolwide prevention system with integrity and fidelity. Each step in this important resource is designed to help administrators, teachers, and other educators improve the learning of every…

The Triple Value Model: A Systems Approach to Sustainable Solutions

EPA Science Inventory

The unintended environmental impacts of economic development threaten the continued availability of ecosystem services that are critical to human well being. An integrated systems approach is needed to characterize sustainability problems and evaluate potential solutions. The T...

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.

Evaluating the clinical accuracy of two continuous glucose sensors using continuous glucose-error grid analysis.

PubMed

Clarke, William L; Anderson, Stacey; Farhy, Leon; Breton, Marc; Gonder-Frederick, Linda; Cox, Daniel; Kovatchev, Boris

2005-10-01

To compare the clinical accuracy of two different continuous glucose sensors (CGS) during euglycemia and hypoglycemia using continuous glucose-error grid analysis (CG-EGA). FreeStyle Navigator (Abbott Laboratories, Alameda, CA) and MiniMed CGMS (Medtronic, Northridge, CA) CGSs were applied to the abdomens of 16 type 1 diabetic subjects (age 42 +/- 3 years) 12 h before the initiation of the study. Each system was calibrated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Each subject underwent a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (blood glucose goal 110 mg/dl) for 70-210 min followed by a 1-mg.dl(-1).min(-1) controlled reduction in blood glucose toward a nadir of 40 mg/dl. Arterialized blood glucose was determined every 5 min using a Beckman Glucose Analyzer (Fullerton, CA). CGS glucose recordings were matched to the reference blood glucose with 30-s precision, and rates of glucose change were calculated for 5-min intervals. CG-EGA was used to quantify the clinical accuracy of both systems by estimating combined point and rate accuracy of each system in the euglycemic (70-180 mg/dl) and hypoglycemic (<70 mg/dl) ranges. A total of 1,104 data pairs were recorded in the euglycemic range and 250 data pairs in the hypoglycemic range. Overall correlation between CGS and reference glucose was similar for both systems (Navigator, r = 0.84; CGMS, r = 0.79, NS). During euglycemia, both CGS systems had similar clinical accuracy (Navigator zones A + B, 88.8%; CGMS zones A + B, 89.3%, NS). However, during hypoglycemia, the Navigator was significantly more clinically accurate than the CGMS (zones A + B = 82.4 vs. 61.6%, Navigator and CGMS, respectively, P < 0.0005). CG-EGA is a helpful tool for evaluating and comparing the clinical accuracy of CGS systems in different blood glucose ranges. CG-EGA provides accuracy details beyond other methods of evaluation, including correlational analysis and the original EGA.

Use of relational databases to evaluate regional petroleum accumulation, groundwater flow, and CO2 sequestration in Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carr, T.R.; Merriam, D.F.; Bartley, J.D.

2005-01-01

Large-scale relational databases and geographic information system tools are used to integrate temperature, pressure, and water geo-chemistry data from numerous wells to better understand regional-scale geothermal and hydrogeological regimes of the lower Paleozoic aquifer systems in the mid-continent and to evaluate their potential for geologic CO2 sequestration. The lower Paleozoic (Cambrian to Mississippian) aquifer systems in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma comprise one of the largest regional-scale saline aquifer systems in North America. Understanding hydrologic conditions and processes of these regional-scale aquifer systems provides insight to the evolution of the various sedimentary basins, migration of hydrocarbons out of the Anadarko and Arkoma basins, and the distribution of Arbuckle petroleum reservoirs across Kansas and provides a basis to evaluate CO2 sequestration potential. The Cambrian and Ordovician stratigraphic units form a saline aquifer that is in hydrologic continuity with the freshwater recharge from the Ozark plateau and along the Nemaha anticline. The hydrologic continuity with areas of freshwater recharge provides an explanation for the apparent underpressure in the Arbuckle Group. Copyright ?? 2005. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.

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.

Multi-KW dc distribution system technology research study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawson, S. G.

1978-01-01

The Multi-KW DC Distribution System Technology Research Study is the third phase of the NASA/MSFC study program. The purpose of this contract was to complete the design of the integrated technology test facility, provide test planning, support test operations and evaluate test results. The subjet of this study is a continuation of this contract. The purpose of this continuation is to study and analyze high voltage system safety, to determine optimum voltage levels versus power, to identify power distribution system components which require development for higher voltage systems and finally to determine what modifications must be made to the Power Distribution System Simulator (PDSS) to demonstrate 300 Vdc distribution capability.

Evaluation of in-situ thermal energy storage for lunar based solar dynamic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crane, Roger A.

1991-01-01

A practical lunar based thermal energy storage system, based on locally available materials, could significantly reduce transportation requirements and associated costs of a continuous, solar derived power system. The concept reported here is based on a unique, in-situ approach to thermal energy storage. The proposed design is examined to assess the problems of start-up and the requirements for attainment of stable operation. The design remains, at this stage, partially conceptional in nature, but certain aspects of the design, bearing directly on feasibility, are examined in some detail. Specifically included is an engineering evaluation of the projected thermal performance of this system. Both steady state and start-up power requirements are evaluated and the associated thermal losses are evaluated as a basis for establishing potential system performance.

40 CFR 260.21 - Petitions for equivalent testing or analytical methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: GENERAL Rulemaking Petitions § 260.21... method; (2) A description of the types of wastes or waste matrices for which the proposed method may be... will be incorporated by reference in § 260.11 and added to “Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste...

40 CFR 260.21 - Petitions for equivalent testing or analytical methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: GENERAL Rulemaking Petitions § 260.21... method; (2) A description of the types of wastes or waste matrices for which the proposed method may be... will be incorporated by reference in § 260.11 and added to “Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste...

40 CFR 260.21 - Petitions for equivalent testing or analytical methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: GENERAL Rulemaking Petitions § 260.21... method; (2) A description of the types of wastes or waste matrices for which the proposed method may be... will be incorporated by reference in § 260.11 and added to “Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste...

40 CFR 260.21 - Petitions for equivalent testing or analytical methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: GENERAL Rulemaking Petitions § 260.21... will be incorporated by reference in § 260.11 and added to “Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste... method; (2) A description of the types of wastes or waste matrices for which the proposed method may be...

Evaluating the Pedagogical Potential of Hybrid Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levin, Tzur; Levin, Ilya

2013-01-01

The paper examines how the use of hybrid models--that consist of the interacting continuous and discrete processes--may assist in teaching system thinking. We report an experiment in which undergraduate students were asked to choose between a hybrid and a continuous solution for a number of control problems. A correlation has been found between…

New transmission scheme to enhance throughput of DF relay network using rate and power adaptation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taki, Mehrdad; Heshmati, Milad

2017-09-01

This paper presents a new transmission scheme for a decode and forward (DF) relay network using continuous power adaptation while independent average power constraints are provisioned for each node. To have analytical insight, the achievable throughputs are analysed using continuous adaptation of the rates and the powers. As shown by numerical evaluations, a considerable outperformance is seen by continuous power adaptation compared to the case where constant powers are utilised. Also for practical systems, a new throughput maximised transmission scheme is developed using discrete rate adaptation (adaptive modulation and coding) and continuous transmission power adaptation. First a 2-hop relay network is considered and then the scheme is extended for an N-hop network. Numerical evaluations show the efficiency of the designed schemes.

Interactive Classroom Television Systems: Educational Impact on Partially Sighted Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bikson, T. K.; And Others

The report presents the results of an evaluation of the educational impact in two Los Angeles County, California, elementary schools, of Interactive Classroom Television Systems (ICTSs -- closed circuit systems that permit continuous two-way visual communication between teachers and partially sighted students and enable such students to make the…

A User-Friendly Electronic Mail System to Support Correspondence Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simpson, Henry; Pugh, H. Lauren

1992-01-01

Describes the design, development, and evaluation of an electronic mail system, the Instructional Support Network, for use in continuing education correspondence courses at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Computer networks are discussed, hardware and software are described, and problems with the system are considered. (16 references) (LRW)

77 FR 58421 - Model Safety Evaluation for Plant-Specific Adoption of Technical Specifications Task Force...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-20

... Ventilation System Surveillance Requirements To Operate for 10 Hours per Month,'' Using the Consolidated Line... currently require operating the ventilation system for at least 10 continuous hours with the heaters... Technical Specifications (TSs) Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-522, Revision 0, ``Revise Ventilation System...

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.

Scaling characteristics of mountainous river flow fluctuations determined using a shallow-water acoustic tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al Sawaf, Mohamad Basel; Kawanisi, Kiyosi; Kagami, Junya; Bahreinimotlagh, Masoud; Danial, Mochammad Meddy

2017-10-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the scaling exponent properties of mountainous river flow fluctuations by detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). Streamflow data were collected continuously using Fluvial Acoustic Tomography System (FATS), which is a novel system for measuring continuous streamflow at high-frequency scales. The results revealed that river discharge fluctuations have two scaling regimes and scaling break. In contrast to the Ranting Curve method (RC), the small-scale exponent detected by the FATS is estimated to be 1.02 ± 0.42% less than that estimated by RC. More importantly, the crossover times evaluated from the FATS delayed approximately by 42 ± 21 hr ≈2-3 days than their counterparts estimated by RC. The power spectral density analysis assists our findings. We found that scaling characteristics information evaluated for a river using flux data obtained by RC approach might not be accurately detected, because this classical method assumes that flow in river is steady and depends on constructing a relationship between discharge and water level, while the discharge obtained by the FATS decomposes velocity and depth into two ratings according to the continuity equation. Generally, this work highlights the performance of FATS as a powerful and effective approach for continuous streamflow measurements at high-frequency levels.

Twelve-hour shift on ITU: a nursing evaluation.

PubMed

Richardson, Annette; Dabner, Nichola; Curtis, Sarah

2003-01-01

This paper describes the introduction and subsequent evaluation of a 12-h shift system in a large ITU in the northeast of UK. To date, only a small number of studies has evaluated nurses working the 12-h shifts in critical care areas. To evaluate the level of staff satisfaction, data were collected by means of a questionnaire involving 41 nurses, at 3 months following the introduction of the 12-h shifts. The responses from the evaluation advocated the continuation of 12-h shifts with alternative shift patterns for nurses who felt dissatisfied with the current system. Twelve-hour shifts can be seen as a flexible system for nurses working in intensive care and may assist with staff satisfaction and improving nurse recruitment and retention.

Triple Aim in Canada: developing capacity to lead to better health, care and cost

PubMed Central

Farmanova, Elina; Kirvan, Christine; Verma, Jennifer; Mukerji, Geetha; Akunov, Nurdin; Phillips, Kaye; Samis, Stephen

2016-01-01

Abstract Quality problem Many modern health systems strive for ‘Triple Aim’ (TA)—better health for populations, improved experience of care for patients and lower costs of the system, but note challenges in implementation. Outcomes of applying TA as a quality improvement framework (QI) have started to be realized with early lessons as to why some systems make progress while others do not. Initial assessment Limited evidence is available as to how organizations create the capacity and infrastructure required to design, implement, evaluate and sustain TA systems. Choice of solution To support embedding TA across Canada, the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement supported enrolment of nine Canadian teams to participate in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's TA Improvement Community. Implementation Structured support for TA design, implementation, evaluation and sustainability was addressed in a collaborative programme of webinars and action periods. Teams were coached to undertake and test small-scale improvements before attempting to scale. Evaluation A summative evaluation of the Canadian cohort was undertaken to assess site progress in building TA infrastructure across various healthcare settings. The evaluation explored the process of change, experiences and challenges and strategies for continuous QI. Lessons learned Delivering TA requires a sustained and coordinated effort supported by strong leadership and governance, continuous QI, engaged interdisciplinary teams and partnering within and beyond the healthcare sector. PMID:28423164

IN VITRO COMPARISON OF MAXIMUM PRESSURE DEVELOPED BY IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN A KIDNEY MODEL.

PubMed

Proietti, Silvia; Dragos, Laurian; Somani, Bhaskar K; Butticè, Salvatore; Talso, Michele; Emiliani, Esteban; Baghdadi, Mohammed; Giusti, Guido; Traxer, Olivier

2017-04-05

To evaluate in vitro the maximum pressure generated in an artificial kidney model when people of different levels of strengths used various irrigation systems. Fifteen people were enrolled and divided in 3 groups based on their strengths. Individual strength was evaluated according to the maximum pressure each participant was able to achieve using an Encore™ Inflator. The irrigation systems evaluated were: T-FlowTM Dual Port, HilineTM, continuous flow single action pumping system (SAPSTM) with the system close and open, Irri-flo IITM, a simple 60-ml syringe and PeditrolTM . Each irrigation system was connected to URF-V2 ureteroscope, which was inserted into an artificial kidney model. Each participant was asked to produce the maximum pressure possible with every irrigation device. Pressure was measured with the working channel (WC) empty, with a laser fiber and a basket inside. The highest pressure was achieved with the 60 ml-syringe system and the lowest with SAPS continuous version system (with continuous irrigation open), compared to the other irrigation devices (p< 0.0001). Irrespective of the irrigation system, there was a significant difference in the pressure between the WC empty and when occupied with the laser fiber or the basket inside it (p<0.0001). The stratification between the groups showed that the most powerful group could produce the highest pressure in the kidney model with all the irrigation devices in almost any situation. The exception to this was the T-Flow system, which was the only device where no statistical differences were detected among these groups. The use of irrigation systems can often generate excessive pressure in an artificial kidney model, especially with an unoccupied WC of the ureteroscope. Depending on the strength of force applied, very high pressure can be generated by most irrigation devices irrespective of whether the scope is occupied or not.

Supply of genetic information--amount, format, and frequency.

PubMed

Misztal, I; Lawlor, T J

1999-05-01

The volume and complexity of genetic information is increasing because of new traits and better models. New traits may include reproduction, health, and carcass. More comprehensive models include the test day model in dairy cattle or a growth model in beef cattle. More complex models, which may include nonadditive effects such as inbreeding and dominance, also provide additional information. The amount of information per animal may increase drastically if DNA marker typing becomes routine and quantitative trait loci information is utilized. In many industries, evaluations are run more frequently. They result in faster genetic progress and improved management and marketing opportunities but also in extra costs and information overload. Adopting new technology and making some organizational changes can help realize all the added benefits of the improvements to the genetic evaluation systems at an acceptable cost. Continuous genetic evaluation, in which new records are accepted and breeding values are updated continuously, will relieve time pressures. An online mating system with access to both genetic and marketing information can result in mating recommendations customized for each user. Such a system could utilize inbreeding and dominance information that cannot efficiently be accommodated in the current sire summaries or off-line mating programs. The new systems will require a new organizational approach in which the task of scientists and technicians will not be simply running the evaluations but also providing the research, design, supervision, and maintenance required in the entire system of evaluation, decision making, and distribution.

Beyond Effectiveness: A Pragmatic Evaluation Framework for Learning and Continuous Quality Improvement of e-Learning Interventions in Healthcare.

PubMed

Dafalla, Tarig Dafalla Mohamed; Kushniruk, Andre W; Borycki, Elizabeth M

2015-01-01

A pragmatic evaluation framework for evaluating the usability and usefulness of an e-learning intervention for a patient clinical information scheduling system is presented in this paper. The framework was conceptualized based on two different but related concepts (usability and usefulness) and selection of appropriate and valid methods of data collection and analysis that included: (1) Low-Cost Rapid Usability Engineering (LCRUE), (2) Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA), (3) Heuristic Evaluation (HE) criteria for web-based learning, and (4) Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI). The results of the analysis showed some areas where usability that were related to General Interface Usability (GIU), instructional design and content was problematic; some of which might account for the poorly rated aspects of usability when subjectively measured. This paper shows that using a pragmatic framework can be a useful way, not only for measuring the usability and usefulness, but also for providing a practical objective evidences for learning and continuous quality improvement of e-learning systems. The findings should be of interest to educators, developers, designers, researchers, and usability practitioners involved in the development of e-learning systems in healthcare. This framework could be an appropriate method for assessing the usability, usefulness and safety of health information systems both in the laboratory and in the clinical context.

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.

Policy choices in dementia care-An exploratory analysis of the Alberta continuing care system (ACCS) using system dynamics.

PubMed

Cepoiu-Martin, Monica; Bischak, Diane P

2018-02-01

The increase in the incidence of dementia in the aging population and the decrease in the availability of informal caregivers put pressure on continuing care systems to care for a growing number of people with disabilities. Policy changes in the continuing care system need to address this shift in the population structure. One of the most effective tools for assessing policies in complex systems is system dynamics. Nevertheless, this method is underused in continuing care capacity planning. A system dynamics model of the Alberta Continuing Care System was developed using stylized data. Sensitivity analyses and policy evaluations were conducted to demonstrate the use of system dynamics modelling in this area of public health planning. We focused our policy exploration on introducing staff/resident benchmarks in both supportive living and long-term care (LTC). The sensitivity analyses presented in this paper help identify leverage points in the system that need to be acknowledged when policy decisions are made. Our policy explorations showed that the deficits of staff increase dramatically when benchmarks are introduced, as expected, but at the end of the simulation period, the difference in deficits of both nurses and health care aids are similar between the 2 scenarios tested. Modifying the benchmarks in LTC only versus in both supportive living and LTC has similar effects on staff deficits in long term, under the assumptions of this particular model. The continuing care system dynamics model can be used to test various policy scenarios, allowing decision makers to visualize the effect of a certain policy choice on different system variables and to compare different policy options. Our exploration illustrates the use of system dynamics models for policy making in complex health care systems. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Using a web-based system for the continuous distance education in cytopathology.

PubMed

Stergiou, Nikolaos; Georgoulakis, Giannis; Margari, Niki; Aninos, Dionisios; Stamataki, Melina; Stergiou, Efi; Pouliakis, Abraam; Karakitsos, Petros

2009-12-01

The evolution of information technologies and telecommunications has made the World Wide Web a low cost and easily accessible tool for the dissemination of information and knowledge. Continuous Medical Education (CME) sites dedicated in cytopathology field are rather poor, they do not succeed in following the constant changes and lack the ability of providing cytopathologists with a dynamic learning environment, adaptable to the development of cytopathology. Learning methods including skills such as decision making, reasoning and problem solving are critical in the development of such a learning environment. The objectives of this study are (1) to demonstrate on the basis of a web-based training system the successful application of traditional learning theories and methods and (2) to effectively evaluate users' perception towards the educational program, using a combination of observers, theories and methods. Trainees are given the opportunity to browse through the educational material, collaborate in synchronous and asynchronous mode, practice their skills through problems and tasks and test their knowledge using the self-evaluation tool. On the other hand, the trainers are responsible for editing learning material, attending students' progress and organizing the problem-based and task-based scenarios. The implementation of the web-based training system is based on the three-tier architecture and uses an Apache Tomcat web server and a MySQL database server. By December 2008, CytoTrainer's learning environment contains two courses in cytopathology: Gynaecological Cytology and Thyroid Cytology offering about 2000 digital images and 20 case sessions. Our evaluation method is a combination of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore how the various parts of the system and students' attitudes work together. Trainees approved of the course's content, methodology and learning activities. The triangulation of evaluation methods revealed that the training program is suitable for the continuous distance education in cytopathology and that it has improved the trainees' skills in diagnostic cytopathology. The web-based training system can be successfully involved in the continuous distance education in cytopathology. It provides the opportunity to access learning material from any place at any time and supports the acquisition of diagnostic knowledge.

Wearable medical systems for p-Health.

PubMed

Teng, Xiao-Fei; Zhang, Yuan-Ting; Poon, Carmen C Y; Bonato, Paolo

2008-01-01

Driven by the growing aging population, prevalence of chronic diseases, and continuously rising healthcare costs, the healthcare system is undergoing a fundamental transformation, from the conventional hospital-centered system to an individual-centered system. Current and emerging developments in wearable medical systems will have a radical impact on this paradigm shift. Advances in wearable medical systems will enable the accessibility and affordability of healthcare, so that physiological conditions can be monitored not only at sporadic snapshots but also continuously for extended periods of time, making early disease detection and timely response to health threats possible. This paper reviews recent developments in the area of wearable medical systems for p-Health. Enabling technologies for continuous and noninvasive measurements of vital signs and biochemical variables, advances in intelligent biomedical clothing and body area networks, approaches for motion artifact reduction, strategies for wearable energy harvesting, and the establishment of standard protocols for the evaluation of wearable medical devices are presented in this paper with examples of clinical applications of these technologies.

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

Land and cryosphere products from Suomi NPP VIIRS: Overview and status.

PubMed

Justice, Christopher O; Román, Miguel O; Csiszar, Ivan; Vermote, Eric F; Wolfe, Robert E; Hook, Simon J; Friedl, Mark; Wang, Zhuosen; Schaaf, Crystal B; Miura, Tomoaki; Tschudi, Mark; Riggs, George; Hall, Dorothy K; Lyapustin, Alexei I; Devadiga, Sadashiva; Davidson, Carol; Masuoka, Edward J

2013-09-16

[1] The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument was launched in October 2011 as part of the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP). The VIIRS instrument was designed to improve upon the capabilities of the operational Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer and provide observation continuity with NASA's Earth Observing System's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Since the VIIRS first-light images were received in November 2011, NASA- and NOAA-funded scientists have been working to evaluate the instrument performance and generate land and cryosphere products to meet the needs of the NOAA operational users and the NASA science community. NOAA's focus has been on refining a suite of operational products known as Environmental Data Records (EDRs), which were developed according to project specifications under the National Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellite System. The NASA S-NPP Science Team has focused on evaluating the EDRs for science use, developing and testing additional products to meet science data needs, and providing MODIS data product continuity. This paper presents to-date findings of the NASA Science Team's evaluation of the VIIRS land and cryosphere EDRs, specifically Surface Reflectance, Land Surface Temperature, Surface Albedo, Vegetation Indices, Surface Type, Active Fires, Snow Cover, Ice Surface Temperature, and Sea Ice Characterization. The study concludes that, for MODIS data product continuity and earth system science, an enhanced suite of land and cryosphere products and associated data system capabilities are needed beyond the EDRs currently available from the VIIRS.

34 CFR 303.345 - Provision of services before evaluation and assessment are completed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... System of Early Intervention Services Individualized Family Service Plans (ifsps) § 303.345 Provision of services before evaluation and assessment are completed. Early intervention services for an eligible child... Education (Continued) OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION EARLY...

21 CFR 26.45 - Monitoring continued equivalence.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF PHARMACEUTICAL GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE REPORTS, MEDICAL DEVICE QUALITY SYSTEM AUDIT REPORTS, AND CERTAIN MEDICAL DEVICE PRODUCT EVALUATION REPORTS: UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN...

Continuous performance measurement in flight systems. [sequential control model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connelly, E. M.; Sloan, N. A.; Zeskind, R. M.

1975-01-01

The desired response of many man machine control systems can be formulated as a solution to an optimal control synthesis problem where the cost index is given and the resulting optimal trajectories correspond to the desired trajectories of the man machine system. Optimal control synthesis provides the reference criteria and the significance of error information required for performance measurement. The synthesis procedure described provides a continuous performance measure (CPM) which is independent of the mechanism generating the control action. Therefore, the technique provides a meaningful method for online evaluation of man's control capability in terms of total man machine performance.

Continuing professional development crediting system for specialists in laboratory medicine within 28 EFLM national societies.

PubMed

Topic, Elizabeta; Beletic, Andjelo; Zima, Tomas

2013-01-01

Continuing professional development (CPD) with corresponding crediting system is recognized as essential for the laboratory medicine specialists to provide optimal service for the patients. Article presents results of the survey evaluating current CPD crediting practice among members of European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM). A questionnaire had been forwarded to presidents/national representatives of all EFLM members, with invitation to provide information about CPD programmes and crediting policies, as well as feedback on individual CPD categories, through scoring their relevance. Complete or partial answers were received from 28 of 38 members. In 23 countries, CPD programmes exist and earn credits, with 19 of them offering access to non-medical scientists. CPD activities are evaluated in all participating countries, regardless to the existence of an official CPD programme. Among participating members with mandatory specialists' licensing (22/28), CPD is a prerequisite for relicensing in 13 countries. Main categories recognized as CPD are: continuing education (24 countries), article/book (17/14 countries) authorship and distance learning (14 countries). The highest median score of relevance (20) is allocated to professional training, editor/authorship and official activities in professional organizations, with the first category showing the least variation among scores. Majority of EFLM members have developed CPD programmes, regularly evaluated and accompanied by crediting systems. Programmes differ in accessibility for non-medical scientists and impact on relicensing eligibility. Continuing education, authorship and e-learning are mainly recognized as CPD activities, although the professional training is appreciated as the most important individual CPD category.

Continuing professional development crediting system for specialists in laboratory medicine within 28 EFLM national societies

PubMed Central

Topic, Elizabeta; Beletic, Andjelo; Zima, Tomas

2013-01-01

Introduction: Continuing professional development (CPD) with corresponding crediting system is recognized as essential for the laboratory medicine specialists to provide optimal service for the patients. Article presents results of the survey evaluating current CPD crediting practice among members of European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM). Materials and methods: A questionnaire had been forwarded to presidents/national representatives of all EFLM members, with invitation to provide information about CPD programmes and crediting policies, as well as feedback on individual CPD categories, through scoring their relevance. Results: Complete or partial answers were received from 28 of 38 members. In 23 countries, CPD programmes exist and earn credits, with 19 of them offering access to non-medical scientists. CPD activities are evaluated in all participating countries, regardless to the existence of an official CPD programme. Among participating members with mandatory specialists’ licensing (22/28), CPD is a prerequisite for relicensing in 13 countries. Main categories recognized as CPD are: continuing education (24 countries), article/book (17/14 countries) authorship and distance learning (14 countries). The highest median score of relevance (20) is allocated to professional training, editor/authorship and official activities in professional organizations, with the first category showing the least variation among scores. Conclusions: Majority of EFLM members have developed CPD programmes, regularly evaluated and accompanied by crediting systems. Programmes differ in accessibility for non-medical scientists and impact on relicensing eligibility. Continuing education, authorship and e-learning are mainly recognized as CPD activities, although the professional training is appreciated as the most important individual CPD category. PMID:24266304

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...

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...

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...

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

Continuous flow electrophoresis system experiments on shuttle flights STS-6 and STS-7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, Robert S.; Rhodes, Percy H.; Miller, Teresa Y.

1987-01-01

A space continuous flow electrophoresis system (CFES) was developed that would incorporate specific modifications to laboratory instruments to take advantage of weightlessness. The specific objectives were to use a model sample material at a high concentration to evaluate the continuous flow electrophoresis process in the CFES instrument and compare its separation resolution and sample throughput with related devices on Earth and to expand the basic knowledge of the limitations imposed by fluid flows and particle concentration effects on the electrophoresis process by careful design and evaluation of the space experiment. Hemoglobin and polysaccharide were selected as primary samples. The results from space show a large band spread of the high concentration of the single species of hemoglobin that was due to the mismatch of electrical conductivity between the sample and the buffer. On STS-7 the major objective was to evaluate the influence of the electrical properties of the sample constituents on the resolution of the CFES. As expected, the polystyrene latex microspheres dispersed in a solution with 3 times the electrical conductivity of the curtain buffer separated with a larger band spread than in the 2nd experiment.

[System continuity and energy distribution in laser-induced thermo therapy (LITT)].

PubMed

Pech, M; Werk, M; Beck, A; Stohlmann, A; Ricke, J

2002-06-01

Evaluation of the continuity and energy distribution of a laser system for laser-induced thermo therapy. For evaluation of the continuity of laser optical devices, laser generating units and optical fibers of three different manufactures (Dornier, Hüttinger, Somatex), we used the equipment to generate a laser beam of 25 Watt for 60 minutes. Measurements of the applied energy were done sequentially with two MY Test (Fa. Hüttinger) units. We also performed two in vitro ablations of animal liver tissue with different fiber optics [Mikrodom A 13-0540, Microflexx REF A 13-0561 (Hüttinger), Diffusor-Tip H-6111-T 3, Diffusor H-6111-T 4 (Dornier), Somaflex-Diffusor (Somatex)] over 20 minutes at- an energy flow of 25 J per second. We then evaluated the geometry of coagulation. The different equipment used for our tests showed differences of a maximum of 10 %. Some components did not work properly in certain configurations even though the manufacturer assured it would. We saw significant differences in the ablation characteristics of the different fiber optics, especially in axial and frontal directions. Knowledge of the different characteristics in energy distribution and ablation characteristics are an important factor in performing a successful laser-induced thermo therapy.

