Measurements and tests of HTS bulk material in resistive fault current limiters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noe, M.; Juengst, K.-P.; Werfel, F. N.; Elschner, S.; Bock, J.; Wolf, A.; Breuer, F.

2002-08-01

The application of superconducting fault current limiters (SCFCL) depends highly on their technical and economical benefits. Therefore it is obvious that the main requirements on the SCFCL are a reliable, fail-safe and rapid current limitation, low losses, and an inexpensive production. As a potential candidate material we have investigated HTS bulk material in resistive fault current limiters. Our report focuses on the E- j-curves, the AC-losses and the quench behaviour of melt cast processed-BSCCO 2212 and melt textured polycrystalline-YBCO 123. Within a temperature range from 64 to 80 K E- j-curves and AC losses of HTS elements were measured. The measurement results show that HTS bulk material meets the SCFCL specifications. In order to avoid hot spots during limitation and to improve mechanical stability a metallic bypass is needed. First test results of the quench behaviour of HTS bulk material with metallic bypass demonstrate safe limitation up to the specified electrical field of 100 V/m.

Technical options for processing additional light tight oil volumes within the United States

EIA Publications

2015-01-01

This report examines technical options for processing additional LTO volumes within the United States. Domestic processing of additional LTO would enable an increase in petroleum product exports from the United States, already the world’s largest net exporter of petroleum products. Unlike crude oil, products are not subject to export limitations or licensing requirements. While this is one possible approach to absorbing higher domestic LTO production in the absence of a relaxation of current limitations on crude exports, domestic LTO would have to be priced at a level required to encourage additional LTO runs at existing refinery units, debottlenecking, or possible additions of processing capacity.

MO-FG-207-01: Technological Advances and Challenges: Experience with the First Integrated Whole-Body PET/MRI

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

Laforest, R.

2015-06-15

The use of integrated PET/MRI systems in clinical applications can best benefit from understanding their technological advances and limitations. The currently available clinical PET/MRI systems have their own characteristics. Thorough analyses of existing technical data and evaluation of necessary performance metrics for quality assurances could be conducted to optimize application-specific PET/MRI protocols. This Symposium will focus on technical advances and limitations of clinical PET/MRI systems, and how this exciting imaging modality can be utilized in applications that can benefit from both PET and MRI. Learning Objectives: To understand the technological advances of clinical PET/MRI systems To correctly identify clinical applicationsmore » that can benefit from PET/MRI To understand ongoing work to further improve the current PET/MRI technology Floris Jansen is a GE Healthcare employee.« less

GREEN KIT: A MODULAR, VARIABLE APPLICATION SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE COOLING

EPA Science Inventory

Definition of technical challenge to sustainability One of the challenges to sustainability is to build shelters that provide human comfort (people) using limited resources (prosperity) and minimum environment impact (planet). Current practices in building ...

IMPROVING THE RELIABILITY OF MICROARRAYS FOR TOXICOLOGY RESEARCH: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

EPA Science Inventory

Microarray-based gene expression profiling is a critical tool to identify molecular biomarkers of specific chemical stressors. Although current microarray technologies have progressed from their infancy, biological and technical repeatability and reliability are often still limit...

Analysis of the U.S. and Soviet Crisis Management Experiences. Technical Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

past and present performance. The current limitations on the use of these techniques are in large part technical -- there is no SPSS for the AT community...STOESSINGER, J.G. (1976) Henry Kissinger: The Anguish of Power. New York: Norton. 4-6 " Presidential books and memoirs, " State Department bulletins and...Policy and Third World Nations. Arlington, VA: Center for Naval Analyses, Professional Paper 155. STOESSINGER, J.G. (1976) Henry Kissinger: The Anguish

Technical opportunities to reduce global anthropogenic emissions of nitrous oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winiwarter, Wilfried; Höglund-Isaksson, Lena; Klimont, Zbigniew; Schöpp, Wolfgang; Amann, Markus

2018-01-01

We describe a consistent framework developed to quantify current and future anthropogenic emissions of nitrous oxide and the available technical abatement options by source sector for 172 regions globally. About 65% of the current emissions derive from agricultural soils, 8% from waste, and 4% from the chemical industry. Low-cost abatement options are available in industry, wastewater, and agriculture, where they are limited to large industrial farms. We estimate that by 2030, emissions can be reduced by about 6% ±2% applying abatement options at a cost lower than 10 €/t CO2-eq. The largest abatement potential at higher marginal costs is available from agricultural soils, employing precision fertilizer application technology as well as chemical treatment of fertilizers to suppress conversion processes in soil (nitrification inhibitors). At marginal costs of up to 100 €/t CO2-eq, about 18% ±6% of baseline emissions can be removed and when considering all available options, the global abatement potential increases to about 26% ±9%. Due to expected future increase in activities driving nitrous oxide emissions, the limited technical abatement potential available means that even at full implementation of reduction measures by 2030, global emissions can be at most stabilized at the pre-2010 level. In order to achieve deeper reductions in emissions, considerable technological development will be required as well as non-technical options like adjusting human diets towards moderate animal protein consumption.

Networks Technology Conference

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tasaki, Keiji K. (Editor)

1993-01-01

The papers included in these proceedings represent the most interesting and current topics being pursued by personnel at GSFC's Networks Division and supporting contractors involved in Space, Ground, and Deep Space Network (DSN) technical work. Although 29 papers are represented in the proceedings, only 12 were presented at the conference because of space and time limitations. The proceedings are organized according to five principal technical areas of interest to the Networks Division: Project Management; Network Operations; Network Control, Scheduling, and Monitoring; Modeling and Simulation; and Telecommunications Engineering.

Speed limit study for the State of Louisiana : technical assistance report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-11-01

The investigation has included an inventory of current road and traffic speed conditions in Louisiana, a review of practice in neighboring states, a literature review of findings in other states and other countries, a survey of District Traffic Opera...

CURRENT ISSUES IN HTE DETECTION OF HUMAN EXPOSURE TO THE CYANOBACTERIA TOXINS, MICROCYSTINS

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction: Toxic cyanobacteria are contaminants of surface waters worldwide. Microcystins are some of the most commonly detected toxins. Biological evidence of human exposure has been difficult to obtain due to technical, temporal, and biological limitations. However, evide...

Technical Limitations in Merging Secular and Sacred Functions in Monumental Churches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piatkowska, Ksenia

2017-10-01

The abandonment of churches and their adaptation for secular purposes is a current subject in Europe and worldwide. Most cases involve objects that were desacralized and then rebuilt as a whole object for alternative functions. Thus far, the merging of secular and sacred functions in one monumental Catholic church has not raised any issues. The paper describes the case of St. Catherine’s Church in Gdansk, Poland, where sacred function exists parallel to the new secular function being implemented. The study is based on the authentic, professional experience of the author. It describes the technical limitations arising from the need to ensure destinies for the optimal conditions of both sacred and secular function, while avoiding undesirable interference between them. The author further identifies architectural solutions most relevant to current requirements for protection of sacred zones in the church, for preservation of the monument, and for optimal function of a modern science museum. Significant design issues include: the inviolability of the sacred zone, preservation of the historical value of the monument, proper operation of new secular zones in compliance with contemporary standards of safety, performance of the assumed mission and profitability. The research indicates specific areas where the highest probability of collision exists between the sacred and profane and where technical problems are likely to occur.

Innovations in energy expenditure assessment.

PubMed

Achamrah, Najate; Oshima, Taku; Genton, Laurence

2018-06-15

Optimal nutritional therapy has been associated with better clinical outcomes and requires providing energy as closed as possible to measured energy expenditure. We reviewed the current innovations in energy expenditure assessment in humans, focusing on indirect calorimetry and other new alternative methods. Although considered the reference method to measure energy expenditure, the use of indirect calorimetry is currently limited by the lack of an adequate device. However, recent technical developments may allow a broader use of indirect calorimetry for in-patients and out-patients. An ongoing international academic initiative to develop a new indirect calorimeter aimed to provide innovative and affordable technical solutions for many of the current limitations of indirect calorimetry. New alternative methods to indirect calorimetry, including CO2 measurements in mechanically ventilated patients, isotopic approaches and accelerometry-based fitness equipments, show promises but have been either poorly studied and/or are not accurate compared to indirect calorimetry. Therefore, to date, energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry remains the gold standard to guide nutritional therapy. Some new innovative methods are demonstrating promises in energy expenditure assessment, but still need to be validated. There is an ongoing need for easy-to-use, accurate and affordable indirect calorimeter for daily use in in-patients and out-patients.

Molecular malaria diagnostics: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Roth, Johanna M; Korevaar, Daniël A; Leeflang, Mariska M G; Mens, Pètra F

2016-01-01

Accurate diagnosis of malaria is essential for identification and subsequent treatment of the disease. Currently, microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests are the most commonly used diagnostics, next to treatment based on clinical signs only. These tests are easy to deploy, but have a relatively high detection limit. With declining prevalence in many areas, there is an increasing need for more sensitive diagnostics. Molecular tools may be a suitable alternative, although costs and technical requirements currently hamper their implementation in resource limited settings. A range of (near) point-of-care diagnostics is therefore under development, including simplifications in sample preparation, amplification and/or read-out of the test. Accuracy data, in combination with technical characteristics, are essential in determining which molecular test, if any, would be the most promising to be deployed. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the currently available molecular malaria diagnostics, ranging from well-known tests to platforms in early stages of evaluation, and systematically evaluates their published accuracy. No important difference in accuracy was found between the most commonly used PCR-based assays (conventional, nested and real-time PCR), with most of them having high sensitivity and specificity, implying that there are no reasons other than practical ones to choose one technique over the other. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification and other (novel) diagnostics appear to be highly accurate as well, with some offering potential to be used in resource-limited settings.

Membrane Desalination: Where Are We, and What Can We Learn from Fundamentals?

PubMed

Imbrogno, Joseph; Belfort, Georges

2016-06-07

Although thermal desalination technology provides potable water in arid regions (e.g., Israel and the Gulf), its relatively high cost has limited application to less arid regions with large populations (e.g., California). Energy-intensive distillation is currently being replaced with less costly pressure- and electrically driven membrane-based processes. Reverse osmosis (RO) is a preferred membrane technology owing to process and pre- and posttreatment improvements that have significantly reduced energy requirements and cost. Further technical advances will require a deeper understanding of the fundamental science underlying RO. This includes determining the mechanism for water selectivity; elucidating the behavior of molecular water near polar and apolar surfaces, as well as the advantages and limitations of hydrophobic versus hydrophilic pores; learning the rules of selective water transport from nature; and designing synthetic analogs for selective water transport. Molecular dynamics simulations supporting experiments will play an important role in advancing these efforts. Finally, future improvements in RO are limited by inherent technical mass transfer limitations.

Evaluating the effects of heavy sugar cane truck operations on repair cost of low volume highways : technical summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-10-01

Current Louisiana state laws allow truck operators hauling certain agricultural commodities to purchase : overweight permits and haul at gross vehicle weights (GVW) in excess of the legislated GVW limit of : 80,000 lb. For instance, sugar cane trucke...

Evaluating the Effects of Heavy Sugar Cane Truck Operations on Repair Cost of Low Volume Highways : Technical Summary Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-10-01

Current Louisiana state laws allow truck operators hauling certain agricultural commodities to purchase overweight permits and haul at gross vehicle weights (GVW) in excess of the legislated GVW limit of 80,000 lb. For instance, sugar cane truckers m...

Application of quantum dot nanoparticles for potential non-invasive bio-imaging of mammalian spermatozoa

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Various obstacles are encountered by mammalian spermatozoa during their journey through the female genital tract, and only few or none will reach the site of fertilization. Currently, there are limited technical approaches for non-invasive investigation of spermatozoa migration after insemination. A...

Progress in lattice gauge theory

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

Creutz, M.

1983-01-01

These lectures first provide an overview of the current status of lattice gauge theory calculations. They then review some technical points on group integration, gauge fixing, and order parameters. Various Monte Carlo algorithms are discussed. Finally, alternatives to the Wilson action are considered in the context of universality for the continuum limit. 41 references.

The back squat: A proposed assessment of functional deficits and technical factors that limit performance

PubMed Central

Myer, Gregory D.; Kushner, Adam M.; Brent, Jensen L.; Schoenfeld, Brad J.; Hugentobler, Jason; Lloyd, Rhodri S.; Vermeil, Al; Chu, Donald A.; Harbin, Jason; McGill, Stuart M.

2014-01-01

Fundamental movement competency is essential for participation in physical activity and for mitigating the risk of injury, which are both key elements of health throughout life. The squat movement pattern is arguably one of the most primal and critical fundamental movements necessary to improve sport performance, to reduce injury risk and to support lifelong physical activity. Based on current evidence, this first (1 of 2) report deconstructs the technical performance of the back squat as a foundation training exercise and presents a novel dynamic screening tool that incorporates identification techniques for functional deficits that limit squat performance and injury resilience. The follow-up report will outline targeted corrective methodology for each of the functional deficits presented in the assessment tool. PMID:25506270

Multiparametric prostate MRI: technical conduct, standardized report and clinical use.

PubMed

Manfredi, Matteo; Mele, Fabrizio; Garrou, Diletta; Walz, Jochen; Fütterer, Jurgen J; Russo, Filippo; Vassallo, Lorenzo; Villers, Arnauld; Emberton, Mark; Valerio, Massimo

2018-02-01

Multiparametric prostate MRI (mp-MRI) is an emerging imaging modality for diagnosis, characterization, staging, and treatment planning of prostate cancer (PCa). The technique, results reporting, and its role in clinical practice have been the subject of significant development over the last decade. Although mp-MRI is not yet routinely used in the diagnostic pathway, almost all urological guidelines have emphasized the potential role of mp-MRI in several aspects of PCa management. Moreover, new MRI sequences and scanning techniques are currently under evaluation to improve the diagnostic accuracy of mp-MRI. This review presents an overview of mp-MRI, summarizing the technical applications, the standardized reporting systems used, and their current roles in various stages of PCa management. Finally, this critical review also reports the main limitations and future perspectives of the technique.

Open-source point-of-care electronic medical records for use in resource-limited settings: systematic review and questionnaire surveys

PubMed Central

Bru, Juan; Berger, Christopher A

2012-01-01

Background Point-of-care electronic medical records (EMRs) are a key tool to manage chronic illness. Several EMRs have been developed for use in treating HIV and tuberculosis, but their applicability to primary care, technical requirements and clinical functionalities are largely unknown. Objectives This study aimed to address the needs of clinicians from resource-limited settings without reliable internet access who are considering adopting an open-source EMR. Study eligibility criteria Open-source point-of-care EMRs suitable for use in areas without reliable internet access. Study appraisal and synthesis methods The authors conducted a comprehensive search of all open-source EMRs suitable for sites without reliable internet access. The authors surveyed clinician users and technical implementers from a single site and technical developers of each software product. The authors evaluated availability, cost and technical requirements. Results The hardware and software for all six systems is easily available, but they vary considerably in proprietary components, installation requirements and customisability. Limitations This study relied solely on self-report from informants who developed and who actively use the included products. Conclusions and implications of key findings Clinical functionalities vary greatly among the systems, and none of the systems yet meet minimum requirements for effective implementation in a primary care resource-limited setting. The safe prescribing of medications is a particular concern with current tools. The dearth of fully functional EMR systems indicates a need for a greater emphasis by global funding agencies to move beyond disease-specific EMR systems and develop a universal open-source health informatics platform. PMID:22763661

Robotic applications in abdominal surgery: their limitations and future developments.

PubMed

Taylor, G W; Jayne, D G

2007-03-01

In the past 20 years, the technical aspects of abdominal surgery have changed dramatically. Operations are now routinely performed by laparoscopic techniques utilizing small abdominal incisions, with less patient discomfort, earlier recovery, improved cosmesis, and in many cases reduced economic burden on the healthcare provider. These benefits have largely been seen in the application of laparoscopic techniques to relatively straightforward procedures. It is not clear whether the same benefits carry through to more complex abdominal operations, which are more technically demanding and for which current laparoscopic instrumentation is less well adapted. The aim of surgical robotics is to address these problems and allow the advantages of minimal access surgery to be seen in a greater range of operations. A literature search was performed to ascertain the current state of the art in surgical robotics for the abdomen, and the technologies emerging within this field. The reference lists of the sourced articles were also searched for further relevant papers. Currently available robotic devices for abdominal surgery are limited to large, costly 'slave-master' or telemanipulator systems, such as the da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical, Sunny Vale, CA). In addition to their size and expense, these systems share the same limitation, by virtue of the fulcrum effect on instrument manipulation inherent in the use of ports by which external instruments gain access to the abdominal cavity. In order to overcome these limitations several smaller telemanipulator systems are being developed, and progress towards freely mobile intracorporeal devices is being made. While current robotic systems have considerable advantages over conventional laparoscopic techniques, they are not without limitations. Miniaturisation of robotic components and systems is feasible and necessary to allow minimally invasive techniques to reach full potential. The ultimate extrapolation of this progress is the development of intracorporeal robotics, the feasibility of which has been demonstrated. Copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Surveying Immigrant Communities: Policy Imperatives and Technical Challenges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DaVanzo, Julie; And Others

While national debates focus on rising immigration and its impact, current data on immigrants and how they affect the national life are limited. To determine the feasibility of conducting a national survey of immigrants, a pilot project surveyed Salvadorans and Filipinos in Los Angeles in 1991. This report addresses key methodological issues in…

Technical Problems Experienced in the Transformation of Virtual Worlds into an Education Environment and Coping Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coban, Murat; Karakus, Turkan; Karaman, Asiye; Gunay, Fatma; Goktas, Yuksel

2015-01-01

Research into virtual worlds demonstrates that to successfully use virtual world platforms in different disciplines, certain limitations and potential difficulties of these platforms must be overcome. The current study extends previous research by investigating problems in integrating virtual worlds in education with a longitudinal observation of…

77 FR 23224 - Request for Technical Input-Standards in Trade Workshops

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-18

... Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites all interested parties, including U.S.-based... the current National Export Strategy. NIST will offer a limited number of workshops each year. Most workshops will be scheduled for a 3 to 5 day period at NIST in Gaithersburg, Maryland. NIST will evaluate...

Pacific western boundary currents and their roles in climate.

PubMed

Hu, Dunxin; Wu, Lixin; Cai, Wenju; Gupta, Alex Sen; Ganachaud, Alexandre; Qiu, Bo; Gordon, Arnold L; Lin, Xiaopei; Chen, Zhaohui; Hu, Shijian; Wang, Guojian; Wang, Qingye; Sprintall, Janet; Qu, Tangdong; Kashino, Yuji; Wang, Fan; Kessler, William S

2015-06-18

Pacific Ocean western boundary currents and the interlinked equatorial Pacific circulation system were among the first currents of these types to be explored by pioneering oceanographers. The widely accepted but poorly quantified importance of these currents-in processes such as the El Niño/Southern Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the Indonesian Throughflow-has triggered renewed interest. Ongoing efforts are seeking to understand the heat and mass balances of the equatorial Pacific, and possible changes associated with greenhouse-gas-induced climate change. Only a concerted international effort will close the observational, theoretical and technical gaps currently limiting a robust answer to these elusive questions.

Economic Viability of Brewery Spent Grain as a Biofuel

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

Morrow, Charles

This report summarizes an investigation into the technical feasibility and economic viability of use grain wastes from the beer brewing process as fuel to generate the heat needed in subsequent brewing process. The study finds that while use of spent grain as a biofuel is technically feasible, the economics are not attractive. Economic viability is limited by the underuse of capital equipment. The investment in heating equipment requires a higher utilization that the client brewer currently anticipates. It may be possible in the future that changing factors may swing the decision to a more positive one.

Visuospatial and Technical Ability in the Selection and Assessment of Higher Surgical Trainees in the London Deanery

PubMed Central

Tansley, P; Kakar, S; Withey, S; Butler, P

2007-01-01

INTRODUCTION Despite awareness of the limitations of current selection and competency assessments, there is little consensus and alternatives have not been readily accepted. Essential surgical skills include visuospatial and technical ability. The aim of this study was to survey current methods of higher surgical trainee selection and assessment. We suggest ways to improve the process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine surgical training programmes in the London deanery were surveyed through questionnaires to programme directors, existing trainees and examination of deanery publications. RESULTS Testing of visuospatial and technical ability was piloted at selection only in a single general surgical department. Practical skills were assessed in 3/9 (33%) specialties (ENT, plastic and general surgery). Once selected, no specialty tested visuospatial and technical ability. Practical skills were tested in only 1/9 (11%) specialties (plastic surgery). The remaining 8/9 (89%) were ‘assessed’ by interview. CONCLUSIONS Lack of visuospatial and technical ability assessment was identified at selection and during higher surgical training. Airlines have long recognised early identification of these qualities as critical for efficient training. There is a need for more objective methods in this area prior to selection as time to assess surgical trainees during long apprenticeships is no longer available. We advocate a suitably validated competency-based model during and at completion of training. PMID:18201473

Image formation in diffusion MRI: A review of recent technical developments

PubMed Central

Miller, Karla L.

2017-01-01

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a standard imaging tool in clinical neurology, and is becoming increasingly important for neuroscience studies due to its ability to depict complex neuroanatomy (eg, white matter connectivity). Single‐shot echo‐planar imaging is currently the predominant formation method for diffusion MRI, but suffers from blurring, distortion, and low spatial resolution. A number of methods have been proposed to address these limitations and improve diffusion MRI acquisition. Here, the recent technical developments for image formation in diffusion MRI are reviewed. We discuss three areas of advance in diffusion MRI: improving image fidelity, accelerating acquisition, and increasing the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Level of Evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:646–662 PMID:28194821

[Robot-assisted surgery in the head and neck region].

PubMed

Hoffmann, T K; Friedrich, D T; Schuler, P J

2016-09-01

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in the head and neck region is believed to have a large potential for the improvement of patient care. Several systems with a master-slave setup are already in routine clinical use, particularly for oncologic surgery. Although specific patient groups may benefit from RAS, there is a lack of randomized clinical studies validating the advantages of these new technological systems in comparison to the existing standard procedures. On the other hand, RAS in the head and neck region is being constantly developed. Currently, the main limitations are the technical miniaturization of the tools and the loss of haptic feedback, as well as the high costs for acquisition and maintenance without financial reimbursement. In any case, the current generation of head and neck surgeons will face the technical, scientific, and ethical challenges of RAS.