Evaluating Innovation and Navigating Unseen Boundaries: Systems, Processes and People

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fleet, Alma; De Gioia, Katey; Madden, Lorraine; Semann, Anthony

2018-01-01

This paper illustrates an evaluation model emerging from Australian research. With reference to a range of contexts, its usefulness is demonstrated through application to two professional development initiatives designed to improve continuity of learning in the context of the transition to school. The model reconceptualises approaches to…

Report on Career Pathways: A Success Story in Berrien County, Michigan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rudy, Dennis W.; Rudy, Ellen L.

Independent evaluators examined the progress of the Berrien County Intermediate School District in Berrien County, Michigan, in implementing Michigan's Career Preparation System. The evaluation established that the district has provided the leadership, training, resources, and continued support to implement a systemwide school-to-career reform…

40 CFR 63.1260 - Reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... reconstruction. An owner or operator who is subject to § 63.5(b)(3) shall submit to the Administrator an...) Notification of CMS performance evaluation. An owner or operator who is required by the Administrator to conduct a performance evaluation for a continuous monitoring system shall notify the Administrator of the...

40 CFR 63.1260 - Reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... reconstruction. An owner or operator who is subject to § 63.5(b)(3) shall submit to the Administrator an...) Notification of CMS performance evaluation. An owner or operator who is required by the Administrator to conduct a performance evaluation for a continuous monitoring system shall notify the Administrator of the...

40 CFR 63.1260 - Reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... operator who is subject to § 63.5(b)(3) shall submit to the Administrator an application for approval of... evaluation. An owner or operator who is required by the Administrator to conduct a performance evaluation for a continuous monitoring system shall notify the Administrator of the date of the performance...

SER 2, ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATIONS. SER, SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CARSON, DANIEL H.; AND OTHERS

AN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ALREADY EXISTS AND IS EVALUATED HERE IN THE SECOND OF A SERIES OF REPORTS INTENDED TO BE VALUABLE TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN HOW ENVIRONMENT AFFECTS LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR. MAN IS A NONSTATIONARY OPEN SYSTEM UNDERGOING CONTINUOUS INTERCHANGE WITH HIS ENVIRONMENT. THIS INTERACTION, AND THE SEVERAL ASPECTS OF HIS…

Assuring Quality Evaluation Practices in Open and Distance Learning System: The Case of National Open University of Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ofoha, D.

2012-01-01

The success of any open and distance learning (ODL) programme depends on how well it is evaluated. In the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), students are assessed and evaluated through continuous assessment as well as end of semester examinations. This paper focuses on Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA), which forms part of continuous…

Wireless data collection system for travel time estimation and traffic performance evaluation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-09-01

Having accurate and continually updated travel time and other performance data for the road and highway system has many benefits. From the perspective of the road users, having real-time updates on travel times will permit better travel and route pla...

Dynamic Radioactive Source for Evaluating and Demonstrating Time-dependent Performance of Continuous Air Monitors.

PubMed

McLean, Thomas D; Moore, Murray E; Justus, Alan L; Hudston, Jonathan A; Barbé, Benoît

2016-11-01

Evaluation of continuous air monitors in the presence of a plutonium aerosol is time intensive, expensive, and requires a specialized facility. The Radiation Protection Services Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory has designed a Dynamic Radioactive Source, intended to replace plutonium aerosol challenge testing. The Dynamic Radioactive Source is small enough to be inserted into the sampler filter chamber of a typical continuous air monitor. Time-dependent radioactivity is introduced from electroplated sources for real-time testing of a continuous air monitor where a mechanical wristwatch motor rotates a mask above an alpha-emitting electroplated disk source. The mask is attached to the watch's minute hand, and as it rotates, more of the underlying source is revealed. The measured alpha activity increases with time, simulating the arrival of airborne radioactive particulates at the air sampler inlet. The Dynamic Radioactive Source allows the temporal behavior of puff and chronic release conditions to be mimicked without the need for radioactive aerosols. The new system is configurable to different continuous air monitor designs and provides an in-house testing capability (benchtop compatible). It is a repeatable and reusable system and does not contaminate the tested air monitor. Test benefits include direct user control, realistic (plutonium) aerosol spectra, and iterative development of continuous air monitor alarm algorithms. Data obtained using the Dynamic Radioactive Source has been used to elucidate alarm algorithms and to compare the response time of two commercial continuous air monitors.

Dynamic Radioactive Source for Evaluating and Demonstrating Time-dependent Performance of Continuous Air Monitors

DOE PAGES

McLean, Thomas D.; Moore, Murray E.; Justus, Alan L.; ...

2016-01-01

Evaluation of continuous air monitors in the presence of a plutonium aerosol is time intensive, expensive, and requires a specialized facility. The Radiation Protection Services Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory has designed a Dynamic Radioactive Source, intended to replace plutonium aerosol challenge testing. Furthermore, the Dynamic Radioactive Source is small enough to be inserted into the sampler filter chamber of a typical continuous air monitor. Time-dependent radioactivity is introduced from electroplated sources for real-time testing of a continuous air monitor where a mechanical wristwatch motor rotates a mask above an alpha-emitting electroplated disk source. The mask is attached tomore » the watch’s minute hand, and as it rotates, more of the underlying source is revealed. The alpha activity we measured increases with time, simulating the arrival of airborne radioactive particulates at the air sampler inlet. The Dynamic Radioactive Source allows the temporal behavior of puff and chronic release conditions to be mimicked without the need for radioactive aerosols. The new system is configurable to different continuous air monitor designs and provides an in-house testing capability (benchtop compatible). It is a repeatable and reusable system and does not contaminate the tested air monitor. Test benefits include direct user control, realistic (plutonium) aerosol spectra, and iterative development of continuous air monitor alarm algorithms. We also used data obtained using the Dynamic Radioactive Source to elucidate alarm algorithms and to compare the response time of two commercial continuous air monitors.« less

A novel approach to estimate the eruptive potential and probability in open conduit volcanoes

PubMed Central

De Gregorio, Sofia; Camarda, Marco

2016-01-01

In open conduit volcanoes, volatile-rich magma continuously enters into the feeding system nevertheless the eruptive activity occurs intermittently. From a practical perspective, the continuous steady input of magma in the feeding system is not able to produce eruptive events alone, but rather surplus of magma inputs are required to trigger the eruptive activity. The greater the amount of surplus of magma within the feeding system, the higher is the eruptive probability.Despite this observation, eruptive potential evaluations are commonly based on the regular magma supply, and in eruptive probability evaluations, generally any magma input has the same weight. Conversely, herein we present a novel approach based on the quantification of surplus of magma progressively intruded in the feeding system. To quantify the surplus of magma, we suggest to process temporal series of measurable parameters linked to the magma supply. We successfully performed a practical application on Mt Etna using the soil CO2 flux recorded over ten years. PMID:27456812

A novel approach to estimate the eruptive potential and probability in open conduit volcanoes.

PubMed

De Gregorio, Sofia; Camarda, Marco

2016-07-26

In open conduit volcanoes, volatile-rich magma continuously enters into the feeding system nevertheless the eruptive activity occurs intermittently. From a practical perspective, the continuous steady input of magma in the feeding system is not able to produce eruptive events alone, but rather surplus of magma inputs are required to trigger the eruptive activity. The greater the amount of surplus of magma within the feeding system, the higher is the eruptive probability.Despite this observation, eruptive potential evaluations are commonly based on the regular magma supply, and in eruptive probability evaluations, generally any magma input has the same weight. Conversely, herein we present a novel approach based on the quantification of surplus of magma progressively intruded in the feeding system. To quantify the surplus of magma, we suggest to process temporal series of measurable parameters linked to the magma supply. We successfully performed a practical application on Mt Etna using the soil CO2 flux recorded over ten years.

Design, construction, testing and evaluation of a residential ice storage air conditioning system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, J. J.; Ritz, T. A.

1982-12-01

The experimental system was used to supply cooling to a single wide trailer and performance data were compared to a conventional air conditioning system of the some capacity. Utility rate information was collected from over one hundred major utility companies and used to evaluate economic comparison of the two systems. The ice storage system utilized reduced rate time periods to accommodate ice while providing continuous cooling to the trailer. The economic evaluation resulted in finding that the ice storage system required over 50% more energy than the conventional system. Although a few of the utility companies offered rate structures which would result in savings of up to $200 per year, this would not be enough to offset higher initial costs over the life of the storage system. Recommendations include items that would have to be met in order for an ice storage system to be an economically viable alternative to the conventional system.

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…

Systemic characterization and evaluation of particle packings as initial sets for discrete element simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morfa, Carlos Recarey; Cortés, Lucía Argüelles; Farias, Márcio Muniz de; Morales, Irvin Pablo Pérez; Valera, Roberto Roselló; Oñate, Eugenio

2018-07-01

A methodology that comprises several characterization properties for particle packings is proposed in this paper. The methodology takes into account factors such as dimension and shape of particles, space occupation, homogeneity, connectivity and isotropy, among others. This classification and integration of several properties allows to carry out a characterization process to systemically evaluate the particle packings in order to guarantee the quality of the initial meshes in discrete element simulations, in both the micro- and the macroscales. Several new properties were created, and improvements in existing ones are presented. Properties from other disciplines were adapted to be used in the evaluation of particle systems. The methodology allows to easily characterize media at the level of the microscale (continuous geometries—steels, rocks microstructures, etc., and discrete geometries) and the macroscale. A global, systemic and integral system for characterizing and evaluating particle sets, based on fuzzy logic, is presented. Such system allows researchers to have a unique evaluation criterion based on the aim of their research. Examples of applications are shown.

Systemic characterization and evaluation of particle packings as initial sets for discrete element simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morfa, Carlos Recarey; Cortés, Lucía Argüelles; Farias, Márcio Muniz de; Morales, Irvin Pablo Pérez; Valera, Roberto Roselló; Oñate, Eugenio

2017-10-01

A methodology that comprises several characterization properties for particle packings is proposed in this paper. The methodology takes into account factors such as dimension and shape of particles, space occupation, homogeneity, connectivity and isotropy, among others. This classification and integration of several properties allows to carry out a characterization process to systemically evaluate the particle packings in order to guarantee the quality of the initial meshes in discrete element simulations, in both the micro- and the macroscales. Several new properties were created, and improvements in existing ones are presented. Properties from other disciplines were adapted to be used in the evaluation of particle systems. The methodology allows to easily characterize media at the level of the microscale (continuous geometries—steels, rocks microstructures, etc., and discrete geometries) and the macroscale. A global, systemic and integral system for characterizing and evaluating particle sets, based on fuzzy logic, is presented. Such system allows researchers to have a unique evaluation criterion based on the aim of their research. Examples of applications are shown.

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.

Continued use of an interactive computer game-based visual perception learning system in children with developmental delay.

PubMed

Lin, Hsien-Cheng; Chiu, Yu-Hsien; Chen, Yenming J; Wuang, Yee-Pay; Chen, Chiu-Ping; Wang, Chih-Chung; Huang, Chien-Ling; Wu, Tang-Meng; Ho, Wen-Hsien

2017-11-01

This study developed an interactive computer game-based visual perception learning system for special education children with developmental delay. To investigate whether perceived interactivity affects continued use of the system, this study developed a theoretical model of the process in which learners decide whether to continue using an interactive computer game-based visual perception learning system. The technology acceptance model, which considers perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived playfulness, was extended by integrating perceived interaction (i.e., learner-instructor interaction and learner-system interaction) and then analyzing the effects of these perceptions on satisfaction and continued use. Data were collected from 150 participants (rehabilitation therapists, medical paraprofessionals, and parents of children with developmental delay) recruited from a single medical center in Taiwan. Structural equation modeling and partial-least-squares techniques were used to evaluate relationships within the model. The modeling results indicated that both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were positively associated with both learner-instructor interaction and learner-system interaction. However, perceived playfulness only had a positive association with learner-system interaction and not with learner-instructor interaction. Moreover, satisfaction was positively affected by perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived playfulness. Thus, satisfaction positively affects continued use of the system. The data obtained by this study can be applied by researchers, designers of computer game-based learning systems, special education workers, and medical professionals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intelligent Tutoring Systems for Literacy: Existing Technologies and Continuing Challenges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacovina, Matthew E.; McNamara, Danielle S.

2017-01-01

In this chapter, we describe several intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) designed to support student literacy through reading comprehension and writing instruction and practice. Although adaptive instruction can be a powerful tool in the literacy domain, developing these technologies poses significant challenges. For example, evaluating the…

Continuous robust sound event classification using time-frequency features and deep learning

PubMed Central

Song, Yan; Xiao, Wei; Phan, Huy

2017-01-01

The automatic detection and recognition of sound events by computers is a requirement for a number of emerging sensing and human computer interaction technologies. Recent advances in this field have been achieved by machine learning classifiers working in conjunction with time-frequency feature representations. This combination has achieved excellent accuracy for classification of discrete sounds. The ability to recognise sounds under real-world noisy conditions, called robust sound event classification, is an especially challenging task that has attracted recent research attention. Another aspect of real-word conditions is the classification of continuous, occluded or overlapping sounds, rather than classification of short isolated sound recordings. This paper addresses the classification of noise-corrupted, occluded, overlapped, continuous sound recordings. It first proposes a standard evaluation task for such sounds based upon a common existing method for evaluating isolated sound classification. It then benchmarks several high performing isolated sound classifiers to operate with continuous sound data by incorporating an energy-based event detection front end. Results are reported for each tested system using the new task, to provide the first analysis of their performance for continuous sound event detection. In addition it proposes and evaluates a novel Bayesian-inspired front end for the segmentation and detection of continuous sound recordings prior to classification. PMID:28892478

Continuous robust sound event classification using time-frequency features and deep learning.

PubMed

McLoughlin, Ian; Zhang, Haomin; Xie, Zhipeng; Song, Yan; Xiao, Wei; Phan, Huy

2017-01-01

The automatic detection and recognition of sound events by computers is a requirement for a number of emerging sensing and human computer interaction technologies. Recent advances in this field have been achieved by machine learning classifiers working in conjunction with time-frequency feature representations. This combination has achieved excellent accuracy for classification of discrete sounds. The ability to recognise sounds under real-world noisy conditions, called robust sound event classification, is an especially challenging task that has attracted recent research attention. Another aspect of real-word conditions is the classification of continuous, occluded or overlapping sounds, rather than classification of short isolated sound recordings. This paper addresses the classification of noise-corrupted, occluded, overlapped, continuous sound recordings. It first proposes a standard evaluation task for such sounds based upon a common existing method for evaluating isolated sound classification. It then benchmarks several high performing isolated sound classifiers to operate with continuous sound data by incorporating an energy-based event detection front end. Results are reported for each tested system using the new task, to provide the first analysis of their performance for continuous sound event detection. In addition it proposes and evaluates a novel Bayesian-inspired front end for the segmentation and detection of continuous sound recordings prior to classification.

Role of Systemic and Local Antibiotics in the Treatment of Open Fractures.

PubMed

Carver, David C; Kuehn, Sean B; Weinlein, John C

2017-04-01

The orthopedic community has learned much about the treatment of open fractures from the tremendous work of Ramon Gustilo, Michael Patzakis, and others; however, open fractures continue to be very difficult challenges. Type III open fractures continue to be associated with high infection rates. Some combination of systemic and local antibiotics may be most appropriate in these high-grade open fractures. Further research is still necessary in determining optimal systemic antibiotic regimens as well as the role of local antibiotics. Any new discoveries related to novel systemic antibiotics or local antibiotic carriers will need to be evaluated related to cost. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Short communication: effect of oilseed supplementation of an herbage diet on ruminal fermentation in continuous culture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A four-unit continuous culture fermentor system was used to evaluate the effects of oilseed supplementation of an herbage-based diet on ruminal fermentation. Treatments were randomly assigned to fermentors in a 4 x 4 Latin square design with 7 d for diet adaptation and 3 d for data and sample collec...

Texas Adult Education: Soaring Into the 21st Century. An Adult Education Administrator's Guide for Continuous Improvement and Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gall, Dan; Payne, Emily Miller; Burger, Phil; Curtis, Evelyn; Douglas, James; Kean, Nona; Parker, Ursula; Perez, Juan; Rosenberg, Sheila; Saucedo-Schwarz, Myrna; Franklin, Effie; Reed, Joseph

This guide is designed as an aid for the adult education administrator in the pursuit of continuous excellence and quality improvement in adult education programs in Texas. The Acknowledgments section provides an introduction, background, history, and overview of the adult education National Reporting System (NRS); overview of the NRS measures and…

Continued implementation and testing of a Neighborhood Office Center (NOC) and integration of the NOC with an administrative correspondence management information system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The concept of decentralized (remote) neighborhood offices, linked together through a self-sustaining communications network for exchanging voice messages, video images, and digital data was quantitatively evaluated. Hardware and procedures for the integrated multifunctional system were developed. The configuration of the neighborhood office center (NOC) is explained, its production statistics given, and an experiment for NOC network integration via satellite is described. The hardware selected for the integration NOC/management information system is discussed, and the NASA teleconferencing network is evaluated.

Evaluation of the Medical and Dental Portions of the Soldier Data Tag Systems. Part B

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-01

ttibitI "Appioved fog public i).Gagg .-. L; r’,,,CV) 1ule EVAIIIATION OF THE MEDICAL AND DENTAL PORTIONS OF THE SOLDIER DATA TAG SYSTEM MAJ James fi...NUMBER 2. GOVT ACCESSION No. 3. RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER 84-003L PardSutleS. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED’~Evaluation of the Medical and Dental...IS. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 19. KEY WORDS (Continue on reverse side if necosomy mid Id.,f*ttby Week ambr) Soldier Data Tag System, Medical , Denta

Learning Messages Notification System to Mobile Devices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jimenez, M. Lourdes

2005-01-01

The work presents a new method to send educational messages in e-learning systems. The communication tools are one of the main characteristics of the virtual formative actions, in addition of the contents and the evaluation. The system must help to motivate the students, mainly those who do not leave the formative action and continue it until the…

National Testing of Pupils in Europe: Objectives, Organisation and Use of Results. Austria 2009

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eurydice, 2009

2009-01-01

In contrast to many other European countries, national testing is a relatively new phenomenon in Austria's education system. Educational standards tests, aimed at providing a basis for monitoring and evaluating schools and the education system, were created in addition to the traditional system of continuous assessment. In Austria, pupils at ISCED…

Central Data Processing System (CDPS) user's manual: Solar heating and cooling program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The software and data base management system required to assess the performance of solar heating and cooling systems installed at multiple sites is presented. The instrumentation data associated with these systems is collected, processed, and presented in a form which supported continuity of performance evaluation across all applications. The CDPS consisted of three major elements: communication interface computer, central data processing computer, and performance evaluation data base. Users of the performance data base were identified, and procedures for operation, and guidelines for software maintenance were outlined. The manual also defined the output capabilities of the CDPS in support of external users of the system.

Closed-form solutions of performability. [in computer systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, J. F.

1982-01-01

It is noted that if computing system performance is degradable then system evaluation must deal simultaneously with aspects of both performance and reliability. One approach is the evaluation of a system's performability which, relative to a specified performance variable Y, generally requires solution of the probability distribution function of Y. The feasibility of closed-form solutions of performability when Y is continuous are examined. In particular, the modeling of a degradable buffer/multiprocessor system is considered whose performance Y is the (normalized) average throughput rate realized during a bounded interval of time. Employing an approximate decomposition of the model, it is shown that a closed-form solution can indeed be obtained.

Continuous monitoring of bacterial attachment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koeing, D. W.; Mishra, S. K.; Pierson, D. L.

1994-01-01

A major concern with the Space Station Freedom (SSF) water supply system is the control of longterm microbial contamination and biofilm development in the water storage and distribution systems. These biofilms have the potential for harboring pathogens as well as microbial strains containing resistance factors that could negatively influence crew health. The proposed means for disinfecting the water system on SSF (iodine) may encourage the selection of resistant strains. In fact, biofilm bacteria were observed in water lines from the Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102); therefore, an alternative remediation method is required to disinfect spacecraft water lines. A thorough understanding of colonization events and the physiological parameters that will influence bacteria adhesion is required. The limiting factor for development of this technology is the ability to continuously monitor adhesion events and the effects of biocides on sessile bacteria. Methods were developed to allow bacterial adhesion and subsequent biocidal treatment to be monitored continuously. This technique couples automated image analysis with a continuous flow of a bacterial suspension through an optical flow cell. A strain of Pseudomonas cepacia isolated from the water supply of the Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) during STS-39 was grown in a nitrogen-limited continuous culture. This culture was challenged continuously with iodine during growth, and the adhesion characteristics of this strain was measure with regard to flow rate. Various biocides (ozone, hypochlorite, and iodine) were added to the flow stream to evaluate how well each chemical removed the bacteria. After biocide treatment, a fresh bacterial suspension was introduced into the flow cell, and the attachment rate was evaluated on the previously treated surface. This secondary fouling was again treated with biocide to determine the efficacy of multiple batch chemical treatments in removing biofilm.

Technical Evaluation Report on the Propulsion and Energetics Panel 54th (A) Meeting Advanced Control Systems for Aircraft Powerplants.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

availability and accuracy were vital to continued advance in electronic control and that the man-machine interface should continue to be addressed. Mr Bentz was...why there is not more digital engine control being brought in on a retro fit basis so as to obtain its advantages. Dr Bentz answered that it was too...surge line. Mr Bentz answered that all engines are being designed with digital control in mind. The issue is whether the systems can withstand the

Precipitation-runoff modeling system; user's manual

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leavesley, G.H.; Lichty, R.W.; Troutman, B.M.; Saindon, L.G.

1983-01-01

The concepts, structure, theoretical development, and data requirements of the precipitation-runoff modeling system (PRMS) are described. The precipitation-runoff modeling system is a modular-design, deterministic, distributed-parameter modeling system developed to evaluate the impacts of various combinations of precipitation, climate, and land use on streamflow, sediment yields, and general basin hydrology. Basin response to normal and extreme rainfall and snowmelt can be simulated to evaluate changes in water balance relationships, flow regimes, flood peaks and volumes, soil-water relationships, sediment yields, and groundwater recharge. Parameter-optimization and sensitivity analysis capabilites are provided to fit selected model parameters and evaluate their individual and joint effects on model output. The modular design provides a flexible framework for continued model system enhancement and hydrologic modeling research and development. (Author 's abstract)

The impact of the condenser on cytogenetic image quality in digital microscope system.

PubMed

Ren, Liqiang; Li, Zheng; Li, Yuhua; Zheng, Bin; Li, Shibo; Chen, Xiaodong; Liu, Hong

2013-01-01

Optimizing operational parameters of the digital microscope system is an important technique to acquire high quality cytogenetic images and facilitate the process of karyotyping so that the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis can be improved. This study investigated the impact of the condenser on cytogenetic image quality and system working performance using a prototype digital microscope image scanning system. Both theoretical analysis and experimental validations through objectively evaluating a resolution test chart and subjectively observing large numbers of specimen were conducted. The results show that the optimal image quality and large depth of field (DOF) are simultaneously obtained when the numerical aperture of condenser is set as 60%-70% of the corresponding objective. Under this condition, more analyzable chromosomes and diagnostic information are obtained. As a result, the system shows higher working stability and less restriction for the implementation of algorithms such as autofocusing especially when the system is designed to achieve high throughput continuous image scanning. Although the above quantitative results were obtained using a specific prototype system under the experimental conditions reported in this paper, the presented evaluation methodologies can provide valuable guidelines for optimizing operational parameters in cytogenetic imaging using the high throughput continuous scanning microscopes in clinical practice.

Measurement and evaluation of percolation drainage systems capacity in real conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markovic, G.; Zelenakova, M.

2017-10-01

The drainage system must ensure a safe disposal of the surface water without endangering the buildings and safety of people. Despite the common use of rainwater infiltration facilities, there is still only limited data available evaluating the long-term capacity of such systems especially for underground infiltration facilities. This study presents experimental measurements and evaluation of long-term infiltration efficiency in real conditions and emphasizes the importance of hydrogeological survey. The measurements of infiltration efficiency were applied to an existing percolation drainage system - infiltration shafts. Infiltration shafts were made in year 2007 so that its drainage operation takes more than 8 years. This study was started in 2011 and still continues and presents 5 years measurements of infiltration efficiency for this infiltration facility.

Evaluating Behavioral Health Surveillance Systems.

PubMed

Azofeifa, Alejandro; Stroup, Donna F; Lyerla, Rob; Largo, Thomas; Gabella, Barbara A; Smith, C Kay; Truman, Benedict I; Brewer, Robert D; Brener, Nancy D

2018-05-10

In 2015, more than 27 million people in the United States reported that they currently used illicit drugs or misused prescription drugs, and more than 66 million reported binge drinking during the previous month. Data from public health surveillance systems on drug and alcohol abuse are crucial for developing and evaluating interventions to prevent and control such behavior. However, public health surveillance for behavioral health in the United States has been hindered by organizational issues and other factors. For example, existing guidelines for surveillance evaluation do not distinguish between data systems that characterize behavioral health problems and those that assess other public health problems (eg, infectious diseases). To address this gap in behavioral health surveillance, we present a revised framework for evaluating behavioral health surveillance systems. This system framework builds on published frameworks and incorporates additional attributes (informatics capabilities and population coverage) that we deemed necessary for evaluating behavioral health-related surveillance. This revised surveillance evaluation framework can support ongoing improvements to behavioral health surveillance systems and ensure their continued usefulness for detecting, preventing, and managing behavioral health problems.

Evaluating Behavioral Health Surveillance Systems

PubMed Central

Azofeifa, Alejandro; Lyerla, Rob; Largo, Thomas; Gabella, Barbara A.; Smith, C. Kay; Truman, Benedict I.; Brewer, Robert D.; Brener, Nancy D.

2018-01-01

In 2015, more than 27 million people in the United States reported that they currently used illicit drugs or misused prescription drugs, and more than 66 million reported binge drinking during the previous month. Data from public health surveillance systems on drug and alcohol abuse are crucial for developing and evaluating interventions to prevent and control such behavior. However, public health surveillance for behavioral health in the United States has been hindered by organizational issues and other factors. For example, existing guidelines for surveillance evaluation do not distinguish between data systems that characterize behavioral health problems and those that assess other public health problems (eg, infectious diseases). To address this gap in behavioral health surveillance, we present a revised framework for evaluating behavioral health surveillance systems. This system framework builds on published frameworks and incorporates additional attributes (informatics capabilities and population coverage) that we deemed necessary for evaluating behavioral health–related surveillance. This revised surveillance evaluation framework can support ongoing improvements to behavioral health surveillance systems and ensure their continued usefulness for detecting, preventing, and managing behavioral health problems. PMID:29752804

Triple Aim in Canada: developing capacity to lead to better health, care and cost.

PubMed

Farmanova, Elina; Kirvan, Christine; Verma, Jennifer; Mukerji, Geetha; Akunov, Nurdin; Phillips, Kaye; Samis, Stephen

2016-12-01

Many modern health systems strive for 'Triple Aim' (TA)-better health for populations, improved experience of care for patients and lower costs of the system, but note challenges in implementation. Outcomes of applying TA as a quality improvement framework (QI) have started to be realized with early lessons as to why some systems make progress while others do not. Limited evidence is available as to how organizations create the capacity and infrastructure required to design, implement, evaluate and sustain TA systems. To support embedding TA across Canada, the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement supported enrolment of nine Canadian teams to participate in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's TA Improvement Community. Structured support for TA design, implementation, evaluation and sustainability was addressed in a collaborative programme of webinars and action periods. Teams were coached to undertake and test small-scale improvements before attempting to scale. A summative evaluation of the Canadian cohort was undertaken to assess site progress in building TA infrastructure across various healthcare settings. The evaluation explored the process of change, experiences and challenges and strategies for continuous QI. Delivering TA requires a sustained and coordinated effort supported by strong leadership and governance, continuous QI, engaged interdisciplinary teams and partnering within and beyond the healthcare sector. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care.

A study on reliability of power customer in distribution network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Liyuan; Ouyang, Sen; Chen, Danling; Ma, Shaohua; Wang, Xin

2017-05-01

The existing power supply reliability index system is oriented to power system without considering actual electricity availability in customer side. In addition, it is unable to reflect outage or customer’s equipment shutdown caused by instantaneous interruption and power quality problem. This paper thus makes a systematic study on reliability of power customer. By comparing with power supply reliability, reliability of power customer is defined and extracted its evaluation requirements. An indexes system, consisting of seven customer indexes and two contrast indexes, are designed to describe reliability of power customer from continuity and availability. In order to comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate reliability of power customer in distribution networks, reliability evaluation method is proposed based on improved entropy method and the punishment weighting principle. Practical application has proved that reliability index system and evaluation method for power customer is reasonable and effective.

40 CFR 63.1210 - What are the notification requirements?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... change in information already provided under § 63.9. 63.1206(b)(5)(i) Notification of changes in design...), 63.9(e) 63.9(g)(1) and (3) Notification of performance test and continuous monitoring system evaluation, including the performance test plan and CMS performance evaluation plan.1 63.1210(b) Notification...

40 CFR 63.1210 - What are the notification requirements?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... change in information already provided under § 63.9. 63.1206(b)(5)(i) Notification of changes in design...), 63.9(e) 63.9(g)(1) and (3) Notification of performance test and continuous monitoring system evaluation, including the performance test plan and CMS performance evaluation plan.1 63.1210(b) Notification...

Assessing Student Achievement in Physical Education for Teacher Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mercier, Kevin; Doolittle, Sarah

2013-01-01

While many teachers continue to ignore the practice of assessing student achievement in physical education, recent federal pressures to include student assessment data in teacher evaluation systems has shown that assessment of student outcomes is here to stay. Though there is a strong tradition of assessing teacher practice in physical education,…

Promoting Accountability and Continual Improvement: A Review of the Respective Roles of Performance Measurement, Auditing, Evaluation, and Reporting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reid, William

1999-01-01

Provides a synthesis of the literature pertaining to the principles and practices of performance measurement, auditing, evaluation, and reporting. Discusses how bringing these elements together in a performance management system can be achieved through refinement of strategic direction, reporting on key measures, and periodic, systematic…

Professional Learning Drives Common Core and Educator Evaluation, Knowledge Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Killion, Joellen; Hirsh, Stephanie

2014-01-01

The ultimate key to successful integration and implementation of college- and career-ready standards and educator evaluation systems is the quality of the professional learning that educators engage in every day. Effective professional learning at the school level occurs among a team of teachers learning in a cycle of continuous improvement.…

Continuous Improvement: Making Evaluation a Tool for Increasing Teacher--and Student--Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Educator, 2010

2010-01-01

With policymakers across the country proposing questionable ways to evaluate teachers, it's time to listen to those who know what supports and systems are needed to enhance instruction: teachers. This article explores the work of professional educators--not just their accomplishments, but also their challenges--so that the lessons they have…

Teacher Evaluation in Practice: Year 3 Teacher and Administrator Perceptions of REACH. Research Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sporte, Susan E.; Jiang, Jennie Y.

2016-01-01

Three years after the launch of Chicago's redesigned teacher evaluation system, Recognizing Educators Advancing Chicago Students (REACH) Students, most teachers and administrators continue to report they believe REACH has the potential to improve instruction and student learning, and they remain negative about the use of student growth in…

Organizational Change in Management of Hepatitis C: Evaluation of a CME Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garrard, Judith; Choudary, Veena; Groom, Holly; Dieperink, Eric; Willenbring, Mark L.; Durfee, Janet M.; Ho, Samuel B.

2006-01-01

Introduction: Effective treatment regimens exist for the hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, clinicians are often resistant to evaluation or treatment of patients with alcohol or substance abuse problems. We describe a continuing medical education (CME) program for clinicians in a nationwide health care system, with emphasis on current treatment…

Electronic Dimmable Ballasts for High-Intensity Discharge Sodium Vapor and Metal Halide Lamps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boulanger, Richard

2002-01-01

Two types of high-intensity discharge lamps were tested using dimmable ballasts. The main purpose for evaluating this lighting system was to determine its efficacy for saving power. Whereas previous variable level lighting systems for HID lamps in Advanced Life Support applications were adjustable in two or three steps using capacitive switching, this system allows for continuously adjustable lamp output. This type of lighting system when used as part of an Advanced Life Support biomass production system would provide only the amount of light energy a crop needed at any particular point in its growth cycle. Since most of the equivalent system mass in an ALS system is from the light energy required to grow the crops, controlling that light energy dynamically over a continuous range of operation would dramatically reduce the power consumption and reduce system mass.

The self-adjusting file (SAF). Part 3: removal of debris and smear layer-A scanning electron microscope study.

PubMed

Metzger, Zvi; Teperovich, Ehud; Cohen, Raphaela; Zary, Raviv; Paqué, Frank; Hülsmann, Michael

2010-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cleaning ability of the Self-Adjusting File (SAF) system in terms of removal of debris and smear layer. Root canal preparations were performed in 20 root canals using an SAF operated with a continuous irrigation device. The glide path was initially established using a size 20 K-file followed by the SAF file that was operated in the root canal via a vibrating motion for a total of 4 minutes. Sodium hypochlorite (3%) and EDTA (17%) were used as continuous irrigants and were alternated every minute during this initial 4-minute period. This was followed by a 30-second rinse using EDTA applied through a nonactivated SAF and a final flush with sodium hypochlorite. The roots were split longitudinally and subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of debris and a smear layer in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the canal were evaluated through the analysis of the SEM images using five-score evaluation systems based on reference photographs. The SAF operation with continuous irrigation, using alternating irrigants, resulted in root canal walls that were free of debris in all thirds of the canal in all (100%) of the samples. In addition, smear layer-free surfaces were observed in 100% and 80% of the coronal and middle thirds of the canal, respectively. In the apical third of the canal, smear layer-free surfaces were found in 65% of the root canals. The operation of the SAF system with continuous irrigation coupled with alternating sodium hypochlorite and EDTA treatment resulted in a clean and mostly smear layer-free dentinal surface in all parts of the root canal. Copyright (c) 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

46 CFR 62.30-1 - Failsafe.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Failsafe. 62.30-1 Section 62.30-1 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING VITAL SYSTEM AUTOMATION Reliability and Safety Criteria, All Automated Vital Systems § 62.30-1 Failsafe. (a) The failsafe state must be evaluated for each...

Aeronautical Engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 188)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

This bibliography lists 477 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in May 1985. The coverage includes documents on the engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment and systems.

Choosing and Evaluating Effective ESL Integrative Learning Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Careless, Paul

This paper reviews pedagogical principles surrounding learning styles that have continued to attract educators, particularly those in English as a Second Language (ESL) to Integrative Learning Systems (ILS) as a learning medium. The paper first examines the rationale for using technology in education. It briefly defines Computer-Assisted Language…

Significant accomplishments, 2009

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

BTS data is vital to improve transportation decision : making, as well as evaluations of performance and : what works in the nations transportation systems. : As BTS continues its course of producing relevant, : accurate, and timely transpor...

7 CFR 3411.15 - Evaluation factors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...: Continue to satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance the long-term viability and competitiveness of the food production and agricultural system of the United States within the global economy; expand economic...

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.

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.

The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Evaluation of Shipbuilding CAD/CAM Systems (Phase I)

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-10-14

Industries Norddeutsche Itiormations Systems GmbH Odense Steel Shipyard Sener Ingenieria y Sistemas SMK Ingenieurburo Verolrne Scheepswerf Heusden b.v...Systems Logimatic Marine Consultants A/S Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Norddeutsche Informations Systems GmbH Odense Steel Shipyard Sener Ingenieria y...market share and business backlog . continue profitable operation in spite of relentless price and schedule competition 11.0 SENERMAR Sener Ingenieria

Washington's Community and Technical Colleges' Student Achievement Initiative: Lessons Learned since the 2012 Revision and Considerations for New Allocation Model. Research Report 16-1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, 2016

2016-01-01

In January 2012, a system-wide task force came together for a nearly year-long process of revising the community and technical college system's performance-based funding (PBF) system, the Student Achievement Initiative. This review was consistent with national experts' recommendations for continuous evaluation of PBF systems to ensure overall…

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.

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.

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.

Rough case-based reasoning system for continues casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Wenbin; Lei, Zhufeng

2018-04-01

The continuous casting occupies a pivotal position in the iron and steel industry. The rough set theory and the CBR (case based reasoning, CBR) were combined in the research and implementation for the quality assurance of continuous casting billet to improve the efficiency and accuracy in determining the processing parameters. According to the continuous casting case, the object-oriented method was applied to express the continuous casting cases. The weights of the attributes were calculated by the algorithm which was based on the rough set theory and the retrieval mechanism for the continuous casting cases was designed. Some cases were adopted to test the retrieval mechanism, by analyzing the results, the law of the influence of the retrieval attributes on determining the processing parameters was revealed. A comprehensive evaluation model was established by using the attribute recognition theory. According to the features of the defects, different methods were adopted to describe the quality condition of the continuous casting billet. By using the system, the knowledge was not only inherited but also applied to adjust the processing parameters through the case based reasoning method as to assure the quality of the continuous casting and improve the intelligent level of the continuous casting.

System design package for the solar heating and cooling central data processing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The central data processing system provides the resources required to assess the performance of solar heating and cooling systems installed at remote sites. These sites consist of residential, commercial, government, and educational types of buildings, and the solar heating and cooling systems can be hot-water, space heating, cooling, and combinations of these. The instrumentation data associated with these systems will vary according to the application and must be collected, processed, and presented in a form which supports continuity of performance evaluation across all applications. Overall software system requirements were established for use in the central integration facility which transforms raw data collected at remote sites into performance evaluation information for assessing the performance of solar heating and cooling systems.

International ITS Program Assessment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-08-01

THIS PAPER ATTEMPTS TO MAKE AN UPDATED COMPARISON OF WORLDWIDE ACTIVITIES IN INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS) AND TO RECOMMEND A STRATEGY FOR CONTINUING INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM ASSESSMENT FOR DISCUSSION AT THE BENEFITS, EVALUATION AND COSTS (BE...

Evaluation method based on the image correlation for laser jamming image

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Che, Jinxi; Li, Zhongmin; Gao, Bo

2013-09-01

The jamming effectiveness evaluation of infrared imaging system is an important part of electro-optical countermeasure. The infrared imaging devices in the military are widely used in the searching, tracking and guidance and so many other fields. At the same time, with the continuous development of laser technology, research of laser interference and damage effect developed continuously, laser has been used to disturbing the infrared imaging device. Therefore, the effect evaluation of the infrared imaging system by laser has become a meaningful problem to be solved. The information that the infrared imaging system ultimately present to the user is an image, so the evaluation on jamming effect can be made from the point of assessment of image quality. The image contains two aspects of the information, the light amplitude and light phase, so the image correlation can accurately perform the difference between the original image and disturbed image. In the paper, the evaluation method of digital image correlation, the assessment method of image quality based on Fourier transform, the estimate method of image quality based on error statistic and the evaluation method of based on peak signal noise ratio are analysed. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are analysed. Moreover, the infrared disturbing images of the experiment result, in which the thermal infrared imager was interfered by laser, were analysed by using these methods. The results show that the methods can better reflect the jamming effects of the infrared imaging system by laser. Furthermore, there is good consistence between evaluation results by using the methods and the results of subjective visual evaluation. And it also provides well repeatability and convenient quantitative analysis. The feasibility of the methods to evaluate the jamming effect was proved. It has some extent reference value for the studying and developing on electro-optical countermeasures equipments and effectiveness evaluation.

Hybrid propulsion technology program: Phase 1. Volume 3: Thiokol Corporation Space Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuler, A. L.; Wiley, D. R.

1989-01-01

Three candidate hybrid propulsion (HP) concepts were identified, optimized, evaluated, and refined through an iterative process that continually forced improvement to the systems with respect to safety, reliability, cost, and performance criteria. A full scale booster meeting Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) thrust-time constraints and a booster application for 1/4 ASRM thrust were evaluated. Trade studies and analyses were performed for each of the motor elements related to SRM technology. Based on trade study results, the optimum HP concept for both full and quarter sized systems was defined. The three candidate hybrid concepts evaluated are illustrated.

[Organizational capacity for continuous improvement of health services].

PubMed

Saturno-Hernández, Pedro J; Hernández-Avila, Mauricio; Magaña-Valladares, Laura; Garcia-Saisó, Sebastián; Vertiz-Ramírez, José de Jesús

2015-01-01

While the Mexican health system has achieved significant progress, as reflected in the growing improvement in population health, heterogeneity in the quality of services and its impact on health in different population groups is still a challenge. The costs or poor quality represent about 20 to 40% of the health system's expenditure. We need to develop organizational capacity to implement quality management systems in order to identify, evaluate, prevent and eventually overcome the health system's challenges. A competency-based comprehensive strategy for training human resources is proposed including undergraduate and graduate education as well as continuing education, which will contribute to improve the quality function at the various levels of responsibility in the health system. The proposed strategy responds to the context of the Mexican health system, but it could be adapted to other systems and contexts.

Effect of supplementing orchardgrass herbage with a total mixed ration or flaxseed fermentation profile and bacterial protein synthesis in continuous culture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A 4-unit dual-flow continuous culture fermentor system was used to evaluate the effects of herbage, a total mixed ration (TMR) and flaxseed on nutrient digestibility and microbial N synthesis. Treatments were randomly assigned to fermentors in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Each fermentor was fed a to...

Analyses of Noise from Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) Firings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gee, Kent L.; Kenny, R. Jeremy; Jerome, Trevor W.; Neilsen, Tracianne B.; Hobbs, Christopher M.; James, Michael M.

2012-01-01

NASA s Space Launch Vehicle (SLS) program has chosen the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor V (RSRMV) as the booster system for initial flights. Lift off acoustics continue to be a consideration in overall vehicle vibroacoustic evaluations and launch pad modifications. Work started with the Ares program to understand solid rocket noise mechanisms is continuing through SLS program in conjunction with BYU/Blue Ridge Research Consulting.

A Wireless Electronic Esophageal Stethoscope for Continuous Monitoring of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems during Anaesthesia

PubMed Central

Parsaei, H.; Vakily, A.; Shafiei, A.M.

2017-01-01

Background: The basic requirements for monitoring anesthetized patients during surgery are assessing cardiac and respiratory function. Esophageal stethoscopes have been developed for this purpose, but these devices may not provide clear heart and lung sound due to existence of various noises in operating rooms. In addition, the stethoscope is not applicable for continues monitoring, and it is unsuitable for observing inaccessible patients in some conditions such as during CT scan. Objective: A wireless electronic esophageal stethoscope is designed for continues auscultation of heart and lung sounds in anesthetized patients. The system consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The former acquires, amplifies and transmits the acquired sound signals to the latter via a frequency modulation transmitter. The receiver demodulates, amplifies, and delivers the received signal to a headphone to be heard by anesthesiologist. Results: The usability and effectiveness of the designed system was qualitatively evaluated by 5 anesthesiologists in Namazi Hospital and Shahid Chamran Hospital, Shiraz, Iran on 30 patients in several operating rooms in different conditions; e.g., when electro surgery instruments are working. Fortunately, the experts on average ranked good quality for the heard heart and lung sounds and very good on the user friendly being of the instrument. Conclusion: Evaluation results demonstrate that the developed system is capable of capturing and transmitting heart and lung sounds successfully. Therefore, it can be used to continuously monitor anesthetized patients’ cardiac and respiratory function. Since via the instrument wireless auscultation is possible, it could be suitable for observing inaccessible patients in several conditions such as during CT scan. PMID:28451580

Broadband Electromagnetic Technology

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-06-23

The objectives of this project are to continue the enhancements to the combined Broadband Electromagnetic and Full Encirclement Unit (BEM-FEU) technologies and to evaluate the systems capability in the laboratory and the field. The BEM instrument ...

US Topo Maps 2014: Program updates and research

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fishburn, Kristin A.

2014-01-01

The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) US Topo map program is now in year two of its second three-year update cycle. Since the program was launched in 2009, the product and the production system tools and processes have undergone enhancements that have made the US Topo maps a popular success story. Research and development continues with structural and content product enhancements, streamlined and more fully automated workflows, and the evaluation of a GIS-friendly US Topo GIS Packet. In addition, change detection methodologies are under evaluation to further streamline product maintenance and minimize resource expenditures for production in the future. The US Topo map program will continue to evolve in the years to come, providing traditional map users and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysts alike with a convenient, freely available product incorporating nationally consistent data that are quality assured to high standards.

Land and cryosphere products from Suomi NPP VIIRS: Overview and status

PubMed Central

Justice, Christopher O; Román, Miguel O; Csiszar, Ivan; Vermote, Eric F; Wolfe, Robert E; Hook, Simon J; Friedl, Mark; Wang, Zhuosen; Schaaf, Crystal B; Miura, Tomoaki; Tschudi, Mark; Riggs, George; Hall, Dorothy K; Lyapustin, Alexei I; Devadiga, Sadashiva; Davidson, Carol; Masuoka, Edward J

2013-01-01

[1] The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument was launched in October 2011 as part of the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP). The VIIRS instrument was designed to improve upon the capabilities of the operational Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer and provide observation continuity with NASA’s Earth Observing System’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Since the VIIRS first-light images were received in November 2011, NASA- and NOAA-funded scientists have been working to evaluate the instrument performance and generate land and cryosphere products to meet the needs of the NOAA operational users and the NASA science community. NOAA’s focus has been on refining a suite of operational products known as Environmental Data Records (EDRs), which were developed according to project specifications under the National Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellite System. The NASA S-NPP Science Team has focused on evaluating the EDRs for science use, developing and testing additional products to meet science data needs, and providing MODIS data product continuity. This paper presents to-date findings of the NASA Science Team’s evaluation of the VIIRS land and cryosphere EDRs, specifically Surface Reflectance, Land Surface Temperature, Surface Albedo, Vegetation Indices, Surface Type, Active Fires, Snow Cover, Ice Surface Temperature, and Sea Ice Characterization. The study concludes that, for MODIS data product continuity and earth system science, an enhanced suite of land and cryosphere products and associated data system capabilities are needed beyond the EDRs currently available from the VIIRS. PMID:25821661

Hardware Demonstration: Frequency Spectra of Transients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCloskey, John; Dimov, Jen

2017-01-01

Radiated emissions measurements as specified by MIL-STD-461 are performed in the frequency domain, which is best suited to continuous wave (CW) types of signals. However, many platforms implement signals that are single event pulses or transients. Such signals can potentially generate momentary radiated emissions that can cause interference in the system, but they may be missed with traditional measurement techniques. This demonstration provides measurement and analysis techniques that effectively evaluate the potential emissions from such signals in order to evaluate their potential impacts to system performance.

Real-time assessment of critical quality attributes of a continuous granulation process.

PubMed

Fonteyne, Margot; Vercruysse, Jurgen; Díaz, Damián Córdoba; Gildemyn, Delphine; Vervaet, Chris; Remon, Jean Paul; De Beer, Thomas

2013-02-01

There exists the intention to shift pharmaceutical manufacturing of solid dosage forms from traditional batch production towards continuous production. The currently applied conventional quality control systems, based on sampling and time-consuming off-line analyses in analytical laboratories, would annul the advantages of continuous processing. It is clear that real-time quality assessment and control is indispensable for continuous production. This manuscript evaluates strengths and weaknesses of several complementary Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools implemented in a continuous wet granulation process, which is part of a fully continuous from powder-to-tablet production line. The use of Raman and NIR-spectroscopy and a particle size distribution analyzer is evaluated for the real-time monitoring of critical parameters during the continuous wet agglomeration of an anhydrous theophylline- lactose blend. The solid state characteristics and particle size of the granules were analyzed in real-time and the critical process parameters influencing these granule characteristics were identified. The temperature of the granulator barrel, the amount of granulation liquid added and, to a lesser extent, the powder feed rate were the parameters influencing the solid state of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). A higher barrel temperature and a higher powder feed rate, resulted in larger granules.

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.

An EMG-based system for continuous monitoring of clinical efficacy of Parkinson's disease treatments.

PubMed

Askari, Sina; Zhang, Mo; Won, Deborah S

2010-01-01

Current methods for assessing the efficacy of treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) rely on physician rated scores. These methods pose three major shortcomings: 1) the subjectivity of the assessments, 2) the lack of precision on the rating scale (6 discrete levels), and 3) the inability to assess symptoms except under very specific conditions and/or for very specific tasks. To address these shortcomings, a portable system was developed to continuously monitor Parkinsonian symptoms with quantitative measures based on electrical signals from muscle activity (EMG). Here, we present the system design and the implementation of methods for system validation. This system was designed to provide continuous measures of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia which are related to the neurophysiological source without the need for multiple bulky experimental apparatuses, thus allowing more precise, quantitative indicators of the symptoms which can be measured during practical daily living tasks. This measurement system has the potential to improve the diagnosis of PD as well as the evaluation of PD treatments, which is an important step in the path to improving PD treatments.

Transactive Systems Simulation and Valuation Platform Trial Analysis

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

Widergren, Steven E.; Hammerstrom, Donald J.; Huang, Qiuhua

Transactive energy systems use principles of value to coordinate responsive supply and demand in energy systems. Work continues within the Transactive Systems Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, to understand the value of, understand the theory behind, and simulate the behaviors of transactive energy systems. This report summarizes recent advances made by this program. The main capability advances include a more comprehensive valuation model, including recommended documentation that should make valuation studies of all sorts more transparent, definition of economic metrics with which transactive mechanisms can be evaluated, and multiple improvementsmore » to the time-simulation environment that is being used to evaluate transactive scenarios.« less

Applying systems theory to the evaluation of a whole school approach to violence prevention.

PubMed

Kearney, Sarah; Leung, Loksee; Joyce, Andrew; Ollis, Debbie; Green, Celia

2016-02-01

Issue addressed Our Watch led a complex 12-month evaluation of a whole school approach to Respectful Relationships Education (RRE) implemented in 19 schools. RRE is an emerging field aimed at preventing gender-based violence. This paper will illustrate how from an implementation science perspective, the evaluation was a critical element in the change process at both a school and policy level. Methods Using several conceptual approaches from systems science, the evaluation sought to examine how the multiple systems layers - student, teacher, school, community and government - interacted and influenced each other. A distinguishing feature of the evaluation included 'feedback loops'; that is, evaluation data was provided to participants as it became available. Evaluation tools included a combination of standardised surveys (with pre- and post-intervention data provided to schools via individualised reports), reflection tools, regular reflection interviews and summative focus groups. Results Data was shared during implementation with project staff, department staff and schools to support continuous improvement at these multiple systems levels. In complex settings, implementation can vary according to context; and the impact of evaluation processes, tools and findings differed across the schools. Interviews and focus groups conducted at the end of the project illustrated which of these methods were instrumental in motivating change and engaging stakeholders at both a school and departmental level and why. Conclusion The evaluation methods were a critical component of the pilot's approach, helping to shape implementation through data feedback loops and reflective practice for ongoing, responsive and continuous improvement. Future health promotion research on complex interventions needs to examine how the evaluation itself is influencing implementation. So what? The pilot has demonstrated that the evaluation, including feedback loops to inform project activity, were an asset to implementation. This has implications for other health promotion activities, where evaluation tools could be utilised to enhance, rather than simply measure, an intervention. The findings are relevant to a range of health promotion research activities because they demonstrate the importance of meta-evaluation techniques that seek to understand how the evaluation itself was influencing implementation and outcomes.

Empirically evaluating the impact of adjudicative tribunals in the health sector: context, challenges and opportunities.

PubMed

Hoffman, Steven J; Sossin, Lorne

2012-04-01

Adjudicative tribunals are an integral part of health system governance, yet their real-world impact remains largely unknown. Most assessments focus on internal accountability and use anecdotal methodologies; few, studies if any, empirically evaluate their external impact and use these data to test effectiveness, track performance, inform service improvements and ultimately strengthen health systems. Given that such assessments would yield important benefits and have been conducted successfully in similar settings (e.g. specialist courts), their absence is likely attributable to complexity in the health system, methodological difficulties and the legal environment within which tribunals operate. We suggest practical steps for potential evaluators to conduct empirical impact evaluations along with an evaluation matrix template featuring possible target outcomes and corresponding surrogate endpoints, performance indicators and empirical methodologies. Several system-level strategies for supporting such assessments have also been suggested for academics, health system institutions, health planners and research funders. Action is necessary to ensure that policymakers do not continue operating without evidence but can rather pursue data-driven strategies that are more likely to achieve their health system goals in a cost-effective way.

Pathophysiological evaluation of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by continuous ruminal pH monitoring

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Abstract Evaluation of the radio‐transmission pH‐measurement system for monitoring the ruminal pH and subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in cattle is described. This is done in order to reveal the possible application of this system for detection and pathophysiological research of SARA by continuous ruminal pH measurement. The possibility of using this system for assessment of the ruminal pH in SARA cattle, and the presence of negative correlation between the ruminal pH and ruminal temperature in heathy and SARA cattle were determined. In addition, the 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing analysis showed that the ruminal microbial community was simpler in SARA cattle, and the bacterial numbers in SARA cattle were lower than those in healthy hay‐fed cattle. Concentrate feeding might have reduced the diversity of the ruminal microbial community. Changes in the ruminal microbial community of SARA cattle might be related to the changes in ruminal pH followed by the decrease in the number of some bacteria. Continuous monitoring of the ruminal pH using the radio‐transmission pH‐measurement system would be applied for detection and prevention of SARA in the field and pathophysiological research of SARA, including ruminal zymology and bacteriology, which have been determined previously by sampling of the ruminal fluid and measuring of ruminal pH. PMID:26279060

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study, exhibit C. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G. M.

1979-01-01

The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently conducting an evaluation of approaches to provide energy to meet demands in the post-2000 time period. The Satellite Power System (SPS) is a candidate for producing significant quantities of base-load power using solar energy as the source. The SPS concept is illustrated for a solar photovoltaic concept. A satellite, located at geosynchronous orbit, converts solar energy to dc electrical energy using large solar arrays. This study is a continuing effort to provide system definition data to aid in the evaluation of the SPS concept.

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) Concept Definition Study (Exhibit D). Solid-State Amplifier Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G. M.

1981-01-01

Data resulting from a continuing effort to provide system/subsystem definition data to aid in the evaluation of the SPS program concept is presented. The specific data described relate to the proposed use of solid state devices as microwave power amplifiers in the satellite microwave power transmission subsystem.

Pharmacological evaluation of narcotic antagonist delivery systems in rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Harrigan, S E; Downs, D A

1981-01-01

Rhesus monkeys were chronically restrained, intravenously catheterized, and allowed to self-administer morphine, methamphetamine, and saline. Various sustained-release systems containing naltrexone were then implanted in the animals and examined for selective morphine blockade. Similarly, continuous intravenous infusions of naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone were tested against morphine or heroin self-administration.

Safety of High Speed Ground Transportation Systems - Human Factors Phase II: Design and Evaluation of Decision Aids for Control of High-Speed Trains: Experiments and Model

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-12-01

Although the speed of some guided ground transportation systems continues to : increase, the reaction time and the sensory and information processing : capacities of railroad personnel remain constant. This second report in a : series examining criti...

Advanced Technology Tech Prep Partnership for Northern Kane Regional Delivery System. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elgin Community Coll., IL.