Technology and Science in School and Society: Education, Training, Subsequent Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riis, Ulla

1986-01-01

This report on current research at Sweden's University of Linkoping on the dynamics of technical progress, social change, and continuous educational reform focuses on the four major sub-studies that, with a number of more limited surveys, make up the project on Technology and Science in School and Society: Education, Training, Subsequent Training.…

Towards reconstitution of membrane fusion mediated by SNAREs and other synaptic proteins

PubMed Central

Brunger, Axel T.; Cipriano, Daniel J.; Diao, Jiajie

2015-01-01

Abstract Proteoliposomes have been widely used for in vitro studies of membrane fusion mediated by synaptic proteins. Initially, such studies were made with large unsynchronized ensembles of vesicles. Such ensemble assays limited the insights into the SNARE-mediated fusion mechanism that could be obtained from them. Single particle microscopy experiments can alleviate many of these limitations but they pose significant technical challenges. Here we summarize various approaches that have enabled studies of fusion mediated by SNAREs and other synaptic proteins at a single-particle level. Currently available methods are described and their advantages and limitations are discussed. PMID:25788028

Technical Excellence and Communication: The Cornerstones for Successful Safety and Mission Assurance Programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malone, Roy W.; Livingston, John M.

2010-01-01

The paper describes the role of technical excellence and communication in the development and maintenance of safety and mission assurance programs. The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) organization is used to illustrate philosophies and techniques that strengthen safety and mission assurance efforts and that contribute to healthy and effective organizational cultures. The events and conditions leading to the development of the MSFC S&MA organization are reviewed. Historic issues and concerns are identified. The adverse effects of resource limitations and risk assessment roles are discussed. The structure and functions of the core safety, reliability, and quality assurance functions are presented. The current organization s mission and vision commitments serve as the starting points for the description of the current organization. The goals and objectives are presented that address the criticisms of the predecessor organizations. Additional improvements are presented that address the development of technical excellence and the steps taken to improve communication within the Center, with program customers, and with other Agency S&MA organizations.

Technical Excellence and Communication, the Cornerstones for Successful Safety and Mission Assurance Programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malone, Roy W.; Livingston, John M.

2010-09-01

The paper describes the role of technical excellence and communication in the development and maintenance of safety and mission assurance programs. The Marshall Space Flight Center(MSFC) Safety and Mission Assurance(S&MA) organization is used to illustrate philosophies and techniques that strengthen safety and mission assurance efforts and that contribute to healthy and effective organizational cultures. The events and conditions leading to the development of the MSFC S&MA organization are reviewed. Historic issues and concerns are identified. The adverse effects of resource limitations and risk assessment roles are discussed. The structure and functions of the core safety, reliability, and quality assurance functions are presented. The current organization’s mission and vision commitments serve as the starting points for the description of the current organization. The goals and objectives are presented that address the criticisms of the predecessor organizations. Additional improvements are presented that address the development of technical excellence and the steps taken to improve communication within the Center, with program customers, and with other Agency S&MA organizations.

Consumer Engagement in Health IT: Distinguishing Rhetoric from Reality

PubMed Central

Gold, Marsha; Hossain, Mynti; Mangum, Amy

2015-01-01

Rationale: Policymakers want health information technology (health IT) to support consumer engagement to help achieve national health goals. In this paper, we review the evidence to compare the rhetoric with the reality of current practice. Current Reality and Barriers: Our environmental scan shows that consumer demand exists for electronic access to personal health information, but that technical and system or political barriers still limit the value of the available information and its potential benefits. Conclusions and Policy Implications: There is a gap between current reality and the goals for consumer engagement. Actions that may help bridge this gap include: (1) resolving technical barriers to health information exchange (HIE); (2) developing more consumer-centric design and functionality; (3) reinforcing incentives that attract provider support by showing that consumer engagement is in their interest; and (4) building a stronger empirical case to convince decision makers that consumer engagement will lead to better care, improved health outcomes, and lower costs. PMID:26665120

Integrating technical and non-technical skills coaching in an acute trauma surgery team training: Is it too much?

PubMed

Alken, Alexander; Luursema, Jan-Maarten; Weenk, Mariska; Yauw, Simon; Fluit, Cornelia; van Goor, Harry

2017-08-25

Research on effective integration of technical and non-technical skills in surgery team training is sparse. In a previous study we found that surgical teachers predominantly coached on technical and hardly on non-technical skills during the Definitive Surgical and Anesthetic Trauma Care (DSATC) integrated acute trauma surgery team training. This study aims to investigate whether the priming of teachers could increase the amount of non-technical skills coaching during such a training. Coaching activities of 12 surgical teachers were recorded on audio and video. Six teachers were primed on non-technical skills coaching prior to the training. Six others received no priming and served as controls. Blind observers reviewed the recordings of 2 training scenario's and scored whether the observed behaviors were directed on technical or non-technical skills. We compared the frequency of the non-technical skills coaching between the primed and the non-primed teachers and analyzed for differences according to the trainees' level of experience. Surgical teachers coached trainees during the highly realistic DSATC integrated acute trauma surgery team training. Trainees performed damage control surgery in operating teams on anesthetized porcine models during 6 training scenario's. Twelve experienced surgical teachers participated in this study. Coaching on non-technical skills was limited to about 5%. The primed teachers did not coach more often on non-technical skills than the non-primed teachers. We found no differences in the frequency of non-technical skills coaching based on the trainees' level of experience. Priming experienced surgical teachers does not increase the coaching on non-technical skills. The current DSATC acute trauma surgery team training seems too complex for integrating training on technical and non-technical skills. Patient care, Practice based learning and improvement. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Implementing OpenMRS for patient monitoring in an HIV/AIDS care and treatment program in rural Mozambique.

PubMed

Manders, Eric-Jan; José, Eurico; Solis, Manuel; Burlison, Janeen; Nhampossa, José Leopoldo; Moon, Troy

2010-01-01

We have adopted the Open Medical Record System (OpenMRS) framework to implement an electronic patient monitoring system for an HIV care and treatment program in Mozambique. The program provides technical assistance to the Ministry of Health supporting the scale up of integrated HIV care and support services in health facilities in rural resource limited settings. The implementation is in use for adult and pediatric programs, with ongoing roll-out to cover all supported sites. We describe early experiences in adapting the system to the program needs, addressing infrastructure challenges, creating a regional support team, training data entry staff, migrating a legacy database, deployment, and current use. We find that OpenMRS offers excellent prospects for in-country development of health information systems, even in severely resource limited settings. However, it also requires considerable organizational infrastructure investment and technical capacity building to ensure continued local support.

AERA Statement on Use of Value-Added Models (VAM) for the Evaluation of Educators and Educator Preparation Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Educational Researcher, 2015

2015-01-01

The purpose of this statement is to inform those using or considering the use of value-added models (VAM) about their scientific and technical limitations in the evaluation of educators and programs that prepare teachers. The statement briefly reviews the background and current context of using VAM for evaluations, enumerates specific psychometric…

Consumer Engagement in Health IT: Distinguishing Rhetoric from Reality.

PubMed

Gold, Marsha; Hossain, Mynti; Mangum, Amy

2015-01-01

Policymakers want health information technology (health IT) to support consumer engagement to help achieve national health goals. In this paper, we review the evidence to compare the rhetoric with the reality of current practice. Our environmental scan shows that consumer demand exists for electronic access to personal health information, but that technical and system or political barriers still limit the value of the available information and its potential benefits. There is a gap between current reality and the goals for consumer engagement. Actions that may help bridge this gap include: (1) resolving technical barriers to health information exchange (HIE); (2) developing more consumer-centric design and functionality; (3) reinforcing incentives that attract provider support by showing that consumer engagement is in their interest; and (4) building a stronger empirical case to convince decision makers that consumer engagement will lead to better care, improved health outcomes, and lower costs.

Gaps analysis for CD metrology beyond the 22nm node

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunday, Benjamin; Germer, Thomas A.; Vartanian, Victor; Cordes, Aaron; Cepler, Aron; Settens, Charles

2013-04-01

This paper will examine the future for critical dimension (CD) metrology. First, we will present the extensive list of applications for which CD metrology solutions are needed, showing commonalities and differences among the various applications. We will then report on the expected technical limits of the metrology solutions currently being investigated by SEMATECH and others in the industry to address the metrology challenges of future nodes, including conventional CD scanning electron microscopy (CD-SEM) and optical critical dimension (OCD) metrology and new potential solutions such as He-ion microscopy (HeIM, sometimes elsewhere referred to as HIM), CD atomic force microscopy (CD-AFM), CD small-angle x-ray scattering (CD-SAXS), high-voltage scanning electron microscopy (HV-SEM), and other types. A technical gap analysis matrix will then be demonstrated, showing the current state of understanding of the future of the CD metrology space.

Hybrid intravascular imaging: recent advances, technical considerations, and current applications in the study of plaque pathophysiology.

PubMed

Bourantas, Christos V; Jaffer, Farouc A; Gijsen, Frank J; van Soest, Gijs; Madden, Sean P; Courtney, Brian K; Fard, Ali M; Tenekecioglu, Erhan; Zeng, Yaping; van der Steen, Antonius F W; Emelianov, Stanislav; Muller, James; Stone, Peter H; Marcu, Laura; Tearney, Guillermo J; Serruys, Patrick W

2017-02-07

Cumulative evidence from histology-based studies demonstrate that the currently available intravascular imaging techniques have fundamental limitations that do not allow complete and detailed evaluation of plaque morphology and pathobiology, limiting the ability to accurately identify high-risk plaques. To overcome these drawbacks, new efforts are developing for data fusion methodologies and the design of hybrid, dual-probe catheters to enable accurate assessment of plaque characteristics, and reliable identification of high-risk lesions. Today several dual-probe catheters have been introduced including combined near infrared spectroscopy-intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS), that is already commercially available, IVUS-optical coherence tomography (OCT), the OCT-NIRS, the OCT-near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) molecular imaging, IVUS-NIRF, IVUS intravascular photoacoustic imaging and combined fluorescence lifetime-IVUS imaging. These multimodal approaches appear able to overcome limitations of standalone imaging and provide comprehensive visualization of plaque composition and plaque biology. The aim of this review article is to summarize the advances in hybrid intravascular imaging, discuss the technical challenges that should be addressed in order to have a use in the clinical arena, and present the evidence from their first applications aiming to highlight their potential value in the study of atherosclerosis. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Task 2 - Limits for High-Frequency Conducted Susceptibility Testing - CS114 (NRC-HQ-60-14-D-0015)

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

Wood, Richard Thomas; Ewing, Paul D.; Moses, Rebecca J.

2015-09-01

A principal focus of Task 2 under this project was for ORNL to evaluate the basis for susceptibility testing against high-frequency conducted interference and to establish recommendations to resolve concerns about the severity of test limits for the conducted susceptibility (CS) test, CS114, from MIL-STD-461. The primary concern about the test limit has been characterized by the EPRI EMI Working Group in the following terms: Demonstrating compliance with the CS114 test limits recommended in TR-102323 has proven to be problematic, even for components that have been tested to commercial standards and demonstrated proper operation in industrial applications [6]. Specifically, EPRImore » notes that the CS114 limits approved in regulatory documents are significantly higher than those invoked by the US military and similar commercial standards in the frequency range below 200 kHz. For this task, ORNL evaluated the original approach to establishing the test limit, EPRI technical findings from a review of the limit, and the regulatory basis through which the currently approved limits were accepted. Based on this analysis, strategies have been developed regarding changes to the CS114 limit that can resolve the technical concerns raised by the industry. Guided by the principles that reasonable assurance of safety must not be compromised but excessive conservatism should be reduced, recommendations on a suitable basis for a revised limit have been developed and can be incorporated into the planned Revision 2 of RG 1.180.« less

Eddy current X-Y scanner system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurtz, G. W.

1983-01-01

The Nondestructive Evaluation Branch of the Materials and Processes Laboratory became aware of a need for a miniature, portable X-Y scanner capable of performing eddy current or other nondestructive testing scanning operations such as ultrasonic, or small areas of flat plate. The technical description and operational theory of the X-Y scanner system designed and built to fulfill this need are covered. The scanner was given limited testing and performs according to its design intent, which is to scan flat plate areas of approximately 412 sq cm (64 sq in) during each complete cycle of scanning.

Current status of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry in the clinical microbiology laboratory.

PubMed

Kok, Jen; Chen, Sharon C A; Dwyer, Dominic E; Iredell, Jonathan R

2013-01-01

The integration of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) into many clinical microbiology laboratories has revolutionised routine pathogen identification. MALDI-TOF MS complements and has good potential to replace existing phenotypic identification methods. Results are available in a more clinically relevant timeframe, particularly in bacteraemic septic shock. Novel applications include strain typing and the detection of antimicrobial resistance, but these are not widely used. This review discusses the technical aspects, current applications, and limitations of MALDI-TOF MS.

Factors influencing private health providers' technical quality of care for acute respiratory infections among under-five children in rural West Bengal, India.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Sarbani; Frick, Kevin

2002-11-01

In many developing countries, private health practitioners provide a significant portion of curative care for diseases which are of public health importance. Currently, health sector reform efforts in these countries are fostering increased participation of private providers in the delivery of health services, including those of public health importance. Guaranteeing good technical quality of care is critical to the process. However, little is known about private providers' technical quality of care (disease management practices) and the factors influencing these services. The purpose of this study was to contribute information on this topic. The study was conducted among private providers in rural West Bengal, India and focused on providers' disease management practices for acute respiratory infections (ARI) among under-five children. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for ARI case management were used as the expected standard of care. Observations of patient-provider encounters and interviews with the providers and mothers were the main sources of data. The study found that private health providers in rural West Bengal have inadequate technical quality of care. The problem was related both to low levels of performance (limited potential) and inconsistency in performance (within-provider variation). Limited potential for good technical quality for ARI among the providers was related to lack of knowledge (technical incompetence). One of the important factors influencing within-provider variation was patient load. Since rural private providers operate on a fee-for-service payment system, there are incentives related to seeing many patients. The study concluded that to bring about sustainable improvements in private providers' ARI disease management practices, training programs and interventions that improved compliance were necessary.

Decision making in urological surgery.

PubMed

Abboudi, Hamid; Ahmed, Kamran; Normahani, Pasha; Abboudi, May; Kirby, Roger; Challacombe, Ben; Khan, Mohammed Shamim; Dasgupta, Prokar

2012-06-01

Non-technical skills are important behavioural aspects that a urologist must be fully competent at to minimise harm to patients. The majority of surgical errors are now known to be due to errors in judgment and decision making as opposed to the technical aspects of the craft. The authors reviewed the published literature regarding decision-making theory and in practice related to urology as well as the current tools available to assess decision-making skills. Limitations include limited number of studies, and the available studies are of low quality. Decision making is the psychological process of choosing between alternative courses of action. In the surgical environment, this can often be a complex balance of benefit and risk within a variable time frame and dynamic setting. In recent years, the emphasis of new surgical curriculums has shifted towards non-technical surgical skills; however, the assessment tools in place are far from objective, reliable and valid. Surgical simulators and video-assisted questionnaires are useful methods for appraisal of trainees. Well-designed, robust and validated tools need to be implemented in training and assessment of decision-making skills in urology. Patient safety can only be ensured when safe and effective decisions are made.

FY2016 Propulsion Materials Annual Progress Report

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

None, None

The Propulsion Materials Program actively supports the energy security and reduction of greenhouse emissions goals of VTO by investigating and identifying the materials properties that are most essential for continued development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly next-generation heavy and light-duty powertrains. The technical approaches available to enhance propulsion systems focus on improvements in both vehicle efficiency and fuel substitution, both of which must overcome the performance limitations of the materials currently in use. Propulsion Materials Program activities work with national laboratories, industry experts, and VTO powertrain systems (e.g., Advanced Combustion Engines and Fuels) teams to develop strategies thatmore » overcome materials limitations in future powertrain performance. The technical maturity of the portfolio of funded projects ranges from basic science to subsystem prototype validation. Projects within a Propulsion Materials Program activity address materials concerns that directly impact critical technology barriers within each of the above programs, including barriers that impact fuel efficiency, thermal management, emissions reduction, improved reliability, and reduced manufacturing costs. The program engages only the barriers that result from material property limitations and represent fundamental, high-risk materials issues.« less

Current Limitations of Surgical Robotics in Reconstructive Plastic Microsurgery.

PubMed

Tan, Youri P A; Liverneaux, Philippe; Wong, Jason K F

2018-01-01

Surgical robots have the potential to provide surgeons with increased capabilities, such as removing physiologic tremor, scaling motion and increasing manual dexterity. Several surgical specialties have subsequently integrated robotic surgery into common clinical practice. Plastic and reconstructive microsurgical procedures have not yet  benefitted significantly from technical developments observed over the last two decades. Several studies have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of utilising surgical robots in plastic surgery procedures, yet limited work has been done to identify and analyse current barriers that have prevented wide-scale adaptation of surgical robots for microsurgery. Therefore, a systematic review using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases was performed, in order to evaluate current state of surgical robotics within the field of reconstructive microsurgery and their limitations. Despite the theoretical potential of surgical robots, current commercially available robotic systems are suboptimal for plastic or reconstructive microsurgery. Absence of bespoke microsurgical instruments, increases in operating time, and high costs associated with robotic-assisted provide a barrier to using such systems effectively for reconstructive microsurgery. Consequently, surgical robots provide currently little overall advantage over conventional microsurgery. Nevertheless, if current barriers can be addressed and systems are specifically designed for microsurgery, surgical robots may have the potential of meaningful impact on clinical outcomes within  this surgical subspeciality.

Current Limitations of Surgical Robotics in Reconstructive Plastic Microsurgery

PubMed Central

Tan, Youri P. A.; Liverneaux, Philippe; Wong, Jason K. F.

2018-01-01

Surgical robots have the potential to provide surgeons with increased capabilities, such as removing physiologic tremor, scaling motion and increasing manual dexterity. Several surgical specialties have subsequently integrated robotic surgery into common clinical practice. Plastic and reconstructive microsurgical procedures have not yet  benefitted significantly from technical developments observed over the last two decades. Several studies have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of utilising surgical robots in plastic surgery procedures, yet limited work has been done to identify and analyse current barriers that have prevented wide-scale adaptation of surgical robots for microsurgery. Therefore, a systematic review using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases was performed, in order to evaluate current state of surgical robotics within the field of reconstructive microsurgery and their limitations. Despite the theoretical potential of surgical robots, current commercially available robotic systems are suboptimal for plastic or reconstructive microsurgery. Absence of bespoke microsurgical instruments, increases in operating time, and high costs associated with robotic-assisted provide a barrier to using such systems effectively for reconstructive microsurgery. Consequently, surgical robots provide currently little overall advantage over conventional microsurgery. Nevertheless, if current barriers can be addressed and systems are specifically designed for microsurgery, surgical robots may have the potential of meaningful impact on clinical outcomes within  this surgical subspeciality. PMID:29740585

A technical guide to tDCS, and related non-invasive brain stimulation tools

PubMed Central

Woods, AJ; Antal, A; Bikson, M; Boggio, PS; Brunoni, AR; Celnik, P; Cohen, LG; Fregni, F; Herrmann, CS; Kappenman, ES; Knotkova, H; Liebetanz, D; Miniussi, C; Miranda, PC; Paulus, W; Priori, A; Reato, D; Stagg, C; Wenderoth, N; Nitsche, MA

2015-01-01

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), including transcranial direct and alternating current stimulation (tDCS, tACS) are non-invasive brain stimulation techniques increasingly used for modulation of central nervous system excitability in humans. Here we address methodological issues required for tES application. This review covers technical aspects of tES, as well as applications like exploration of brain physiology, modelling approaches, tES in cognitive neurosciences, and interventional approaches. It aims to help the reader to appropriately design and conduct studies involving these brain stimulation techniques, understand limitations and avoid shortcomings, which might hamper the scientific rigor and potential applications in the clinical domain. PMID:26652115

Man, mind, and machine: the past and future of virtual reality simulation in neurologic surgery.

PubMed

Robison, R Aaron; Liu, Charles Y; Apuzzo, Michael L J

2011-11-01

To review virtual reality in neurosurgery, including the history of simulation and virtual reality and some of the current implementations; to examine some of the technical challenges involved; and to propose a potential paradigm for the development of virtual reality in neurosurgery going forward. A search was made on PubMed using key words surgical simulation, virtual reality, haptics, collision detection, and volumetric modeling to assess the current status of virtual reality in neurosurgery. Based on previous results, investigators extrapolated the possible integration of existing efforts and potential future directions. Simulation has a rich history in surgical training, and there are numerous currently existing applications and systems that involve virtual reality. All existing applications are limited to specific task-oriented functions and typically sacrifice visual realism for real-time interactivity or vice versa, owing to numerous technical challenges in rendering a virtual space in real time, including graphic and tissue modeling, collision detection, and direction of the haptic interface. With ongoing technical advancements in computer hardware and graphic and physical rendering, incremental or modular development of a fully immersive, multipurpose virtual reality neurosurgical simulator is feasible. The use of virtual reality in neurosurgery is predicted to change the nature of neurosurgical education, and to play an increased role in surgical rehearsal and the continuing education and credentialing of surgical practitioners. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Current Technical Approaches for the Early Detection of Foodborne Pathogens: Challenges and Opportunities.

PubMed

Cho, Il-Hoon; Ku, Seockmo

2017-09-30

The development of novel and high-tech solutions for rapid, accurate, and non-laborious microbial detection methods is imperative to improve the global food supply. Such solutions have begun to address the need for microbial detection that is faster and more sensitive than existing methodologies (e.g., classic culture enrichment methods). Multiple reviews report the technical functions and structures of conventional microbial detection tools. These tools, used to detect pathogens in food and food homogenates, were designed via qualitative analysis methods. The inherent disadvantage of these analytical methods is the necessity for specimen preparation, which is a time-consuming process. While some literature describes the challenges and opportunities to overcome the technical issues related to food industry legal guidelines, there is a lack of reviews of the current trials to overcome technological limitations related to sample preparation and microbial detection via nano and micro technologies. In this review, we primarily explore current analytical technologies, including metallic and magnetic nanomaterials, optics, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy. These techniques rely on the early detection of pathogens via enhanced analytical sensitivity and specificity. In order to introduce the potential combination and comparative analysis of various advanced methods, we also reference a novel sample preparation protocol that uses microbial concentration and recovery technologies. This technology has the potential to expedite the pre-enrichment step that precedes the detection process.