A 1-year project was undertaken to continue implementation, evaluation, and revision of a model advanced technology partnership between Elgin Community College (ECC) and the Northern Kane Regional Delivery System in Illinois. The model program, which originally included three high schools, was expanded to include five additional high schools in…

Impact of preceding crop on alfalfa competitiveness with weeds

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Organic producers would like to include no-till practices in their farming systems. We are seeking to develop a continuous no-till system for organic farming, based on a complex rotation that includes a 3-year sequence of alfalfa. In this study, we evaluated impact of preceding crop on weed infest...

User Acceptance of a Proposed Self-Evaluation and Continuous Assessment System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robles-Gómez, Antonio; Ros, Salvador; Hernández, Roberto; Tobarra, Llanos; Caminero, Agustin C.; Agudo, José M.

2015-01-01

The WWW nowadays enables faculty to develop new Internet-based applications that can be used to enhance classroom instruction. There is a clear evolution towards the implementation of new service-oriented learning/teaching systems, which can be considered as the latest generation of Internet-based platforms. This work first describes a…

How Does a Multi-Site Institution Plan Effectively?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jefferson, Curtis F.

A multi-site college plans effectively by having in place planning and evaluation systems that enhance its capability to respond effectively to changes in the environment in order to continue to provide high quality educational programs and services for the people in its service area. The effectiveness of these systems is dependent on clearly…

Procurement and Retention of Navy Physicians. Report No. CNS 1030.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Devine, Eugene J.

This study is designed to provide a better understanding of the Navy's health-care system and the impact of a draft-free system in attracting an adequate number of physicians. The medical scholarship, proposed variable incentive, and present continuation pay scales are evaluated from the standpoint of financial attractiveness to the physician…

APPLICATION OF THE MODELS-3 COMMUNITY MULTI-SCALE AIR QUALITY (CMAQ) MODEL SYSTEM TO SOS/NASHVILLE 1999

EPA Science Inventory

The Models-3 Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, first released by the USEPA in 1999 (Byun and Ching. 1999), continues to be developed and evaluated. The principal components of the CMAQ system include a comprehensive emission processor known as the Sparse Matrix O...

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.

Continuous Evaluation of Fast Processes in Climate Models Using ARM Measurements

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

Li, Zhijin; Sha, Feng; Liu, Yangang

2016-02-02

This five-year award supports the project “Continuous Evaluation of Fast Processes in Climate Models Using ARM Measurements (FASTER)”. The goal of this project is to produce accurate, consistent and comprehensive data sets for initializing both single column models (SCMs) and cloud resolving models (CRMs) using data assimilation. A multi-scale three-dimensional variational data assimilation scheme (MS-3DVAR) has been implemented. This MS-3DVAR system is built on top of WRF/GSI. The Community Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) system is an operational data assimilation system at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and has been implemented in the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model.more » This MS-3DVAR is further enhanced by the incorporation of a land surface 3DVAR scheme and a comprehensive aerosol 3DVAR scheme. The data assimilation implementation focuses in the ARM SGP region. ARM measurements are assimilated along with other available satellite and radar data. Reanalyses are then generated for a few selected period of time. This comprehensive data assimilation system has also been employed for other ARM-related applications.« less

Design, construction, testing and evaluation of a residential ice storage air conditioning system. Doctoral thesis

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

Santos, J.J.; Ritz, T.A.

1982-11-01

The experimental system was used to supply cooling to a single wide trailer and performance data were compared to a conventional air conditioning system of the some capacity. Utility rate information was collected from over one hundred major utility companies and used to evaluate economic comparison of the two systems. The ice storage system utilized reduced rate time periods to accommodate ice while providing continuous cooling to the trailer. The economic evaluation resulted in finding that the ice storage system required over 50% more energy than the conventional system. Although a few of the utility companies offered rate structures whichmore » would result in savings of up to $200 per year, this would not be enough to offset higher initial costs over the life of the storage system. Recommendations include items that would have to be met in order for an ice storage system to be an economically viable alternative to the conventional system.« less

Functional Analysis in Long-Term Operation of High Power UV-LEDs in Continuous Fluoro-Sensing Systems for Hydrocarbon Pollution

PubMed Central

Arques-Orobon, Francisco Jose; Nuñez, Neftali; Vazquez, Manuel; Gonzalez-Posadas, Vicente

2016-01-01

This work analyzes the long-term functionality of HP (High-power) UV-LEDs (Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes) as the exciting light source in non-contact, continuous 24/7 real-time fluoro-sensing pollutant identification in inland water. Fluorescence is an effective alternative in the detection and identification of hydrocarbons. The HP UV-LEDs are more advantageous than classical light sources (xenon and mercury lamps) and helps in the development of a low cost, non-contact, and compact system for continuous real-time fieldwork. This work analyzes the wavelength, output optical power, and the effects of viscosity, temperature of the water pollutants, and the functional consistency for long-term HP UV-LED working operation. To accomplish the latter, an analysis of the influence of two types 365 nm HP UV-LEDs degradation under two continuous real-system working mode conditions was done, by temperature Accelerated Life Tests (ALTs). These tests estimate the mean life under continuous working conditions of 6200 h and for cycled working conditions (30 s ON & 30 s OFF) of 66,000 h, over 7 years of 24/7 operating life of hydrocarbon pollution monitoring. In addition, the durability in the face of the internal and external parameter system variations is evaluated. PMID:26927113

Functional Analysis in Long-Term Operation of High Power UV-LEDs in Continuous Fluoro-Sensing Systems for Hydrocarbon Pollution.

PubMed

Arques-Orobon, Francisco Jose; Nuñez, Neftali; Vazquez, Manuel; Gonzalez-Posadas, Vicente

2016-02-26

This work analyzes the long-term functionality of HP (High-power) UV-LEDs (Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes) as the exciting light source in non-contact, continuous 24/7 real-time fluoro-sensing pollutant identification in inland water. Fluorescence is an effective alternative in the detection and identification of hydrocarbons. The HP UV-LEDs are more advantageous than classical light sources (xenon and mercury lamps) and helps in the development of a low cost, non-contact, and compact system for continuous real-time fieldwork. This work analyzes the wavelength, output optical power, and the effects of viscosity, temperature of the water pollutants, and the functional consistency for long-term HP UV-LED working operation. To accomplish the latter, an analysis of the influence of two types 365 nm HP UV-LEDs degradation under two continuous real-system working mode conditions was done, by temperature Accelerated Life Tests (ALTs). These tests estimate the mean life under continuous working conditions of 6200 h and for cycled working conditions (30 s ON & 30 s OFF) of 66,000 h, over 7 years of 24/7 operating life of hydrocarbon pollution monitoring. In addition, the durability in the face of the internal and external parameter system variations is evaluated.

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.

Development, fabrication, and testing of locomotive crashworthy components

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-12-02

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) are continuing to evaluate new technologies for increasing the safety of passengers and operators in rail equipment. In recognition ...

Continuous GPS : pilot applications - Phase II

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-08-01

The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of applying Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in the study of geotechnical phenomenon by developing, integrating, and test deploying a GPS-based instrumentation package u...

Sustained Performance Review: A Threat to Academic Freedom?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Daniel E.

1997-01-01

Reviews the history of the tenure system and its constitutional and due process implications. Describes Florida's sustained performance review program, an evaluation of tenured faculty every seven years to encourage continuing professional development. (SK)

Peer-to-Peer JXTA Architecture for Continuing Mobile Medical Education Incorporated in Rural Public Health Centers.

PubMed

Rajasekaran, Rajkumar; Iyengar, Nallani Chackravatula Sriman Narayana

2013-04-01

Mobile technology helps to improve continuing medical education; this includes all aspects of public health care as well as keeping one's knowledge up-to-date. The program of continuing medical and health education is intertwined with mobile health technology, which forms an imperative component of national strategies in health. Continuing mobile medical education (CMME) programs are designed to ensure that all medical and health-care professionals stay up-to-date with the knowledge required through mobile JXTA to appraise modernized strategies so as to achieve national goals of health-care information distribution. In this study, a 20-item questionnaire was distributed to 280 health professionals practicing traditional training learning methodologies (180 nurses, 60 doctors, and 40 health inspectors) in 25 rural hospitals. Among the 83% respondents, 56% are eager to take new learning methodologies as part of their evaluation, which is considered for promotion to higher grades, increments, or as part of their work-related activities. The proposed model was executed in five public health centers in which nurses and health inspectors registered in the JXTA network were referred to the record peer group by administrators. A mobile training program on immunization was conducted through the ADVT, with the lectures delivered on their mobiles. Credits are given after taking the course and completing an evaluation test. The system is faster compared with traditional learning. Medical knowledge management and mobile-streaming application support the CMME system through JXTA. The mobile system includes online lectures and practice quizzes, as well as assignments and interactions with health professionals. Evaluation and assessments are done online and credits certificates are provided based on the score the student obtains. The acceptance of mobile JXTA peer-to-peer learning has created a drastic change in learning methods among rural health professionals. The professionals undergo training and should pass an exam in order to obtain the credits. The system is controlled and monitored by the administrator peer group, which makes it more flexible and structured. Compared with traditional learning system, enhanced study improves cloud-based mobile medical education technology.

Peer-to-Peer JXTA Architecture for Continuing Mobile Medical Education Incorporated in Rural Public Health Centers

PubMed Central

Rajasekaran, Rajkumar; Iyengar, Nallani Chackravatula Sriman Narayana

2013-01-01

Objectives: Mobile technology helps to improve continuing medical education; this includes all aspects of public health care as well as keeping one’s knowledge up-to-date. The program of continuing medical and health education is intertwined with mobile health technology, which forms an imperative component of national strategies in health. Continuing mobile medical education (CMME) programs are designed to ensure that all medical and health-care professionals stay up-to-date with the knowledge required through mobile JXTA to appraise modernized strategies so as to achieve national goals of health-care information distribution. Methods: In this study, a 20-item questionnaire was distributed to 280 health professionals practicing traditional training learning methodologies (180 nurses, 60 doctors, and 40 health inspectors) in 25 rural hospitals. Among the 83% respondents, 56% are eager to take new learning methodologies as part of their evaluation, which is considered for promotion to higher grades, increments, or as part of their work-related activities. Results: The proposed model was executed in five public health centers in which nurses and health inspectors registered in the JXTA network were referred to the record peer group by administrators. A mobile training program on immunization was conducted through the ADVT, with the lectures delivered on their mobiles. Credits are given after taking the course and completing an evaluation test. The system is faster compared with traditional learning. Conclusion: Medical knowledge management and mobile-streaming application support the CMME system through JXTA. The mobile system includes online lectures and practice quizzes, as well as assignments and interactions with health professionals. Evaluation and assessments are done online and credits certificates are provided based on the score the student obtains. The acceptance of mobile JXTA peer-to-peer learning has created a drastic change in learning methods among rural health professionals. The professionals undergo training and should pass an exam in order to obtain the credits. The system is controlled and monitored by the administrator peer group, which makes it more flexible and structured. Compared with traditional learning system, enhanced study improves cloud-based mobile medical education technology. PMID:24159539

Enabling the Continuous EOS-SNPP Satellite Data Record thru EOSDIS Services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, A.; Behnke, J.; Ho, E. L.

2015-12-01

Following Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (SNPP) launch of October 2011, the role of the NASA Science Data Segment (SDS) focused primarily on evaluation of the sensor data records (SDRs) and environmental data records (EDRs) produced by the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), a National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) Program as to their suitability for Earth system science. The evaluation has been completed for Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), and Ozone Mapper/Profiler Suite (OMPS) Nadir instruments. Since launch, the SDS has also been processing, archiving and distributing data from the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) and Ozone Mapper/Profiler Suite (OMPS) Limb instruments and this work is planned to continue through the life of the mission. As NASA transitions to the production of standard, Earth Observing System (EOS)-like science products for all instruments aboard Suomi NPP, the Suomi NPP Science Team (ST) will need data processing and production facilities to produce the new science products they develop. The five Science Investigator-led Processing Systems (SIPS): Land, Ocean. Atmosphere, Ozone, and Sounder will produce the NASA SNPP standard Level 1, Level 2, and global Level 3 products and provide the products to the NASA's Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) for distribution to the user community. The SIPS will ingest EOS compatible Level 0 data from EOS Data Operations System (EDOS) for their data processing. A key feature is the use of Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) services for the continuous EOS-SNPP satellite data record. This allows users to use the same tools and interfaces on SNPP as they would on the entire NASA Earth Science data collection in EOSDIS.

[Monitoring evaluation system for high-specialty hospitals].

PubMed

Fajardo Dolci, Germán; Aguirre Gas, Héctor G; Robledo Galván, Héctor

2011-01-01

Hospital evaluation is a fundamental process to identify medical units' objective compliance, to analyze efficiency of resource use and allocation, institutional values and mission alignment, patient safety and quality standards, contributions to research and medical education, and the degree of coordination among medical units and the health system as a whole. We propose an evaluation system for highly specialized regional hospitals through the monitoring of performance indicators. The following are established as base thematic elements in the construction of indicators: safe facilities and equipment, financial situation, human resources management, policy management, organizational climate, clinical activity, quality and patient safety, continuity of care, patients' and providers' rights and obligations, teaching, research, social responsibility, coordination mechanisms. Monitoring refers to the planned and systematic evaluation of valid and reliable indicators, aimed at identifying problems and opportunity areas. Moreover, evaluation is a powerful tool to strengthen decision-making and accountability in medical units.

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.

Continuous on-line monitoring of left ventricular function with a new nonimaging detector:validation and clinical use in the evaluation of patients post angioplasty.

PubMed

Breisblatt, W M; Schulman, D S; Follansbee, W P

1991-06-01

A new miniaturized nonimaging radionuclide detector (Cardioscint, Oxford, England) was evaluated for the continuous on-line assessment of left ventricular function. This cesium iodide probe can be placed on the patient's chest and can be interfaced to an IBM compatible personal computer conveniently placed at the patient's bedside. This system can provide a beat-to-beat or gated determination of left ventricular ejection fraction and ST segment analysis. In 28 patients this miniaturized probe was correlated against a high resolution gamma camera study. Over a wide range of ejection fraction (31% to 76%) in patients with and without regional wall motion abnormalities, the correlation between the Cardioscint detector and the gamma camera was excellent (r = 0.94, SEE +/- 2.1). This detector system has high temporal (10 msec) resolution, and comparison of peak filling rate (PFR) and time to peak filling (TPFR) also showed close agreement with the gamma camera (PFR, r = 0.94, SEE +/- 0.17; TPFR, r = 0.92, SEE +/- 6.8). In 18 patients on bed rest the long-term stability of this system for measuring ejection fraction and ST segments was verified. During the monitoring period (108 +/- 28 minutes) only minor changes in ejection fraction occurred (coefficient of variation 0.035 +/- 0.016) and ST segment analysis showed no significant change from baseline. To determine whether continuous on-line measurement of ejection fraction would be useful after coronary angioplasty, 12 patients who had undergone a successful procedure were evaluated for 280 +/- 35 minutes with the Cardioscint system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Peristeen anal irrigation as a substitute for the MACE procedure in children who are in need of reconstructive bladder surgery

PubMed Central

Alenezi, Husain; Alhazmi, Hamdan; Trbay, Mahmoud; Khattab, Amna; Neel, Khalid Fouda

2014-01-01

Introduction: We evaluate the efficacy of the Peristeen (Coloplast A/S, Kokkedal, Denmark) transanal irrigation (TAI) system, as a stool cleansing mechanism, to gain stool continence in children who need reconstructive bladder surgery and have fecal incontinence. Methods: We prospectively evaluated children with neuropathic bladder and bowel dysfunction who were intended for reconstructive bladder surgery and the Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure. All patients were started on the Peristeen TAI system at least 3 months before surgery to assess their response. Each patient’s bowel function, frequency of using the system, satisfaction (and that of their parents) and diaper independency were evaluated before and after reconstructive surgery. Results: We included 18 patients (11 female, 7 male) who were evaluated from April 2006 to the present. The mean age of the group was 7.6 years (range: 4–15). Fifteen patients (83.3%) showed complete dryness from stools. Of the 15 patients, 8 (53.3%) were able to be diaper-free, while 6 continued wearing diapers due to fear of soiling and 1 due to urinary incontinence. The patients underwent reconstructive bladder surgery and continued to use the Peristeen TAI system with the same results postoperatively. The main limitation of this study is the small number of patients included, although this is a very specific patient group. Conclusion: Our initial results suggest that the Peristeen TAI system is a successful conservative substitute for the MACE procedure in children who require reconstructive bladder surgery. PMID:24454594

Survival and growth of newly transformed Lampsilis cardium and Lampsilis siliquoidea in a flow-through, continuous feeding test system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meinertz, Jeffery R.; Schreier, Theresa M.; Hess, Karina R.; Bartsch, Michelle

2011-01-01

A test system was evaluated for assessing chronic toxicity of waterborne chemicals with early life stage mussels. To determine if the test system could result in ≥80% survival in a control (unexposed) group, fat mucket mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea Barnes, 1823) and plain pocketbook mussels (L. cardium Rafinesque, 1820) 1 day post transformation were stocked into test chambers (250 mL beakers, water volume, 200 mL, 21 °C, 40 mussels of 1 species per chamber) within a test system constructed for conducting chronic, continuous exposure, flow-through toxicity tests. The test system contained 60 chambers containing silica sand, 30 chambers with L. siliquoidea, and 30 with L. cardium. Each chamber in the continuous feeding system received 1 of 6 food types prepared with concentrated algal products. After 28 days, mussels were harvested from chambers to assess survival and growth. For L. siliquoidea, mean survival ranged from 34 to 80% and mean shell length ranged from 464 to 643 µm. For L. cardium, mean survival ranged from 12 to 66% and mean shell length ranged from 437 to 612 µm. The maximum mean growth rate for L. siliquoidea was 12.7 µm/d and for L. cardium was 11.8 µm/d. When offered a continuous diet of Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, and Chlorella for 28 days in the test system, the survival of 1 day post transformation L. siliquoidea was 80%. The test system can be easily enhanced with a pumping system continuously delivering test chemical to the test system's flow stream allowing for chronic toxicity tests with 1 day post transformation mussels.

The Impact of the Condenser on Cytogenetic Image Quality in Digital Microscope System

PubMed Central

Ren, Liqiang; Li, Zheng; Li, Yuhua; Zheng, Bin; Li, Shibo; Chen, Xiaodong; Liu, Hong

2013-01-01

Background: Optimizing operational parameters of the digital microscope system is an important technique to acquire high quality cytogenetic images and facilitate the process of karyotyping so that the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis can be improved. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the impact of the condenser on cytogenetic image quality and system working performance using a prototype digital microscope image scanning system. Methods: Both theoretical analysis and experimental validations through objectively evaluating a resolution test chart and subjectively observing large numbers of specimen were conducted. Results: The results show that the optimal image quality and large depth of field (DOF) are simultaneously obtained when the numerical aperture of condenser is set as 60%–70% of the corresponding objective. Under this condition, more analyzable chromosomes and diagnostic information are obtained. As a result, the system shows higher working stability and less restriction for the implementation of algorithms such as autofocusing especially when the system is designed to achieve high throughput continuous image scanning. Conclusions: Although the above quantitative results were obtained using a specific prototype system under the experimental conditions reported in this paper, the presented evaluation methodologies can provide valuable guidelines for optimizing operational parameters in cytogenetic imaging using the high throughput continuous scanning microscopes in clinical practice. PMID:23676284

Multiple-frequency continuous wave ultrasonic system for accurate distance measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, C. F.; Young, M. S.; Li, Y. C.

1999-02-01

A highly accurate multiple-frequency continuous wave ultrasonic range-measuring system for use in air is described. The proposed system uses a method heretofore applied to radio frequency distance measurement but not to air-based ultrasonic systems. The method presented here is based upon the comparative phase shifts generated by three continuous ultrasonic waves of different but closely spaced frequencies. In the test embodiment to confirm concept feasibility, two low cost 40 kHz ultrasonic transducers are set face to face and used to transmit and receive ultrasound. Individual frequencies are transmitted serially, each generating its own phase shift. For any given frequency, the transmitter/receiver distance modulates the phase shift between the transmitted and received signals. Comparison of the phase shifts allows a highly accurate evaluation of target distance. A single-chip microcomputer-based multiple-frequency continuous wave generator and phase detector was designed to record and compute the phase shift information and the resulting distance, which is then sent to either a LCD or a PC. The PC is necessary only for calibration of the system, which can be run independently after calibration. Experiments were conducted to test the performance of the whole system. Experimentally, ranging accuracy was found to be within ±0.05 mm, with a range of over 1.5 m. The main advantages of this ultrasonic range measurement system are high resolution, low cost, narrow bandwidth requirements, and ease of implementation.

Evaluation methods used on health information systems (HISs) in Iran and the effects of HISs on Iranian healthcare: a systematic review.

PubMed

Ahmadian, Leila; Nejad, Simin Salehi; Khajouei, Reza

2015-06-01

The most important goal of a health information system (HIS) is improvement of quality, effectiveness and efficiency of health services. To achieve this goal, health care systems should be evaluated continuously. The aim of this paper was to study the impacts of HISs in Iran and the methods used for their evaluation. We systematically searched all English and Persian papers evaluating health information systems in Iran that were indexed in SID, Magiran, Iran medex, PubMed and Embase databases until June 2013. A data collection form was designed to extract required data such as types of systems evaluated, evaluation methods and tools. In this study, 53 out of 1103 retrieved articles were selected as relevant and reviewed by the authors. This study indicated that 28 studies used questionnaires to evaluate the system and in 27 studies the study instruments were distributed within a research population. In 26 papers the researchers collected the information by means of interviews, observations, heuristic evaluation and the review of documents and records. The main effects of the evaluated systems in health care settings were improving quality of services, reducing time, increasing accessibility to information, reducing costs and decreasing medical errors. Evaluation of health information systems is central to their development and enhancement, and to understanding their effect on health and health services. Despite numerous evaluation methods available, the reviewed studies used a limited number of methods to evaluate HIS. Additionally, the studies mainly discussed the positive effects of HIS on health care services. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Five-city economics of a solar hot-water-system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Report projects energy savings and system costs for five sites using analysis of actual solar energy installation performance in Togus, Maine. Maine system supplies 75 percent of hot water needed for single-family residence; economic payback period is 19 years. Benefits for all sites depend on maintenance or decrease of initial investment required and continuing increase in cost of conventional energy. Report includes analysis weighing potential changes in variables used to evaluate system profitability.

Development, fabrication and testing of locomotive crashworthy components : base effort.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-12-01

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) are continuing to evaluate new technologies for increasing the safety of passengers and operators in rail equipment. In recognition ...

Commerical Crew Astronauts Evaluate Crew Dragon Controls

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-01-10

Astronaut Bob Behnken, work in a mock-up of the SpaceX Crew Dragon flight deck at the company's Hawthorne, California, headquarters as development of the crew systems continues for eventual missions to the International Space Station.

ANAEROBIC AND AEROBIC TREATMENT OF CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC COMPOUNDS

EPA Science Inventory

Biological degradation of 12 chlorinated aliphatic compounds (CACs) was assessed in bench-top reactors and in serum bottle tests. Three continuously mixed daily batch-fed reactor systems were evaluated: anaerobic, aerobic, and sequential-anaerobic-aerobic (sequential). Glucose,...

A Model of Instructional Supervision That Meets Today's Needs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beck, John J.; Seifert, Edward H.

1983-01-01

The proposed Instructional Technologist Model is based on a closed loop feedback system allowing for continuous monitoring of teachers by expert instructional technologists. Principals are thereby released for instructional evaluation and general educational management. (MJL)

77 FR 3242 - Comprehensive Centers Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-23

... believe the centers must focus on helping SEAs (1) create sustainable organizational structures and... organizational structures and effective performance management systems, building staff expertise within those... for evaluating and continuously improving organizational structures and processes; c. Draws on the...

Human factors in aviation maintenance, phase four : progress report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-05-01

The fourth phase of research on human factors in aviation maintenance continued to look at the human's role in the aviation maintenance system via investigations, demonstrations, and evaluations of the research program outputs. This report describes ...

Utilization of the Organ Care System Lung for the assessment of lungs from a donor after cardiac death (DCD) before bilateral transplantation.

PubMed

Mohite, P N; Sabashnikov, A; García Sáez, D; Pates, B; Zeriouh, M; De Robertis, F; Simon, A R

2015-07-01

In this manuscript, we present the first experience of evaluating donation after circulatory death (DCD) lungs, using the normothermic preservation Organ Care System (OCS) and subsequent successful transplantation. The OCS could be a useful tool for the evaluation of marginal lungs from DCD donors as it allows a proper recruitment and bronchoscopy in such donations in addition to continuous ex-vivo perfusion and assessment and treatment during transport. The OCS could potentially be a standard of care in the evaluation of marginal lungs from DCD. © The Author(s) 2014.

2011 Annual Report (National Defense Center for Energy and Environment)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

scale or laboratory testing. Green Automated Munitions Evaluation and Recovery System (GAMERS) Cadmium and Hexavalent Chromium Free Electrical...internal cavities and enhancing oxidation removal and prevention. While sustainable alternatives to cadmium and chromium continue to be evaluated...Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) teamed with the NDCEE to reduce cadmium levels in process wastewater and ensure compliance with the depot’s discharge

In vivo evaluation of a simvastatin-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier for bone tissue regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Xinxin; Niu, Mao; Zhang, Te; Wang, Cheng; Wang, Zhonglei; Wu, Wangxi; Zhang, Qi; Lai, Chunhua; Zhou, Lei

2016-03-01

Alveolar bone loss has long been a challenge in clinical dental implant therapy. Simvastatin (SV) has been demonstrated to exert excellent anabolic effects on bone. However, the successful use of SV to increase bone formation in vivo largely depends on the local concentration of SV at the site of action, and there have been continuing efforts to develop an appropriate delivery system. Specifically, nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) systems have become a popular type of encapsulation carrier system. Therefore, SV-loaded NLCs (SNs) (179.4 nm in diameter) were fabricated in this study, and the osteogenic effect of the SNs was evaluated in a critical-sized rabbit calvarial defect. Our results revealed that the SNs significantly enhanced bone formation in vivo, as evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and a fluorescence analysis. Thus, this novel nanostructured carrier system could be a potential encapsulation carrier system for SV in bone regeneration applications.

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.

Aeronautical Engineering: A Continuing Bibliography with indexes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

This bibliography lists 426 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in August 1984. Reports are cited in the area of Aeronautical Engineering. The coverage includes documents on the engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing operation and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment and systems.

Educating Information Systems Students on Business Process Management (BPM) through Digital Gaming Metaphors of Virtual Reality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawler, James P.; Joseph, Anthony

2010-01-01

Digital gaming continues to be an approach for enhancing methods of pedagogy. The study evaluates the effectiveness of a gaming product of a leading technology firm in engaging graduate students in an information systems course at a major northeast institution. Findings from a detailed perception survey of the students indicate favorable…

Microbial communities in soil profile are more responsive to legacy effects of wheat-cover crop rotations than tillage systems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Declining trends in soil health under continuous monoculture systems of winter wheat are a concern for sustainable production in the Southern Great Plains of the US. This study was conducted to evaluate the long-term implementation of conservation tillage in combination with nitrogen treatments and ...

A Second-Generation Interactive Classroom Television System for the Partially Sighted.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Genensky, S. M.; And Others

The interactive classroom television system (ICTS) that is described permits partially sighted students and their teachers to be in continuous, two-way visual communication. It was implemented in Rowland Heights, California, as part of the second phase of a project aimed at evaluating how the ICTS helps in teaching basic skills to partially…

Evaluating Managerial Styles for System Development Life Cycle Stages to Ensure Software Project Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kocherla, Showry

2012-01-01

Information technology (IT) projects are considered successful if they are completed on time, within budget, and within scope. Even though, the required tools and methodologies are in place, IT projects continue to fail at a higher rate. Current literature lacks explanation for success within the stages of system development life-cycle (SDLC) such…

Using Log Variables in a Learning Management System to Evaluate Learning Activity Using the Lens of Activity Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Park, Yeonjeong; Jo, Il-Hyun

2017-01-01

As the advance of learning technologies and analytics tools continues, learning management systems (LMSs) have been required to fulfil the growing expectations for smart learning. However, the reality regarding the level of technology integration in higher education differs considerably from such expectations or the speed of advances in…

Aeronautical Engineering: A continuing bibliography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

This bibliography lists 347 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the scientific and technical information system. Documents on the engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated compounds, equipment, and systems are included. Research and development in aerodynamics, aeronautics and ground support equipment for aeronautical vehicles are also included.

Using developmental evaluation as a system of organizational learning: An example from San Francisco.

PubMed

Shea, Jennifer; Taylor, Tory

2017-12-01

In the last 20 years, developmental evaluation has emerged as a promising approach to support organizational learning in emergent social programs. Through a continuous system of inquiry, reflection, and application of knowledge, developmental evaluation serves as a system of tools, methods, and guiding principles intended to support constructive organizational learning. However, missing from the developmental evaluation literature is a nuanced framework to guide evaluators in how to elevate the organizational practices and concepts most relevant for emergent programs. In this article, we describe and reflect on work we did to develop, pilot, and refine an integrated pilot framework. Drawing on established developmental evaluation inquiry frameworks and incorporating lessons learned from applying the pilot framework, we put forward the Evaluation-led Learning framework to help fill that gap and encourage others to implement and refine it. We posit that without explicitly incorporating the assessments at the foundation of the Evaluation-led Learning framework, developmental evaluation's ability to affect organizational learning in productive ways will likely be haphazard and limited. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Liquid Rocket Propulsion Technology: An evaluation of NASA's program. [for space transportation systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The liquid rocket propulsion technology needs to support anticipated future space vehicles were examined including any special action needs to be taken to assure that an industrial base in substained. Propulsion system requirements of Earth-to-orbit vehicles, orbital transfer vehicles, and planetary missions were evaluated. Areas of the fundamental technology program undertaking these needs discussed include: pumps and pump drives; combustion heat transfer; nozzle aerodynamics; low gravity cryogenic fluid management; and component and system life reliability, and maintenance. The primary conclusion is that continued development of the shuttle main engine system to achieve design performance and life should be the highest priority in the rocket engine program.

Transactive memory in organizational groups: the effects of content, consensus, specialization, and accuracy on group performance.

PubMed

Austin, John R

2003-10-01

Previous research on transactive memory has found a positive relationship between transactive memory system development and group performance in single project laboratory and ad hoc groups. Closely related research on shared mental models and expertise recognition supports these findings. In this study, the author examined the relationship between transactive memory systems and performance in mature, continuing groups. A group's transactive memory system, measured as a combination of knowledge stock, knowledge specialization, transactive memory consensus, and transactive memory accuracy, is positively related to group goal performance, external group evaluations, and internal group evaluations. The positive relationship with group performance was found to hold for both task and external relationship transactive memory systems.

Application of a multi-channel system for continuous monitoring and an early warning system.

PubMed

Lee, J H; Song, C H; Kim, B C; Gu, M B

2006-01-01

A multi-channel continuous toxicity monitoring system developed in our laboratory, based on two-stage mini-bioreactors, was successfully implemented in the form of computer-based data acquisition. The multi-channel system consists of a series of a two-stage minibioreactor systems connected by a fiber optic probe to a luminometer, and uses genetically engineered bioluminescent bacteria for the detection of the potential toxicity from the soluble chemicals. This system can be stably and continuously operated due to the separation of the culture reactor from the test reactor and accomplish easy and long-term monitoring without system shut down by abrupt inflows of severe polluting chemicals. Four different recombinant bioluminescent bacteria were used in different channels so that the modes of the samples toxicities can be reasonably identified and evaluated based upon the response signature of each channel. The bioluminescent signatures were delivered from four channels by switching one at once, while the data is automatically logged to an IBM compatible computer. We also achieved the enhancement of the system through the manipulation of the dilution rate and the use of thermo-lux fusion strains. Finally, this system is now being implemented to a drinking water reservoir and river for remote sensing as an early warning system.

A new method to evaluate human-robot system performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriguez, G.; Weisbin, C. R.

2003-01-01

One of the key issues in space exploration is that of deciding what space tasks are best done with humans, with robots, or a suitable combination of each. In general, human and robot skills are complementary. Humans provide as yet unmatched capabilities to perceive, think, and act when faced with anomalies and unforeseen events, but there can be huge potential risks to human safety in getting these benefits. Robots provide complementary skills in being able to work in extremely risky environments, but their ability to perceive, think, and act by themselves is currently not error-free, although these capabilities are continually improving with the emergence of new technologies. Substantial past experience validates these generally qualitative notions. However, there is a need for more rigorously systematic evaluation of human and robot roles, in order to optimize the design and performance of human-robot system architectures using well-defined performance evaluation metrics. This article summarizes a new analytical method to conduct such quantitative evaluations. While the article focuses on evaluating human-robot systems, the method is generally applicable to a much broader class of systems whose performance needs to be evaluated.

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.

Aeronautical Engineering: A Continuing Bibliography. Supplement 421

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

This supplemental issue of Aeronautical Engineering, A Continuing Bibliography with Indexes (NASA/SP#2000-7037) lists reports, articles, and other documents recently announced in the NASA STI Database. The coverage includes documents on the engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment, and systems. It also includes research and development in aerodynamics, aeronautics, and ground support equipment for aeronautical vehicles.

Operation condition for continuous anti-solvent crystallization of CBZ-SAC cocrystal considering deposition risk of undesired crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishimaru, Momoko; Nakasa, Miku; Kudo, Shoji; Takiyama, Hiroshi

2017-07-01

Crystallization operation of cocrystal production has deposition risk of undesired crystals. Simultaneously, continuous manufacturing processes are focused on. In this study, conditions for continuous cocrystallization considering risk reduction of undesired crystals deposition were investigated on the view point of thermodynamics and kinetics. The anti-solvent cocrystallization was carried out in four-component system of carbamazepine, saccharin, methanol and water. From the preliminary batch experiment, the relationships among undesired crystal deposition, solution composition decided by mixing ratio of solutions, and residence time for the crystals were considered, and then the conditions of continuous experiment were decided. Under these conditions, the continuous experiment was carried out. The XRD patterns of obtained crystals in the continuous experiment showed that desired cocrystals were obtained without undesired crystals. This experimental result was evaluated by using multi-component phase diagrams from the view point of the operation point's movement. From the evaluation, it was found that there is a certain operation condition which the operation point is fixed with time in the specific domain without the deposition risk of undesired single component crystals. It means the possibility of continuous production of cocrystals without deposition risk of undesired crystals was confirmed by using multi-component phase diagrams.

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 277)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

This bibliography lists 467 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in Mar. 1992. Subject coverage includes: the engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines); and associated aircraft components, equipment, and systems. It also includes research and development in ground support systems, theoretical and applied aspects of aerodynamics, and general fluid dynamics.

Rooftop applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kern, E.

1982-01-01

Research on residential photovoltaic power systems based upon the experience of MIT-LL in implementing the DOE Residential Demonstration Project, especially the Northeast Residential Experiment Station (NE RES) is discussed. There is an immediate need for improved power-conditioner operational and reliability capabilities. Continuing evaluation of photovoltaic power systems is required to verify long-term performance, reliability, and utility interface effects. In the long term, the price of photovoltaic power systems must decrease, especially of modules.

Retrieval-travel-time model for free-fall-flow-rack automated storage and retrieval system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metahri, Dhiyaeddine; Hachemi, Khalid

2018-03-01

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs) are material handling systems that are frequently used in manufacturing and distribution centers. The modelling of the retrieval-travel time of an AS/RS (expected product delivery time) is practically important, because it allows us to evaluate and improve the system throughput. The free-fall-flow-rack AS/RS has emerged as a new technology for drug distribution. This system is a new variation of flow-rack AS/RS that uses an operator or a single machine for storage operations, and uses a combination between the free-fall movement and a transport conveyor for retrieval operations. The main contribution of this paper is to develop an analytical model of the expected retrieval-travel time for the free-fall flow-rack under a dedicated storage assignment policy. The proposed model, which is based on a continuous approach, is compared for accuracy, via simulation, with discrete model. The obtained results show that the maximum deviation between the continuous model and the simulation is less than 5%, which shows the accuracy of our model to estimate the retrieval time. The analytical model is useful to optimise the dimensions of the rack, assess the system throughput, and evaluate different storage policies.

A Computer-Based Instructional Support Network: Design, Development, and Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

mail systems, the ISN would be relatively easy to learn and use. Survey Related Projects A literature review was conducted using the Manpower and... the impact of the ISN upon student attrition, performance, and attitudes . The context of the evaluation was a sequence of NPS Continuing Education (CE...waiLed for the subject to complete the task alone. Process Measures The following forms of process data ( relating to evaluation objectives I and 2) were

Crash test and evaluation of 3-ft mounting height sign support system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other transportation agencies continue to : research potential countermeasure for mitigating wrong-way crashes. Because many drivers involved in : wrong-way crashes are impaired, some highway safety ...

Human factors in aviation maintenance, phase five : progress report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

The fifth phase of research on human factors in aviation maintenance continued to look at the human's role in the aviation maintenance system via investigations, demonstrations, and evaluations of the research program outputs. This report describes t...

White House Announcement on the Regulation of Biotechnology

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The White House posted a blog unveiling documents as part of the Administration’s continuing effort to modernize the federal regulatory system for biotechnology products as well as clarify various roles of the EPA, FDA in evaluating new biotechnologies.

29 CFR 1952.154 - Final approval determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... determined that in operation the State of North Carolina's occupational safety and health program is at least...-State Integrated Management Information System, the Assistant Secretary evaluated actual operations...

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

Management of high-risk perioperative systems.

PubMed

Dain, Steven

2006-06-01

The perioperative system is a complex system that requires people, materials, and processes to come together in a highly ordered and timely manner. However, when working in this high-risk system, even well-organized, knowledgeable, vigilant, and well-intentioned individuals will eventually make errors. All systems need to be evaluated on a continual basis to reduce the risk of errors, make errors more easily recognizable, and provide methods for error mitigation. A simple approach to risk management that may be applied in clinical medicine is discussed.

Flight Results of the NF-15B Intelligent Flight Control System (IFCS) Aircraft with Adaptation to a Longitudinally Destabilized Plant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bosworth, John T.

2008-01-01

Adaptive flight control systems have the potential to be resilient to extreme changes in airplane behavior. Extreme changes could be a result of a system failure or of damage to the airplane. The goal for the adaptive system is to provide an increase in survivability in the event that these extreme changes occur. A direct adaptive neural-network-based flight control system was developed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NF-15B Intelligent Flight Control System airplane. The adaptive element was incorporated into a dynamic inversion controller with explicit reference model-following. As a test the system was subjected to an abrupt change in plant stability simulating a destabilizing failure. Flight evaluations were performed with and without neural network adaptation. The results of these flight tests are presented. Comparison with simulation predictions and analysis of the performance of the adaptation system are discussed. The performance of the adaptation system is assessed in terms of its ability to stabilize the vehicle and reestablish good onboard reference model-following. Flight evaluation with the simulated destabilizing failure and adaptation engaged showed improvement in the vehicle stability margins. The convergent properties of this initial system warrant additional improvement since continued maneuvering caused continued adaptation change. Compared to the non-adaptive system the adaptive system provided better closed-loop behavior with improved matching of the onboard reference model. A detailed discussion of the flight results is presented.

Implementation and characterization of a stable optical frequency distribution system.

PubMed

Bernhardt, Birgitta; Hänsch, Theodor W; Holzwarth, Ronald

2009-09-14

An optical frequency distribution system has been developed that continuously delivers a stable optical frequency of 268 THz (corresponding to a wavelength of 1118 nm) to different experiments in our institute. For that purpose, a continuous wave (cw) fiber laser has been stabilized onto a frequency comb and distributed across the building by the use of a fiber network. While the light propagates through the fiber, acoustic and thermal effects counteract against the stability and accuracy of the system. However, by employing proper stabilization methods a stability of 2 x 10(-13) tau(-1/2) is achieved, limited by the available radio frequency (RF) reference. Furthermore, the issue of counter-dependant results of the Allan deviation was examined during the data evaluation.

Reviewing Reliability and Validity of Information for University Educational Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otsuka, Yusaku

To better utilize evaluations in higher education, it is necessary to share the methods of reviewing reliability and validity of examination scores and grades, and to accumulate and share data for confirming results. Before the GPA system is first introduced into a university or college, the reliability of examination scores and grades, especially for essay examinations, must be assured. Validity is a complicated concept, so should be assured in various ways, including using professional audits, theoretical models, and statistical data analysis. Because individual students and teachers are continually improving, using evaluations to appraise their progress is not always compatible with using evaluations in appraising the implementation of accountability in various departments or the university overall. To better utilize evaluations and improve higher education, evaluations should be integrated into the current system by sharing the vision of an academic learning community and promoting interaction between students and teachers based on sufficiently reliable and validated evaluation tools.

Evaluation of a Prototype Hybrid Vacuum Pump to Provide Vacuum-Assisted Suspension for Above-Knee Prostheses

PubMed Central

Major, Matthew J.; Caldwell, Ryan; Fatone, Stefania

2015-01-01

Vacuum-assisted suspension (VAS) of prosthetic sockets utilizes a pump to evacuate air from between the prosthetic liner and socket, and are available as mechanical or electric systems. This technical note describes a hybrid pump that benefits from the advantages of mechanical and electric systems, and evaluates a prototype as proof-of-concept. Cyclical bench testing of the hybrid pump mechanical system was performed using a materials testing system to assess the relationship between compression cycles and vacuum pressure. Phase 1 in vivo testing of the hybrid pump was performed by an able-bodied individual using prosthesis simulator boots walking on a treadmill, and phase 2 involved an above-knee prosthesis user walking with the hybrid pump and a commercial electric pump for comparison. Bench testing of 300 compression cycles produced a maximum vacuum of 24 in-Hg. In vivo testing demonstrated that the hybrid pump continued to pull vacuum during walking, and as opposed to the commercial electric pump, did not require reactivation of the electric system during phase 2 testing. The novelty of the hybrid pump is that while the electric system provides rapid, initial vacuum suspension, the mechanical system provides continuous air evacuation while walking to maintain suspension without reactivation of the electric system, thereby allowing battery power to be reserved for monitoring vacuum levels. PMID:27462383

Pathophysiological evaluation of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by continuous ruminal pH monitoring.

PubMed

Sato, Shigeru

2016-02-01

Evaluation of the radio-transmission pH-measurement system for monitoring the ruminal pH and subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in cattle is described. This is done in order to reveal the possible application of this system for detection and pathophysiological research of SARA by continuous ruminal pH measurement. The possibility of using this system for assessment of the ruminal pH in SARA cattle, and the presence of negative correlation between the ruminal pH and ruminal temperature in heathy and SARA cattle were determined. In addition, the 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing analysis showed that the ruminal microbial community was simpler in SARA cattle, and the bacterial numbers in SARA cattle were lower than those in healthy hay-fed cattle. Concentrate feeding might have reduced the diversity of the ruminal microbial community. Changes in the ruminal microbial community of SARA cattle might be related to the changes in ruminal pH followed by the decrease in the number of some bacteria. Continuous monitoring of the ruminal pH using the radio-transmission pH-measurement system would be applied for detection and prevention of SARA in the field and pathophysiological research of SARA, including ruminal zymology and bacteriology, which have been determined previously by sampling of the ruminal fluid and measuring of ruminal pH. © 2015 The Authors. Animal Science Journal published by Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd on behalf of Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Develop and test fuel cell powered on-site integrated total energy systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, A.; Pudick, S.; Wang, C. L.; Werth, J.; Whelan, J. A.

1984-01-01

On-going testing of an 11 cell, 10.7 in. x 14 in. stack (about 1 kW) reached 2600 hours on steady load. Nonmetallic cooling plates and an automated electrolyte replenishment system continued to perform well. A 10 cell, 10.7 in. x 14 in. stack was constructed with a modified electrolyte matrix configuration for the purpose of reducing cell IR loss. The desired effect was achieved, but the general cell performance level was irregular. Evaluation is continuing. Preparations for a long term 25 cell, 13 in. x 23 in. test stack (about 4 kW) approached completion. Start up in early May 1984 is expected.

Oxidation kinetics of a continuous carbon phase in a nonreactive matrix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckel, Andrew J.; Cawley, James D.; Parthasarathy, Triplicane A.

1995-01-01

Analytical solutions of and experimental results on the oxidation kinetics of carbon in a pore are presented. Reaction rate, reaction sequence, oxidant partial pressure, total system pressure, pore/crack dimensions, and temperature are analyzed with respect to the influence of each on an overall linear-parabolic rate relationship. Direct measurement of carbon recession is performed using two microcomposite model systems oxidized in the temperature range of 700 to 1200 C, and for times to 35 h. Experimental results are evaluated using the derived analytical solutions. Implications on the oxidation resistance of continuous-fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites containing a carbon constituent are discussed.

Continuous variable transmission and regenerative braking devices in bicycles utilizing magnetorheological fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheung, Wai Ming; Liao, Wei-Hsin

2013-04-01

The use of magnetorheological (MR) fluids in vehicles has been gaining popular recently due to its controllable nature, which gives automotive designers more dimensions of freedom in functional designs. However, not much attention has been paid to apply it to bicycles. This paper is aimed to study the feasibility of applying MR fluids in different dynamic parts of a bicycle such as the transmission and braking systems. MR continuous variable transmission (CVT) and power generator assisted in braking systems were designed and analyzed. Both prototypes were fabricated and tested to evaluate their performances. Experimental results showed that the proposed designs are promising to be used in bicycles.

Reliability Evaluation for Clustered WSNs under Malware Propagation

PubMed Central

Shen, Shigen; Huang, Longjun; Liu, Jianhua; Champion, Adam C.; Yu, Shui; Cao, Qiying

2016-01-01

We consider a clustered wireless sensor network (WSN) under epidemic-malware propagation conditions and solve the problem of how to evaluate its reliability so as to ensure efficient, continuous, and dependable transmission of sensed data from sensor nodes to the sink. Facing the contradiction between malware intention and continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) randomness, we introduce a strategic game that can predict malware infection in order to model a successful infection as a CTMC state transition. Next, we devise a novel measure to compute the Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) of a sensor node, which represents the reliability of a sensor node continuously performing tasks such as sensing, transmitting, and fusing data. Since clustered WSNs can be regarded as parallel-serial-parallel systems, the reliability of a clustered WSN can be evaluated via classical reliability theory. Numerical results show the influence of parameters such as the true positive rate and the false positive rate on a sensor node’s MTTF. Furthermore, we validate the method of reliability evaluation for a clustered WSN according to the number of sensor nodes in a cluster, the number of clusters in a route, and the number of routes in the WSN. PMID:27294934

Reliability Evaluation for Clustered WSNs under Malware Propagation.

PubMed

Shen, Shigen; Huang, Longjun; Liu, Jianhua; Champion, Adam C; Yu, Shui; Cao, Qiying

2016-06-10

We consider a clustered wireless sensor network (WSN) under epidemic-malware propagation conditions and solve the problem of how to evaluate its reliability so as to ensure efficient, continuous, and dependable transmission of sensed data from sensor nodes to the sink. Facing the contradiction between malware intention and continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) randomness, we introduce a strategic game that can predict malware infection in order to model a successful infection as a CTMC state transition. Next, we devise a novel measure to compute the Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) of a sensor node, which represents the reliability of a sensor node continuously performing tasks such as sensing, transmitting, and fusing data. Since clustered WSNs can be regarded as parallel-serial-parallel systems, the reliability of a clustered WSN can be evaluated via classical reliability theory. Numerical results show the influence of parameters such as the true positive rate and the false positive rate on a sensor node's MTTF. Furthermore, we validate the method of reliability evaluation for a clustered WSN according to the number of sensor nodes in a cluster, the number of clusters in a route, and the number of routes in the WSN.

Inertial instrument system for aerial surveying

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brown, R.H.; Chapman, W.H.; Hanna, W.F.; Mongan, C.E.; Hursh, J.W.

1985-01-01

An inertial guidance system for aerial surveying has been developed under contract to the U.S. Geological Survey. This prototype system, known as the aerial profiling of terrain (APT) system, is designed to determine continuously the positions of points along an aircraft flight path, or the underlying terrain profile, to an accuracy of + or - 0.5 ft (15 cm) vertically and + or - 2 ft (61 cm) horizontally. The system 's objective thus is to accomplish, from a fixed-wing aircraft, what would traditionally be accomplished from ground-based topographic surveys combined with aerial photography and photogrammetry. The two-part strategy for measuring the terrain profile entails: (1) use of an inertial navigator for continuous determination of the three-coordinate position of the aircraft, and (2) use of an eye-safe pulsed laser profiler for continuous measurement of the vertical distance from aircraft to land surface, so that the desired terrain profile can then be directly computed. The APT system, installed in a DeHavilland Twin Otter aircraft, is typically flown at a speed of 115 mph (105 knots) at an altitude of 2,000 ft (610 m) above the terrain. Performance-evaluation flights have shown that the vertical and horizontal accuracy specifications are met. (USGS)

Shuttle propellant loading instrumenation development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamlet, J.

1975-01-01

A continuous capacitance sensor was developed and an analog signal conditioner was evaluated to demonstrate the acceptability of these items for use in the space shuttle propellant loading system. An existing basic sensor concept was redesigned to provide capability for cryogenic operation, to improve performance, and to minimize production costs. Sensor development verification consisted of evaluation of sensor linearity, cryogenic performance, and stability during vibration. The signal conditioner evaluation consisted mainly of establishing the effects of the variations in temperature and cable parameters and evaluating the stability. A sensor linearity of 0.04 in. was achieved over most of the sensor length. The sensor instability caused by vibration was 0.04 percent. The cryogenic performance data show a maximum instability of 0.19 percent at liquid hydrogen temperature; a theoretical calibration can be computed a within 1 percent. The signal conditioner evaluation showed that, with temperature compensation, all error sources typically contribute much less than 1 percent. An estimate of the accuracy achievable with the sensor and signal conditioner shows an rss estimate of 0.75 in. for liquid oxygen and 1.02 in. for liquid hydrogen. These are approximately four times better than the shuttle requirements. Comparison of continuous sensor and discrete sensor performance show the continuous sensor to be significantly better when there is surface activity due to sloshing, boiling, or other disturbances.

[Customer satisfaction with a quality management system according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2000: Increase in the satisfaction of cooperating clinics].

PubMed

Beholz, Sven; Konertz, Wolfgang

2006-01-01

The evaluation of customers' satisfaction is elementary for any quality management system. In our university cardiac surgery unit that has been certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 the influence of repeated evaluation of the referring physicians' satisfaction conducted in the course of three consecutive years on structures and processes in the scope of the quality management system was examined. Customers' satisfaction with the possibility of access to the department could be increased by targeted interventions. Further interventions in the field of documentation led to a measurable increase in satisfaction with postoperative communication. Repeated annual evaluation of the satisfaction of referring physicians has proved to be a valuable tool in the process of continuous quality improvement.

Moving Target Techniques: Leveraging Uncertainty for CyberDefense

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-15

cyberattacks is a continual struggle for system managers. Attackers often need only find one vulnerability (a flaw or bug that an attacker can exploit...additional parsing code itself could have security-relevant software bugs . Dynamic  Network   Techniques in the dynamic network domain change the...evaluation of MT techniques can benefit from a variety of evaluation approaches, including abstract analysis, modeling and simulation, test bed

Testing plasmid stability of Escherichia coli using the Continuously Operated Shaken BIOreactor System.

PubMed

Sieben, Michaela; Steinhorn, Gregor; Müller, Carsten; Fuchs, Simone; Ann Chin, Laura; Regestein, Lars; Büchs, Jochen

2016-11-01

Plasmids are common vectors to genetically manipulate Escherichia coli or other microorganisms. They are easy to use and considerable experience has accumulated on their application in heterologous protein production. However, plasmids can be lost during cell growth, if no selection pressure like, e.g., antibiotics is used, hampering the production of the desired protein and endangering the economic success of a biotechnological production process. Thus, in this study the Continuously Operated Shaken BIOreactor System (COSBIOS) is applied as a tool for fast parallel testing of strain stability and operation conditions and to evaluate measures to counter such plasmid loss. In specific, by applying various ampicillin concentrations, the lowest effective ampicillin dosage is investigated to secure plasmid stability while lowering adverse ecological effects. A significant difference was found in the growth rates of plasmid-bearing and plasmid-free cells. The undesired plasmid-free cells grew 30% faster than the desired plasmid-bearing cells. During the testing of plasmid stability without antibiotics, the population fraction of plasmid-bearing cells rapidly decreased in continuous culture to zero within the first 48 h. An initial single dosage of ampicillin did not prevent plasmid loss. By contrast, a continuous application of a low dosage of 10 µg/mL ampicillin in the feed medium maintained plasmid stability in the culture. Consequently, the COSBIOS is an apt reactor system for measuring plasmid stability and evaluating methods to enhance this stability. Hence, decreased production of heterologous protein can be prevented. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1418-1425, 2016. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Characterization of the peer review network at the Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health.

PubMed

Boyack, Kevin W; Chen, Mei-Ching; Chacko, George

2014-01-01

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest source of funding for biomedical research in the world. This funding is largely effected through a competitive grants process. Each year the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) at NIH manages the evaluation, by peer review, of more than 55,000 grant applications. A relevant management question is how this scientific evaluation system, supported by finite resources, could be continuously evaluated and improved for maximal benefit to the scientific community and the taxpaying public. Towards this purpose, we have created the first system-level description of peer review at CSR by applying text analysis, bibliometric, and graph visualization techniques to administrative records. We identify otherwise latent relationships across scientific clusters, which in turn suggest opportunities for structural reorganization of the system based on expert evaluation. Such studies support the creation of monitoring tools and provide transparency and knowledge to stakeholders.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the System for Evaluation of Teaching Qualities (SETQ) in Graduate Medical Training.

PubMed

Boerebach, Benjamin C M; Lombarts, Kiki M J M H; Arah, Onyebuchi A

2016-03-01

The System for Evaluation of Teaching Qualities (SETQ) was developed as a formative system for the continuous evaluation and development of physicians' teaching performance in graduate medical training. It has been seven years since the introduction and initial exploratory psychometric analysis of the SETQ questionnaires. This study investigates the validity and reliability of the SETQ questionnaires across hospitals and medical specialties using confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), reliability analysis, and generalizability analysis. The SETQ questionnaires were tested in a sample of 3,025 physicians and 2,848 trainees in 46 hospitals. The CFA revealed acceptable fit of the data to the previously identified five-factor model. The high internal consistency estimates suggest satisfactory reliability of the subscales. These results provide robust evidence for the validity and reliability of the SETQ questionnaires for evaluating physicians' teaching performance. © The Author(s) 2014.

Technical note: development and testing of a radio transmission pH measurement system for continuous monitoring of ruminal pH in cows.