Analysis of surveying and legal problems in granting right-of-way and expropriation for the purpose of locating technical infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trembecka, Anna

2016-06-01

A condition which determines the location of technical infrastructure is an entrepreneur holding the right to use the property for construction purposes. Currently, there are parallel separate legal forms allowing the use of a real property for the purpose of locating transmission lines, i.e. transmission easement (right-of-way) established under the civil law and expropriation by limiting the rights to a property under the administrative law. The aim of the study is to compare these forms conferring the right to use real properties and to analyze the related surveying and legal problems occurring in practice. The research thesis of the article is ascertainment that the current legal provisions for establishing legal titles to a property in order to locate transmission lines need to be amended. The conducted study regarded legal conditions, extent of expropriation and granting right-of-way in the city of Krakow, as well as the problems associated with the ambiguous wording of the legal regulations. Part of the research was devoted to the form of rights to land in order to carry out similar projects in some European countries (France, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden). The justification for the analysis of these issues is dictated by the scale of practical use of the aforementioned forms of rights to land in order to locate technical infrastructure. Over the period of 2011-2014, 651 agreements were concluded on granting transmission right-of-way for 967 cadastral parcels owned by the city of Krakow, and 105 expropriation decisions were issued, limiting the use of real properties in Krakow.

Framework conditions and requirements to ensure the technical functional safety of reprocessed medical devices.

PubMed

Kraft, Marc

2008-09-03

Testing and restoring technical-functional safety is an essential part of medical device reprocessing. Technical functional tests have to be carried out on the medical device in the course of the validation of reprocessing procedures. These ensure (in addition to the hygiene tests) that the reprocessing procedure is suitable for the medical device. Functional tests are, however, also a part of reprocessing procedures. As a stage in the reprocessing, they ensure for the individual medical device that no damage or other changes limit the performance. When determining which technical-functional tests are to be carried out, the current technological standard has to be taken into account in the form of product-specific and process-oriented norms. Product-specific norms primarily define safety-relevant requirements. The risk management method described in DIN EN ISO 14971 is the basis for recognising hazards; the likelihood of such hazards arising can be minimised through additional technical-functional tests, which may not yet have been standardised. Risk management is part of a quality management system, which must be bindingly certified for manufacturers and processors of critical medical devices with particularly high processing demands by a body accredited by the competent authority.

Framework conditions and requirements to ensure the technical functional safety of reprocessed medical devices

PubMed Central

Kraft, Marc

2008-01-01

Testing and restoring technical-functional safety is an essential part of medical device reprocessing. Technical functional tests have to be carried out on the medical device in the course of the validation of reprocessing procedures. These ensure (in addition to the hygiene tests) that the reprocessing procedure is suitable for the medical device. Functional tests are, however, also a part of reprocessing procedures. As a stage in the reprocessing, they ensure for the individual medical device that no damage or other changes limit the performance. When determining which technical-functional tests are to be carried out, the current technological standard has to be taken into account in the form of product-specific and process-oriented norms. Product-specific norms primarily define safety-relevant requirements. The risk management method described in DIN EN ISO 14971 is the basis for recognising hazards; the likelihood of such hazards arising can be minimised through additional technical-functional tests, which may not yet have been standardised. Risk management is part of a quality management system, which must be bindingly certified for manufacturers and processors of critical medical devices with particularly high processing demands by a body accredited by the competent authority. PMID:20204095

Technical Consultation of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Nickel Hydrogen (NiH2) Battery Charge Capacity Prediction. Version 1.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gentz, Steven J.; Pandipati, Radha; Ling, Jerri; Miller, Thomas; Jeevarajan, Judith; Halpert, Gerald; Zimmerman, Albert

2005-01-01

The purpose of the GSFC position paper is to identify critical HST milestone dates for continued science studies followed by the attachment of a re-entry module or a robotic servicing mission. The paper examines the viability of the HST with respect to the NiH2 continued battery charge capacity. In the course of the assessment, it was recognized that the HST battery thermal control system has an average heat dissipation limitation of 30 W per bay per orbit cycle. This thermal constraint will continue to govern options for battery capacity maintenance. In addition, the HST usage represents the longest exposure ofNiH2 batteries to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at the current level of Depth of Discharge (DOD). Finally, the current battery life is at the limit predicted by the manufacturer, Eaglepicher. Therefore, given these factors, the potential exists that the HST battery capacities could radically degrade at any point. Given this caveat on any life extrapolations, the conservative model proposed in the GSFC position paper was viewed by the NESC as having several technical assumptions such as limited utilization of flight battery capacity data, the susceptibility of the proposed prediction method to large variations when supplemented with additional information, and the failure to qualitatively or quantitatively assess life prediction sensitivities. The NESC conducted an independent evaluation of the supporting information and assumptions to generate the predictions for battery capacity loss and practicality of on-orbit battery conditioning.

Nondestructive evaluation tools and experimental studies for monitoring the health of space propulsion systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Edward R.

1991-01-01

An overview is given of background and information on space propulsion systems on both the programmatic and technical levels. Feasibility experimental studies indicate that nondestructive evaluation tools such as ultrasonic, eddy current and x-ray may be successfully used to monitor the life limiting failure mechanisms of space propulsion systems. Encouraging results were obtained for monitoring the life limiting failure mechanisms for three space propulsion systems; the degradation of tungsten arcjet and magnetoplasmadynamic electrodes; presence and thickness of spallable electrically conducting molybdenum films in ion thrusters; and the degradation of the catalyst in hydrazine thrusters.

C-arm Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A New Tool in the Interventional Suite.

PubMed

Raj, Santhosh; Irani, Farah Gillan; Tay, Kiang Hiong; Tan, Bien Soo

2013-11-01

C-arm Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is a technology that is being integrated into many of the newer angiography systems in the interventional suite. Due to its ability to provide cross sectional imaging, it has opened a myriad of opportunities for creating new clinical applications. We review the technical aspects, current reported clinical applications and potential benefits of this technology. Searches were made via PubMed using the string "CBCT", "Cone Beam CT", "Cone Beam Computed Tomography" and "C-arm Cone Beam Computed Tomography". All relevant articles in the results were reviewed. CBCT clinical applications have been reported in both vascular and non-vascular interventions. They encompass many aspects of a procedure including preprocedural planning, intraprocedural guidance and postprocedural assessment. As a result, they have allowed the interventionalist to be safer and more accurate in performing image guided procedures. There are however several technical limitations. The quality of images produced is not comparable to conventional computed tomography (CT). Radiation doses are also difficult to quantify when compared to CT and fluoroscopy. CBCT technology in the interventional suite has contributed significant benefits to the patient despite its current limitations. It is a tool that will evolve and potentially become an integral part of imaging guidance for intervention.

Where Is Current Research on Blockchain Technology?—A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Yli-Huumo, Jesse; Ko, Deokyoon; Park, Sooyong; Smolander, Kari

2016-01-01

Blockchain is a decentralized transaction and data management technology developed first for Bitcoin cryptocurrency. The interest in Blockchain technology has been increasing since the idea was coined in 2008. The reason for the interest in Blockchain is its central attributes that provide security, anonymity and data integrity without any third party organization in control of the transactions, and therefore it creates interesting research areas, especially from the perspective of technical challenges and limitations. In this research, we have conducted a systematic mapping study with the goal of collecting all relevant research on Blockchain technology. Our objective is to understand the current research topics, challenges and future directions regarding Blockchain technology from the technical perspective. We have extracted 41 primary papers from scientific databases. The results show that focus in over 80% of the papers is on Bitcoin system and less than 20% deals with other Blockchain applications including e.g. smart contracts and licensing. The majority of research is focusing on revealing and improving limitations of Blockchain from privacy and security perspectives, but many of the proposed solutions lack concrete evaluation on their effectiveness. Many other Blockchain scalability related challenges including throughput and latency have been left unstudied. On the basis of this study, recommendations on future research directions are provided for researchers. PMID:27695049

Where Is Current Research on Blockchain Technology?-A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Yli-Huumo, Jesse; Ko, Deokyoon; Choi, Sujin; Park, Sooyong; Smolander, Kari

2016-01-01

Blockchain is a decentralized transaction and data management technology developed first for Bitcoin cryptocurrency. The interest in Blockchain technology has been increasing since the idea was coined in 2008. The reason for the interest in Blockchain is its central attributes that provide security, anonymity and data integrity without any third party organization in control of the transactions, and therefore it creates interesting research areas, especially from the perspective of technical challenges and limitations. In this research, we have conducted a systematic mapping study with the goal of collecting all relevant research on Blockchain technology. Our objective is to understand the current research topics, challenges and future directions regarding Blockchain technology from the technical perspective. We have extracted 41 primary papers from scientific databases. The results show that focus in over 80% of the papers is on Bitcoin system and less than 20% deals with other Blockchain applications including e.g. smart contracts and licensing. The majority of research is focusing on revealing and improving limitations of Blockchain from privacy and security perspectives, but many of the proposed solutions lack concrete evaluation on their effectiveness. Many other Blockchain scalability related challenges including throughput and latency have been left unstudied. On the basis of this study, recommendations on future research directions are provided for researchers.

75 FR 37738 - 1-Naphthaleneacetic Acid; Time-Limited Tolerance, Technical Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-30

...-Naphthaleneacetic Acid; Time-Limited Tolerance, Technical Correction AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA..., ethylene oxide, fenvalerate, et al.; tolerance actions. Today's rule restores the time-limited tolerance...-3) establishing a time-limited tolerance for residues of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid ethyl ester in or...

Diagnosis of murine mycoplasmal infections by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

PubMed

Davis, J; Cassell, G H; Gambill, G; Cox, N; Watson, H; Davidson, M

1987-06-01

ELISA is the currently accepted method for screening rodent colonies for Mycoplasma pulmonis infection. While this assay has greatly improved mycoplasmal detection, it suffers from major defects. Cross-reactions with M. arthritidis are the major technical problem, and prevent definitive diagnosis. Current methods for obtaining a definitive diagnosis are accurate in about 80% of cases, and include ELISA testing for both organisms, immunoblot analysis, and blocking of the murine reaction with heterologous serum. Another technical difficulty is the inherent variability in the assay, which can be overcome by rigid quality control measures and careful attention to detail. The difficulties that arise from the natural history of mycoplasmal infection in barrier-maintained colonies, i.e., low incidence of infected animals and delayed antibody response in animals infected with low numbers of organisms, seriously limit the usefulness of the ELISA. While the assay can be extremely useful in screening breeding colonies and in eliminating mycoplasmas from such colonies, it cannot easily be used to screen potential sources of weanling animals for experimental use.

Dissecting Redox Biology Using Fluorescent Protein Sensors.

PubMed

Schwarzländer, Markus; Dick, Tobias P; Meyer, Andreas J; Morgan, Bruce

2016-05-01

Fluorescent protein sensors have revitalized the field of redox biology by revolutionizing the study of redox processes in living cells and organisms. Within one decade, a set of fundamental new insights has been gained, driven by the rapid technical development of in vivo redox sensing. Redox-sensitive yellow and green fluorescent protein variants (rxYFP and roGFPs) have been the central players. Although widely used as an established standard tool, important questions remain surrounding their meaningful use in vivo. We review the growing range of thiol redox sensor variants and their application in different cells, tissues, and organisms. We highlight five key findings where in vivo sensing has been instrumental in changing our understanding of redox biology, critically assess the interpretation of in vivo redox data, and discuss technical and biological limitations of current redox sensors and sensing approaches. We explore how novel sensor variants may further add to the current momentum toward a novel mechanistic and integrated understanding of redox biology in vivo. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 680-712.

DGs for Service Restoration to Critical Loads in a Secondary Network

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

Xu, Yin; Liu, Chen-Ching; Wang, Zhiwen

During a major outage in a secondary network distribution system, distributed generators (DGs) connected to the primary feeders as well as the secondary network can be used to serve critical loads. This paper proposed a resilience-oriented method to determine restoration strategies for secondary network distribution systems after a major disaster. Technical issues associated with the restoration process are analyzed, including the operation of network protectors, inrush currents caused by the energization of network transformers, synchronization of DGs to the network, and circulating currents among DGs. A look-ahead load restoration framework is proposed, incorporating technical issues associated with secondary networks, limitsmore » on DG capacity and generation resources, dynamic constraints, and operational limits. The entire outage duration is divided into a sequence of periods. Restoration strategies can be adjusted at the beginning of each period using the latest information. Finally, numerical simulation of the modified IEEE 342-node low voltage networked test system is performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.« less

DGs for Service Restoration to Critical Loads in a Secondary Network

DOE PAGES

Xu, Yin; Liu, Chen-Ching; Wang, Zhiwen; ...

2017-08-25

During a major outage in a secondary network distribution system, distributed generators (DGs) connected to the primary feeders as well as the secondary network can be used to serve critical loads. This paper proposed a resilience-oriented method to determine restoration strategies for secondary network distribution systems after a major disaster. Technical issues associated with the restoration process are analyzed, including the operation of network protectors, inrush currents caused by the energization of network transformers, synchronization of DGs to the network, and circulating currents among DGs. A look-ahead load restoration framework is proposed, incorporating technical issues associated with secondary networks, limitsmore » on DG capacity and generation resources, dynamic constraints, and operational limits. The entire outage duration is divided into a sequence of periods. Restoration strategies can be adjusted at the beginning of each period using the latest information. Finally, numerical simulation of the modified IEEE 342-node low voltage networked test system is performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.« less

United States Air Force Academy get-away-special flexible beam experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bubb, Keith W.; Lamberson, Steven E.; Lash, Thomas A.

1989-01-01

The Department of Astronautics at the United States Air Force Academy is currently planning to fly an experiment in a NASA Get-Away-Special (GAS) canister. The experiment was named the flex beam experiment. The primary technical objective of the flex beam experiment is to measure the damping of a thin beam in the vacuum and zero G environment of space. By measuring the damping in space, it is hoped to determine the amount of damping the beam normally experiences due to the gravitational forces present on Earth. This will allow validation of models which predict the dynamics of thin beams in the space environment. The experiment will also allow the Academy to develop and improve its ability to perform experiments within the confines of a NASA GAS canister. Several experiments, of limited technical difficulty, were flown by the Academy. More complex experiments are currently planned and it is hoped to learn techniques with each space shuttle flight.

Computational sciences in the upstream oil and gas industry

PubMed Central

Halsey, Thomas C.

2016-01-01

The predominant technical challenge of the upstream oil and gas industry has always been the fundamental uncertainty of the subsurface from which it produces hydrocarbon fluids. The subsurface can be detected remotely by, for example, seismic waves, or it can be penetrated and studied in the extremely limited vicinity of wells. Inevitably, a great deal of uncertainty remains. Computational sciences have been a key avenue to reduce and manage this uncertainty. In this review, we discuss at a relatively non-technical level the current state of three applications of computational sciences in the industry. The first of these is seismic imaging, which is currently being revolutionized by the emergence of full wavefield inversion, enabled by algorithmic advances and petascale computing. The second is reservoir simulation, also being advanced through the use of modern highly parallel computing architectures. Finally, we comment on the role of data analytics in the upstream industry. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Energy and the subsurface’. PMID:27597785

[Robotic surgery -- the modern surgical treatment of prostate cancer].

PubMed

Szabó, Ferenc János; Alexander, de la Taille

2014-09-01

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery replaces many open surgery procedures in urology due to its advantages concerning post-operative morbidity. However, the technical challenges and need of learning have limited the application of this method to the work of highly qualified surgeons. The introduction of da Vinci surgical system has offered important technical advantages compared to the laparoscopic surgical procedure. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy became a largely accepted procedure. It has paved the way for urologists to start other, more complex operations, decreasing this way the operative morbidity. The purpose of this article is to overview the history of robotic surgery, its current and future states in the treatment of the cancer. We present our robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and the results.

A technical guide to tDCS, and related non-invasive brain stimulation tools.

PubMed

Woods, A J; Antal, A; Bikson, M; Boggio, P S; Brunoni, A R; Celnik, P; Cohen, L G; Fregni, F; Herrmann, C S; Kappenman, E S; Knotkova, H; Liebetanz, D; Miniussi, C; Miranda, P C; Paulus, W; Priori, A; Reato, D; Stagg, C; Wenderoth, N; Nitsche, M A

2016-02-01

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), including transcranial direct and alternating current stimulation (tDCS, tACS) are non-invasive brain stimulation techniques increasingly used for modulation of central nervous system excitability in humans. Here we address methodological issues required for tES application. This review covers technical aspects of tES, as well as applications like exploration of brain physiology, modelling approaches, tES in cognitive neurosciences, and interventional approaches. It aims to help the reader to appropriately design and conduct studies involving these brain stimulation techniques, understand limitations and avoid shortcomings, which might hamper the scientific rigor and potential applications in the clinical domain. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. All rights reserved.

Making sense of complex electronic records: socio-technical design in social care.

PubMed

Wastell, David; White, Sue

2014-03-01

Dealing with complex electronic documentation is an integral part of much contemporary professional work. In this paper, we address the design of electronic records for social care professionals in the UK. Recent reforms in UK child welfare have followed a top-down, managerial approach emphasizing conformance to standard processes. The vicissitudes of a major national IT project, the Integrated Children's System, show the limitations of this approach, in particular the detrimental effect it has had on professional autonomy. Following in the foot-steps of Ken Eason, we argue that socio-technical design, by focussing on innovative applications of technology to support users (rather than the interests of the bureaucracy) offers a more promising alternative. A user-centred design exercise is presented to illustrate this approach in action. A novel interface was developed for handling the heterogeneous bundle of documents which make up the social care record, helping social workers make better sense of case-files. The prototype draws on the metaphor of the dining-room table as a way of overcoming the limitations of the computer display. We conclude that socio-technical thinking engenders a shift in mind-set, opening up a radically different design space compared to current design orthodoxy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

NOTES: a review of the technical problems encountered and their solutions.

PubMed

Mintz, Yoav; Horgan, Santiago; Cullen, John; Stuart, David; Falor, Eric; Talamini, Mark A

2008-08-01

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is currently investigated and developed worldwide. In the past few years, multiple groups have confronted this challenge. Many technical problems are encountered in this technique due to the currently available tools for this approach. Some of the unique technical problems in NOTES include: blindly performed primary incisions; uncontrolled pneumoperitoneal pressure; no support for the endoscope in the abdominal cavity; inadequate vision; insufficient illumination; limited retraction and exposure; and the complexity of suturing and performing a safe anastomosis. In this paper, we review the problems encountered in NOTES and provide possible temporary solutions. Acute and survival studies were performed on 15 farm pigs. The hybrid technique approach (i.e., endoscopic surgery with the aid of laparoscopic vision) was performed in all cases. Procedures performed included liver biopsies, bilateral tubal ligation, oophprectomy, cholecystectomy, splenectomy and small bowel resection, and anastomosis. All attempted procedures were successfully performed. New methods and techniques were developed to overcome the technical problems. Closure of the gastrotomy was achieved by T-bar sutures and by stapler closure of the stomach incision. Small bowel anastomosis was achieved by the dual-lumen NOTES technique. The hybrid technique serves as a temporary approach to aid in developing the NOTES technique. A rectal or vaginal port of entry enables and facilitates gastrointestinal NOTES by using available laparoscopic instruments. The common operations performed today in the laparoscopic fashion could be probably performed in the NOTES approach. The safety of these procedures, however, is yet to be determined.

Assessment of the mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit by supersonic shear wave imaging elastography: a review

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

This review aimed to describe the state of the art in muscle-tendon unit (MTU) assessment by supersonic shear wave imaging (SSI) elastography in states of muscle contraction and stretching, during aging, and in response to injury and therapeutic interventions. A consensus exists that MTU elasticity increases during passive stretching or contraction, and decreases after static stretching, electrostimulation, massage, and dry needling. There is currently no agreement regarding changes in the MTU due to aging and injury. Currently, the application of SSI for the purpose of diagnosis, rehabilitation, and physical training remains limited by a number of issues, including the lack of normative value ranges, the lack of consensus regarding the appropriate terminology, and an inadequate understanding of the main technical limitations of this novel technology. PMID:28607322

Portable recording in the assessment of obstructive sleep apnea. ASDA standards of practice.

PubMed

Ferber, R; Millman, R; Coppola, M; Fleetham, J; Murray, C F; Iber, C; McCall, V; Nino-Murcia, G; Pressman, M; Sanders, M

1994-06-01

The objective assessment of patients with a presumptive diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has primarily used attended polysomnographic study. Recent technologic advances and issues of availability, convenience and cost have led to a rapid increase in the use of portable recording devices. However, limited scientific information has been published regarding the evaluation of the efficacy, accuracy, validity, utility, cost effectiveness and limitations of this portable equipment. Attaining a clear assessment of the role of portable devices is complicated by the multiplicity of recording systems and the variability of clinical settings in which they have been analyzed. This paper reviews the current knowledge base regarding portable recording in the assessment of OSA, including technical considerations, validation studies, potential advantages and disadvantages, issues of safety, current clinical usage and areas most in need of further study.

Risk Assessment of Radiation Exposure using Molecular Biodosimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elliott, Todd F.; George, K.; Hammond, D. K.; Cucinotta, F. A.

2007-01-01

Current cytogenetic biodosimetry methods would be difficult to adapt to spaceflight operations, because they require toxic chemicals and a substantial amount of time to perform. In addition, current biodosimetry techniques are limited to whole body doses over about 10cGy. Development of new techniques that assess radiation exposure response at the molecular level could overcome these limitations and have important implications in the advancement of biodosimetry. Recent technical advances include expression profiling at the transcript and protein level to assess multiple biomarkers of exposure, which may lead to the development of a radiation biomarker panel revealing possible fingerprints of individual radiation sensitivity. So far, many biomarkers of interest have been examined in their response to ionizing radiation, such as cytokines and members of the DNA repair pathway. New technology, such as the Luminex system can analyze many biomarkers simultaneously in one sample.

FY2014 Propulsion Materials R&D Annual Progress Report

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

None

The Propulsion Materials Program actively supports the energy security and reduction of greenhouse emissions goals of VTO by investigating and identifying the materials properties that are most essential for continued development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly next-generation heavy and light-duty powertrains. The technical approaches available to enhance propulsion systems focus on improvements in both vehicle efficiency and fuel substitution, both of which must overcome the performance limitations of the materials currently in use. Propulsion Materials Program activities work with national laboratories, industry experts, and VTO powertrain systems (e.g., Advanced Combustion Engines [ACE], Advanced Power Electronics and Electrical Machinesmore » [APEEM], and fuels) teams to develop strategies that overcome materials limitations in future powertrain performance. The technical maturity of the portfolio of funded projects ranges from basic science to subsystem prototype validation. Projects within a Propulsion Materials Program activity address materials concerns that directly impact critical technology barriers within each of the above programs, including barriers that impact fuel efficiency, thermal management, emissions reduction, improved reliability, and reduced manufacturing costs. The program engages only the barriers that result from material property limitations and represent fundamental, high-risk materials issues.« less

FY2015 Propulsion Materials Annual Report

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

None, None

The Propulsion Materials Program actively supports the energy security and reduction of greenhouse emissions goals of VTO by investigating and identifying the materials properties that are most essential for continued development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly next-generation heavy and light-duty powertrains. The technical approaches available to enhance propulsion systems focus on improvements in both vehicle efficiency and fuel substitution, both of which must overcome the performance limitations of the materials currently in use. Propulsion Materials Program activities work with national laboratories, industry experts, and VTO powertrain systems (e.g., Advanced Combustion Engines [ACE], Advanced Power Electronics and Electrical Machinesmore » [APEEM], and fuels) teams to develop strategies that overcome materials limitations in future powertrain performance. The technical maturity of the portfolio of funded projects ranges from basic science to subsystem prototype validation. Projects within a Propulsion Materials Program activity address materials concerns that directly impact critical technology barriers within each of the above programs, including barriers that impact fuel efficiency, thermal management, emissions reduction, improved reliability, and reduced manufacturing costs. The program engages only the barriers that result from material property limitations and represent fundamental, high-risk materials issues.« less

The development and regulation of occupational exposure limits in Taiwan.

PubMed

Shih, Tung-Sheng; Wu, Kuen-Yuh; Chen, Hong-I; Chang, Cheng-Ping; Chang, Ho-Yuan; Huang, Yi-Shiao; Liou, Saou-Hsing

2006-11-01

The occupational exposure limits (OELs) in Taiwan was promulgated in 1974 and has been revised five times since then. Many of the OELs were adopted from the most recent ACGIH TLVs and US OSHA PELs. A total of 483 chemicals were listed in the current Taiwan OELs Standard. The procedures of OELs development in Taiwan include the IOSH organized a recommended exposure limits (RELs) Committee to select the target chemicals and to recommend the RELs through literature review based on the health effects in the first stage, then, the CLA put policy needs, economical and technical feasibility into consideration and set up the final OELs at the second stage. A standard operation manual of RELs Committee has been developed. Based on our experience, several issues including the participation of representatives from a comprehensive spectrum, communication/education and training/enforcement, continuous collection of the local exposure data and health hazard information, use of health risk assessment, consideration of economic, and technical feasibility, as well as the globalization and information and experience sharing are critical in developing the appropriate OELs. Three examples including benzene, crystalline silica, and 2-methoxy ethanol are given to demonstrate the operation of system.

Radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: pros and cons.

PubMed

Rhim, Hyunchul; Lim, Hyo K

2010-09-01

Among locoregional treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been accepted as the most popular alternative to curative transplantation or resection, and it shows an excellent local tumor control rate and acceptable morbidity. The benefits of RFA have been universally validated by the practice guidelines of international societies of hepatology. The main advantages of RFA include 1) it is minimally invasive with acceptable morbidity, 2) it enables excellent local tumor control, 3) it has promising long-term survival, and 4) it is a multimodal approach. Based on these pros, RFA will play an important role in managing the patient with early HCC (smaller than 3 cm with fewer than four tumors). The main limitations of current RFA technology in hepatic ablation include 1) limitation of ablation volume, 2) technically infeasible in some tumors due to conspicuity and dangerous location, and 3) the heat-sink effect. Many technical approaches have been introduced to overcome those limitations, including a novel guiding modality, use of artificial fluid or air, and combined treatment strategies. RFA will continue to play a role as a representative ablative modality in the management of HCC, even in the era of targeted agents.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Pros and Cons

PubMed Central

Lim, Hyo K.

2010-01-01

Among locoregional treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been accepted as the most popular alternative to curative transplantation or resection, and it shows an excellent local tumor control rate and acceptable morbidity. The benefits of RFA have been universally validated by the practice guidelines of international societies of hepatology. The main advantages of RFA include 1) it is minimally invasive with acceptable morbidity, 2) it enables excellent local tumor control, 3) it has promising long-term survival, and 4) it is a multimodal approach. Based on these pros, RFA will play an important role in managing the patient with early HCC (smaller than 3 cm with fewer than four tumors). The main limitations of current RFA technology in hepatic ablation include 1) limitation of ablation volume, 2) technically infeasible in some tumors due to conspicuity and dangerous location, and 3) the heat-sink effect. Many technical approaches have been introduced to overcome those limitations, including a novel guiding modality, use of artificial fluid or air, and combined treatment strategies. RFA will continue to play a role as a representative ablative modality in the management of HCC, even in the era of targeted agents. PMID:21103289

Defining hazards of supplemental oxygen therapy in neonatology using the FMEA tool.

PubMed

van der Eijk, Anne Catherine; Rook, Denise; Dankelman, Jenny; Smit, Bert Johan

2013-01-01

To prospectively evaluate hazards in the process of supplemental oxygen therapy in very preterm infants hospitalized in a Dutch NICU. A Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) was conducted by a multidisciplinary team. This team identified, evaluated, and prioritized hazards of supplemental oxygen therapy in preterm infants. After accrediting "hazard scores" for each step in this process, recommendations were formulated for the main hazards. Performing the FMEA took seven meetings of 2 hours. The top 10 hazards could all be categorized into three main topics: incorrect adjustment of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), incorrect alarm limits for SpO2, and incorrect pulse-oximetry alarm limits on patient monitors for temporary use. The FMEA culminated in recommendations in both educational and technical directions. These included suggestions for (changes in) protocols on alarm limits and manual FiO2 adjustments, education of NICU staff on hazards of supplemental oxygen, and technical improvements in respiratory devices and patient monitors. The FMEA prioritized flaws in the process of supplemental oxygen therapy in very preterm infants. Thanks to the structured approach of the analysis by a multidisciplinary team, several recommendations were made. These recommendations are currently implemented in the study's center.

Current indications for stentless aortic bioprostheses.

PubMed

Hegazy, Yasser Y; Rayan, Amr; Bauer, Stefan; Keshk, Noha; Bauer, Kerstin; Ennker, Ina; Ennker, Jürgen

2018-01-01

The best aortic prostheses have been debated for decades. The introduction of stentless aortic bioprostheses was aimed at improving hemodynamics and potentially the durability of aortic bioprostheses. Despite the good short- and long-term outcomes after implantation of stentless aortic bioprostheses, their use remains limited owing to the technically demanding implantation techniques. Nevertheless, stentless aortic bioprostheses might be of special benefit in certain indications, where they could be a valuable addition to the surgical armamentarium.

Initiating technical refinements in high-level golfers: Evidence for contradictory procedures.

PubMed

Carson, Howie J; Collins, Dave; Richards, Jim

2016-01-01

When developing motor skills there are several outcomes available to an athlete depending on their skill status and needs. Whereas the skill acquisition and performance literature is abundant, an under-researched outcome relates to the refinement of already acquired and well-established skills. Contrary to current recommendations for athletes to employ an external focus of attention and a representative practice design,  Carson and  Collins' (2011) [Refining and regaining skills in fixation/diversification stage performers: The Five-A Model. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 4, 146-167. doi: 10.1080/1750984x.2011.613682 ] Five-A Model requires an initial narrowed internal focus on the technical aspect needing refinement: the implication being that environments which limit external sources of information would be beneficial to achieving this task. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to (1) provide a literature-based explanation for why techniques counter to current recommendations may be (temporarily) appropriate within the skill refinement process and (2) provide empirical evidence for such efficacy. Kinematic data and self-perception reports are provided from high-level golfers attempting to consciously initiate technical refinements while executing shots onto a driving range and into a close proximity net (i.e. with limited knowledge of results). It was hypothesised that greater control over intended refinements would occur when environmental stimuli were reduced in the most unrepresentative practice condition (i.e. hitting into a net). Results confirmed this, as evidenced by reduced intra-individual movement variability for all participants' individual refinements, despite little or no difference in mental effort reported. This research offers coaches guidance when working with performers who may find conscious recall difficult during the skill refinement process.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in behavioral and food addiction: a systematic review of efficacy, technical, and methodological issues

PubMed Central

Sauvaget, Anne; Trojak, Benoît; Bulteau, Samuel; Jiménez-Murcia, Susana; Fernández-Aranda, Fernando; Wolz, Ines; Menchón, José M.; Achab, Sophia; Vanelle, Jean-Marie; Grall-Bronnec, Marie

2015-01-01

Objectives: Behavioral addictions (BA) are complex disorders for which pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments have shown their limits. Non-invasive brain stimulation, among which transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), has opened up new perspectives in addiction treatment. The purpose of this work is to conduct a critical and systematic review of tDCS efficacy, and of technical and methodological considerations in the field of BA. Methods: A bibliographic search has been conducted on the Medline and ScienceDirect databases until December 2014, based on the following selection criteria: clinical studies on tDCS and BA (namely eating disorders, compulsive buying, Internet addiction, pathological gambling, sexual addiction, sports addiction, video games addiction). Study selection, data analysis, and reporting were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: Out of 402 potential articles, seven studies were selected. So far focusing essentially on abnormal eating, these studies suggest that tDCS (right prefrontal anode/left prefrontal cathode) reduces food craving induced by visual stimuli. Conclusions: Despite methodological and technical differences between studies, the results are promising. So far, only few studies of tDCS in BA have been conducted. New research is recommended on the use of tDCS in BA, other than eating disorders. PMID:26500478

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in behavioral and food addiction: a systematic review of efficacy, technical, and methodological issues.

PubMed

Sauvaget, Anne; Trojak, Benoît; Bulteau, Samuel; Jiménez-Murcia, Susana; Fernández-Aranda, Fernando; Wolz, Ines; Menchón, José M; Achab, Sophia; Vanelle, Jean-Marie; Grall-Bronnec, Marie

2015-01-01

Behavioral addictions (BA) are complex disorders for which pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments have shown their limits. Non-invasive brain stimulation, among which transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), has opened up new perspectives in addiction treatment. The purpose of this work is to conduct a critical and systematic review of tDCS efficacy, and of technical and methodological considerations in the field of BA. A bibliographic search has been conducted on the Medline and ScienceDirect databases until December 2014, based on the following selection criteria: clinical studies on tDCS and BA (namely eating disorders, compulsive buying, Internet addiction, pathological gambling, sexual addiction, sports addiction, video games addiction). Study selection, data analysis, and reporting were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Out of 402 potential articles, seven studies were selected. So far focusing essentially on abnormal eating, these studies suggest that tDCS (right prefrontal anode/left prefrontal cathode) reduces food craving induced by visual stimuli. Despite methodological and technical differences between studies, the results are promising. So far, only few studies of tDCS in BA have been conducted. New research is recommended on the use of tDCS in BA, other than eating disorders.

Wi-Fi and health: review of current status of research.

PubMed

Foster, Kenneth R; Moulder, John E

2013-12-01

This review summarizes the current state of research on possible health effects of Wi-Fi (a commercial name for IEEE 802.11-compliant wireless networking). In response to public concerns about health effects of Wi-Fi and wireless networks and calls by government agencies for research on possible health and safety issues with the technology, a considerable amount of technology-specific research has been completed. A series of high quality engineering studies have provided a good, but not complete, understanding of the levels of radiofrequency (RF) exposure to individuals from Wi-Fi. The limited number of technology-specific bioeffects studies done to date are very mixed in terms of quality and outcome. Unequivocally, the RF exposures from Wi-Fi and wireless networks are far below U.S. and international exposure limits for RF energy. While several studies report biological effects due to Wi-Fi-type exposures, technical limitations prevent drawing conclusions from them about possible health risks of the technology. The review concludes with suggestions for future research on the topic.

III-nitride quantum dots for ultra-efficient solid-state lighting

DOE PAGES

Wierer, Jr., Jonathan J.; Tansu, Nelson; Fischer, Arthur J.; ...

2016-05-23

III-nitride light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes (LDs) are ultimately limited in performance due to parasitic Auger recombination. For LEDs, the consequences are poor efficiencies at high current densities; for LDs, the consequences are high thresholds and limited efficiencies. Here, we present arguments for III-nitride quantum dots (QDs) as active regions for both LEDs and LDs, to circumvent Auger recombination and achieve efficiencies at higher current densities that are not possible with quantum wells. QD-based LDs achieve gain and thresholds at lower carrier densities before Auger recombination becomes appreciable. QD-based LEDs achieve higher efficiencies at higher currents because of highermore » spontaneous emission rates and reduced Auger recombination. The technical challenge is to control the size distribution and volume of the QDs to realize these benefits. In conclusion, if constructed properly, III-nitride light-emitting devices with QD active regions have the potential to outperform quantum well light-emitting devices, and enable an era of ultra-efficient solidstate lighting.« less

The role of fMRI in drug development

PubMed Central

Carmichael, Owen; Schwarz, Adam J.; Chatham, Christopher H.; Scott, David; Turner, Jessica A.; Upadhyay, Jaymin; Coimbra, Alexandre; Goodman, James A.; Baumgartner, Richard; English, Brett A.; Apolzan, John W.; Shankapal, Preetham; Hawkins, Keely R.

2017-01-01

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been known for over a decade to have the potential to greatly enhance the process of developing novel therapeutic drugs for prevalent health conditions. However, the use of fMRI in drug development continues to be relatively limited because of a variety of technical, biological, and strategic barriers that continue to limit progress. Here, we briefly review the roles that fMRI can have in the drug development process and the requirements it must meet to be useful in this setting. We then provide an update on our current understanding of the strengths and limitations of fMRI as a tool for drug developers and recommend activities to enhance its utility. PMID:29154758

Development of a behavioural marker system for scrub practitioners' non-technical skills (SPLINTS system).

PubMed

Mitchell, Lucy; Flin, Rhona; Yule, Steven; Mitchell, Janet; Coutts, Kathy; Youngson, George

2013-04-01

Adverse events still occur despite ongoing efforts to reduce harm to patients. Contributory factors to adverse events are often due to limitations in clinicians' non-technical skills (e.g. communication, situation awareness), rather than deficiencies in technical competence. We developed a behavioural rating system to provide a structured means for teaching and assessing scrub practitioners' (i.e. nurse, technician, operating department practitioner) non-technical skills. Psychologists facilitated focus groups (n = 4) with experienced scrub practitioners (n = 16; 4 in each group) to develop a preliminary taxonomy. Focus groups reviewed lists of non-technical-skill-related behaviours that were extracted from an interview study. The focus groups labelled skill categories and elements and also provided examples of good and poor behaviours for those skills. An expert panel (n = 2 psychologists; n = 1 expert nurse) then used an iterative process to individually and collaboratively review and refine those data to produce a prototype skills taxonomy. A preliminary taxonomy containing eight non-technical skill categories with 28 underlying elements was produced. The expert panel reduced this to three categories (situation awareness, communication and teamwork, task management), each with three underlying elements. The system was called the Scrub Practitioners' List of Intraoperative Non-Technical Skills system. A scoring system and a user handbook were also developed. A prototype behavioural rating system for scrub practitioners' non-technical skills was developed, to aid in teaching and providing formative assessment. This important aspect of performance is not currently explicitly addressed in any educational route to qualify as a scrub practitioner. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

CT Perfusion of the Liver: Principles and Applications in Oncology

PubMed Central

Kim, Se Hyung; Kamaya, Aya

2014-01-01

With the introduction of molecularly targeted chemotherapeutics, there is an increasing need for defining new response criteria for therapeutic success because use of morphologic imaging alone may not fully assess tumor response. Computed tomographic (CT) perfusion imaging of the liver provides functional information about the microcirculation of normal parenchyma and focal liver lesions and is a promising technique for assessing the efficacy of various anticancer treatments. CT perfusion also shows promising results for diagnosing primary or metastatic tumors, for predicting early response to anticancer treatments, and for monitoring tumor recurrence after therapy. Many of the limitations of early CT perfusion studies performed in the liver, such as limited coverage, motion artifacts, and high radiation dose of CT, are being addressed by recent technical advances. These include a wide area detector with or without volumetric spiral or shuttle modes, motion correction algorithms, and new CT reconstruction technologies such as iterative algorithms. Although several issues related to perfusion imaging—such as paucity of large multicenter trials, limited accessibility of perfusion software, and lack of standardization in methods—remain unsolved, CT perfusion has now reached technical maturity, allowing for its use in assessing tumor vascularity in larger-scale prospective clinical trials. In this review, basic principles, current acquisition protocols, and pharmacokinetic models used for CT perfusion imaging of the liver are described. Various oncologic applications of CT perfusion of the liver are discussed and current challenges, as well as possible solutions, for CT perfusion are presented. © RSNA, 2014 Online supplemental material is available for this article. PMID:25058132

78 FR 3893 - Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership; Notice of Technical Conference

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-17

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. IS13-17-000] Enbridge Energy... Energy, Limited Partnership's proposed revision to its downstream Nomination Verification Procedure. \\1\\ Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, 141 FERC ] 61,246 (2012). Take notice that a technical conference...

Principal Investigator in a Box Technical Description Document. 2.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Groleau, Nick; Frainier, Richard

1994-01-01

This document provides a brief overview of the PI-in-a-Box system, which can be used for automatic real-time reaction to incoming data. We will therefore outline the current system's capabilities and limitations, and hint at how best to think about PI-in-a-Box as a tool for real-time analysis and reaction in section two, below. We also believe that the solution to many commercial real-time process problems requires data acquisition and analysis combined with rule-based reasoning and/or an intuitive user interface. We will develop the technology reuse potential in section three. Currently, the system runs only on Apple Computer's Macintosh series.

Helicopter Drive System on-Condition Maintenance Capability (UH-1/AH-1)

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-01

Capability 17 2.2 FACTORS LIMITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE STUDY . . 18 2.3 ASSUMPTIONS USED IN THE ANALYSIS 20 2.3.1 Assembly Operability 20 2.3.2...DRIVE SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND THEIR EFFECTIVITY 64 2 AIRCRAFT TECHNICAL MANUALS USED DURING THE STUDY 66 3 DRIVE SYSTEM COMPONENTS DA2410 RECORDS...the federal stock number, and current effectivity of these assemblies. The general approach used was to examine the overhaul and acci- dent records

Mass spectrometry and immunoassay: how to measure steroid hormones today and tomorrow.

PubMed

Taylor, Angela E; Keevil, Brian; Huhtaniemi, Ilpo T

2015-08-01

The recent onslaught of mass spectrometry (MS) to measurements of steroid hormones, including demands that they should be the only acceptable method, has confused clinicians and scientists who have relied for more than 40 years on a variety of immunoassay (IA) methods in steroid hormone measurements. There is little doubt that MS methods with their superior specificity will be the future method of choice in many clinical and research applications of steroid hormone measurement. However, the majority of steroid measurements are currently, and will continue to be, carried out using various types of IAs for several reasons, including their technical ease, cost and availability of commercial reagents. Speedy replacement of all IAs with MS is an unrealistic and unnecessary goal, because the availability of MS measurements is limited by cost, need of expensive equipment, technical demands and lack of commercial applications. Furthermore, IAs have multiple well-known advantages that vindicate their continuing use. The purpose of this article is to elucidate the advantages and limitations of the MS and IA techniques from two angles, i.e. promotion of MS and defence of IA. The purpose of the text is to give the reader an unbiased view about the current state and future trends of steroid analysis and to help him/her choose the correct assay method to serve his/her diagnostic and research needs. © 2015 European Society of Endocrinology.

Contemporary body armor: technical data, injuries, and limits.

PubMed

Prat, N; Rongieras, F; Sarron, J-C; Miras, A; Voiglio, E

2012-04-01

The introduction of firearms in the fifteenth century led to the continuous development of bulletproof personal protection. Due to recent industrial progress and the emergence of a new generation of ballistic fibers in the 1960s, the ability of individual ballistic protections to stop projectiles greatly increased. While protective equipment is able to stop increasingly powerful missiles, deformation during the impact can cause potentially lethal nonpenetrating injuries that are grouped under the generic term of behind armor blunt trauma, and the scope and consequences of these are still unclear. This review first summarizes current technical data for modern bulletproof vests, the materials used in them, and the stopping mechanisms they employ. Then it describes recent research into the specific ballistic injury patterns of soldiers wearing body armor, focusing on behind-armor blunt trauma.

Funding California Schools: The Revenue Limit System. Technical Appendices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weston, Margaret

2010-01-01

This document presents the technical appendices accompanying the report, "Funding California Schools: The Revenue Limit System." Included are: (1) Revenue Limit Calculation and Decomposition; (2) Data and Methods; and (3) Base Funding Alternative Simulation Results. (Contains 5 tables and 26 footnotes.) [For the main report,…

Effect of a superconducting coil as a fault current limiter on current density distribution in BSCCO tape after an over-current pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tallouli, M.; Shyshkin, O.; Yamaguchi, S.

2017-07-01

The development of power transmission lines based on long-length high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes is complicated and technically challenging task. A serious problem for transmission line operation could become HTS power cable damage due to over-current pulse conditions. To avoid the cable damage in any urgent case the superconducting coil technology, i.e. superconductor fault current limiter (SFCL) is required. Comprehensive understanding of the current density characteristics of HTS tapes in both cases, either after pure over-current pulse or after over-current pulse limited by SFCL, is needed to restart or to continue the operation of the power transmission line. Moreover, current density distribution along and across the HTS tape provides us with the sufficient information about the quality of the tape performance in different current feeding regimes. In present paper we examine BSCCO HTS tape under two current feeding regimes. The first one is 100A feeding preceded by 900A over-current pulse. In this case none of tape protection was used. The second scenario is similar to the fist one but SFCL is used to limit an over-current value. For both scenarios after the pulse is gone and the current feeding is set up at 100A we scan magnetic field above the tape by means of Hall probe sensor. Then the feeding is turned of and the magnetic field scanning is repeated. Using the inverse problem numerical solver we calculate the corresponding direct and permanent current density distributions during the feeding and after switch off. It is demonstrated that in the absence of SFCL the current distribution is highly peaked at the tape center. At the same time the current distribution in the experiment with SFCL is similar to that observed under normal current feeding condition. The current peaking in the first case is explained by the effect of an opposite electric field induced at the tape edges during the overcurrent pulse decay, and by degradation of superconductivity at the edges due to penetration of magnetic field in superconducting core during the pulse.