PubMed

Sato, Shigeru; Mizuguchi, Hitoshi; Ito, Kazunori; Ikuta, Kentaro; Kimura, Atushi; Okada, Keiji

2012-03-01

An indwelling ruminal pH system has been used for the continuous recording of ruminal pH to evaluate subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows. However this system does not allow the field application. The objective of this study was to develop a new radio transmission pH measurement system, and to assess its performance and usefulness in a continuous evaluation of ruminal pH for use on commercial dairy farms. The radio transmission pH measurement system consists of a wireless pH sensor, a data measurement receiver, a relay unit, and a personal computer installed special software. The pH sensor is housed in a bullet shaped bolus, which also encloses a pH amplifier circuit, a central processing unit (CPU) circuit, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, and a battery. The mean variations of the measurements by the glass pH electrode were +0.20 (n=10) after 2 months of continuous recording, compared to the values confirmed by standard pH solutions for pH 4 and pH 7 at the start of the recording. The mean lifetime of the internal battery was 2.5 months (n=10) when measurements were continuously transmitted every 10 min. Ruminal pH recorded by our new system was compared to that of the spot sampling of ruminal fluid. The mean pH for spot sampling was 6.36 ± 0.55 (n=96), and the mean pH of continuous recording was 6.22 ± 0.54 (n=96). There was a good correlation between continuous recording and spot sampling (r=0.986, P<0.01). We also examined whether our new pH system was able to detect experimentally induced ruminal acidosis in cows and to record long-term changes in ruminal pH. In the cows fed acidosis-inducing diets, the ruminal pH dropped markedly during the first 2h following the morning feeding, and decreased moreover following the evening feeding, with many pulse-like pH changes. The pH of the cows showed the lowest values of 5.3-5.2 in the midnight time period and it recovered to the normal value by the next morning feeding. In one healthy periparturient cow, the circadian changes in ruminal pH were observed as a constant pattern in the pre-parturient period, however that pattern became variable in the post-partum period. The frequency of the ruminal pH lower than 5.5 increased markedly 3 and 4 days after parturition. We demonstrated the possible application of a radio transmission pH measurement system for the assessment and monitoring of the ruminal pH of cows. Our new system might contribute to accurate assessment and prevention of SARA. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Commerical Crew Astronauts Evaluate Crew Dragon Controls

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-01-10

Astronauts Eric Boe, right, and Bob Behnken work in a mock-up of the SpaceX Crew Dragon flight deck at the company's Hawthorne, California, headquarters as development of the crew systems continues for eventual missions to the International Space Station.

Commerical Crew Astronauts Evaluate Crew Dragon Controls

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-01-10

Astronauts Bob Behnken, left, and Eric Boe work in a mock-up of the SpaceX Crew Dragon flight deck at the company's Hawthorne, California, headquarters as development of the crew systems continues for eventual missions to the International Space Station.

7 CFR 275.9 - Review process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Management Evaluation (ME..., reporting points, and data management units selected for review and the techniques used to select them; (iv...

7 CFR 275.8 - Review coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Management Evaluation (ME... upon the provisions of the regulations governing the Food Stamp Program and the FNS-approved Plan of...

Human factors in aviation maintenance, phase three : volume 1 progress report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-08-01

The third phase of research on Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance continued to look at the human's role in the aviation maintenance system via investigations, demonstrations, and evaluations of the research program outputs. This report describes a...

46 CFR 61.40-1 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING PERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS Design Verification and Periodic Testing of Vital System Automation § 61.40-1 General. (a) All automatically or... tests and inspections to evaluate the operation and reliability of controls, alarms, safety features...

EVALUATION OF MULTIPLE AQUATIC BIOMONITORS FOR SOURCE WATER PROTECTION

EPA Science Inventory

A variety of probes for use in continuous monitoring of water quality exist. They range from single parameter chemical/physical probes to comprehensive screening systems based on whole organism responses. Originally developed for monitoring specific characteristics of water qua...

Evaluating Web-Based Learning Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pergola, Teresa M.; Walters, L. Melissa

2011-01-01

Accounting educators continuously seek ways to effectively integrate instructional technology into accounting coursework as a means to facilitate active learning environments and address the technology-driven learning preferences of the current generation of students. Most accounting textbook publishers now provide interactive, web-based learning…

Human factors in aviation maintenance : phase three, volume 2 progress report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-07-01

The third phase of research on human factors in aviation maintenance continued to look at the human's role in the aviation maintenance system via investigations, demonstrations, and evaluations of the research program outputs. This report describes t...

Washington State Ferries (WSF) Wireless Connection Project (WCP) evaluation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-05-31

The purpose of the Washington State Ferries (WSF) Wireless Connection Project (WCP) was to provide passengers of the WSF system continuous high speed internet access at the dock and onboard ferries while en route to enhance the user experience. Th...

Florida maintenance rating program (MRP) assessment and enhancement : final report, May 28, 2008.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-05-28

The Maintenance Rating Program (MRP), developed in 1985 by FDOT, is a statewide maintenance system aimed : at evaluating the State highway maintenance conditions, and determining FDOT asset maintenance needs. In the : quest for continuous improvement...

FY17 Status Report on the Computing Systems for the Yucca Mountain Project TSPA-LA Models.

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

Appel, Gordon John; Hadgu, Teklu; Appel, Gordon John

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) continued evaluation of total system performance assessment (TSPA) computing systems for the previously considered Yucca Mountain Project (YMP). This was done to maintain the operational readiness of the computing infrastructure (computer hardware and software) and knowledge capability for total system performance assessment (TSPA) type analysis, as directed by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), DOE 2010. This work is a continuation of the ongoing readiness evaluation reported in Lee and Hadgu (2014), Hadgu et al. (2015) and Hadgu and Appel (2016). The TSPA computing hardware (CL2014) and storage system described in Hadgu et al. (2015) weremore » used for the current analysis. One floating license of GoldSim with Versions 9.60.300, 10.5, 11.1 and 12.0 was installed on the cluster head node, and its distributed processing capability was mapped on the cluster processors. Other supporting software were tested and installed to support the TSPA- type analysis on the server cluster. The current tasks included preliminary upgrade of the TSPA-LA from Version 9.60.300 to the latest version 12.0 and address DLL-related issues observed in the FY16 work. The model upgrade task successfully converted the Nominal Modeling case to GoldSim Versions 11.1/12. Conversions of the rest of the TSPA models were also attempted but program and operational difficulties precluded this. Upgrade of the remaining of the modeling cases and distributed processing tasks is expected to continue. The 2014 server cluster and supporting software systems are fully operational to support TSPA-LA type analysis.« less

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 284)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

This bibliography lists 974 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in Oct. 1992. The coverage includes documents on design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment, and systems. It also includes research and development in aerodynamics, aeronautics, and ground support equipment for aeronautical vehicles.

Advanced Avionic Systems for Multimission Applications. Volume I.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-01

technical report are theoretical and in no way reflect Air Fortp-nwnpid qnftwRrp png ramc 19. KEY WORDS (Continue on reveree aide It neceeary and Identify...addressed (1) the Development & Evaluation of Advanced Digital Avionics System Architectures and (2) the Development of a Single Processor Synchronous...29 4.3.2 Memory Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 4.3.3 BIU Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Damage detection in bridges through fiber optic structural health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doornink, J. D.; Phares, B. M.; Wipf, T. J.; Wood, D. L.

2006-10-01

A fiber optic structural health monitoring (SHM) system was developed and deployed by the Iowa State University (ISU) Bridge Engineering Center (BEC) to detect gradual or sudden damage in fracture-critical bridges (FCBs). The SHM system is trained with measured performance data, which are collected by fiber optic strain sensors to identify typical bridge behavior when subjected to ambient traffic loads. Structural responses deviating from the trained behavior are considered to be signs of structural damage or degradation and are identified through analytical procedures similar to control chart analyses used in statistical process control (SPC). The demonstration FCB SHM system was installed on the US Highway 30 bridge near Ames, IA, and utilizes 40 fiber bragg grating (FBG) sensors to continuously monitor the bridge response when subjected to ambient traffic loads. After the data is collected and processed, weekly evaluation reports are developed that summarize the continuous monitoring results. Through use of the evaluation reports, the bridge owner is able to identify and estimate the location and severity of the damage. The information presented herein includes an overview of the SHM components, results from laboratory and field validation testing on the system components, and samples of the reduced and analyzed data.

Burn depth determination using high-speed polarization-sensitive Mueller optical coherence tomography with continuous polarization modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todorović, Miloš; Ai, Jun; Pereda Cubian, David; Stoica, George; Wang, Lihong

2006-02-01

National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) estimates more than 1.1 million burn injuries per year in the United States, with nearly 15,000 fatalities from wounds and related complications. An imaging modality capable of evaluating burn depths non-invasively is the polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography. We report on the use of a high-speed, fiber-based Mueller-matrix OCT system with continuous source-polarization modulation for burn depth evaluation. The new system is capable of imaging at near video-quality frame rates (8 frames per second) with resolution of 10 μm in biological tissue (index of refraction: 1.4) and sensitivity of 78 dB. The sample arm optics is integrated in a hand-held probe simplifying the in vivo experiments. The applicability of the system for burn depth determination is demonstrated using biological samples of porcine tendon and porcine skin. The results show an improved imaging depth (1 mm in tendon) and a clear localization of the thermally damaged region. The burnt area determined from OCT images compares well with the histology, thus proving the system's potential for burn depth determination.

Collecting data along the continuum of prevention and care: a Continuous Quality Improvement approach.

PubMed

Indyk, Leonard; Indyk, Debbie

2006-01-01

For the past 14 years, a team of applied social scientists and system analysts has worked with a wide variety of Community- Based Organizations (CBO's), other grassroots agencies and networks, and Medical Center departments to support resource, program, staff and data development and evaluation for hospital- and community-based programs and agencies serving HIV at-risk and affected populations. A by-product of this work has been the development, elaboration and refinement of an approach to Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) which is appropriate for diverse community-based providers and agencies. A key component of our CQI system involves the installation of a sophisticated relational database management and reporting system (DBMS) which is used to collect, analyze, and report data in an iterative process to provide feedback among the evaluators, agency administration and staff. The database system is designed for two purposes: (1) to support the agency's administrative internal and external reporting requirements; (2) to support the development of practice driven health services and early intervention research. The body of work has fostered a unique opportunity for the development of exploratory service-driven research which serves both administrative and research needs.

Modernising the regulation of medical migration: moving from national monopolies to international markets.

PubMed

Epstein, Richard J; Epstein, Stephen D

2012-10-05

Traditional top-down national regulation of internationally mobile doctors and nurses is fast being rendered obsolete by the speed of globalisation and digitisation. Here we propose a bottom-up system in which responsibility for hiring and accrediting overseas staff begins to be shared by medical employers, managers, and insurers. In this model, professional Boards would retain authority for disciplinary proceedings in response to local complaints, but would lose their present power of veto over foreign practitioners recruited by employers who have independently evaluated and approved such candidates' ability. Evaluations of this kind could be facilitated by globally accessible National Registers of professional work and conduct. A decentralised system of this kind could also dispense with time-consuming national oversight of continuing professional education and license revalidation, which tasks could be replaced over time by tighter institutional audit supported by stronger powers to terminate underperforming employees. Market forces based on the reputation (and, hence, financial and political viability) of employers and institutions could continue to ensure patient safety in the future, while at the same time improving both national system efficiency and international professional mobility.

Evaluation of Algorithms for Compressing Hyperspectral Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, Sid; Harsanyi, Joseph; Faber, Vance

2003-01-01

With EO-1 Hyperion in orbit NASA is showing their continued commitment to hyperspectral imaging (HSI). As HSI sensor technology continues to mature, the ever-increasing amounts of sensor data generated will result in a need for more cost effective communication and data handling systems. Lockheed Martin, with considerable experience in spacecraft design and developing special purpose onboard processors, has teamed with Applied Signal & Image Technology (ASIT), who has an extensive heritage in HSI spectral compression and Mapping Science (MSI) for JPEG 2000 spatial compression expertise, to develop a real-time and intelligent onboard processing (OBP) system to reduce HSI sensor downlink requirements. Our goal is to reduce the downlink requirement by a factor > 100, while retaining the necessary spectral and spatial fidelity of the sensor data needed to satisfy the many science, military, and intelligence goals of these systems. Our compression algorithms leverage commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) spectral and spatial exploitation algorithms. We are currently in the process of evaluating these compression algorithms using statistical analysis and NASA scientists. We are also developing special purpose processors for executing these algorithms onboard a spacecraft.

Evaluation of a stereoscopic camera-based three-dimensional viewing workstation for ophthalmic surgery.

PubMed

Bhadri, Prashant R; Rowley, Adrian P; Khurana, Rahul N; Deboer, Charles M; Kerns, Ralph M; Chong, Lawrence P; Humayun, Mark S

2007-05-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of a prototype stereoscopic camera-based viewing system (Digital Microsurgical Workstation, three-dimensional (3D) Vision Systems, Irvine, California, USA) for anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic surgery. Institutional-based prospective study. Anterior and posterior segment surgeons performed designated standardized tasks on porcine eyes after training on prosthetic plastic eyes. Both anterior and posterior segment surgeons were able to complete tasks requiring minimal or moderate stereoscopic viewing. The results indicate that the system provides improved ergonomics. Improvements in key viewing performance areas would further enhance the value over a conventional operating microscope. The performance of the prototype system is not at par with the planned commercial system. With continued development of this technology, the three- dimensional system may be a novel viewing system in ophthalmic surgery with improved ergonomics with respect to traditional microscopic viewing.

Development and Evaluation of a Pharmacogenomics Educational Program for Pharmacists

PubMed Central

Formea, Christine M.; Nicholson, Wayne T.; McCullough, Kristen B.; Berg, Kevin D.; Berg, Melody L.; Cunningham, Julie L.; Merten, Julianna A.; Ou, Narith N.; Stollings, Joanna L.

2013-01-01

Objectives. To evaluate hospital and outpatient pharmacists’ pharmacogenomics knowledge before and 2 months after participating in a targeted, case-based pharmacogenomics continuing education program. Design. As part of a continuing education program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), pharmacists were provided with a fundamental pharmacogenomics education program. Evaluation. An 11-question, multiple-choice, electronic survey instrument was distributed to 272 eligible pharmacists at a single campus of a large, academic healthcare system. Pharmacists improved their pharmacogenomics test scores by 0.7 questions (pretest average 46%; posttest average 53%, p=0.0003). Conclusions. Although pharmacists demonstrated improvement, overall retention of educational goals and objectives was marginal. These results suggest that the complex topic of pharmacogenomics requires a large educational effort in order to increase pharmacists’ knowledge and comfort level with this emerging therapeutic opportunity. PMID:23459098

Development and evaluation of a pharmacogenomics educational program for pharmacists.

PubMed

Formea, Christine M; Nicholson, Wayne T; McCullough, Kristen B; Berg, Kevin D; Berg, Melody L; Cunningham, Julie L; Merten, Julianna A; Ou, Narith N; Stollings, Joanna L

2013-02-12

Objectives. To evaluate hospital and outpatient pharmacists' pharmacogenomics knowledge before and 2 months after participating in a targeted, case-based pharmacogenomics continuing education program.Design. As part of a continuing education program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), pharmacists were provided with a fundamental pharmacogenomics education program.Evaluation. An 11-question, multiple-choice, electronic survey instrument was distributed to 272 eligible pharmacists at a single campus of a large, academic healthcare system. Pharmacists improved their pharmacogenomics test scores by 0.7 questions (pretest average 46%; posttest average 53%, p=0.0003).Conclusions. Although pharmacists demonstrated improvement, overall retention of educational goals and objectives was marginal. These results suggest that the complex topic of pharmacogenomics requires a large educational effort in order to increase pharmacists' knowledge and comfort level with this emerging therapeutic opportunity.

[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.

Performance evaluation of public hospital information systems by the information system success model.

PubMed

Cho, Kyoung Won; Bae, Sung-Kwon; Ryu, Ji-Hye; Kim, Kyeong Na; An, Chang-Ho; Chae, Young Moon

2015-01-01

This study was to evaluate the performance of the newly developed information system (IS) implemented on July 1, 2014 at three public hospitals in Korea. User satisfaction scores of twelve key performance indicators of six IS success factors based on the DeLone and McLean IS Success Model were utilized to evaluate IS performance before and after the newly developed system was introduced. All scores increased after system introduction except for the completeness of medical records and impact on the clinical environment. The relationships among six IS factors were also analyzed to identify the important factors influencing three IS success factors (Intention to Use, User Satisfaction, and Net Benefits). All relationships were significant except for the relationships among Service Quality, Intention to Use, and Net Benefits. The results suggest that hospitals should not only focus on systems and information quality; rather, they should also continuously improve service quality to improve user satisfaction and eventually reach full the potential of IS performance.

Changing the world: the design and implementation of comprehensive continuous integrated systems of care for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

PubMed

Minkoff, Kenneth; Cline, Christie A

2004-12-01

This article has described the CCISC model and the process of implementation of systemic implementation of co-occurring disorder services enhancements within the context of existing resources. Four projects were described as illustrations of current implementation activities. Clearly, there is need for improved services for these individuals, and increasing recognition of the need for systemic change models that are effective and efficient. The CCISC model has been recognized by SAMHSA as a consensus best practice for system design, and initial efforts at implementation appear to be promising. The existing toolkit may permit a more formal process of data-driven evaluation of system, program, clinician, and client outcomes, to better measure the effectiveness of this approach. Some projects have begun such formal evaluation processes, but more work is needed, not only with individual projects, but also to develop opportunities for multi-system evaluation, as more projects come on line.

Performance Evaluation of Wearable Sensor Systems: A Case Study in Moderate-Scale Deployment in Hospital Environment.

PubMed

Sun, Wen; Ge, Yu; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Wong, Wai-Choong

2015-09-25

A wearable sensor system enables continuous and remote health monitoring and is widely considered as the next generation of healthcare technology. The performance, the packet error rate (PER) in particular, of a wearable sensor system may deteriorate due to a number of factors, particularly the interference from the other wearable sensor systems in the vicinity. We systematically evaluate the performance of the wearable sensor system in terms of PER in the presence of such interference in this paper. The factors that affect the performance of the wearable sensor system, such as density, traffic load, and transmission power in a realistic moderate-scale deployment case in hospital are all considered. Simulation results show that with 20% duty cycle, only 68.5% of data transmission can achieve the targeted reliability requirement (PER is less than 0.05) even in the off-peak period in hospital. We then suggest some interference mitigation schemes based on the performance evaluation results in the case study.

A case study evaluation of a Critical Care Information System adoption using the socio-technical and fit approach.

PubMed

Yusof, Maryati Mohd

2015-07-01

Clinical information systems have long been used in intensive care units but reports on their adoption and benefits are limited. This study evaluated a Critical Care Information System implementation. A case study summative evaluation was conducted, employing observation, interview, and document analysis in operating theatres and 16-bed adult intensive care units in a 400-bed Malaysian tertiary referral centre from the perspectives of users (nurses and physicians), management, and information technology staff. System implementation, factors influencing adoption, fit between these factors, and the impact of the Critical Care Information System were evaluated after eight months of operation. Positive influences on system adoption were associated with technical factors, including system ease of use, usefulness, and information relevancy; human factors, particularly user attitude; and organisational factors, namely clinical process-technology alignment and champions. Organisational factors such as planning, project management, training, technology support, turnover rate, clinical workload, and communication were barriers to system implementation and use. Recommendations to improve the current system problems were discussed. Most nursing staff positively perceived the system's reduction of documentation and data access time, giving them more time with patients. System acceptance varied among doctors. System use also had positive impacts on timesaving, data quality, and clinical workflow. Critical Care Information Systems is crucial and has great potentials in enhancing and delivering critical care. However, the case study findings showed that the system faced complex challenges and was underutilised despite its potential. The role of socio-technical factors and their fit in realizing the potential of Critical Care Information Systems requires continuous, in-depth evaluation and stakeholder understanding and acknowledgement. The comprehensive and specific evaluation measures of the Human-Organisation-Technology Fit framework can flexibly evaluate Critical Care Information Systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of advanced Czochralski growth process to produce low cost 150 kg silicon ingots from a single crucible for technology readiness. [crystal growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lane, R. L.

1981-01-01

Six growth runs used the Kayex-Hameo Automatic Games Logic (AGILE) computer based system for growth from larger melts in the Mod CG2000. The implementation of the melt pyrometer sensor allowed for dip temperature monitoring and usage by the operator/AGILE system. Use of AGILE during recharge operations was successfully evaluated. The tendency of crystals to lose cylindrical shape (spiraling) continued to be a problem. The hygrometer was added to the Furnace Gas Analysis System and used on several growth runs. The gas chromatograph, including the integrator, was also used for more accurate carbon monoxide concentration measurements. Efforts continued for completing the automation of the total Gas Analysis System. An economic analysis, based on revised achievable straight growth rate, is presented.

Payment Reform Pilot In Beijing Hospitals Reduced Expenditures And Out-Of-Pocket Payments Per Admission.

PubMed

Jian, Weiyan; Lu, Ming; Chan, Kit Yee; Poon, Adrienne N; Han, Wei; Hu, Mu; Yip, Winnie

2015-10-01

In 2009 China announced plans to reform provider payment methods at public hospitals by moving from fee-for-service (FFS) to prospective and aggregated payment methods that included the use of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) to control health expenditures. In October 2011 health policy makers selected six Beijing hospitals to pioneer the first DRG payment system in China. We used hospital discharge data from the six pilot hospitals and eight other hospitals, which continued to use FFS and served as controls, from the period 2010-12 to evaluate the pilot's impact on cost containment through a difference-in-differences methods design. Our study found that DRG payment led to reductions of 6.2 percent and 10.5 percent, respectively, in health expenditures and out-of-pocket payments by patients per hospital admission. We did not find evidence of any increase in hospital readmission rates or cost shifting from cases eligible for DRG payment to ineligible cases. However, hospitals continued to use FFS payments for patients who were older and had more complications than other patients, which reduced the effectiveness of payment reform. Continuous evidence-based monitoring and evaluation linked with adequate management systems are necessary to enable China and other low- and middle-income countries to broadly implement DRGs and refine payment systems. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

Before In Vivo Imaging: Evaluation of Fluorescent Probes Using Fluorescence Microscopy, Multiplate Reader, and Cytotoxicity Assays.

PubMed

Zhang, Shaojuan

2016-01-01

Fluorescent probes are widely utilized for noninvasive fluorescence imaging. Continuing efforts have been made in developing novel fluorescent probes with improved fluorescence quantum yield, enhanced target-specificity, and lower cytotoxicity. Before such probes are administrated into a living system, it is essential to evaluate the subcellular uptake, targeting specificity, and cytotoxicity in vitro. In this chapter, we briefly outline common methods used to evaluate fluorescent probes using fluorescence microscopy, multiplate reader, and cytotoxicity assay.

Micro-Controllable, Multi-Functional Interface Module for Digital MP: A Wearable Computer Security Application

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-05-01

Army Soldier System Command: http://www.natick.armv.mil Role Name Facial Recognition Program Manager, Army Technical Lead Mark Chandler...security force with a facial recognition system. Mike Holloran, technology officer with the 6 Fleet, directed LCDR Hoa Ho and CAPT(s) Todd Morgan to...USN 6th Fleet was accomplished with the admiral expressing his support for continuing the evaluation of the a facial recognition system. This went

Implantable telemetry for small animals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1982-03-01

A series of totally implantable telemetry devices for use in measuring deep body parameters in small animals were developed. Under a collaborative agreement with NASA, several of these systems; the continuous wave Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter, the multichannel telemetry system, and the inductively-powered dual channel cardiac pacer were evaluated in a series of ten mongrel dogs (15 to 20 kg.). These systems were used to measure ascending aortic and coronary blood flow, aortic pressure, and subcutaneous EKG.

Implantable telemetry for small animals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A series of totally implantable telemetry devices for use in measuring deep body parameters in small animals were developed. Under a collaborative agreement with NASA, several of these systems; the continuous wave Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter, the multichannel telemetry system, and the inductively-powered dual channel cardiac pacer were evaluated in a series of ten mongrel dogs (15 to 20 kg.). These systems were used to measure ascending aortic and coronary blood flow, aortic pressure, and subcutaneous EKG.

An Evaluation of the Implementation of Two-Levels of Maintenance at Strategic Air Command Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Bases

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

34excellent results in the conservation of technical skills, tools, facilities and materials" (18:9). The pioneering efforts of SAC and the subsequent...to the weapon systems successes through recent decades and concepts which were pioneering in the business of system acquisition. According to Sanks...Minuteman system has undergone major physical modifications to enhance its effectiveness. Its longevity continues to be sustained through modifications

Efficient Evaluation Functions for Multi-Rover Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agogino, Adrian; Tumer, Kagan

2004-01-01

Evolutionary computation can be a powerful tool in cresting a control policy for a single agent receiving local continuous input. This paper extends single-agent evolutionary computation to multi-agent systems, where a collection of agents strives to maximize a global fitness evaluation function that rates the performance of the entire system. This problem is solved in a distributed manner, where each agent evolves its own population of neural networks that are used as the control policies for the agent. Each agent evolves its population using its own agent-specific fitness evaluation function. We propose to create these agent-specific evaluation functions using the theory of collectives to avoid the coordination problem where each agent evolves a population that maximizes its own fitness function, yet the system has a whole achieves low values of the global fitness function. Instead we will ensure that each fitness evaluation function is both "aligned" with the global evaluation function and is "learnable," i.e., the agents can readily see how their behavior affects their evaluation function. We then show how these agent-specific evaluation functions outperform global evaluation methods by up to 600% in a domain where a set of rovers attempt to maximize the amount of information observed while navigating through a simulated environment.

Electronic Health Record System Contingency Plan Coordination: A Strategy for Continuity of Care Considering Users' Needs.

PubMed

Fernández, Marcela T; Gómez, Adrián R; Santojanni, Américo M; Cancio, Alfredo H; Luna, Daniel R; Benítez, Sonia E

2015-01-01

Electronic Health Record system downtimes may have a great impact on patient care continuity. This paper describes the analysis and actions taken to redesign the Contingency Plan Procedure for the Electronic Health Record System of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. After conducting a thorough analysis of the data gathered at post-contingency meetings, weaknesses were identified in the procedure; thus, strategic actions were recommended to redesign the Contingency Plan to secure an effective communications channel, as well as a formal structure for functions that may support the decision-making process. The main actions were: 1) to incorporate the IT Contingencies Committee (Plan management); 2) to incorporate the Coordinator (general supervision of the procedure); and 3) to redefine the role of the Clinical Informatics Resident, who will be responsible for managing communication between the technical team and Electronic Health Record users. As users need the information for continuity of care, key users evaluated the impact of the new strategy with an adapted survey.

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

Maxwell, S.; Berger, D.; Zuluaga, M.

In multifamily buildings, particularly in the Northeast, exhaust ventilation strategies are the norm as a means of meeting both local exhaust and whole-unit mechanical ventilation rates. The issue of where the "fresh" air is coming from is gaining significance as air-tightness standards for enclosures become more stringent. CARB researchers have found that most new high performance, multifamily housing in the Northeast use one of four strategies for ventilation: continuous exhaust only with no designated supply or make-up air source, continuous exhaust with ducted make-up air to apartments, continuous exhaust with supply through a make-up air device integral to the unitmore » HVAC, and continuous exhaust with supply through a passive inlet device, such as a trickle vent. Insufficient information is available to designers on how these various systems are best applied. Product performance data are based on laboratory tests, but there is no guarantee that those conditions will exist consistently in the finished building. In this research project, CARB evaluated the four ventilation strategies in the field to validate system performance.« less

Path integrals and large deviations in stochastic hybrid systems.

PubMed

Bressloff, Paul C; Newby, Jay M

2014-04-01

We construct a path-integral representation of solutions to a stochastic hybrid system, consisting of one or more continuous variables evolving according to a piecewise-deterministic dynamics. The differential equations for the continuous variables are coupled to a set of discrete variables that satisfy a continuous-time Markov process, which means that the differential equations are only valid between jumps in the discrete variables. Examples of stochastic hybrid systems arise in biophysical models of stochastic ion channels, motor-driven intracellular transport, gene networks, and stochastic neural networks. We use the path-integral representation to derive a large deviation action principle for a stochastic hybrid system. Minimizing the associated action functional with respect to the set of all trajectories emanating from a metastable state (assuming that such a minimization scheme exists) then determines the most probable paths of escape. Moreover, evaluating the action functional along a most probable path generates the so-called quasipotential used in the calculation of mean first passage times. We illustrate the theory by considering the optimal paths of escape from a metastable state in a bistable neural network.

Potential of integrated continuous surveys and quality management to support monitoring, evaluation, and the scale-up of health interventions in developing countries.

PubMed

Rowe, Alexander K

2009-06-01

Well-funded initiatives are challenging developing countries to increase health intervention coverage and show impact. Despite substantial resources, however, major obstacles include weak health systems, a lack of reasonably accurate monitoring data, and inadequate use of data for managing programs. This report discusses how integrated continuous surveys and quality management (I-Q), which are well-recognized approaches in wealthy countries, could support intervention scale-up, monitoring and evaluation, quality control for commodities, capacity building, and implementation research in low-resource settings. Integrated continuous surveys are similar to existing national cross-sectional surveys of households and health facilities, except data are collected over several years by permanent teams, and most results are reported monthly at the national, province, and district levels. Quality management involves conceptualizing work as processes, involving all workers in quality improvement, monitoring quality, and teams that improve quality with "plan-do-study-act" cycles. Implementing and evaluating I-Q in a low-income country would provide critical information on the value of this approach.

Continuous measurements of mandibular cortical width on dental panoramic radiographs for computer-aided diagnosis of osteoporosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavitha, M. S.; Asano, Akira; Taguchi, Akira

2011-03-01

The aim of this study is to develop a computer-aided osteoporosis diagnosis system that automatically determines the inferior cortical width of the mandible continuously on dental panoramic radiographs to realize statistically more robust measurements than the conventional one-point measurements. The cortical width was continuously measured on dental panoramic radiographs by enhancing the original image, determining cortical boundaries, and finally evaluating the distance between boundaries continuously throughout the region of interest. The diagnostic performance using the average width calculated from the continuous measurement was compared with BMD at lumbar spine and femoral neck in 100 postmenopausal women of whom 50 to the development of the tool and 50 to its validation with no history of osteoporosis was evaluated. We experimentally showed the superiority of our method with improved sensitivity and specificity of identifying the development subjects were 90.0% and 75.0% in women with low spinal BMD and 81.8% and 69.2% in those with low femoral BMD, respectively. The corresponding values in the validation subjects were 93.3% and 82.9% at the lumbar spine and 92.3% and 75.7% at the femoral neck, respectively in terms of efficacy for diagnosing osteoporosis. We also assessed the diagnosis and classification of women with osteoporosis using support vector machine employing the average and variance of the continuous measurements gave excellent discrimination ability. It yields sensitivity and specificity of 90.9% and 83.8%, respectively with lumbar spine and 90.0% and 69.1%, respectively with femoral neck BMD. Performance comparison and simplicity of this method indicate that our computeraided system is readily applicable to clinical practice.

How healthcare systems evaluate their advance care planning initiatives: Results from a systematic review.

PubMed

Biondo, Patricia D; Lee, Lydia D; Davison, Sara N; Simon, Jessica E

2016-09-01

Advance care planning initiatives are being implemented across healthcare systems around the world, but how best to evaluate their implementation is unknown. To identify gaps and/or redundancies in current evaluative strategies to help healthcare systems develop future evaluative frameworks for ACP. Systematic review. Peer-reviewed and gray literature searches were conducted till February 2015 to answer: "What methods have healthcare systems used to evaluate implementation of advance care planning initiatives?" A PICOS framework was developed to identify articles describing the implementation and evaluation of a health system-level advance care planning initiative. Outcome measures were mapped onto a conceptual quality indicator framework based on the Institute of Medicine and Donabedian models of healthcare quality. A total of 46 studies met inclusion criteria for analysis. Most articles reported on single parts of a healthcare system (e.g. continuing care). The most common outcome measures pertained to document completion, followed by healthcare resource use. Patient-, family-, or healthcare provider-reported outcomes were less commonly measured. Concordance measures (e.g. dying in place of choice) were reported by only 26% of studies. The conceptual quality indicator framework identified gaps and redundancies in measurement and is presented as a potential foundation from which to develop a comprehensive advance care planning evaluation framework. Document completion is frequently used to evaluate advance care planning program implementation; capturing the quality of care appears to be more difficult. This systematic review provides health system administrators with a comprehensive summary of measures used to evaluate advance care planning and may identify gaps in evaluation within their local context. © The Author(s) 2016.

The Challenges of Field Testing the Traffic Management Advisor (TMA) in an Operational Air Traffic Control Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoang, Ty; Swenson, Harry N.

1997-01-01

The Traffic Management Advisor (TMA), the sequence and schedule tool of the Center/TRACON Automation System (CTAS), was evaluated at the Fort Worth Center (ZFW) in the summer of 1996. This paper describes the challenges encountered during the various phases of the TMA field evaluation, which included system (hardware and software) installation, personnel training, and data collection. Operational procedures were developed and applied to the evaluation process that would ensure air safety. The five weeks of field evaluation imposed minimal impact on the hosting facility and provided valuable engineering and human factors data. The collection of data was very much an opportunistic affair, due to dynamic traffic conditions. One measure of the success of the TMA evaluation is that, rather than remove TMA after the evaluation until it could be fully implemented, the prototype TMA is in continual use at ZFW as the fully operational version is readied for implementation.

Method and System for Air Traffic Rerouting for Airspace Constraint Resolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erzberger, Heinz (Inventor); Morando, Alexander R. (Inventor); Sheth, Kapil S. (Inventor); McNally, B. David (Inventor); Clymer, Alexis A. (Inventor); Shih, Fu-tai (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A dynamic constraint avoidance route system automatically analyzes routes of aircraft flying, or to be flown, in or near constraint regions and attempts to find more time and fuel efficient reroutes around current and predicted constraints. The dynamic constraint avoidance route system continuously analyzes all flight routes and provides reroute advisories that are dynamically updated in real time. The dynamic constraint avoidance route system includes a graphical user interface that allows users to visualize, evaluate, modify if necessary, and implement proposed reroutes.

Evaluation of the BD BACTEC FX blood volume monitoring system as a continuous quality improvement measure.

PubMed

Coorevits, L; Van den Abeele, A-M

2015-07-01

The yield of blood cultures is proportional to the volume of blood cultured. We evaluated an automatic blood volume monitoring system, recently developed by Becton Dickinson within its BACTEC EpiCenter module, that calculates mean volumes of negative aerobic bottles and generates boxplots and histograms. First, we evaluated the filling degree of 339 aerobic glass blood cultures by calculating the weight-based volume for each bottle. A substantial amount of the bottles (48.3%) were inadequately filled. Evaluation of the accuracy of the monitoring system showed a mean bias of -1.4 mL (-15.4%). Additional evaluation, using the amended software on 287 aerobic blood culture bottles, resulted in an acceptable mean deviation of -0.3 mL (-3.3%). The new software version was also tested on 200 of the recently introduced plastic bottles, which will replace the glass bottles in the near future, showing a mean deviation of +2.8 mL (+26.7%). In conclusion, the mean calculated volumes can be used for the training of a single phlebotomist. However, filling problems appear to be masked when using them for phlebotomist groups or on wards. Here, visual interpretation of boxplots and histograms can serve as a useful tool to observe the spread of the filling degrees and to develop a continuous improvement program. Re-adjustment of the software has proven to be necessary for use with plastic bottles. Due to our findings, BD has developed further adjustments to the software for validated use with plastic bottles, which will be released soon.

EVALUATION OF SOLID SORBENTS AS A RETROFIT TECHNOLOGY FOR CO2 CAPTURE FROM COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS

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

Holly Krutka; Sharon Sjostrom

2011-07-31

Through a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) funded cooperative agreement DE-NT0005649, ADA Environmental Solutions (ADA) has begun evaluating the use of solid sorbents for CO{sub 2} capture. The project objective was to address the viability and accelerate development of a solid-based CO{sub 2} capture technology. To meet this objective, initial evaluations of sorbents and the process/equipment were completed. First the sorbents were evaluated using a temperature swing adsorption process at the laboratory scale in a fixed-bed apparatus. A slipstream reactor designed to treat flue gas produced by coal-fired generation of nominally 1 kWe was designedmore » and constructed, which was used to evaluate the most promising materials on a more meaningful scale using actual flue gas. In a concurrent effort, commercial-scale processes and equipment options were also evaluated for their applicability to sorbent-based CO{sub 2} capture. A cost analysis was completed that can be used to direct future technology development efforts. ADA completed an extensive sorbent screening program funded primarily through this project, DOE NETL cooperative agreement DE-NT0005649, with support from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and other industry participants. Laboratory screening tests were completed on simulated and actual flue gas using simulated flue gas and an automated fixed bed system. The following types and quantities of sorbents were evaluated: 87 supported amines; 31 carbon based materials; 6 zeolites; 7 supported carbonates (evaluated under separate funding); and 10 hydrotalcites. Sorbent evaluations were conducted to characterize materials and down-select promising candidates for further testing at the slipstream scale. More than half of the materials evaluated during this program were supported amines. Based on the laboratory screening four supported amine sorbents were selected for evaluation at the 1 kW scale at two different field sites. ADA designed and fabricated a slipstream pilot to allow an evaluation of the kinetic behavior of sorbents and provide some flexibility for the physical characteristics of the materials. The design incorporated a transport reactor for the adsorber (co-current reactor) and a fluidized-bed in the regenerator. This combination achieved the sorbent characterization goals and provided an opportunity to evaluate whether the potential cost savings associated with a relatively simple process design could overcome the sacrifices inherent in a co-current separation process. The system was installed at two field sites during the project, Luminant's Martin Lake Steam Electric Station and Xcel Energy's Sherburne County Generating Station (Sherco). Although the system could not maintain continuous 90% CO{sub 2} removal with the sorbents evaluated under this program, it was useful to compare the CO{sub 2} removal properties of several different sorbents on actual flue gas. One of the supported amine materials, sorbent R, was evaluated at both Martin Lake and Sherco. The 1 kWe pilot was operated in continuous mode as well as batch mode. In continuous mode, the sorbent performance could not overcome the limitations of the cocurrent adsorbent design. In batch mode, sorbent R was able to remove up to 90% CO{sub 2} for several cycles. Approximately 50% of the total removal occurred in the first three feet of the adsorption reactor, which was a transport reactor. During continuous testing at Sherco, CO{sub 2} removal decreased to approximately 20% at steady state. The lack of continuous removal was due primarily to the combination of a co-current adsorption system with a fluidized bed for regeneration, a combination which did not provide an adequate driving force to maintain an acceptable working CO{sub 2} capacity. In addition, because sorbent R consisted of a polymeric amine coated on a silica substrate, it was believed that the 50% amine loaded resulted in mass diffusion limitations related to the CO{sub 2} uptake rate. Three additional supported amine materials, sorbents AX, F, and BN, were selected for evaluation using the 1 kW pilot at Sherco. Sorbent AX was operated in batch mode and performed similarly to sorbent R (i.e. could achieve up to 90% removal when given adequate regeneration time). Sorbent BN was not expected to be subject to the same mass diffusion limitations as experienced with sorbent R. When sorbent BN was used in continuous mode the steady state CO{sub 2} removal was approximately double that of sorbent R, which highlighted the importance of sorbents without kinetic limitations.« less

An evaluation of data quality in Canada's Continuing Care Reporting System (CCRS): secondary analyses of Ontario data submitted between 1996 and 2011.

PubMed

Hirdes, John P; Poss, Jeff W; Caldarelli, Hilary; Fries, Brant E; Morris, John N; Teare, Gary F; Reidel, Kristen; Jutan, Norma

2013-02-26

Evidence informed decision making in health policy development and clinical practice depends on the availability of valid and reliable data. The introduction of interRAI assessment systems in many countries has provided valuable new information that can be used to support case mix based payment systems, quality monitoring, outcome measurement and care planning. The Continuing Care Reporting System (CCRS) managed by the Canadian Institute for Health Information has served as a data repository supporting national implementation of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI 2.0) in Canada for more than 15 years. The present paper aims to evaluate data quality for the CCRS using an approach that may be generalizable to comparable data holdings internationally. Data from the RAI 2.0 implementation in Complex Continuing Care (CCC) hospitals/units and Long Term Care (LTC) homes in Ontario were analyzed using various statistical techniques that provide evidence for trends in validity, reliability, and population attributes. Time series comparisons included evaluations of scale reliability, patterns of associations between items and scales that provide evidence about convergent validity, and measures of changes in population characteristics over time. Data quality with respect to reliability, validity, completeness and freedom from logical coding errors was consistently high for the CCRS in both CCC and LTC settings. The addition of logic checks further improved data quality in both settings. The only notable change of concern was a substantial inflation in the percentage of long term care home residents qualifying for the Special Rehabilitation level of the Resource Utilization Groups (RUG-III) case mix system after the adoption of that system as part of the payment system for LTC. The CCRS provides a robust, high quality data source that may be used to inform policy, clinical practice and service delivery in Ontario. Only one area of concern was noted, and the statistical techniques employed here may be readily used to target organizations with data quality problems in that (or any other) area. There was also evidence that data quality was good in both CCC and LTC settings from the outset of implementation, meaning data may be used from the entire time series. The methods employed here may continue to be used to monitor data quality in this province over time and they provide a benchmark for comparisons with other jurisdictions implementing the RAI 2.0 in similar populations.

Considerations for an institution for evaluation of diabetes technology devices to improve their quality in the European Union.

PubMed

Heinemann, Lutz; Freckmann, Guido; Koschinsky, Theodor

2013-03-01

All medical devices used for self-monitoring of blood glucose (BG), insulin injection, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, and continuous glucose monitoring in the European Union (EU) must have a Communauté Européenne (CE) mark. However, the approval process for obtaining this mark is different from that used by the European Medicines Agency in the EU for drugs or by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States for such medical and in vitro diagnostic devices. The notified bodies involved in the CE mark process perform this evaluation in cooperation with the manufacturers. They have only limited diabetes know-how; they have to handle all kinds of medical devices. There are devices for therapy on the market in the EU (i.e., they have market approval) that do not fulfill quality requirements, as indicated, for example, in the international norm ISO 15197 for BG test systems. Evaluation of the performance of such systems is usually provided by the manufacturers. What is missing in the EU is an independent institution that performs regular and critical evaluation of the quality of devices used for diabetes therapy before and also after their market approval. The work of such an institution would focus on BG test systems (these represent two-thirds of the market of medical devices for diabetes treatment) but would also evaluate the performance of other devices. It has to be clarified what legal framework is required for such an institution and how it can be financed; probably this can be done in a shared manner by the manufacturers of such devices and the health insurance companies. Positive evaluation results should be a prerequisite prior to any reimbursement for such devices. © 2013 Diabetes Technology Society.

VIIRS Product Evaluation at the Ocean PEATE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patt, Frederick S.; Feldman, Gene C.

2010-01-01

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) mission will support the continuation of climate records generated from NASA missions. The NASA Science Data Segment (SDS) relies upon discipline-specific centers of expertise to evaluate the NPP data products for suitability as climate data records, The Ocean Product Evaluation and Analysis Tool Element (PEATE) will build upon Well established NASA capabilities within the Ocean Color program in order to evaluate the NPP Visible and Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Ocean Color and Chlorophyll data products. The specific evaluation methods will support not only the evaluation of product quality but also the sources of differences with existing data records.

Deployment and Evaluation of the Helicopter In-Flight Tracking System (HITS)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-12-30

The Gulf of Mexico airspace has two major operating regions: low altitude offshore (below 7,000 ft) and high altitude oceanic (above 18,000 ft). Both regions suffer significant inefficiencies due to the lack of continuous surveillance during Instrume...

Deployment and evaluation of the Helicopter In-flight Tracking System (HITS)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-12-31

The Gulf of Mexico airspace has two major operating regions: low altitude offshore (below 7,000 ft) and high altitude oceanic (above 18,000 ft). Both regions suffer significant inefficiencies due to the lack of continuous surveillance during Instrume...

Study of Georgia's pavement deterioration/life and potential risks of delayed pavement resurfacing and rehabilitation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-08-01

Georgia has continuously been rated as one of the states with the smoothest pavements in the United States because the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has established a standardized pavement condition evaluation system (PACES) for consist...

7 CFR 275.19 - Monitoring and evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Corrective Action § 275.19... Project Area/Management Unit Corrective Action Plan is implemented and achieves the anticipated results...

7 CFR 275.5 - Scope and purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Management Evaluation (ME... operate the Food Stamp Program in accordance with the Act, regulations, and FNS-approved State Plan of...

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF POLICY OPTIONS ON AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES: AN ALTERNATIVE-FUTURES APPROACH

EPA Science Inventory

Alternative-futures analysis was used to analyze different scenarios of future growth patterns and attendant resource allocations on the agricultural system of Oregon's Willamette River Basin. A stakeholder group formulated three policy alternatives: a continuation of current tr...

7 CFR 371.8 - International Services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... maintaining systems for observing the effects of plant and animal diseases in foreign countries and evaluating... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION... and reporting the presence and movement of plant and animal diseases and pests in foreign countries...

Millabrading test evaluation : Norwood Road : M.P. 287.02 (Southbound Interstate 5) : construction report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-09-01

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to investigate alternatives for rehabilitating the rutting in concrete pavement sections. The millabrading system was proposed as an option to reduce the middle lane rut depths in a continuousl...

Financial impact of fines in the unbound pavement layers.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-10-01

This study continued the research effort on evaluating the resilient behavior of D-1 base course materials when there is limited water : access during freezing. D-1 material from the Northern region of Alaska was used, and a closed system was adopted...

Near-real-time combustion monitoring for PCDD/PCDF indicators by CG-REMPI-TOFMS

EPA Science Inventory

The boiler exit flue gas of a municipal waste combustor was sampled to evaluate an on-line monitoring system for chlorobenzene congeners as indicators of polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/PCDF) concentrations. Continuous measurements of chlorobenzene congeners ...

Best practices for implementing, testing and using a cloud-based communication system in a disaster situation.

PubMed

Makowski, Dale

2016-01-01

This paper sets out the basics for approaching the selection and implementation of a cloud-based communication system to support a business continuity programme, including: • consideration for how a cloud-based communication system can enhance a business continuity programme; • descriptions of some of the more popular features of a cloud-based communication system; • options to evaluate when selecting a cloud-based communication system; • considerations for how to design a system to be most effective for an organisation; • best practices for how to conduct the initial load of data to a cloud-based communication system; • best practices for how to conduct an initial validation of the data loaded to a cloud-based communication system; • considerations for how to keep contact information in the cloud-based communication system current and accurate; • best practices for conducting ongoing system testing; • considerations for how to conduct user training; • review of other potential uses of a cloud-based communication system; and • review of other tools and features many cloud-based communication systems may offer.

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.

Continuous glucose monitoring: quality of hypoglycaemia detection.

PubMed

Zijlstra, E; Heise, T; Nosek, L; Heinemann, L; Heckermann, S

2013-02-01

To evaluate the accuracy of a (widely used) continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-system and its ability to detect hypoglycaemic events. A total of 18 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus used continuous glucose monitoring (Guardian REAL-Time CGMS) during two 9-day in-house periods. A hypoglycaemic threshold alarm alerted patients to sensor readings <70 mg/dl. Continuous glucose monitoring sensor readings were compared to laboratory reference measurements taken every 4 h and in case of a hypoglycaemic alarm. A total of 2317 paired data points were evaluated. Overall, the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) was 16.7%. The percentage of data points in the clinically accurate or acceptable Clarke Error Grid zones A + B was 94.6%. In the hypoglycaemic range, accuracy worsened (MARD 38.8%) leading to a failure to detect more than half of the true hypoglycaemic events (sensitivity 37.5%). Furthermore, more than half of the alarms that warn patients for hypoglycaemia were false (false alert rate 53.3%). Above the low alert threshold, the sensor confirmed 2077 of 2182 reference values (specificity 95.2%). Patients using continuous glucose monitoring should be aware of its limitation to accurately detect hypoglycaemia. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Evaluation of the performance of a novel system for continuous glucose monitoring.

PubMed

Zschornack, Eva; Schmid, Christina; Pleus, Stefan; Link, Manuela; Klötzer, Hans-Martin; Obermaier, Karin; Schoemaker, Michael; Strasser, Monika; Frisch, Gerhard; Schmelzeisen-Redeker, Günther; Haug, Cornelia; Freckmann, Guido

2013-07-01

The performance of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system in the early stage of development was assessed in an inpatient setting that simulates daily life conditions of people with diabetes. Performance was evaluated at low glycemic, euglycemic, and high glycemic ranges as well as during phases with rapid glucose excursions. Each of the 30 participants with type 1 diabetes (15 female, age 47 ± 12 years, hemoglobin A1c 7.7% ± 1.3%) wore two sensors of the prototype system in parallel for 7 days. Capillary blood samples were measured at least 16 times per day (at least 15 times per daytime and at least once per night). On two subsequent study days, glucose excursions were induced. For performance evaluation, the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) between CGM readings and paired capillary blood glucose readings and precision absolute relative difference (PARD), i.e., differences between paired CGM readings were calculated. Overall aggregated MARD was 9.2% and overall aggregated PARD was 7.5%. During induced glucose excursions, MARD was 10.9% and PARD was 7.8%. Lowest MARD (8.5%) and lowest PARD (6.4%) were observed in the high glycemic range (euglycemic range, MARD 9.1% and PARD 7.4%; low glycemic range, MARD 12.3% and PARD 12.4%). The performance of this prototype CGM system was, particularly in the hypoglycemic range and during phases with rapid glucose fluctuations, better than performance data reported for other commercially available systems. In addition, performance of this prototype sensor was noticeably constant over the whole study period. This prototype system is not yet approved, and performance of this CGM system needs to be further assessed in clinical studies. © 2013 Diabetes Technology Society.

Continuous culture methodology for the screening of microalgae for oil.

PubMed

Del Río, Esperanza; Armendáriz, Ana; García-Gómez, Elena; García-González, Mercedes; Guerrero, Miguel G

2015-02-10

A basic criterion in the selection of microalgae suitable as source of oil for biodiesel should be their actual capacity to produce lipids or, more properly, the fatty acid yield. Performance assessment of 10 preselected microalgae under both batch and continuous culture points to the latter approach as the most adequate for evaluating fatty acid productivity. Differences were patent in continuous culture among strains that otherwise had analogous oil accumulation potential under batch culture. Some promising strains under batch culture (like Muriella aurantiaca and Monoraphidium braunii) exhibited, however, values for actual fatty acid productivity lower than 40 mgL(-1)d(-1) in continuous regime. The analysis performed in photochemostat under continuous culture regime revealed the great potential of Chlorococcum olefaciens, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Scenedesmus almeriensis as oil producing microalgae. Fatty acid productivity levels over 90 mgL(-1)d(-1) were recorded for the latter strains under moderate nitrogen limitation, conditions which led to an enrichment in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, a more suitable profile as raw material for biodiesel. The continuous culture methodology employed represents a sound procedure for screening microalgae for biofuel production, providing a reliable evaluation of their fatty acid production capacity, under conditions close to those of outdoor production systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

How Can Visual Analytics Assist Investigative Analysis? Design Implications from an Evaluation.

PubMed

Youn-Ah Kang; Görg, Carsten; Stasko, John

2011-05-01

Despite the growing number of systems providing visual analytic support for investigative analysis, few empirical studies of the potential benefits of such systems have been conducted, particularly controlled, comparative evaluations. Determining how such systems foster insight and sensemaking is important for their continued growth and study, however. Furthermore, studies that identify how people use such systems and why they benefit (or not) can help inform the design of new systems in this area. We conducted an evaluation of the visual analytics system Jigsaw employed in a small investigative sensemaking exercise, and compared its use to three other more traditional methods of analysis. Sixteen participants performed a simulated intelligence analysis task under one of the four conditions. Experimental results suggest that Jigsaw assisted participants to analyze the data and identify an embedded threat. We describe different analysis strategies used by study participants and how computational support (or the lack thereof) influenced the strategies. We then illustrate several characteristics of the sensemaking process identified in the study and provide design implications for investigative analysis tools based thereon. We conclude with recommendations on metrics and techniques for evaluating visual analytics systems for investigative analysis.

Systemic opioid elimination after implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery system significantly reduced health-care expenditures.

PubMed

Hatheway, John A; Caraway, David; David, Guy; Gunnarsson, Candace; Hinnenthal, Jennifer; Ernst, Amanda R; Saulino, Michael

2015-04-01

To compare health-care expenditures over a 12-month horizon for chronic pain patients with implanted intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) who eliminated or continued systemic opioids postimplant. Claims data from commercial and Medicare databases were searched for patients who had an IDDS, used systemic opioids before implant, and had 12 months pre- and 13 months postimplant continuous medical and pharmacy coverage. The number and characteristics of patients who eliminated or continued systemic opioids were determined at four times postimplant: 30 days (allowing a systemic opioid washout period), 120 days, 150 days, and 210 days. Multivariable models evaluated the effect of eliminating opioids on health-care expenditures at each of those times. Three hundred eighty-nine patients met inclusion criteria, and 51% completely eliminated systemic opioids (12% within the 30-day washout and an additional 39% by the end of the one-year horizon). Systemic opioid elimination within 120 to 210 days postimplant was associated with a reduction of $3,388 to $4,465 in inpatient and outpatient expenditures, and $4,689 to $5,571 in inpatient, outpatient, and drug expenditures. Fifty-one percent of patients completely eliminated systemic opioids in the year after IDDS implant. This elimination resulted in a 10% to 17% reduction in yearly inpatient, outpatient, and drug expenditures. © 2015 International Neuromodulation Society.

Advanced propulsion system for hybrid vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norrup, L. V.; Lintz, A. T.

1980-01-01

A number of hybrid propulsion systems were evaluated for application in several different vehicle sizes. A conceptual design was prepared for the most promising configuration. Various system configurations were parametrically evaluated and compared, design tradeoffs performed, and a conceptual design produced. Fifteen vehicle/propulsion systems concepts were parametrically evaluated to select two systems and one vehicle for detailed design tradeoff studies. A single hybrid propulsion system concept and vehicle (five passenger family sedan)were selected for optimization based on the results of the tradeoff studies. The final propulsion system consists of a 65 kW spark-ignition heat engine, a mechanical continuously variable traction transmission, a 20 kW permanent magnet axial-gap traction motor, a variable frequency inverter, a 386 kg lead-acid improved state-of-the-art battery, and a transaxle. The system was configured with a parallel power path between the heat engine and battery. It has two automatic operational modes: electric mode and heat engine mode. Power is always shared between the heat engine and battery during acceleration periods. In both modes, regenerative braking energy is absorbed by the battery.

Biodegradation of free cyanide and subsequent utilisation of biodegradation by-products by Bacillus consortia: optimisation using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Mekuto, Lukhanyo; Ntwampe, Seteno Karabo Obed; Jackson, Vanessa Angela

2015-07-01

A mesophilic alkali-tolerant bacterial consortium belonging to the Bacillus genus was evaluated for its ability to biodegrade high free cyanide (CN(-)) concentration (up to 500 mg CN(-)/L), subsequent to the oxidation of the formed ammonium and nitrates in a continuous bioreactor system solely supplemented with whey waste. Furthermore, an optimisation study for successful cyanide biodegradation by this consortium was evaluated in batch bioreactors (BBs) using response surface methodology (RSM). The input variables, that is, pH, temperature and whey-waste concentration, were optimised using a numerical optimisation technique where the optimum conditions were found to be as follows: pH 9.88, temperature 33.60 °C and whey-waste concentration of 14.27 g/L, under which 206.53 mg CN(-)/L in 96 h can be biodegraded by the microbial species from an initial cyanide concentration of 500 mg CN(-)/L. Furthermore, using the optimised data, cyanide biodegradation in a continuous mode was evaluated in a dual-stage packed-bed bioreactor (PBB) connected in series to a pneumatic bioreactor system (PBS) used for simultaneous nitrification, including aerobic denitrification. The whey-supported Bacillus sp. culture was not inhibited by the free cyanide concentration of up to 500 mg CN(-)/L, with an overall degradation efficiency of ≥ 99 % with subsequent nitrification and aerobic denitrification of the formed ammonium and nitrates over a period of 80 days. This is the first study to report free cyanide biodegradation at concentrations of up to 500 mg CN(-)/L in a continuous system using whey waste as a microbial feedstock. The results showed that the process has the potential for the bioremediation of cyanide-containing wastewaters.

Mechanisms of deterioration of nutrients. [freeze drying methods for space flight food

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karel, M.; Flink, J. M.