On the Necessity of Changes in the Strategy of Utilization Ship Boiler Technical Condition Maintenance in the Aspect of LNG Applied as Fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamkiewicz, Andrzej; Zeńczak, Wojciech

2017-03-01

Heavy oils (HFO fuels) used on ships play a part in degradation of technical condition of heat exchange surfaces of utilization boilers especially on the exhaust gas side. Presence of sulphur in these fuels is the main factor favouring degradation. The upper limit for sulphur content in the fuel used outside the SECA areas equal to 3.5% is currently in force, at least until the year 2020 or 2025. The recommended by classification societies overhauls of utilization boilers are, therefore characterized by a specially chosen strategy thanks to which it is possible to maintain their appropriate technical condition. The requirement to use fuels with low sulphur content (LSFO), which are significantly more expensive than MDO fuels, in the areas of controlled sulphur emissions also led to a further introduction of alternative fuels, such as methanol and above all liquefied natural gas (LNG), onto ships. That is especially valid for the ship owners whose vessels e.g. ferries sail mainly within SCECA This article analyses the consequences of the introduced fuel change on utilization boiler maintenance. A change in the technical condition maintenance strategy for utilization boilers has been suggested.

48 CFR 3419.870 - Acquisition of technical requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... competition to submit written technical proposals. Otherwise, ED holds oral discussions with the participating... participating in a limited technical competition based on the written technical proposals or oral discussions... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Acquisition of technical...

Highlights of the 2009 SEG summer research workshop on"CO2 Sequestration Geophysics"

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

Lumley, D.; Sherlock, D.; Daley, T.

The 2009 SEG Summer Research Workshop on CO2 Sequestration Geophysics was held August 23-27, 2009 in Banff, Canada. The event was attended by over 100 scientists from around the world, which proved to be a remarkably successful turnout in the midst of the current global financial crisis and severe corporate travel restrictions. Attendees included SEG President Larry Lines (U. Calgary), and CSEG President John Downton (CGG Veritas), who joined SRW Chairman David Lumley (UWA) in giving the opening welcome remarks at the Sunday Icebreaker. The workshop was organized by an expert technical committee (see side bar) representing a good mixmore » of industry, academic, and government research organizations. The format consisted of four days of technical sessions with over 60 talks and posters, plus an optional pre-workshop field trip to the Columbia Ice Fields to view firsthand the effects of global warming on the Athabasca glacier (Figures 1-2). Group technical discussion was encouraged by requiring each presenter to limit themselves to 15 minutes of presentation followed by a 15 minute open discussion period. Technical contributions focused on the current and future role of geophysics in CO2 sequestration, highlighting new research and field-test results with regard to site selection and characterization, monitoring and surveillance, using a wide array of geophysical techniques. While there are too many excellent contributions to mention all individually here, in this paper we summarize some of the key workshop highlights in order to propagate new developments to the SEG community at large.« less

Highlights of the 2009 SEG summer research workshop on ""CO2 sequestration geophysics

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

Huang, Lianjie; Lumley, David; Sherlock, Don

The 2009 SEG Summer Research Workshop on 'CO{sub 2} Sequestration Geophysics' was held August 23-27, 2009 in Banff, Canada. The event was attended by over 100 scientists from around the world, which proved to be a remarkably successful turnout in the midst of the current global financial crisis and severe corporate travel restrictions. Attendees included SEG President Larry Lines (U. Calgary), and CSEG President John Downton (CGG Veritas), who joined SRW Chairman David Lumley (UWA) in giving the opening welcome remarks at the Sunday Icebreaker. The workshop was organized by an expert technical committee representing a good mix of industry,more » academic, and government research organizations. The format consisted of four days of technical sessions with over 60 talks and posters, plus an optional pre-workshop field trip to the Columbia Ice Fields to view firsthand the effects of global warming on the Athabasca glacier. Group technical discussion was encouraged by requiring each presenter to limit themselves to 15 minutes of presentation followed by a 15 minute open discussion period. Technical contributions focused on the current and future role of geophysics in CO{sub 2} sequestration, highlighting new research and field-test results with regard to site selection and characterization, monitoring and surveillance, using a wide array of geophysical techniques. While there are too many excellent contributions to mention all individually here, in this paper we summarize some of the key workshop highlights in order to propagate new developments to the SEG community at large.« less

Understanding and predicting the dynamics of tokamak discharges during startup and rampdown

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

Jackson, G. L.; Politzer, P. A.; Humphreys, D. A.

Understanding the dynamics of plasma startup and termination is important for present tokamaks and for predictive modeling of future burning plasma devices such as ITER. We report on experiments in the DIII-D tokamak that explore the plasma startup and rampdown phases and on the benchmarking of transport models. Key issues have been examined such as plasma initiation and burnthrough with limited inductive voltage and achieving flattop and maximum burn within the technical limits of coil systems and their actuators while maintaining the desired q profile. Successful rampdown requires scenarios consistent with technical limits, including controlled H-L transitions, while avoiding verticalmore » instabilities, additional Ohmic transformer flux consumption, and density limit disruptions. Discharges were typically initiated with an inductive electric field typical of ITER, 0.3 V/m, most with second harmonic electron cyclotron assist. A fast framing camera was used during breakdown and burnthrough of low Z impurity charge states to study the formation physics. An improved 'large aperture' ITER startup scenario was developed, and aperture reduction in rampdown was found to be essential to avoid instabilities. Current evolution using neoclassical conductivity in the CORSICA code agrees with rampup experiments, but the prediction of the temperature and internal inductance evolution using the Coppi-Tang model for electron energy transport is not yet accurate enough to allow extrapolation to future devices.« less

Atmospheric turbulence simulation for Shuttle orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tatom, F. B.; Smith, S. R.

1979-01-01

An improved non-recursive model for atmospheric turbulence along the flight path of the Shuttle Orbiter is developed which provides for simulation of instantaneous vertical and horizontal gusts at the vehicle center-of-gravity, and also for simulation of instantaneous gust gradients. Based on this model the time series for both gusts and gust gradients are generated and stored on a series of magnetic tapes. Section 2 provides a description of the various technical considerations associated with the turbulence simulation model. Included in this section are descriptions of the digital filter simulation model, the von Karman spectra with finite upper limits, and the final non recursive turbulence simulation model which was used to generate the time series. Section 2 provides a description of the various technical considerations associated with the turbulence simulation model. Included in this section are descriptions of the digial filter simulation model, the von Karman spectra with finite upper limits, and the final non recursive turbulence simulation model which was used to generate the time series. Section 3 provides a description of the time series as currently recorded on magnetic tape. Conclusions and recommendations are presented in Section 4.

31 CFR 21.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Professional and technical services...

14 CFR 1271.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Professional and technical services. 1271...

40 CFR 34.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Professional and technical services. 34...

24 CFR 87.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... technical services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 24 Housing and Urban Development 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Professional and technical services...

22 CFR 712.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 22 Foreign Relations 2 2011-04-01 2009-04-01 true Professional and technical services. 712.300...

22 CFR 311.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... technical services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 22 Foreign Relations 2 2011-04-01 2009-04-01 true Professional and technical services. 311.300...

45 CFR 604.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 45 Public Welfare 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Professional and technical services. 604.300...

Low-frequency electrical dosimetry: research agenda of the IEEE International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety.

PubMed

Reilly, J Patrick; Hirata, Akimasa

2016-06-21

This article treats unsettled issues in the use of numerical models of electrical dosimetry as applied to international limits on human exposure to low-frequency (typically  <  100 kHz) electromagnetic fields and contact current. The perspective in this publication is that of Subcommittee 6 of IEEE-ICES (International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety) Technical Committee 95. The paper discusses 25 issues needing attention, fitting into three general categories: induction models; electrostimulation models; and human exposure limits. Of these, 9 were voted as 'high priority' by members of Subcommittee 6. The list is presented as a research agenda for refinements in numerical modeling with applications to human exposure limits. It is likely that such issues are also important in medical and electrical product safety design applications.

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

Liu, Tianbiao L.; Wei, Xiaoliang; Nie, Zimin

The worldwide increasing energy demands and rising CO2 emissions motivate a search of new technologies to take advantage of renewable energy such as solar and wind. Rechargeable redox flow batteries (RFBs) with their high power density, high energy efficiency, scalability (up to MW and MWh), and safety features are one suitable option for integrating such energy sources and overcoming their intermittency. Source limitation and forbidden high system costs of current RFBs technologies impede wide implementation. Here we report a total organic aqueous redox flow battery (OARFB), using low cost and sustainable MV (anolyte) and 4-HO-TEMPO (catholyte), and benign NaCl supportingmore » electrolyte. The electrochemical properties of the organic redox active materials were studied using cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode voltammetry. The MV/4-HO-TEMPO ARFB has an exceptionally high cell voltage, 1.25 V. Prototypes of the organic ARFB can be operated at high current densities ranging from 20 to 100 mA/cm2, and deliver stable capacity for 100 cycles with nearly 100% coulombic efficiency. The overall technical characters of the MV/4-HO-TEMPO ARFB are very attractive for continuous technic development.« less

A Review of Intravascular Ultrasound–Based Multimodal Intravascular Imaging: The Synergistic Approach to Characterizing Vulnerable Plaques

PubMed Central

Ma, Teng; Zhou, Bill; Hsiai, Tzung K.; Shung, K. Kirk

2015-01-01

Catheter-based intravascular imaging modalities are being developed to visualize pathologies in coronary arteries, such as high-risk vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques known as thin-cap fibroatheroma, to guide therapeutic strategy at preventing heart attacks. Mounting evidences have shown three distinctive histopathological features—the presence of a thin fibrous cap, a lipid-rich necrotic core, and numerous infiltrating macrophages—are key markers of increased vulnerability in atherosclerotic plaques. To visualize these changes, the majority of catheter-based imaging modalities used intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as the technical foundation and integrated emerging intravascular imaging techniques to enhance the characterization of vulnerable plaques. However, no current imaging technology is the unequivocal “gold standard” for the diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Each intravascular imaging technology possesses its own unique features that yield valuable information although encumbered by inherent limitations not seen in other modalities. In this context, the aim of this review is to discuss current scientific innovations, technical challenges, and prospective strategies in the development of IVUS-based multi-modality intravascular imaging systems aimed at assessing atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. PMID:26400676

76 FR 2573 - Technical Corrections: Matters Subject to Protest and Various Protest Time Limits

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-14

... 174 [CBP Dec. 11-02] Technical Corrections: Matters Subject to Protest and Various Protest Time Limits..., in pertinent part, the types of matters subject to protest, the time required for allowing or denying an application for further review of a protest, and various other protest time limits. This document...

29 CFR 93.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... technical services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 29 Labor 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Professional and technical services. 93.300 Section 93.300...

40 CFR 35.4005 - What is a Technical Assistance Grant?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Technical Assistance Grant? A Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) provides money for your group to obtain... technical advisors to help you interpret and comment on site-related information and decisions. Examples of how a technical advisor can help your group include, but are not limited to: (a) Reviewing preliminary...

40 CFR 35.4005 - What is a Technical Assistance Grant?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Technical Assistance Grant? A Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) provides money for your group to obtain... technical advisors to help you interpret and comment on site-related information and decisions. Examples of how a technical advisor can help your group include, but are not limited to: (a) Reviewing preliminary...

40 CFR 35.4005 - What is a Technical Assistance Grant?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Technical Assistance Grant? A Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) provides money for your group to obtain... technical advisors to help you interpret and comment on site-related information and decisions. Examples of how a technical advisor can help your group include, but are not limited to: (a) Reviewing preliminary...

40 CFR 35.4005 - What is a Technical Assistance Grant?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Technical Assistance Grant? A Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) provides money for your group to obtain... technical advisors to help you interpret and comment on site-related information and decisions. Examples of how a technical advisor can help your group include, but are not limited to: (a) Reviewing preliminary...

Final Finding of No Significant Impact: Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Technology Center Acquisition Tinker Air Force Base Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-18

accommodate current and anticipated aircraft modification workload. The range of reasonable alternatives must also meet essential technical...matter equal to or less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), and lead . The primary NAAQS set limits to protect public health, including...disease; asthmatics and those with emphysema or bronchitis are the most sensitive to SO2 exposure. SO2 also contributes to acid rain, which can lead

Digital visual communications using a Perceptual Components Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Andrew B.

1991-01-01

The next era of space exploration will generate extraordinary volumes of image data, and management of this image data is beyond current technical capabilities. We propose a strategy for coding visual information that exploits the known properties of early human vision. This Perceptual Components Architecture codes images and image sequences in terms of discrete samples from limited bands of color, spatial frequency, orientation, and temporal frequency. This spatiotemporal pyramid offers efficiency (low bit rate), variable resolution, device independence, error-tolerance, and extensibility.

Internet Research: Implications for The Future of Health Care

PubMed Central

Shortliffe, Ted

1999-01-01

The phenomenal growth in Internet usage, largely due to the success of the World Wide Web, has stressed the international networking infrastructure in ways that were never contemplated when the early ARPAnet emerged from research laboratories in the 1970s. Some of the challenges are logistical and legal, and have to do with management of domain names, intellectual-property agreements, and international business activities. Others are technical, resulting both because we are envisioning applications that the current Internet cannot support, and because the existing infrastructure cannot scale to a world in which a huge portion of the world's population is online and individual homes and businesses may have IP addresses for tens of electronic devices, such as appliances, heating systems, or security alarms. In this presentation, I will discuss some of the US research and testbed activities that are currently underway in an effort to respond to the technical challenges. These include the Internet-2 testbed created by a consortium of academic institutions, and the federal government's Next Generation Internet research initiative. I will explain the difference between these two programs and identify some of the technical requirements other than a simple increase in bandwidth that have been identified for the evolving Internet. This will lead to a discussion of the limitations of the current Internet that have constrained its use in health care and that accordingly help to define the networking research agenda that is of greatest importance to the biomedical community. Policy and regulatory issues that arise because of health care's use of the Internet will also be discussed, as will those technical requirements that may be unique to biomedical applications. One goal of the discussion will be to motivate an international discussion of the ways in which the medical informatics community should be engaged in both basic and applied research in the area of networking and the future of the Internet."

Vocational technical and adult education: Status, trends and issues related to electronic delivery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothenberg, D.

1973-01-01

Data are analyzed, and trends and issues are discussed to provide information useful to the systems designer who wishes to identify and assess the opportunities for large scale electronic delivery in vocational/technical and adult education. Issues connected with vocational/technical education are investigated, with emphasis on those issues in the current spotlight which are relevant to the possibilities of electronic delivery. The current role of media is examined in vocational/technical instruction.

Pilot-Induced Oscillation Research: Status at the End of the Century. Volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shafer, Mary F. (Compiler); Steinmetz, Paul (Compiler)

2001-01-01

The workshop "Pilot-Induced Oscillation Research: The Status at the End of the Century," was held at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center on 6-8 April 1999. The presentations at this conference addressed the most current information available, addressing regulatory issues, flight test, safety, modeling, prediction, simulation, mitigation or prevention, and areas that require further research. All presentations were approved for publication as unclassified documents with no limits on their distribution. This proceedings includes the viewgraphs (some with author's notes) used for thirty presentations that were actually given and two presentations that were not given because of time limitations. Four technical papers on this subject are also included.

Pilot-Induced Oscillation Research: Status at the End of the Century. Volume 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shafer, Mary F. (Compiler); Steinmetz, Paul (Compiler)

2001-01-01

The workshop "Pilot-Induced Oscillation Research: The Status at the End of the Century," was held at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center on 6-8 April 1999. The presentations at this conference addressed the most current information available, addressing regulatory issues, flight test, safety, modeling, prediction, simulation, mitigation or prevention, and areas that require further research. All presentations were approved for publication as unclassified documents with no limits on their distribution. This proceedings includes the viewgraphs (some with author's notes) used for thirty presentations that were actually given and two presentations that were not given because of time limitations. Four technical papers on this subject are also included.

Lung magnetic resonance imaging for pneumonia in children.

PubMed

Liszewski, Mark C; Görkem, Süreyya; Sodhi, Kushaljit S; Lee, Edward Y

2017-10-01

Technical factors have historically limited the role of MRI in the evaluation of pneumonia in children in routine clinical practice. As imaging technology has advanced, recent studies utilizing practical MR imaging protocols have shown MRI to be an accurate potential alternative to CT for the evaluation of pneumonia and its complications. This article provides up-to-date MR imaging techniques that can be implemented in most radiology departments to evaluate pneumonia in children. Imaging findings in pneumonia on MRI are also reviewed. In addition, the current literature describing the diagnostic performance of MRI for pneumonia is discussed. Furthermore, potential risks and limitations of MRI for the evaluation of pneumonia in children are described.

Nuclear cardiology. I - Radionuclide angiographic assessment of left ventricular contraction: uses, limitations and future directions. II - The role of myocardial perfusion imaging using thallium-201 in diagnosis of coronary heart disease

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

Bodenheimer, M.M.; Banka, V.S.; Helfant, R.H.

1980-01-01

The current status of radionuclide angiography is reviewed. First pass and gated equilibrium methods for determining left ventricular contraction are compared. Some clinical applications of radionuclide angiography are then examined, including the detection of discrete versus diffuse asynergy and the assessment of myocardial infarction. The second part of this work reviews the uses and limitations of thallium-201 perfusion imaging in the diagnosis of the acute and chronic manifestations of coronary heart disease. Theoretical and technical considerations of thallium-201 imaging are reviewed along with the clinical implications of the technique.

Pilot-Induced Oscillation Research: The Status at the End of the Century. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shafer, Mary F. (Compiler); Steinmetz, Paul (Compiler)

2001-01-01

The workshop "Pilot-Induced Oscillation Research: The Status at the End of the Century," was held at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center on 6-8 April 1999. The presentations at this conference addressed the most current information available, addressing regulatory issues, flight test, safety, modeling, prediction, simulation, mitigation or prevention, and areas that require further research. All presentations were approved for publication as unclassified documents with no limits on their distribution. This proceedings includes the viewgraphs (some with author's notes) used for thirty presentations that were actually given and two presentations that were not given because of time limitations. Four technical papers on this subject are also included.

Evaluating disease management program effectiveness: an introduction to time-series analysis.

PubMed

Linden, Ariel; Adams, John L; Roberts, Nancy

2003-01-01

Currently, the most widely used method in the disease management (DM) industry for evaluating program effectiveness is referred to as the "total population approach." This model is a pretest-posttest design, with the most basic limitation being that without a control group, there may be sources of bias and/or competing extraneous confounding factors that offer a plausible rationale explaining the change from baseline. Furthermore, with the current inclination of DM programs to use financial indicators rather than program-specific utilization indicators as the principal measure of program success, additional biases are introduced that may cloud evaluation results. This paper presents a non-technical introduction to time-series analysis (using disease-specific utilization measures) as an alternative, and more appropriate, approach to evaluating DM program effectiveness than the current total population approach.

A ferrofluidic deformable mirror for ophthalmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macpherson, J. B.; Thibault, S.; Borra, E. F.; Ritcey, A. M.; Carufel, N.; Asselin, D.; Jerominek, H.; Campbell, M. C. W.

2005-09-01

Optical aberrations reduce the imaging quality of the human eye. In addition to degrading vision, this limits our ability to illuminate small points of the retina for therapeutic, surgical or diagnostic purposes. When viewing the rear of the eye, aberrations cause structures in the fundus to appear blurred, limiting the resolution of ophthalmoscopes (diagnostic instruments used to image the eye). Adaptive optics, such as deformable mirrors may be used to compensate for aberrations, allowing the eye to work as a diffraction-limited optical element. Unfortunately, this type of correction has not been widely available for ophthalmic applications because of the expense and technical limitations of current deformable mirrors. We present preliminary design and characterisation of a deformable mirror suitable for ophthalmology. In this ferrofluidic mirror, wavefronts are reflected from a fluid whose surface shape is controlled by a magnetic field. Challenges in design are outlined, as are advantages over traditional deformable mirrors.

Teaching Intercultural Communication in a Basic Technical Writing Course: A Survey of Our Current Practices and Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matveeva, Natalia

2008-01-01

This research article reports the results of an online survey distributed among technical writing instructors in 2006. The survey aimed to examine how we teach intercultural communication in basic technical writing courses: our current practices and methods. The article discusses three major challenges that instructors may face when teaching about…

A system for respiratory motion detection using optical fibers embedded into textiles.

PubMed

D'Angelo, L T; Weber, S; Honda, Y; Thiel, T; Narbonneau, F; Luth, T C

2008-01-01

In this contribution, a first prototype for mobile respiratory motion detection using optical fibers embedded into textiles is presented. The developed system consists of a T-shirt with an integrated fiber sensor and a portable monitoring unit with a wireless communication link enabling the data analysis and visualization on a PC. A great effort is done worldwide to develop mobile solutions for health monitoring of vital signs for patients needing continuous medical care. Wearable, comfortable and smart textiles incorporating sensors are good approaches to solve this problem. In most of the cases, electrical sensors are integrated, showing significant limits such as for the monitoring of anaesthetized patients during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). OFSETH (Optical Fibre Embedded into technical Textile for Healthcare) uses optical sensor technologies to extend the current capabilities of medical technical textiles.

48 CFR 209.505-4 - Obtaining access to proprietary information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...) For contractors accessing third party proprietary technical data or computer software, non-disclosure... limited rights technical data, commercial technical data, or restricted rights computer software. The...

Regulatory aspects of oncology drug safety evaluation: past practice, current issues, and the challenge of new drugs.

PubMed

Rosenfeldt, Hans; Kropp, Timothy; Benson, Kimberly; Ricci, M Stacey; McGuinn, W David; Verbois, S Leigh

2010-03-01

The drug development of new anti-cancer agents is streamlined in response to the urgency of bringing effective drugs to market for patients with limited life expectancy. FDA's regulation of oncology drugs has evolved from the practices set forth in Arnold Lehman's seminal work published in the 1950s through the current drafting of a new International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) safety guidance for anti-cancer drug nonclinical evaluations. The ICH combines the efforts of the regulatory authorities of Europe, Japan, and the United States and the pharmaceutical industry from these three regions to streamline the scientific and technical aspects of drug development. The recent development of new oncology drug classes with novel mechanisms of action has improved survival rates for some cancers but also brings new challenges for safety evaluation. Here we present the legacy of Lehman and colleagues in the context of past and present oncology drug development practices and focus on some of the current issues at the center of an evolving harmonization process that will generate a new safety guidance for oncology drugs, ICH S9. The purpose of this new guidance will be to facilitate oncology drug development on a global scale by standardizing regional safety requirements.

Workplace training for senior trainees: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of current approaches to promote patient safety.

PubMed

Walton, Merrilyn; Harrison, Reema; Burgess, Annette; Foster, Kirsty

2015-10-01

Preventable harm is one of the top six health problems in the developed world. Developing patient safety skills and knowledge among advanced trainee doctors is critical. Clinical supervision is the main form of training for advanced trainees. The use of supervision to develop patient safety competence has not been established. To establish the use of clinical supervision and other workplace training to develop non-technical patient safety competency in advanced trainee doctors. Keywords, synonyms and subject headings were used to search eight electronic databases in addition to hand-searching of relevant journals up to 1 March 2014. Titles and abstracts of retrieved publications were screened by two reviewers and checked by a third. Full-text articles were screened against the eligibility criteria. Data on design, methods and key findings were extracted. Clinical supervision documents were assessed against components common to established patient safety frameworks. Findings from the reviewed articles and document analysis were collated in a narrative synthesis. Clinical supervision is not identified as an avenue for embedding patient safety skills in the workplace and is consequently not evaluated as a method to teach trainees these skills. Workplace training in non-technical patient safety skills is limited, but one-off training courses are sometimes used. Clinical supervision is the primary avenue for learning in postgraduate medical education but the most overlooked in the context of patient safety learning. The widespread implementation of short courses is not matched by evidence of rigorous evaluation. Supporting supervisors to identify teaching moments during supervision and to give weight to non-technical skills and technical skills equally is critical. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, January - December 1973. [bibliography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

Five classes of publications are included in this bibliography: (1) Technical Reports in which the information is complete for a specific accomplishment and is intended for a wide audience. (2) Articles from the bimonthly Deep Space Network Progress Report. Each volume's collection of articles presents a periodical survey of current accomplishments by the Deep Space Network. (3) Technical Memorandums, in which the information is complete for a specific accomplishment but is intended for a limited audience to satisfy unique requirements. (4) Articles from the JPL Quarterly Technical Review. Each article summarizes a recent important development, interim or final results, or an advancement in the state of the art in a scientific or engineering endeavor, This publication has been discontinued, and the issues indexed in this bibliography are the last to be published. (5) Articles published in the open literature. The publications are indexed by: (1) author, (2) subject, and (3) publication type and number. A descriptive entry appears under the name of each author of each publication; an abstract is included with the entry for the primary (first-listed) author.

Technical and Political Assessment of Peaceful Nuclear Power Program Prospects in North Africa and the Middle East

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

Windsor, Lindsay K.; Kessler, Carol E.

An exceptional number of Middle Eastern and North African nations have recently expressed interest in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Many of these countries have explored nuclear research in limited ways in the past, but the current focused interest and application of resources towards developing nuclear-generated electricity and nuclear-powered desalination plants is unprecedented. Consequently, questions arise in response to this emerging trend: What instigated this interest? To what end(s) will a nuclear program be applied? Does the country have adequate technical, political, legislative, nonproliferation, and safety infrastructure required for the capability desired? If so, what are the next stepsmore » for a country in preparation for a future nuclear program? And if not, what collaboration efforts are possible with the United States or others? This report provides information on the capabilities and interests of 13 countries in the region in nuclear energy programs in light of safety, nonproliferation and security concerns. It also provides information useful for determining potential for offering technical collaboration, financial aid, and/or political support.« less

28 CFR 69.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly and... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Professional and technical services. 69...

44 CFR 18.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or... and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Professional and technical...

38 CFR 45.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or... and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or... technical services. 45.300 Section 45.300 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS...

38 CFR 45.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional... provide advice and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the... technical services. 45.205 Section 45.205 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS...

44 CFR 18.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or... and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Professional and technical...

38 CFR 45.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or... and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or... technical services. 45.300 Section 45.300 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS...

A Review of Three-Dimensional Printing in Tissue Engineering.

PubMed

Sears, Nick A; Seshadri, Dhruv R; Dhavalikar, Prachi S; Cosgriff-Hernandez, Elizabeth

2016-08-01

Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies have led to a rapid expansion of applications from the creation of anatomical training models for complex surgical procedures to the printing of tissue engineering constructs. In addition to achieving the macroscale geometry of organs and tissues, a print layer thickness as small as 20 μm allows for reproduction of the microarchitectures of bone and other tissues. Techniques with even higher precision are currently being investigated to enable reproduction of smaller tissue features such as hepatic lobules. Current research in tissue engineering focuses on the development of compatible methods (printers) and materials (bioinks) that are capable of producing biomimetic scaffolds. In this review, an overview of current 3D printing techniques used in tissue engineering is provided with an emphasis on the printing mechanism and the resultant scaffold characteristics. Current practical challenges and technical limitations are emphasized and future trends of bioprinting are discussed.

Embroidered Copper Microwire Current Collector for Improved Cycling Performance of Silicon Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Breitung, Ben; Aguiló-Aguayo, Noemí; Bechtold, Thomas; Hahn, Horst; Janek, Jürgen; Brezesinski, Torsten

2017-10-12

Si holds great promise as an alloying anode material for Li-ion batteries with improved energy density because of its high theoretical specific capacity and favorable operation voltage range. However, the large volume expansion of Si during electrochemical reaction with Li and the associated adverse effects strongly limit its prospect for application. Here, we report on the use of three-dimensional instead of flat current collectors for high-capacity Si anodes in an attempt to mitigate the loss of electrical contact of active electrode regions as a result of structural disintegration with cycling. The current collectors were produced by technical embroidery and consist of interconnected Cu wires of diameter <150 µm. In comparison to Si/Li cells using a conventional Cu foil current collector, the embroidered microwire network-based cells show much enhanced capacity and reversibility due to a higher degree of tolerance to cycling.

Additive Manufacturing Techniques in Prosthodontics: Where Do We Currently Stand? A Critical Review.

PubMed

Alharbi, Nawal; Wismeijer, Daniel; Osman, Reham B

The aim of this article was to critically review the current application of additive manufacturing (AM)/3D-printing techniques in prosthodontics and to highlight the influence of various technical factors involved in different AM technologies. A standard approach of searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was followed. The following search terms were used: (Prosth* OR Restoration) AND (Prototype OR Additive Manufacture* OR Compute* OR 3D-print* OR CAD/CAM) AND (Dentistry OR Dental). Hand searching the reference lists of the included articles and personal connections revealed additional relevant articles. Selection criteria were any article written in English and reporting on the application of AM in prosthodontics from 1990 to February 2016. From a total of 4,290 articles identified, 33 were seen as relevant. Of these, 3 were narrative reviews, 18 were in vitro studies, and 12 were clinical in vivo studies. Different AM technologies are applied in prosthodontics, directly and indirectly for the fabrication of fixed metal copings, metal frameworks for removable partial dentures, and plastic mock-ups and resin patterns for further conventional metal castings. Technical factors involved in different AM techniques influence the overall quality, the mechanical properties of the printed parts, and the total cost and manufacturing time. AM is promising and offers new possibilities in the field of prosthodontics, though its application is still limited. An understanding of these limitations and of developments in material science is crucial prior to considering AM as an acceptable method for the fabrication of dental prostheses.

Health Information System Role-Based Access Control Current Security Trends and Challenges.

PubMed

de Carvalho Junior, Marcelo Antonio; Bandiera-Paiva, Paulo

2018-01-01

This article objective is to highlight implementation characteristics, concerns, or limitations over role-based access control (RBAC) use on health information system (HIS) using industry-focused literature review of current publishing for that purpose. Based on the findings, assessment for indication of RBAC is obsolete considering HIS authorization control needs. We have selected articles related to our investigation theme "RBAC trends and limitations" in 4 different sources related to health informatics or to the engineering technical field. To do so, we have applied the following search query string: "Role-Based Access Control" OR "RBAC" AND "Health information System" OR "EHR" AND "Trends" OR "Challenges" OR "Security" OR "Authorization" OR "Attacks" OR "Permission Assignment" OR "Permission Relation" OR "Permission Mapping" OR "Constraint". We followed PRISMA applicable flow and general methodology used on software engineering for systematic review. 20 articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria resulting contributions from 10 different countries. 17 articles advocate RBAC adaptations. The main security trends and limitations mapped were related to emergency access, grant delegation, and interdomain access control. Several publishing proposed RBAC adaptations and enhancements in order to cope current HIS use characteristics. Most of the existent RBAC studies are not related to health informatics industry though. There is no clear indication of RBAC obsolescence for HIS use.

A review and evaluation of the Langley Research Center's Scientific and Technical Information Program: Results of phase 6: The technical report. A survey and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccullough, R. A.; Pinelli, T. E.; Pilley, D. D.; Stohrer, F. F.

1982-01-01

Current practice and usage using selected technical reports; literature relative to the sequential, language, and presentation components of technical reports; and NASA technical report publications standards are discussed. The effctiveness of the technical report as a product for information dissemination is considered.

45 CFR 1230.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or... and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or... 45 Public Welfare 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Professional and technical services. 1230.300...

45 CFR 93.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Professional and technical services. 93.300...

45 CFR 93.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Professional and technical services. 93.205...

15 CFR 28.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly and... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Professional and technical services...

13 CFR 146.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Professional and technical...

32 CFR 28.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or... and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or... 32 National Defense 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Professional and technical services. 28.300...

32 CFR 28.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional... provide advice and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the... 32 National Defense 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Professional and technical services. 28.205...

43 CFR 18.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly and... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Professional and technical services. 18...

28 CFR 69.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Professional and technical services. 69...

45 CFR 1230.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... section, “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying... this section unless they provide advice and analysis directly applying their professional or technical... 45 Public Welfare 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Professional and technical services. 1230.205...

41 CFR 105-69.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... section, “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying... this section unless they provide advice and analysis directly applying their professional or technical... technical services. 105-69.205 Section 105-69.205 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property...

32 CFR 28.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional... provide advice and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the... 32 National Defense 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Professional and technical services. 28.205...

41 CFR 105-69.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional... provide advice and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the... technical services. 105-69.300 Section 105-69.300 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property...

Meeting the Needs of Career and Technical Education: Observations from Graduates of a High School Health Science Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avey, Matthew R.

2012-01-01

Career and Technical education has been around for some time, and has often been shaped by the current economic landscape of the country. While current evolving trends focus on relevance for students in the school setting, a coexistence with college preparation curriculum is now the new trend in modern technical education. New programs have…

15 CFR 28.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Professional and technical services...

31 CFR 21.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Professional and technical services...

40 CFR 34.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Professional and technical services. 34...

14 CFR 1271.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Professional and technical services. 1271...

40 CFR 35.4005 - What is a Technical Assistance Grant?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... public participation in decision making at eligible sites. A TAG allows your group to procure independent... Technical Assistance Grant? A Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) provides money for your group to obtain... how a technical advisor can help your group include, but are not limited to: (a) Reviewing preliminary...

48 CFR 1052.201-70 - Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) Designation and Authority.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... in writing. The term “technical direction” includes, without limitation, direction to the contractor... the actions of the contractor's employees. (d) Technical direction may be oral or in writing. The COTR... Technical Representative (COTR) Designation and Authority. 1052.201-70 Section 1052.201-70 Federal...

22 CFR 712.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly... 22 Foreign Relations 2 2011-04-01 2009-04-01 true Professional and technical services. 712.205...

45 CFR 604.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly... 45 Public Welfare 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Professional and technical services. 604.205...

40 CFR 34.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Professional and technical services. 34...

76 FR 4115 - Request for the Technical Review of the Draft Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB): Derivation of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-24

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Docket Number NIOSH-156] Request for the Technical Review of the Draft Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB): Derivation... public review of the draft, Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB): Derivation of Immediately Dangerous to...

Quantum entanglement of high angular momenta.

PubMed

Fickler, Robert; Lapkiewicz, Radek; Plick, William N; Krenn, Mario; Schaeff, Christoph; Ramelow, Sven; Zeilinger, Anton

2012-11-02

Single photons with helical phase structures may carry a quantized amount of orbital angular momentum (OAM), and their entanglement is important for quantum information science and fundamental tests of quantum theory. Because there is no theoretical upper limit on how many quanta of OAM a single photon can carry, it is possible to create entanglement between two particles with an arbitrarily high difference in quantum number. By transferring polarization entanglement to OAM with an interferometric scheme, we generate and verify entanglement between two photons differing by 600 in quantum number. The only restrictive factors toward higher numbers are current technical limitations. We also experimentally demonstrate that the entanglement of very high OAM can improve the sensitivity of angular resolution in remote sensing.

Cardiac output monitoring using indicator-dilution techniques: basics, limits, and perspectives.

PubMed

Reuter, Daniel A; Huang, Cecil; Edrich, Thomas; Shernan, Stanton K; Eltzschig, Holger K

2010-03-01

The ability to monitor cardiac output is one of the important cornerstones of hemodynamic assessment for managing critically ill patients at increased risk for developing cardiac complications, and in particular in patients with preexisting cardiovascular comorbidities. For >30 years, single-bolus thermodilution measurement through a pulmonary artery catheter for assessment of cardiac output has been widely accepted as the "clinical standard" for advanced hemodynamic monitoring. In this article, we review this clinical standard, along with current alternatives also based on the indicator-dilution technique, such as the transcardiopulmonary thermodilution and lithium dilution techniques. In this review, not only the underlying technical principles and the unique features but also the limitations of each application of indicator dilution are outlined.

What Is New in Clinical Microbiology—Microbial Identification by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Murray, Patrick R.

2012-01-01

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) offers the possibility of accurate, rapid, inexpensive identification of bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria isolated in clinical microbiology laboratories. The procedures for preanalytic processing of organisms and analysis by MALDI-TOF MS are technically simple and reproducible, and commercial databases and interpretive algorithms are available for the identification of a wide spectrum of clinically significant organisms. Although only limited work has been reported on the use of this technique to identify molds, perform strain typing, or determine antibiotic susceptibility results, these are fruitful areas of promising research. As experience is gained with MALDI-TOF MS, it is expected that the databases will be expanded to resolve many of the current inadequate identifications (eg, no identification, genus-level identification) and algorithms for potential misidentification will be developed. The current lack of Food and Drug Administration approval of any MALDI-TOF MS system for organism identification limits widespread use in the United States. PMID:22795961

Beyond MOS and Fibers: Wide-FoV Imaging Fourier Transform Spectroscopy - an Instrumentation Proposal for the Present and Future Mexican Telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosales-Ortega, F. F.; Castillo, E.; Sánchez, S. F.; Iglesias-Páramo, J.; Mollá, J. I. M.; Chávez, M.

2016-10-01

In order to extend the current suite of instruments offered in the Observatorio Astrofísico Guillermo Haro (OAGH) in Cananea, Mexico (INAOE), and to explore a second-generation instrument for the future 6.5 m Telescopio San Pedro Martir (TSPM), we propose a prototype instrument that will provide un-biased wide-field (few arcmin) spectroscopic information, with the flexibility of operating at different spectral resolutions (R˜1-104), with a spatial resolution limited by seeing, and therefore to be used in a wide range of astronomical problems. This instrument will make use of the Fourier Transform Spectroscopy technique, which has been proved to be feasible in the optical wavelength range. Here we give the basic technical description of a Fourier transform spectrograph, as well as the technical advantages and weaknesses, and the science cases in which this instrument can be implemented.

Test and Evaluation for Enhanced Security: A Quantitative Method to Incorporate Expert Knowledge into Test Planning Decisions.

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

Rizzo, Davinia; Blackburn, Mark

Complex systems are comprised of technical, social, political and environmental factors as well as the programmatic factors of cost, schedule and risk. Testing these systems for enhanced security requires expert knowledge in many different fields. It is important to test these systems to ensure effectiveness, but testing is limited to due cost, schedule, safety, feasibility and a myriad of other reasons. Without an effective decision framework for Test and Evaluation (T&E) planning that can take into consideration technical as well as programmatic factors and leverage expert knowledge, security in complex systems may not be assessed effectively. Therefore, this paper coversmore » the identification of the current T&E planning problem and an approach to include the full variety of factors and leverage expert knowledge in T&E planning through the use of Bayesian Networks (BN).« less

[Team training and assessment in mixed reality-based simulated operating room : Current state of research in the field of simulation in spine surgery exemplified by the ATMEOS project].

PubMed

Stefan, P; Pfandler, M; Wucherer, P; Habert, S; Fürmetz, J; Weidert, S; Euler, E; Eck, U; Lazarovici, M; Weigl, M; Navab, N

2018-04-01

Surgical simulators are being increasingly used as an attractive alternative to clinical training in addition to conventional animal models and human specimens. Typically, surgical simulation technology is designed for the purpose of teaching technical surgical skills (so-called task trainers). Simulator training in surgery is therefore in general limited to the individual training of the surgeon and disregards the participation of the rest of the surgical team. The objective of the project Assessment and Training of Medical Experts based on Objective Standards (ATMEOS) is to develop an immersive simulated operating room environment that enables the training and assessment of multidisciplinary surgical teams under various conditions. Using a mixed reality approach, a synthetic patient model, real surgical instruments and radiation-free virtual X‑ray imaging are combined into a simulation of spinal surgery. In previous research studies, the concept was evaluated in terms of realism, plausibility and immersiveness. In the current research, assessment measurements for technical and non-technical skills are developed and evaluated. The aim is to observe multidisciplinary surgical teams in the simulated operating room during minimally invasive spinal surgery and objectively assess the performance of the individual team members and the entire team. Moreover, the effectiveness of training methods and surgical techniques or success critical factors, e. g. management of crisis situations, can be captured and objectively assessed in the controlled environment.

[Research progresses on ergonomics assessment and measurement methods for push-pull behavior].

PubMed

Zhao, Yan; Li, Dongxu; Guo, Shengpeng

2011-10-01

Pushing and pulling (P&P) is a common operating mode of operator's physical works, and plays an important role in evaluation of human behavior health and operation performance. At present, there are many research methods of P&P, and this article is a state-of-art review of the classification of P&P research methods, the various impact factors in P&P program, technical details of internal/external P&P force measurement and evaluation, the limitation of current research methods and the future developments in the ergonomics field.

The application of remote sensing techniques: Technical and methodological issues

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polcyn, F. C.; Wagner, T. W.

1974-01-01

Capabilities and limitations of modern imaging electromagnetic sensor systems are outlined, and the products of such systems are compared with those of the traditional aerial photographic system. Focus is given to the interface between the rapidly developing remote sensing technology and the information needs of operational agencies, and communication gaps are shown to retard early adoption of the technology by these agencies. An assessment is made of the current status of imaging remote sensors and their potential for the future. Public sources of remote sensor data and several cost comparisons are included.

Human Effectiveness and Risk Characterization of the Electromuscular Incapacitation Device - A Limited Analysis of the TASER. Part 1. Technical Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-01

factors such as wind, temperature, and precipitation do not affect the dose of electricity delivered since the electricity flows through insulated wires...additional (and perhaps lethal) force. It is unknown if these mechanisms for success will also occur in DoD use. If they do not, and if the complete or...information if it does not display s currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY

Initial Conceptualization and Characterization of a Navy Automated Publishing System. Volume 2. Technical Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

its mission. The project was funded by the Naval Supply Systems (bxmand (NAVSUP) under the auspices of its Automated Graphic Sciences ( AGS ) program...Cost in the Federal Government, FY 1967-1977 3-6 3.4 Total U.S. Population Ages 18-24 Years 3-9 3.5 Supply and Demand for Young Men 3-10 3.6 Typical...NPPS, as reflected for instance in reduced cost per copy, is of benefit to all those it serves: (’NET, currently limited by appropriation ceilings to

Empress 2. First year clinical results.

PubMed

Culp, L

1999-03-01

As the search for perfect dental restorative materials continues, it seems we routinely return to ceramics as our standard. Current all-ceramic systems are state-of-the-art with regard to esthetics and function, but are limited in use to single unit restorations. Recently, an all-ceramic lithium disilicate-fluorapatite ceramic system was introduced (IPS Empress 2, Ivoclar North America, Amherst, NY), that allows multiple unit restorations to be fabricated and cemented using adhesive or traditional cementation techniques. This article will overview the technical procedures and advantages of this new ceramic system.

A Variable Diameter Short Haul Civil Tiltrotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, James M.; Jones, Christopher T.; Nixon, Mark W.

1999-01-01

The Short-Haul-Civil-tiltrotor (SHCT) component of the NASA Aviation System Capacity Program is an effort to develop the technologies needed for a potential 40-passenger civil tiltrotor. The variable diameter tiltrotor (VDTR) is a Sikorsky concept aimed at improving tiltrotor hover and cruise performance currently limited by disk loading that is much higher in hover than conventional helicopter, and much lower in cruise than turbo-prop systems. This paper describes the technical merits of using a VDTR on a SHCT aircraft. The focus will be the rotor design.

Operative endoscopy of the airway

PubMed Central

Walters, Dustin M.

2016-01-01

Airway endoscopy has long been an important and useful tool in the management of thoracic diseases. As thoracic specialists have gained experience with both flexible and rigid bronchoscopic techniques, the technology has continued to evolve so that bronchoscopy is currently the foundation for diagnosis and treatment of many thoracic ailments. Airway endoscopy plays a significant role in the biopsy of tumors within the airways, mediastinum, and lung parenchyma. Endoscopic methods have been developed to treat benign and malignant airway stenoses and tracheomalacia. And more recently, techniques have been conceived to treat end-stage emphysema and prolonged air leaks in select patients. This review describes the abundant uses of airway endoscopy, as well as technical considerations and limitations of the current technologies. PMID:26981263

Vehicle design considerations for active control application to subsonic transport aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofmann, L. G.; Clement, W. F.

1974-01-01

The state of the art in active control technology is summarized. How current design criteria and airworthiness regulations might restrict application of this emerging technology to subsonic CTOL transports of the 1980's are discussed. Facets of active control technology considered are: (1) augmentation of relaxed inherent stability; (2) center-of-gravity control; (3) ride quality control; (4) load control; (5) flutter control; (6) envelope limiting, and (7) pilot interface with the control system. A summary and appraisal of the current state of the art, design criteria, and recommended practices, as well as a projection of the risk in applying each of these facets of active control technology is given. A summary of pertinent literature and technical expansions is included.