1974-01-01

Methods are reported by which freeze dried foods of improved quality will be produced. The applicability of theories of flavor retention has been demonstrated for a number of food polymers, both proteins and polysacchardies. Studies on the formation of structures during freeze drying have been continued for emulsified systems. Deterioration of organoleptic quality of freeze dried foods due to high temperature heating has been evaluated and improved procedures developed. The influence of water activity and high temperature on retention of model flavor materials and browning deterioration has been evaluated for model systems and food materials.

Development of advanced fuel cell system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gitlow, B.; Meyer, A. P.; Bell, W. F.; Martin, R. E.

1978-01-01

An experimental program was conducted continuing the development effort to improve the weight, life, and performance characteristics of hydrogen-oxygen alkaline fuel cells for advanced power systems. These advanced technology cells operate with passive water removal which contributes to a lower system weight and extended operating life. Endurance evaluation of two single cells and two, two-cell plaques was continued. Three new test articles were fabricated and tested. A single cell completed 7038 hours of endurance testing. This cell incorporated a Fybex matrix, hybrid-frame, PPF anode, and a 90 Au/10 Pt cathode. This configuration was developed to extend cell life. Two cell plaques with dedicated flow fields and manifolds for all fluids did not exhibit the cell-to-cell electrolyte transfer that limited the operating life of earlier multicell plaques.

The Evolution of Organ Allocation for Liver Transplantation: Tackling Geographic Disparity Through Broader Sharing.

PubMed

Axelrod, David A; Vagefi, Parsia A; Roberts, John P

2015-08-01

The liver transplant allocation system has evolved to a ranking system of “sickest-first” system based on objective criteria. Yet, organs continue to be distributed first within OPOs and regions that are largely based on historical practice patterns related to kidney transplantation and were never designed to minimize waitlist death or equalize opportunity for liver transplant. The current proposal is a move to enhance survival though the application of modern mathematical techniques to optimize liver distribution. Like MELDbased allocation, it will never be perfect and should be continually evaluated and revised. However, the disparity in access, which favors those residing in or able to travel to privileged areas, to the detriment of the patients dying on the list in underserved areas, is simply not defensible in 2015.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program. Bibliography, 1993 edition

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

Vaughan, K.H.

1993-06-01

The Bibliography contains listings of publicly available reports, journal articles, and published conference papers sponsored by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and published between 1987 and mid-1993. The topics of Bibliography include: analysis and evaluation; building equipment research; building thermal envelope systems and materials; district heating; residential and commercial conservation program; weatherization assistance program; existing buildings research program; ceramic technology project; alternative fuels and propulsion technology; microemulsion fuels; industrial chemical heat pumps; materials for advanced industrial heat exchangers; advanced industrial materials; tribology; energy-related inventions program; electric energy systems; superconducting technology program for electric energy systems; thermalmore » energy storage; biofuels feedstock development; biotechnology; continuous chromatography in multicomponent separations; sensors for electrolytic cells; hydropower environmental mitigation; environmental control technology; continuous fiber ceramic composite technology.« less

Microwave power transmitting phased array antenna research project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickinson, R. M.

1978-01-01

An initial design study and the development results of an S band RF power transmitting phased array antenna experiment system are presented. The array was to be designed, constructed and instrumented to permit wireless power transmission technology evaluation measurements. The planned measurements were to provide data relative to the achievable performance in the state of the art of flexible surface, retrodirective arrays, as a step in technically evaluating the satellite power system concept for importing to earth, via microwave beams, the nearly continuous solar power available in geosynchronous orbit. Details of the microwave power transmitting phased array design, instrumentation approaches, system block diagrams, and measured component and breadboard characteristics achieved are presented.

Adverse event detection (AED) system for continuously monitoring and evaluating structural health status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Jinsik; Ha, Dong Sam; Inman, Daniel J.; Owen, Robert B.

2011-03-01

Structural damage for spacecraft is mainly due to impacts such as collision of meteorites or space debris. We present a structural health monitoring (SHM) system for space applications, named Adverse Event Detection (AED), which integrates an acoustic sensor, an impedance-based SHM system, and a Lamb wave SHM system. With these three health-monitoring methods in place, we can determine the presence, location, and severity of damage. An acoustic sensor continuously monitors acoustic events, while the impedance-based and Lamb wave SHM systems are in sleep mode. If an acoustic sensor detects an impact, it activates the impedance-based SHM. The impedance-based system determines if the impact incurred damage. When damage is detected, it activates the Lamb wave SHM system to determine the severity and location of the damage. Further, since an acoustic sensor dissipates much less power than the two SHM systems and the two systems are activated only when there is an acoustic event, our system reduces overall power dissipation significantly. Our prototype system demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed concept.

An Electronic Pillbox for Continuous Monitoring of Medication Adherence

PubMed Central

Hayes, Tamara. L.; Hunt, John M.; Adami, Andre; Kaye, Jeffrey A.

2010-01-01

We have developed an instrumented pillbox, called a MedTracker, which allows monitoring of medication adherence on a continuous basis. This device improves on existing systems by providing mobility, frequent and automatic data collection, more detailed information about nonadherence and medication errors, and the familiar interface of a 7-day drug store pillbox. We report on the design of the MedTracker, and on the results of a field trial in 39 homes to evaluate the device. PMID:17946369

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 119)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

This bibliography lists 341 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in January 1980. Abstracts on the engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment, and systems are presented. Research and development in aerodynamics, aeronautics, and ground support equipment for aeronautical vehicles are also presented.

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 282)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

This bibliography lists 623 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in Aug. 1992. The coverage includes documents on the engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment, and systems. It also includes research and development in aerodynamics, aeronautics, and ground support equipment for aeronautical vehicles.

Aeronautical Engineering: A Continuing Bibliography with Indexes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

This bibliography lists 193 reports, journal articles, and other documents introduced in the NASA scientific and technical system in Aug. 1995. Subject coverage includes documents on the engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment, and systems. It also includes research and development in aerodynamics, aeronautics, and ground support equipment for aeronautical vehicles

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 324)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

This bibliography lists 149 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in December 1995. Subject coverage includes engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment, and systems. It also includes research and development in aerodynamics, aeronautics, and ground support equipment for aeronautical vehicles.

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 313)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

This bibliography lists 179 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in Jan. 1995. Subject coverage includes: engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction, evaluation, testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment, and systems. It also includes research and development in aerodynamics, aeronautics, and ground support equipment for aeronautical vehicles.

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 310)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

This bibliography lists 29 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in Nov. 1994. Subject coverage includes: engineering and theoretical aspects of design, construction,evaluation testing, operation, and performance of aircraft (including aircraft engines) and associated components, equipment and systems. It also includes research and development in aerodynamics, aeronautics, and ground support equipment for aeronautical vehicles.

Risk Evaluation of Business Continuity Management by Using Green Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gang, Chen

IT disasters can be seen as the test of the ability in communities and firms to effectively protect their information and infrastructure, to reduce both human and property loss, and to rapidly recover. In this paper, we use a literature meta-analysis method to identify potential research directions in Green Business Continuity Management (GBCM). The concept and characteristics of GBCM are discussed. We analysis the connotation and the sources of green technology risk. An assessment index system is established from the perspectives of GBCM. A fuzzy comprehensive assessment method is introduced to assess the risks of green technology in Business Continuity Management.

Accuracy Evaluation of a CE-Marked Glucometer System for Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose With Three Reagent Lots Following ISO 15197:2013.

PubMed

Hehmke, Bernd; Berg, Sabine; Salzsieder, Eckhard

2017-05-01

Continuous standardized verification of the accuracy of blood glucose meter systems for self-monitoring after their introduction into the market is an important clinically tool to assure reliable performance of subsequently released lots of strips. Moreover, such published verification studies permit comparison of different blood glucose monitoring systems and, thus, are increasingly involved in the process of evidence-based purchase decision making.

Evaluation of the CNS and cardiovascular effects of prolonged exposure to bromotrifluromethane (CBrF3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geller, I.; Garcia, C.; Gleiser, C.; Haines, R., Jr.; Hamilton, M.; Hartmann, R., Jr.; Mendez, V.; Samuels, A.; Miguel, M. S.

1981-01-01

The proposed use of bromotrifluoromethane (CBrF3) as a fire extinguishant in aircraft, spacecraft and submarines has stimulated increasing interest and research in the toxicological properties of this compound. In a spacecraft, because of its unique recirculating life support system, the introduction of CBrF3 by leakage or intentional discharge, will result in continuous exposure of crewman to low concentrations of this compound for periods of up to 7 days, or possibly even longer. The effects of low concentrations of CBrF3, under continuous exposure conditions, on the CNS and cardiovascular systems of animals to enable an assessment of these risks were investigated.

29 CFR 1952.204 - Final approval determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) APPROVED STATE PLANS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF STATE STANDARDS Minnesota § 1952.204... Information System, the Assistant Secretary evaluated actual operations under the Minnesota State plan for a... opportunity for public comment, the Assistant Secretary determined that in operation the State of Minnesota's...

29 CFR 1952.204 - Final approval determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) APPROVED STATE PLANS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF STATE STANDARDS Minnesota § 1952.204... Information System, the Assistant Secretary evaluated actual operations under the Minnesota State plan for a... opportunity for public comment, the Assistant Secretary determined that in operation the State of Minnesota's...

29 CFR 1952.204 - Final approval determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) APPROVED STATE PLANS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF STATE STANDARDS Minnesota § 1952.204... Information System, the Assistant Secretary evaluated actual operations under the Minnesota State plan for a... opportunity for public comment, the Assistant Secretary determined that in operation the State of Minnesota's...

29 CFR 1952.204 - Final approval determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) APPROVED STATE PLANS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF STATE STANDARDS Minnesota § 1952.204... Information System, the Assistant Secretary evaluated actual operations under the Minnesota State plan for a... opportunity for public comment, the Assistant Secretary determined that in operation the State of Minnesota's...

7 CFR 275.7 - Selection of sub-units for review.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Management Evaluation (ME... Food Stamp Program, exclusive of Post Offices which may issue coupons. Sub-units shall be classified...

10 CFR 54.4 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... COMMISSION (CONTINUED) REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL OF OPERATING LICENSES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS General Provisions § 54.4 Scope. (a) Plant systems, structures, and components within the scope of this part are— (1..., and components relied on in safety analyses or plant evaluations to perform a function that...

10 CFR 54.4 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... COMMISSION (CONTINUED) REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL OF OPERATING LICENSES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS General Provisions § 54.4 Scope. (a) Plant systems, structures, and components within the scope of this part are— (1..., and components relied on in safety analyses or plant evaluations to perform a function that...

10 CFR 54.4 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... COMMISSION (CONTINUED) REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL OF OPERATING LICENSES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS General Provisions § 54.4 Scope. (a) Plant systems, structures, and components within the scope of this part are— (1..., and components relied on in safety analyses or plant evaluations to perform a function that...

10 CFR 54.4 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... COMMISSION (CONTINUED) REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL OF OPERATING LICENSES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS General Provisions § 54.4 Scope. (a) Plant systems, structures, and components within the scope of this part are— (1..., and components relied on in safety analyses or plant evaluations to perform a function that...

10 CFR 54.4 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... COMMISSION (CONTINUED) REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL OF OPERATING LICENSES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS General Provisions § 54.4 Scope. (a) Plant systems, structures, and components within the scope of this part are— (1..., and components relied on in safety analyses or plant evaluations to perform a function that...

Toward Continual Reform: Progress in Academic Libraries in China.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ping, Ke

2002-01-01

Traces developments in China's academic libraries: managing human resources, restructuring library developments, revising and implementing new policies, evaluating services and operations, establishing library systems, building new structures, and exploring joint-use library models. Major focus was to improve services for library user. (Author/LRW)

7 CFR 275.15 - Data management.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Data Analysis and Evaluation § 275.15 Data management. (a) Analysis. Analysis is the process of classifying data, such as by areas of...

7 CFR 275.15 - Data management.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Data Analysis and Evaluation § 275.15 Data management. (a) Analysis. Analysis is the process of classifying data, such as by areas of...

7 CFR 275.15 - Data management.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Data Analysis and Evaluation § 275.15 Data management. (a) Analysis. Analysis is the process of classifying data, such as by areas of...

7 CFR 275.15 - Data management.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Data Analysis and Evaluation § 275.15 Data management. (a) Analysis. Analysis is the process of classifying data, such as by areas of...

Study of Georgia's pavement deterioration/life and potential risks of delayed pavement resurfacing and rehabilitation : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-08-01

Georgia has continuously been rated as one of the states with the smoothest pavements in the United States because the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has established a standardized pavement condition evaluation system (PACES) for consist...

Study of Georgia's pavement deterioration/life and potential risks of delayed pavement resurfacing and rehabilitation : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-08-01

Georgia has continuously been rated as one of the states with the smoothest pavements in the United States : because the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has established a standardized pavement condition : evaluation system (PACES) for con...

Advanced road scene image segmentation and pavement evaluation using neural networks.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

The current project, funded by MIOH-UTC for the period 9/1/2009-8/31/2010, continues our : efforts in designing an image processing based pavement inspection system for the : assessment of highway surface conditions. One of the most important tasks i...

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

Hadgu, Teklu; Appel, Gordon John

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) continued evaluation of total system performance assessment (TSPA) computing systems for the previously considered Yucca Mountain Project (YMP). This was done to maintain the operational readiness of the computing infrastructure (computer hardware and software) and knowledge capability for total system performance assessment (TSPA) type analysis, as directed by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), DOE 2010. This work is a continuation of the ongoing readiness evaluation reported in Lee and Hadgu (2014) and Hadgu et al. (2015). The TSPA computing hardware (CL2014) and storage system described in Hadgu et al. (2015) were used for the currentmore » analysis. One floating license of GoldSim with Versions 9.60.300, 10.5 and 11.1.6 was installed on the cluster head node, and its distributed processing capability was mapped on the cluster processors. Other supporting software were tested and installed to support the TSPA-type analysis on the server cluster. The current tasks included verification of the TSPA-LA uncertainty and sensitivity analyses, and preliminary upgrade of the TSPA-LA from Version 9.60.300 to the latest version 11.1. All the TSPA-LA uncertainty and sensitivity analyses modeling cases were successfully tested and verified for the model reproducibility on the upgraded 2014 server cluster (CL2014). The uncertainty and sensitivity analyses used TSPA-LA modeling cases output generated in FY15 based on GoldSim Version 9.60.300 documented in Hadgu et al. (2015). The model upgrade task successfully converted the Nominal Modeling case to GoldSim Version 11.1. Upgrade of the remaining of the modeling cases and distributed processing tasks will continue. The 2014 server cluster and supporting software systems are fully operational to support TSPA-LA type analysis.« less

Continuous Monitoring of Essential Tremor Using a Portable System Based on Smartwatch.

PubMed

Zheng, Xiaochen; Vieira Campos, Alba; Ordieres-Meré, Joaquín; Balseiro, Jose; Labrador Marcos, Sergio; Aladro, Yolanda

2017-01-01

Essential tremor (ET) shows amplitude fluctuations throughout the day, presenting challenges in both clinical and treatment monitoring. Tremor severity is currently evaluated by validated rating scales, which only provide a timely and subjective assessment during a clinical visit. Motor sensors have shown favorable performances in quantifying tremor objectively. A new highly portable system was used to monitor tremor continuously during daily lives. It consists of a smartwatch with a triaxial accelerometer, a smartphone, and a remote server. An experiment was conducted involving eight ET patients. The average effective data collection time per patient was 26 (±6.05) hours. Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) was adopted as the gold standard to classify tremor and to validate the performance of the system. Quantitative analysis of tremor severity on different time scales is validated. Significant correlations were observed between neurologist's FTMTRS and patient's FTMTRS auto-assessment scores ( r  = 0.84; p  = 0.009), between the device quantitative measures and the scores from the standardized assessments of neurologists ( r  = 0.80; p  = 0.005) and patient's auto-evaluation ( r  = 0.97; p  = 0.032), and between patient's FTMTRS auto-assessment scores day-to-day ( r  = 0.87; p  < 0.001). A graphical representation of four patients with different degrees of tremor was presented, and a representative system is proposed to summarize the tremor scoring at different time scales. This study demonstrates the feasibility of prolonged and continuous monitoring of tremor severity during daily activities by a highly portable non-restrictive system, a useful tool to analyze efficacy and effectiveness of treatment.

Evaluation of endothelial mucin layer thickness after phacoemulsification with next generation ophthalmic irrigating solution.

PubMed

Ghate, Deepta A; Holley, Glenn; Dollinger, Harli; Bullock, Joseph P; Markwardt, Kerry; Edelhauser, Henry F

2008-10-01

To evaluate human corneal endothelial mucin layer thickness and ultrastructure after phacoemulsification and irrigation-aspiration with either next generation ophthalmic irrigating solution (NGOIS) or BSS PLUS. Paired human corneas were mounted in an artificial anterior chamber, exposed to 3 minutes of continuous ultrasound (US) at 80% power using the Alcon SERIES 20000 LEGACY surgical system (n = 9) or to 2 minutes of pulsed US at 50% power, 50% of the time at 20 pps using the Alcon INFINITI Vision System (n = 5), and irrigated with 250 mL of either NGOIS or BSS PLUS. A control group of paired corneas did not undergo phacoemulsification or irrigation-aspiration (n = 5). Corneas were divided and fixed for mucin staining or transmission electron microscopy. Mucin layer thickness was measured on the transmission electron microscopy prints. The mucin layer thickness in the continuous phaco group was 0.77 +/- 0.02 microm (mean +/- SE) with NGOIS and 0.51 +/- 0.01 microm with BSS PLUS (t test, P < 0.001). The mucin layer thickness in the pulsed phaco group was 0.79 +/- 0.02 microm with NGOIS and 0.54 +/- 0.01 microm with BSS PLUS (P < 0.001). The mucin layer thickness in the untreated control group was 0.72 +/- 0.02 microm. The endothelial ultrastructure was normal in all corneas. In this in vitro corneal model, NGOIS, due to its lower surface tension and higher viscosity, preserved endothelial mucin layer thickness better than BSS PLUS with both the INFINITI Vision System (pulsed US) and the LEGACY surgical system (continuous US).

Compact lidar system using laser diode, binary continuous wave power modulation, and an avalanche photodiode-based receiver controlled by a digital signal processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardanuy, Antoni; Comerón, Adolfo

2018-04-01

We analyze the practical limits of a lidar system based on the use of a laser diode, random binary continuous wave power modulation, and an avalanche photodiode (APD)-based photereceiver, combined with the control and computing power of the digital signal processors (DSP) currently available. The target is to design a compact portable lidar system made all in semiconductor technology, with a low-power demand and an easy configuration of the system, allowing change in some of its features through software. Unlike many prior works, we emphasize the use of APDs instead of photomultiplier tubes to detect the return signal and the application of the system to measure not only hard targets, but also medium-range aerosols and clouds. We have developed an experimental prototype to evaluate the behavior of the system under different environmental conditions. Experimental results provided by the prototype are presented and discussed.

AMON: a wearable multiparameter medical monitoring and alert system.

PubMed

Anliker, Urs; Ward, Jamie A; Lukowicz, Paul; Tröster, Gerhard; Dolveck, François; Baer, Michel; Keita, Fatou; Schenker, Eran B; Catarsi, Fabrizio; Coluccini, Luca; Belardinelli, Andrea; Shklarski, Dror; Alon, Menachem; Hirt, Etienne; Schmid, Rolf; Vuskovic, Milica

2004-12-01

This paper describes an advanced care and alert portable telemedical monitor (AMON), a wearable medical monitoring and alert system targeting high-risk cardiac/respiratory patients. The system includes continuous collection and evaluation of multiple vital signs, intelligent multiparameter medical emergency detection, and a cellular connection to a medical center. By integrating the whole system in an unobtrusive, wrist-worn enclosure and applying aggressive low-power design techniques, continuous long-term monitoring can be performed without interfering with the patients' everyday activities and without restricting their mobility. In the first two and a half years of this EU IST sponsored project, the AMON consortium has designed, implemented, and tested the described wrist-worn device, a communication link, and a comprehensive medical center software package. The performance of the system has been validated by a medical study with a set of 33 subjects. The paper describes the main concepts behind the AMON system and presents details of the individual subsystems and solutions as well as the results of the medical validation.

1992 NASA Life Support Systems Analysis workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evanich, Peggy L.; Crabb, Thomas M.; Gartrell, Charles F.

1992-01-01

The 1992 Life Support Systems Analysis Workshop was sponsored by NASA's Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST) to integrate the inputs from, disseminate information to, and foster communication among NASA, industry, and academic specialists. The workshop continued discussion and definition of key issues identified in the 1991 workshop, including: (1) modeling and experimental validation; (2) definition of systems analysis evaluation criteria; (3) integration of modeling at multiple levels; and (4) assessment of process control modeling approaches. Through both the 1991 and 1992 workshops, NASA has continued to seek input from industry and university chemical process modeling and analysis experts, and to introduce and apply new systems analysis approaches to life support systems. The workshop included technical presentations, discussions, and interactive planning, with sufficient time allocated for discussion of both technology status and technology development recommendations. Key personnel currently involved with life support technology developments from NASA, industry, and academia provided input to the status and priorities of current and future systems analysis methods and requirements.

A system of networks and continuing education for physical therapists in rheumatology: a feasibility study

PubMed Central

Verhoef, J.; Oosterveld, F.G.J.; Hoekman, R.; Munneke, M.; Boonman, D.C.G.; Bakker, M.; Otten, W.; Rasker, J.J.; de Vries-vander Zwan, H.M.; Vliet Vlieland, T.P.M.

2004-01-01

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of regional physical therapy networks including continuing education in rheumatology. The aim of these networks was to improve care provided by primary care physical therapists by improving specific knowledge, technical and communicative skills and the collaboration with rheumatologists. Methods In two regions in The Netherlands continuing education (CE) programmes, consisting of a 5-day postgraduate training course followed by bimonthly workshops and teaching practices, were organised simultaneously. Network activities included consultations, newsletters and the development of a communication guideline. Endpoint measures included the participation rate, compliance, quality of the CE programme, teaching practices, knowledge, network activities, communication, number of patients treated and patient satisfaction. Results Sixty-three physical therapists out of 193 practices (33%) participated in the project. They all completed the education programmes and were formally registered. All evaluations of the education programmes showed positive scores. Knowledge scores increased significantly directly after the training course and at 18 months. A draft guideline on communication between physical therapists and rheumatologists was developed, and 4 newsletters were distributed. A substantial proportion of physical therapists and rheumatologists reported improved communication at 18 months. The mean number of patients treated by physical therapists participating in the networks increased significantly. Patients' satisfaction scores within the networks were significantly higher than those from outside the networks at 18 months. Conclusions Setting up a system of networks for continuing education for physical therapists regarding the treatment of patients with rheumatic diseases is feasible. Further research will focus on the effectiveness of the system and its implementation on a larger scale. PMID:16773150

Physiological evaluation of men wearing three different toxicological protective systems

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

Levine, L.; Cadarette, B.S.; Sawka, M.N.

1989-08-01

This study examined the physiological responses of seven volunteers exercising in the heat while wearing three different toxicological protective systems. The Toxicological Agent Protective (TAP) suit has been available for use for more than 30 years while the other two protective systems are developmental efforts. The Self-Contained Toxicological Environmental Protection Outfit (STEPO) includes either a backpack-rebreather (with CO{sub 2} scrubber) and ice-cooling vest (STEPO-R), or a tether system which supplies breathing/cooling air inside the suit (STEPO-T). After the volunteers were heat acclimated, the three toxicological protection systems were evaluated utilizing a counter-balanced experimental design initially in a hot and thenmore » in a cool environment while subjects walked at 1.12 m/s, 0% grade for an attempted two hours. There was no statistical advantage of any one system in terms of exercise time in the cool environment. While evaporated sweating rate was greater for the STEPO-T in the cool environment compared to both STEPO-R and TAP. Development efforts to improve the STEPO system designs continue, and physiological evaluation of new developmental models is underway.« less

Recording vocalizations with Bluetooth technology.

PubMed

Gaona-González, Andrés; Santillán-Doherty, Ana María; Arenas-Rosas, Rita Virginia; Muñoz-Delgado, Jairo; Aguillón-Pantaleón, Miguel Angel; Ordoñez-Gómez, José Domingo; Márquez-Arias, Alejandra

2011-06-01

We propose a method for capturing vocalizations that is designed to avoid some of the limiting factors found in traditional bioacoustical methods, such as the impossibility of obtaining continuous long-term registers or analyzing amplitude due to the continuous change of distance between the subject and the position of the recording system. Using Bluetooth technology, vocalizations are captured and transmitted wirelessly into a receiving system without affecting the quality of the signal. The recordings of the proposed system were compared to those obtained as a reference, which were based on the coding of the signal with the so-called pulse-code modulation technique in WAV audio format without any compressing process. The evaluation showed p < .05 for the measured quantitative and qualitative parameters. We also describe how the transmitting system is encapsulated and fixed on the animal and a way to video record a spider monkey's behavior simultaneously with the audio recordings.

Innovative nuclear thermal propulsion technology evaluation - Results of the NASA/DOE task team study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howe, Steven D.; Borowski, Stanley; Motloch, Chet; Helms, Ira; Diaz, Nils; Anghaie, Samim; Latham, Thomas

1991-01-01

In response to findings from two NASA/DOE nuclear propulsion workshops, six task teams were created to continue evaluation of various propulsion concepts, from which evolved an innovative concepts subpanel to evaluate thermal propulsion concepts which did not utilize solid fuel. This subpanel endeavored to evaluate each concept on a level technology basis, and to identify critical issues, technologies, and early proof-of-concept experiments. Results of the concept studies including the liquid core fission, the gas core fission, the fission foil reactors, explosively driven systems, fusion, and antimatter are presented.

Seismic performance evaluation of an infilled rocking wall frame structure through quasi-static cyclic testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Peng; Wu, Shoujun; Wang, Haishen; Nie, Xin

2018-04-01

Earthquake investigations have illustrated that even code-compliant reinforced concrete frames may suffer from soft-story mechanism. This damage mode results in poor ductility and limited energy dissipation. Continuous components offer alternatives that may avoid such failures. A novel infilled rocking wall frame system is proposed that takes advantage of continuous component and rocking characteristics. Previous studies have investigated similar systems that combine a reinforced concrete frame and a wall with rocking behavior used. However, a large-scale experimental study of a reinforced concrete frame combined with a rocking wall has not been reported. In this study, a seismic performance evaluation of the newly proposed infilled rocking wall frame structure was conducted through quasi-static cyclic testing. Critical joints were designed and verified. Numerical models were established and calibrated to estimate frame shear forces. The results evaluation demonstrate that an infilled rocking wall frame can effectively avoid soft-story mechanisms. Capacity and initial stiffness are greatly improved and self-centering behavior is achieved with the help of the infilled rocking wall. Drift distribution becomes more uniform with height. Concrete cracks and damage occurs in desired areas. The infilled rocking wall frame offers a promising approach to achieving seismic resilience.

A resource management tool for public health continuity of operations during disasters.

PubMed

Turner, Anne M; Reeder, Blaine; Wallace, James C

2013-04-01

We developed and validated a user-centered information system to support the local planning of public health continuity of operations for the Community Health Services Division, Public Health - Seattle & King County, Washington. The Continuity of Operations Data Analysis (CODA) system was designed as a prototype developed using requirements identified through participatory design. CODA uses open-source software that links personnel contact and licensing information with needed skills and clinic locations for 821 employees at 14 public health clinics in Seattle and King County. Using a web-based interface, CODA can visualize locations of personnel in relationship to clinics to assist clinic managers in allocating public health personnel and resources under dynamic conditions. Based on user input, the CODA prototype was designed as a low-cost, user-friendly system to inventory and manage public health resources. In emergency conditions, the system can run on a stand-alone battery-powered laptop computer. A formative evaluation by managers of multiple public health centers confirmed the prototype design's usefulness. Emergency management administrators also provided positive feedback about the system during a separate demonstration. Validation of the CODA information design prototype by public health managers and emergency management administrators demonstrates the potential usefulness of building a resource management system using open-source technologies and participatory design principles.