Protecting posted genes: social networking and the limits of GINA.

PubMed

Soo-Jin Lee, Sandra; Borgelt, Emily

2014-01-01

The combination of decreased genotyping costs and prolific social media use is fueling a personal genetic testing industry in which consumers purchase and interact with genetic risk information online. Consumers and their genetic risk profiles are protected in some respects by the 2008 federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which forbids the discriminatory use of genetic information by employers and health insurers; however, practical and technical limitations undermine its enforceability, given the everyday practices of online social networking and its impact on the workplace. In the Web 2.0 era, employers in most states can legally search about job candidates and employees online, probing social networking sites for personal information that might bear on hiring and employment decisions. We examine GINA's protections for online sharing of genetic information as well as its limitations, and propose policy recommendations to address current gaps that leave employees' genetic information vulnerable in a Web-based world.

The Iodine Satellite (iSat) Project Development Towards Critical Design Review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dankanich, John W.; Calvert, Derek; Kamhawi, Hani; Hickman, Tyler; Szabo, James; Byrne, Lawrence

2015-01-01

Despite the prevalence of small satellites in recent years, the systems flown to date have very limited propulsion capability. SmallSats are typically secondary payloads and have significant constraints for volume, mass, and power in addition to limitations on the use of hazardous propellants or stored energy. These constraints limit the options for SmallSat maneuverability. NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate approved the iodine Satellite flight project for a rapid demonstration of iodine Hall thruster technology in a 12U (cubesat units) configuration under the Small Spacecraft Technology Program. The mission is a partnership between NASA MSFC, NASA GRC, and Busek Co, Inc., with the Air Force supporting the propulsion technology maturation. The team is working towards the critical design review in the final design and fabrication phase of the project. The current design shows positive technical performance margins in all areas. The iSat project is planned for launch readiness in the spring of 2017.

SU-E-CAMPUS-J-04: Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Review of Technical Standards and Credentialing in Radiotherapy Clinical Trials

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

Giaddui, T; Chen, W; Yu, J

2014-06-15

Purpose: To review IGRT credentialing experience and unexpected technical issues encountered in connection with advanced radiotherapy technologies as implemented in RTOG clinical trials. To update IGRT credentialing procedures with the aim of improving the quality of the process, and to increase the proportion of IGRT credentialing compliance. To develop a living disease site-specific IGRT encyclopedia. Methods: Numerous technical issues were encountered during the IGRT credentialing process. The criteria used for credentialing review were based on: image quality; anatomy included in fused data sets and shift results. Credentialing requirements have been updated according to the AAPM task group reports for IGRTmore » to ensure that all required technical items are included in the quality review process. Implementation instructions have been updated and expanded for recent protocols. Results: Technical issues observed during the credentialing review process include, but are not limited to: poor quality images; inadequate image acquisition region; poor data quality; shifts larger than acceptable; no soft tissue surrogate. The updated IGRT credentialing process will address these issues and will also include the technical items required from AAPM: TG 104; TG 142 and TG 179 reports. An instruction manual has been developed describing a remote credentialing method for reviewers. Submission requirements are updated, including images/documents as well as facility questionnaire. The review report now includes summary of the review process and the parameters that reviewers check. We have reached consensus on the minimum IGRT technical requirement for a number of disease sites. RTOG 1311(NRG-BR002A Phase 1 Study of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for the Treatment of Multiple Metastases) is an example, here; the protocol specified the minimum requirement for each anatomical sites (with/without fiducials). Conclusion: Technical issues are identified and reported. IGRT guidelines are updated, with the corresponding credentialing requirements. An IGRT encyclopedia describing site-specific implementation issues is currently in development.« less

Contextual Sensing: Integrating Contextual Information with Human and Technical Geo-Sensor Information for Smart Cities

PubMed Central

Sagl, Günther; Resch, Bernd; Blaschke, Thomas

2015-01-01

In this article we critically discuss the challenge of integrating contextual information, in particular spatiotemporal contextual information, with human and technical sensor information, which we approach from a geospatial perspective. We start by highlighting the significance of context in general and spatiotemporal context in particular and introduce a smart city model of interactions between humans, the environment, and technology, with context at the common interface. We then focus on both the intentional and the unintentional sensing capabilities of today’s technologies and discuss current technological trends that we consider have the ability to enrich human and technical geo-sensor information with contextual detail. The different types of sensors used to collect contextual information are analyzed and sorted into three groups on the basis of names considering frequently used related terms, and characteristic contextual parameters. These three groups, namely technical in situ sensors, technical remote sensors, and human sensors are analyzed and linked to three dimensions involved in sensing (data generation, geographic phenomena, and type of sensing). In contrast to other scientific publications, we found a large number of technologies and applications using in situ and mobile technical sensors within the context of smart cities, and surprisingly limited use of remote sensing approaches. In this article we further provide a critical discussion of possible impacts and influences of both technical and human sensing approaches on society, pointing out that a larger number of sensors, increased fusion of information, and the use of standardized data formats and interfaces will not necessarily result in any improvement in the quality of life of the citizens of a smart city. This article seeks to improve our understanding of technical and human geo-sensing capabilities, and to demonstrate that the use of such sensors can facilitate the integration of different types of contextual information, thus providing an additional, namely the geo-spatial perspective on the future development of smart cities. PMID:26184221

Contextual Sensing: Integrating Contextual Information with Human and Technical Geo-Sensor Information for Smart Cities.

PubMed

Sagl, Günther; Resch, Bernd; Blaschke, Thomas

2015-07-14

In this article we critically discuss the challenge of integrating contextual information, in particular spatiotemporal contextual information, with human and technical sensor information, which we approach from a geospatial perspective. We start by highlighting the significance of context in general and spatiotemporal context in particular and introduce a smart city model of interactions between humans, the environment, and technology, with context at the common interface. We then focus on both the intentional and the unintentional sensing capabilities of today's technologies and discuss current technological trends that we consider have the ability to enrich human and technical geo-sensor information with contextual detail. The different types of sensors used to collect contextual information are analyzed and sorted into three groups on the basis of names considering frequently used related terms, and characteristic contextual parameters. These three groups, namely technical in situ sensors, technical remote sensors, and human sensors are analyzed and linked to three dimensions involved in sensing (data generation, geographic phenomena, and type of sensing). In contrast to other scientific publications, we found a large number of technologies and applications using in situ and mobile technical sensors within the context of smart cities, and surprisingly limited use of remote sensing approaches. In this article we further provide a critical discussion of possible impacts and influences of both technical and human sensing approaches on society, pointing out that a larger number of sensors, increased fusion of information, and the use of standardized data formats and interfaces will not necessarily result in any improvement in the quality of life of the citizens of a smart city. This article seeks to improve our understanding of technical and human geo-sensing capabilities, and to demonstrate that the use of such sensors can facilitate the integration of different types of contextual information, thus providing an additional, namely the geo-spatial perspective on the future development of smart cities.

Feasibility, efficacy, and predictive factors for the technical success of endoscopic nasogallbladder drainage: a prospective study.

PubMed

Yane, Kei; Maguchi, Hiroyuki; Katanuma, Akio; Takahashi, Kuniyuki; Osanai, Manabu; Kin, Toshifumi; Takaki, Ryo; Matsumoto, Kazuyuki; Gon, Katsushige; Matsumori, Tomoaki; Tomonari, Akiko; Nojima, Masanori

2015-03-01

Several studies have shown the useful-ness of endoscopic nasogallbladder drainage (ENGBD) in patients with acute cholecystitis. However, the procedure is difficult, and factors that affect technical success have not yet been clarified. We conducted a prospective study to eval-uate the technical feasibility, efficacy, and predictive factors for the technical success of ENGBD in patients with acute cholecystitis. All patients with moderate or severe acute cholecystitis who were enrolled underwent ENGBD between April 2009 and April 2011. Patients with surgically altered anatomy or pancreatobiliary malignancies were ex-cluded. The primary outcomes included technical success, clinical success, and complications. Factors that could affect the technical success were also examined. Of the 27 patients who underwent ENGBD during the study period, technical success was achieved in 21 (78%) and clinical improvement was achieved in 20 (95%). Early complications were encountered in four patients (15%). Gallbladder wall thickness (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 2.47) and age (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.35) were effective predictors of technical failure. ENGBD was effective in resolving acute cholecystitis; however, this modality was technically challenging and had a limited suc-cess rate. Because of technical difficulties, ENGBD should be reserved for limited indications. (Gut Liver, 2015;9239-246).

[Role of MRI for detection and characterization of pulmonary nodules].

PubMed

Sommer, G; Koenigkam-Santos, M; Biederer, J; Puderbach, M

2014-05-01

Due to physical and technical limitations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has hitherto played only a minor role in image-based diagnostics of the lungs. However, as a consequence of important methodological developments during recent years, MRI has developed into a technically mature and clinically well-proven method for specific pulmonary questions. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview on the currently available sequences and techniques for assessment of pulmonary nodules and analyzes the clinical significance according to the current literature. The main focus is on the detection of lung metastases, the detection of primary pulmonary malignancies in high-risk individuals and the differentiation between pulmonary nodules of benign and malignant character. The MRI technique has a sensitivity of approximately 80 % for detection of malignant pulmonary nodules compared to the reference standard low-dose computed tomography (CT) and is thus somewhat inferior to CT. Advantages of MRI on the other hand are a higher specificity in differentiating malignant and benign pulmonary nodules and the absence of ionizing radiation exposure. A systematic use of MRI as a primary tool for detection and characterization of pulmonary nodules is currently not recommended due to insufficient data. The diagnostic potential of MRI for early detection and staging of malignant pulmonary diseases, however, seems promising. Therefore, further evaluation of MRI as a secondary imaging modality in clinical trials is highly warranted.

75 FR 20358 - Intra-Agency Appeal Process: Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-19

... decisional deadline for written decisions by the SARC. Also, both the SARC Guidelines and the AAC Guidelines have been amended to make additional, limited technical clarifying and conforming amendments. Both sets... action or decision, and to make limited technical amendments. (73 FR 54822 (Sept. 23, 2008)). Although...

Development of a Situated Spectrum Analyzer Learning Platform for Enhancing Student Technical Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chuang, Chien-Pen; Jou, Min; Lin, Yen-Ting; Lu, Cheng-Tien

2015-01-01

Electronic engineering industries require technical specialists to operate precision electronic instruments. However, limitations in course designs and equipment availability mean that only a few students are able to use the equipment in practical lessons within a limited timeframe. Also, instruction of techniques and skills are still mostly…

Limited License Legal Technician. Washington's Community and Technical Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, 2014

2014-01-01

A landmark state Supreme Court rule that promises to create new jobs and expand public access to legal help is coming to life at Washington's community and technical colleges. Four colleges--Highline, Edmonds, Tacoma, and Spokane--started training students to become "Limited License Legal Technicians" (LLLTs) in 2014. The state Supreme…

Career and Technical Education Administration: Requirements, Certification/Licensure, and Preparation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zirkle, Christopher J.; Jeffery, Jeremy O.

2017-01-01

The current climate of career and technical administration requirements in all 50 states was detailed and explored. An increasing number of states are not requiring specific career-technical administration certification/licensure in order to oversee secondary career and technical education (CTE) programs, with more states moving towards a general…

48 CFR 209.505-4 - Obtaining access to proprietary information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...) Non-disclosure requirements for contractors accessing third party proprietary technical data or... may be required to enter into non-disclosure agreements directly with the third party asserting restrictions on limited rights technical data, commercial technical data, or restricted rights computer...

48 CFR 742.1170-2 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... policies, procedures, and limitations of this section do not apply to technical reports, studies, papers... section applies to USAID non-personal, professional/technical services contracts exceeding the simplified... FAR 48 CFR subpart 42.11 are compatible with the types of technical assistance contracts usually...

48 CFR 742.1170-2 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... policies, procedures, and limitations of this section do not apply to technical reports, studies, papers... section applies to USAID non-personal, professional/technical services contracts exceeding the simplified... FAR 48 CFR subpart 42.11 are compatible with the types of technical assistance contracts usually...

48 CFR 742.1170-2 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... policies, procedures, and limitations of this section do not apply to technical reports, studies, papers... section applies to USAID non-personal, professional/technical services contracts exceeding the simplified... FAR 48 CFR subpart 42.11 are compatible with the types of technical assistance contracts usually...

[Radical prostatectomy - pro robotic].

PubMed

Gillitzer, R

2012-05-01

Anatomical radical prostatectomy was introduced in the early 1980s by Walsh and Donker. Elucidation of key anatomical structures led to a significant reduction in the morbidity of this procedure. The strive to achieve similar oncological and functional results to this gold standard open procedure but with further reduction of morbidity through a minimally invasive access led to the establishment of laparoscopic prostatectomy. However, this procedure is complex and difficult and is associated with a long learning curve. The technical advantages of robotically assisted surgery coupled with the intuitive handling of the device led to increased precision and shortening of the learning curve. These main advantages, together with a massive internet presence and aggressive marketing, have resulted in a rapid dissemination of robotic radical prostatectomy and an increasing patient demand. However, superiority of robotic radical prostatectomy in comparison to the other surgical therapeutic options has not yet been proven on a scientific basis. Currently robotic-assisted surgery is an established technique and future technical improvements will certainly further define its role in urological surgery. In the end this technical innovation will have to be balanced against the very high purchase and running costs, which remain the main limitation of this technology.

48 CFR 942.270-1 - Contracting Officer's Representatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... performing certain technical functions in administering a contract. These functions include, but are not limited to, technical monitoring, inspection, approval of shop drawings, testing, and approval of samples. The COR acts solely as a technical representative of the contracting officer and is not authorized to...

Murray Gell-Mann, the Eightfold Way, Quarks, and Quantum Chromodynamics

Science.gov Websites

the Web. Documents: The Eightfold Way: A Theory of Strong Interaction Symmetry, DOE Technical Report : 155-156, February 10, 1964 Octet Enhancement, DOE Technical Report, August 1964 Triplets and Triality , DOE Technical Report, August 1964 Current Algebra, DOE Technical Report, October 1966 Relativistic

75 FR 51035 - Exelon Generation Company, LLC; Notice of Panel Meeting and Technical Conference Details

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-18

... understand the matters in dispute. The Panel will limit all input that it receives to the specific studies or... constraints, the Panel may, at its discretion, limit the speaking time for each participant. Technical... Castleton Road, Darlington, Maryland. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2010-20459 Filed 8-17-10; 8:45...

Computational analysis of thresholds for magnetophosphenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laakso, Ilkka; Hirata, Akimasa

2012-10-01

In international guidelines, basic restriction limits on the exposure of humans to low-frequency magnetic and electric fields are set with the objective of preventing the generation of phosphenes, visual sensations of flashing light not caused by light. Measured data on magnetophosphenes, i.e. phosphenes caused by a magnetically induced electric field on the retina, are available from volunteer studies. However, there is no simple way for determining the retinal threshold electric field or current density from the measured threshold magnetic flux density. In this study, the experimental field configuration of a previous study, in which phosphenes were generated in volunteers by exposing their heads to a magnetic field between the poles of an electromagnet, is computationally reproduced. The finite-element method is used for determining the induced electric field and current in five different MRI-based anatomical models of the head. The direction of the induced current density on the retina is dominantly radial to the eyeball, and the maximum induced current density is observed at the superior and inferior sides of the retina, which agrees with literature data on the location of magnetophosphenes at the periphery of the visual field. On the basis of computed data, the macroscopic retinal threshold current density for phosphenes at 20 Hz can be estimated as 10 mA m-2 (-20% to  + 30%, depending on the anatomical model); this current density corresponds to an induced eddy current of 14 μA (-20% to  + 10%), and about 20% of this eddy current flows through each eye. The ICNIRP basic restriction limit for the induced electric field in the case of occupational exposure is not exceeded until the magnetic flux density is about two to three times the measured threshold for magnetophosphenes, so the basic restriction limit does not seem to be conservative. However, the reasons for the non-conservativeness are purely technical: removal of the highest 1% of electric field values by taking the 99th percentile as recommended by the ICNIRP leads to the underestimation of the induced electric field, and there are difficulties in applying the basic restriction limit for the retinal electric field.

Carrier velocity effect on carbon nanotube Schottky contact

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

Fathi, Amir, E-mail: fathi.amir@hotmail.com; Ahmadi, M. T., E-mail: mt.ahmadi@urmia.ac.ir; Ismail, Razali, E-mail: Razali@fke.utm.my

One of the most important drawbacks which caused the silicon based technologies to their technical limitations is the instability of their products at nano-level. On the other side, carbon based materials such as carbon nanotube (CNT) as alternative materials have been involved in scientific efforts. Some of the important advantages of CNTs over silicon components are high mechanical strength, high sensing capability and large surface-to-volume ratio. In this article, the model of CNT Schottky transistor current which is under exterior applied voltage is employed. This model shows that its current has a weak dependence on thermal velocity corresponding to themore » small applied voltage. The conditions are quite different for high bias voltages which are independent of temperature. Our results indicate that the current is increased by Fermi velocity, but the I–V curves will not have considerable changes with the variations in number of carriers. It means that the current doesn’t increase sharply by voltage variations over different number of carriers.« less

Criticality Safety Evaluations on the Use of 200-gram Pu Mass Limit for RHWM Waste Storage Operations

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

Chou, P

This work establishes the criticality safety technical basis to increase the fissile mass limit from 120 grams to 200 grams for Type A 55-gallon drums and their equivalents. Current RHWM fissile mass limit is 120 grams Pu for Type A 55-gallon containers and their equivalent. In order to increase the Type A 55-gallon drum limit to 200 grams, a few additional criticality safety control requirements are needed on moderators, reflectors, and array controls to ensure that the 200-gram Pu drums remain criticality safe with inadvertent criticality remains incredible. The purpose of this work is to analyze the use of 200-grammore » Pu drum mass limit for waste storage operations in Radioactive and Hazardous Waste Management (RHWM) Facilities. In this evaluation, the criticality safety controls associated with the 200-gram Pu drums are established for the RHWM waste storage operations. With the implementation of these criticality safety controls, the 200-gram Pu waste drum storage operations are demonstrated to be criticality safe and meet the double-contingency-principle requirement per DOE O 420.1.« less

Technical knowledge and skills development in the informal sector in Kenya: The case of custom tailors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apunda, Edwinah Amondi; de Klerk, Helena M.; Ogina, Teresa

2017-06-01

Custom tailors working in the informal sector in Nairobi, Kenya, mainly acquire technical skills through undertaking traditional apprenticeships (TAs). However, most of these tailors are semi-skilled, produce low-quality products and are often poorer than their formally trained counterparts. This qualitative case study explores the aspects of technical skills and knowledge which tailoring apprentices develop, and the factors which influence these outcomes. The findings show that apprentices do acquire basic technical skills for immediate application to ongoing tailoring activities (such as how to take body measurements, draft patterns, and cut, sew and finish constructed garments). However, apprentices do not acquire the technical knowledge that underpins the trade. Most master tailors who have completed TAs lack technical knowledge and have no access to technical skills upgrading. This perpetuates the cycle of basic and limited technical skills transfer to apprentices, poor performance and poverty among tailors. Both apprentices and master tailors expressed concern over knowledge limitations in TAs and a need to access further training to improve skills and acquire knowledge of the trade. The authors of this article argue that, technically and pedagogically, skilled master tailors are critical to improving training quality. Complementary training in theoretical knowledge is also important in improving apprentices' technical skills and understanding of the trade. Inclusion of TAs in government policy may help ensure sustainable improvement of skills.

32 CFR 250.2 - Applicability and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) MISCELLANEOUS WITHHOLDING OF UNCLASSIFIED TECHNICAL DATA FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE § 250.2 Applicability and scope. (a) This part applies to: (1) All unclassified technical data with military or space application in... application of this part is limited only to such technical data that disclose critical technology with...

32 CFR 250.2 - Applicability and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) MISCELLANEOUS WITHHOLDING OF UNCLASSIFIED TECHNICAL DATA FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE § 250.2 Applicability and scope. (a) This part applies to: (1) All unclassified technical data with military or space application in... application of this part is limited only to such technical data that disclose critical technology with...

32 CFR 250.2 - Applicability and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) MISCELLANEOUS WITHHOLDING OF UNCLASSIFIED TECHNICAL DATA FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE § 250.2 Applicability and scope. (a) This part applies to: (1) All unclassified technical data with military or space application in... application of this part is limited only to such technical data that disclose critical technology with...

32 CFR 250.2 - Applicability and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) MISCELLANEOUS WITHHOLDING OF UNCLASSIFIED TECHNICAL DATA FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE § 250.2 Applicability and scope. (a) This part applies to: (1) All unclassified technical data with military or space application in... application of this part is limited only to such technical data that disclose critical technology with...

48 CFR 227.7103-7 - Use and non-disclosure agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... release, disclosure, or authorized use of technical data or computer software subject to special license... (b) of this subsection, technical data or computer software delivered to the Government with..., display, or disclose technical data subject to limited rights or computer software subject to restricted...

Frequent hemodialysis in children.

PubMed

Warady, Bradley A; Fischbach, Michel; Geary, Denis; Goldstein, Stuart L

2007-07-01

Frequent hemodialysis is currently conducted in a limited number of pediatric dialysis centers. However, the preliminary experience with children who have undergone procedures such as "daily" intensive hemodiafiltration and nocturnal hemodialysis has been positive, with the allowance for unrestricted diets and fluid intake, the lack of need for phosphate binders, excellent metabolic and blood pressure control, and, in the case of hemodiafiltration, excellent growth. The provision of frequent daily hemodialysis with the NxStage System has also recently been introduced to pediatrics. An overview about what is currently understood regarding the technical and clinical application of these approaches to therapy for children with end-stage renal disease form the basis for this article and highlight the impact of the procedures to date and the need for additional experience and collaborative data collection.

[Nutritional composition of infant milk formulas. Level of compliance in their manufacture and adequacy of nutritional needs].

PubMed

Jardí Piñana, C; Aranda Pons, N; Bedmar Carretero, C; Arija Val, V

2015-12-01

A high percentage of infants are fed with infant formulas. The aim of this study was to assess compliance with the Technical and Safety Regulations in the manufacture of Spanish infant formulas, analyse their adequacy to the recommendations of nutritional composition and the Dietary References Intakes for infants. A total of 31 infant formulas were analysed, of which 18 were infant formulas, 10 follow-on formulas, and 3 growing-up milks. The European Technical and Safety Regulations, the Spanish Dietary Reference Intakes and the Institute of Medicine of the United States and Canada, were used for the assessment of compliance and adequacy. The energy and macronutrient content of analysed infant formulas is placed in the middle of the range indicated in the Technical and Safety Regulations, and meets the recommended amounts. However, most micronutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, retinol, vitamin D, E, C, B6, B12, thiamin, riboflavin, and folate are at the lower limit of the Technical and Safety Regulations. However, the recommended consumption of infant formulas exceeded the Dietary References Intakes for vitamin E, C, retinol, vitamin B and folate, and vitamin B12 for follow-on formulas. Infant formulas are within the reference values of the European Technical and Safety Regulations in energy and macronutrients, but we believe that the level of micronutrients should be reviewed, based on current scientific data on infant requirements and possible adverse effects. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Technical variations in low-input RNA-seq methodologies.

PubMed

Bhargava, Vipul; Head, Steven R; Ordoukhanian, Phillip; Mercola, Mark; Subramaniam, Shankar

2014-01-14

Recent advances in RNA-seq methodologies from limiting amounts of mRNA have facilitated the characterization of rare cell-types in various biological systems. So far, however, technical variations in these methods have not been adequately characterized, vis-à-vis sensitivity, starting with reduced levels of mRNA. Here, we generated sequencing libraries from limiting amounts of mRNA using three amplification-based methods, viz. Smart-seq, DP-seq and CEL-seq, and demonstrated significant technical variations in these libraries. Reduction in mRNA levels led to inefficient amplification of the majority of low to moderately expressed transcripts. Furthermore, noise in primer hybridization and/or enzyme incorporation was magnified during the amplification step resulting in significant distortions in fold changes of the transcripts. Consequently, the majority of the differentially expressed transcripts identified were either high-expressed and/or exhibited high fold changes. High technical variations ultimately masked subtle biological differences mandating the development of improved amplification-based strategies for quantitative transcriptomics from limiting amounts of mRNA.

A Case Study on the Status of Technical and Vocational Education in Thailand. Case Studies on Technical and Vocational Education in Asia and the Pacific.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shoolap, Charoon; Choomnoom, Siripan

This two-part report presents an overview of the vocational and technical education system in Thailand. The first part is a review of the current and likely future situations pertaining to vocational and technical education in that country. An analysis of economic conditions, human resource development, and the existing technical and vocational…

The Technical Assistance Program: A Program Plan.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

interests, talents, and hobbies of current employees who wish to become involved in the technical assistance program . 4. Capitalize on the corporate...Center San Diego, CA 92152 Telephone (619) 225-6281 B-33 TAP ( EMPLOYEE ) QUESTIONNAIRE - The Technical Assistance Program (TAP) links technically skilled...Brochure, "Retired Technologist" C-11 C. Sample Letter to NOSC Employees C-13 Brochure D. The Technical Assistance Program C-15 C-1

Overcoming the Fundamental Bottlenecks to a new world-record silicon solar cell. Final Technical Report

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

Rohatgi, Ajeet; Zimbardi, Francesco; Rounsaville, Brian

The objective of the work performed within this contract is to reveal the materials and device physics that currently limit the experimental world record efficiency to 25% for single junction Si (2013), and to demonstrate 26.5% efficiency. The starting efficiency for this project was 23.9% in 2013. Four strategies are being combined throughout the project to achieve 26.5% cell efficiency: (1) passivated contacts via tunnel dielectrics, (2) emitter optimization and passivation through dopant profile engineering, (3) enhanced light trapping through development of photonic crystals and (4) base optimization.

A real-time MPEG software decoder using a portable message-passing library

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

Kwong, Man Kam; Tang, P.T. Peter; Lin, Biquan

1995-12-31

We present a real-time MPEG software decoder that uses message-passing libraries such as MPL, p4 and MPI. The parallel MPEG decoder currently runs on the IBM SP system but can be easil ported to other parallel machines. This paper discusses our parallel MPEG decoding algorithm as well as the parallel programming environment under which it uses. Several technical issues are discussed, including balancing of decoding speed, memory limitation, 1/0 capacities, and optimization of MPEG decoding components. This project shows that a real-time portable software MPEG decoder is feasible in a general-purpose parallel machine.

Reports on crustal movements and deformations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, S. C.; Peck, T.

1981-01-01

Studies of tectonic plate motions, regional crustal deformations, strain accumulation and release, deformations associated with earthquakes and fault motion, and micro-plate motion, were collected and are summarized. To a limited extent, papers dealing with global models of current plate motions and crustal stress are included. The data base is restricted to articles appearing in reveiwed technical journals during the years 1970-1980. The major journals searched include: Journal of Geophysical Research (solid earth), Tectonophysics, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, Geological Society of America Bulletin, Geophysical Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society, and the Journal of Geology.

Engineering and Technical Education in Russia, in Numbers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aref'ev, A. L.; Aref'ev, M. A.

2013-01-01

An analysis of the main tendencies in the development of engineering and technical education in Russia during the last 100 years shows that earlier strengths have been lost, and that currently technical education in Russia is far behind modern world standards.

76 FR 43136 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plan; Kentucky; Disapproval of Interstate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-20

... supported by an adequate technical analysis. Second, EPA recommended the various types of information that... technical analysis, including, but not limited to, information concerning emissions in the state...: ``* * * without an adequate technical analysis EPA does not believe that states can sufficiently address the...

76 FR 33332 - Announcement of Funding Awards for the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building under the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-08

... of key Departmental objectives, including but not limited to, energy efficiency and green building... Awards for the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building under the Transformation Initiative Program...) for the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building under the Transformation Initiative program for...

Burton Richter, Storage Rings, and the J/psi Particle

Science.gov Websites

[SLAC's] Technical Director, [Richter] became Director ... from 1984 through 1999. During his tenure, SLAC Limits of Quantum Electro-dynamics, DOE Technical Report, June 1959 Design Considerations for High Energy Electron -- Positron Storage Rings, DOE Technical Report, November 1966 Inclusive Yields of pi+, pi-, K

Automated dredging and disposal alternatives management system (ADDAMS). Environmental effects of dredging. Technical note

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

NONE

This technical note describes the current capabilities and availability of the Automated Dredging and Disposal Alternatives Management System (ADDAMS). The technical note replaces the earlier Technical Note EEDP-06-12, which should be discarded. Planning, design, and management of dredging and dredged material disposal projects often require complex or tedious calculations or involve complex decision-making criteria. In addition, the evaluations often must be done for several disposal alternatives or disposal sites. ADDAMS is a personal computer (PC)-based system developed to assist in making such evaluations in a timely manner. ADDAMS contains a collection of computer programs (applications) designed to assist in managingmore » dredging projects. This technical note describes the system, currently available applications, mechanisms for acquiring and running the system, and provisions for revision and expansion.« less

78 FR 4030 - Designation of Low-Income Status; Acceptance of Secondary Capital Accounts by Low-Income...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-18

... writing that it wishes to accept the designation. The final rule extends an FCU's response time from 30..., nonsubstantive technical amendments to NCUA's requirements for insurance regulation to reflect current agency... requirements for insurance regulation. These technical corrections are necessary to reflect current agency...

A Critical Review of the Technical Characteristics of Current Preschool Screening Batteries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emmons, Michael R.; Alfonso, Vincent C.

2005-01-01

The current review provides a summary and evaluation of the technical characteristics of five preschool screening batteries, including the Brigance Screens, DIAL-3, ESI-R, ESP, and FirstSTEP. These norm-referenced instruments were selected on the basis of their commercial availability, description as a screening instrument, and ability to assess…

Magnetic anchor guidance for endoscopic submucosal dissection and other endoscopic procedures

PubMed Central

Mortagy, Mohamed; Mehta, Neal; Parsi, Mansour A; Abe, Seiichiro; Stevens, Tyler; Vargo, John J; Saito, Yutaka; Bhatt, Amit

2017-01-01

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a well-established, minimally invasive treatment for superficial neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The universal adoption of ESD has been limited by its slow learning curve, long procedure times, and high risk of complications. One technical challenge is the lack of a second hand that can provide traction, as in conventional surgery. Reliable tissue retraction that exposes the submucosal plane of dissection would allow for safer and more efficient dissection. Magnetic anchor guided endoscopic submucosal dissection (MAG-ESD) has potential benefits compared to other current traction methods. MAG-ESD offers dynamic tissue retraction independent of the endoscope mimicking a surgeon’s “second hand”. Two types of magnets can be used: electromagnets and permanent magnets. In this article we review the MAG-ESD technology, published work and studies of magnets in ESD. We also review the use of magnetic anchor guidance systems in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and the idea of magnetic non-contact retraction using surface ferromagentization. We discuss the current limitations, the future potential of MAG-ESD and the developments needed for adoption of this technology. PMID:28522906

Operation of large RF sources for H-: Lessons learned at ELISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fantz, U.; Wünderlich, D.; Heinemann, B.; Kraus, W.; Riedl, R.

2017-08-01

The goal of the ELISE test facility is to demonstrate that large RF-driven negative ion sources (1 × 1 m2 source area with 360 kW installed RF power) can achieve the parameters required for the ITER beam sources in terms of current densities and beam homogeneity at a filling pressure of 0.3 Pa for pulse lengths of up to one hour. With the experience in operation of the test facility, the beam source inspection and maintenance as well as with the results of the achieved source performance so far, conclusions are drawn for commissioning and operation of the ITER beam sources. Addressed are critical technical RF issues, extrapolations to the required RF power, Cs consumption and Cs ovens, the need of adjusting the magnetic filter field strength as well as the temporal dynamic and spatial asymmetry of the co-extracted electron current. It is proposed to relax the low pressure limit to 0.4 Pa and to replace the fixed electron-to-ion ratio by a power density limit for the extraction grid. This would be highly beneficial for controlling the co-extracted electrons.

Exploring the Mismatch between Skills and Jobs for Women in Saudi Arabia in Technical and Vocational Areas: The Views of Saudi Arabian Private Sector Business Managers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calvert, John R.; Al-Shetaiwi, A. S.

2002-01-01

Gives an overview of women in both general and technical-vocational education and employment in Saudi Arabia. Reports on a survey of 220 private business managers: 83% indicated that Saudi women had limited participation in technical jobs; 63% suggested that vocational-technical education did not promote women's participation. (Contains 51…

14 CFR 1213.100 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... include, but are not limited to, press releases, media advisories, news features, and Web postings. Not included under this definition are scientific and technical reports, Web postings designed for technical or...

Naucno-tehnicka kultura i proizvodno-tehnicko stavaralastvo u Jugoslaviji (Scientific and Technical Culture and Productive Technical Creativity in Yugoslavia).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Federation of Yugoslav Organizations for Technical Culture, Belgrade.

This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of a book prepared by the Federation of Yugoslavia Organizations for Technical Culture ("Narodna Tehnika"). In this book, an attempt is made to (1) establish the current trends in the development of scientific and technical culture and productive technical…

Slow magnetic monopoles search in NOvA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antoshkin, Alexander; Frank, Martin

2018-04-01

The NOvA far detector is well suited for finding exotic particles due to its technical features (see [1]). One type of those exotic particles is a "slow" magnetic monopole. It is assumed that the energy deposition of such monopoles should be enough to be registered (see [2]). Measurement of the expected signals was performed on the NOvA test bench at JINR (see [3]). Result of this measurement allows us to perform slow monopole's research using NOvA software and hardware with high efficiency. As a whole, the research can lead to a discovery, or it can limit the existence of monopoles in a wide range of parameters, previously unreachable in other experiments (MACRO, SLIM, RICE, IceCube). Several special software tools have been developed. Slow Monopole Trigger has been created and implemented in the NOvA Data-Driven-Trigger system. Also, an online reconstruction algorithm has been developed and tested on 5% of the data. A technical description of these tools and current results of the analysis are presented in this work.

Improving NASA's technology transfer process through increased screening and evaluation in the information dissemination program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laepple, H.

1979-01-01

The current status of NASA's technology transfer system can be improved if the technology transfer process is better understood. This understanding will only be gained if a detailed knowledge about factors generally influencing technology transfer is developed, and particularly those factors affecting technology transfer from government R and D agencies to industry. Secondary utilization of aerospace technology is made more difficult because it depends on a transfer process which crosses established organizational lines of authority and which is outside well understood patterns of technical applications. In the absence of a sound theory about technology transfer and because of the limited capability of government agencies to explore industry's needs, a team approach to screening and evaluation of NASA generated technologies is proposed which calls for NASA, and other organizations of the private and public sectors which influence the transfer of NASA generated technology, to participate in a screening and evaluation process to determine the commercial feasibility of a wide range of technical applications.

Working under pressure: a pilot study of nurse work in a postoperative setting.

PubMed

Willis, Karen; Brown, Claire R; Sahlin, Ingrid; Svensson, Björn; Arnetz, Bengt B; Arnetz, Judith E

2005-01-01

Postoperative services provide an excellent setting to study nursing work due to the patients' needing highly technical, yet highly comforting, care. The current study examined nursing work in postoperative services in an attempt to discern how nursing work is structured. Observations of nursing interactions in a 14-bed postoperative unit of a large Swedish university hospital found that nursing work in this setting is highly intensive and multidimensional. The need to provide nursing interactions that are caring and respectful of patients, while at the same time ensuring a high level of technical capacity, was obvious throughout all stages of patient stays in this unit. Furthermore, although each interaction is necessarily time-limited there is a caring relationship sustained with each patient. There is a pattern of caring that emerges that can be encapsulated as a "contingent routine." Nursing work cannot be broken down into "dimensions of caring." The work is high-pressure and involves, by necessity, multitasking. There are many dimensions of nursing care, but, usually, these are supplied simultaneously.

Neuroprosthetic limb control with electrocorticography: approaches and challenges.

PubMed

Thakor, Nitish V; Fifer, Matthew S; Hotson, Guy; Benz, Heather L; Newman, Geoffrey I; Milsap, Griffin W; Crone, Nathan E

2014-01-01

Advanced upper limb prosthetics, such as the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab Modular Prosthetic Limb (MPL), are now available for research and preliminary clinical applications. Research attention has shifted to developing means of controlling these prostheses. Penetrating microelectrode arrays are often used in animal and human models to decode action potentials for cortical control. These arrays may suffer signal loss over the long-term and therefore should not be the only implant type investigated for chronic BMI use. Electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals from electrodes on the cortical surface may provide more stable long-term recordings. Several studies have demonstrated ECoG's potential for decoding cortical activity. As a result, clinical studies are investigating ECoG encoding of limb movement, as well as its use for interfacing with and controlling advanced prosthetic arms. This overview presents the technical state of the art in the use of ECoG in controlling prostheses. Technical limitations of the current approach and future directions are also presented.

A Web Service-Based Framework Model for People-Centric Sensing Applications Applied to Social Networking

PubMed Central

Nunes, David; Tran, Thanh-Dien; Raposo, Duarte; Pinto, André; Gomes, André; Silva, Jorge Sá

2012-01-01

As the Internet evolved, social networks (such as Facebook) have bloomed and brought together an astonishing number of users. Mashing up mobile phones and sensors with these social environments enables the creation of people-centric sensing systems which have great potential for expanding our current social networking usage. However, such systems also have many associated technical challenges, such as privacy concerns, activity detection mechanisms or intermittent connectivity, as well as limitations due to the heterogeneity of sensor nodes and networks. Considering the openness of the Web 2.0, good technical solutions for these cases consist of frameworks that expose sensing data and functionalities as common Web-Services. This paper presents our RESTful Web Service-based model for people-centric sensing frameworks, which uses sensors and mobile phones to detect users’ activities and locations, sharing this information amongst the user’s friends within a social networking site. We also present some screenshot results of our experimental prototype. PMID:22438732

A Web Service-based framework model for people-centric sensing applications applied to social networking.

PubMed

Nunes, David; Tran, Thanh-Dien; Raposo, Duarte; Pinto, André; Gomes, André; Silva, Jorge Sá

2012-01-01

As the Internet evolved, social networks (such as Facebook) have bloomed and brought together an astonishing number of users. Mashing up mobile phones and sensors with these social environments enables the creation of people-centric sensing systems which have great potential for expanding our current social networking usage. However, such systems also have many associated technical challenges, such as privacy concerns, activity detection mechanisms or intermittent connectivity, as well as limitations due to the heterogeneity of sensor nodes and networks. Considering the openness of the Web 2.0, good technical solutions for these cases consist of frameworks that expose sensing data and functionalities as common Web-Services. This paper presents our RESTful Web Service-based model for people-centric sensing frameworks, which uses sensors and mobile phones to detect users' activities and locations, sharing this information amongst the user's friends within a social networking site. We also present some screenshot results of our experimental prototype.

Recent Scientific Evidence and Technical Developments in Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Marcus, Roy; Ruff, Christer; Burgstahler, Christof; Notohamiprodjo, Mike; Nikolaou, Konstantin; Geisler, Tobias; Schroeder, Stephen; Bamberg, Fabian

2016-05-01

In recent years, coronary computed tomography angiography has become an increasingly safe and noninvasive modality for the evaluation of the anatomical structure of the coronary artery tree with diagnostic benefits especially in patients with a low-to-intermediate pretest probability of disease. Currently, increasing evidence from large randomized diagnostic trials is accumulating on the diagnostic impact of computed tomography angiography for the management of patients with acute and stable chest pain syndrome. At the same time, technical advances have substantially reduced adverse effects and limiting factors, such as radiation exposure, the amount of iodinated contrast agent, and scanning time, rendering the technique appropriate for broader clinical applications. In this work, we review the latest developments in computed tomography technology and describe the scientific evidence on the use of cardiac computed tomography angiography to evaluate patients with acute and stable chest pain syndrome. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Neuronal current detection with low-field magnetic resonance: simulations and methods.

PubMed

Cassará, Antonino Mario; Maraviglia, Bruno; Hartwig, Stefan; Trahms, Lutz; Burghoff, Martin

2009-10-01

The noninvasive detection of neuronal currents in active brain networks [or direct neuronal imaging (DNI)] by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) remains a scientific challenge. Many different attempts using NMR scanners with magnetic fields >1 T (high-field NMR) have been made in the past years to detect phase shifts or magnitude changes in the NMR signals. However, the many physiological (i.e., the contemporarily BOLD effect, the weakness of the neuronal-induced magnetic field, etc.) and technical limitations (e.g., the spatial resolution) in observing the weak signals have led to some contradicting results. In contrast, only a few attempts have been made using low-field NMR techniques. As such, this paper was aimed at reviewing two recent developments in this front. The detection schemes discussed in this manuscript, the resonant mechanism (RM) and the DC method, are specific to NMR instrumentations with main fields below the earth magnetic field (50 microT), while some even below a few microteslas (ULF-NMR). However, the experimental validation for both techniques, with differentiating sensitivity to the various neuronal activities at specific temporal and spatial resolutions, is still in progress and requires carefully designed magnetic field sensor technology. Additional care should be taken to ensure a stringent magnetic shield from the ambient magnetic field fluctuations. In this review, we discuss the characteristics and prospect of these two methods in detecting neuronal currents, along with the technical requirements on the instrumentation.

75 FR 13209 - Proposed Information Collection (Technical Industry Standards) Activity: Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-18

... (Technical Industry Standards) Activity: Comment Request AGENCY: Office of Acquisition and Logistics... Industry Standards. OMB Control Number: 2900-0586. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Abstract: VAAR provision 852.211-75, Technical Industry Standards, requires items offered for...

Innovative Approaches to Teaching Technical Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bridgeford, Tracy, Ed.; Kitalong, Karla Saari, Ed.; Selfe, Dickie, Ed.

2004-01-01

"Innovative Approaches to Teaching Technical Communication" offers a variety of activities, projects, and approaches to energize pedagogy in technical communication and to provide a constructive critique of current practice. A practical collection, the approaches recommended here are readily adaptable to a range of technological and institutional…

76 FR 43167 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plan; North Carolina; Disapproval of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-20

... stated that the state's conclusion should be supported by an adequate technical analysis. Second, EPA... revision must be supported by an adequate technical analysis, including, but not limited to, information... disapproval where the Agency states: ``* * * without an adequate technical analysis EPA does not believe that...

40 CFR 412.31 - Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best practicable control technology...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... supporting technical analysis and any other relevant information and data that would support such site... event. The technical analysis of the discharge of pollutants must include: (A) All daily inputs to the... the supporting technical analysis, including inspection of the CAFO. (3) The CAFO shall attain the...

78 FR 66375 - Announcement of Funding Awards for the OneCPD Plus: Technical Assistance and Capacity Building...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-05

... of key Departmental objectives, including but not limited to, energy efficiency and green building... Awards for the OneCPD Plus: Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Under the Transformation... Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the OneCPD Plus: Technical Assistance and Capacity Building...

40 CFR 412.31 - Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best practicable control technology...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... supporting technical analysis and any other relevant information and data that would support such site... event. The technical analysis of the discharge of pollutants must include: (A) All daily inputs to the... the supporting technical analysis, including inspection of the CAFO. (3) The CAFO shall attain the...

Central Radar System, Over-the-Horizon Backscatter

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-09

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

New York City Bilingual Technical Assistance Center (BETAC), 1987-88. OREA Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berney, Tomi D.; Sjostrom, Barbara R.

The New York City Bilingual Education Technical Assistance Center provided technical assistance and training to members of the instructional and administrative staffs working with limited-English-proficient (LEP) students throughout the city's 32 community school districts and the division of high schools. Specifically, in 1987-88 the program…

Achieving Land, Energy, and Environmental Compatibility: Utility-Scale Solar Energy Potential and Land-Use in California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffacker, M. K.; Hernandez, R. R.; Field, C. B.

2013-12-01

Solar energy is an archetype renewable energy technology with great potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions when substituted for carbon-intensive energy. Utility-scale solar energy (USSE; i.e., > 1 MW) necessitates large quantities of space making the efficient use of land for USSE development critical to realizing its full potential. However, studies elucidating the interaction between land-use and utility-scale solar energy (USSE) are limited. In this study, we assessed 1) the theoretical and technical potential of terrestrial-based USSE systems, and 2) land-use and land-cover change impacts from actual USSE installations (> 20 MW; planned, under construction, operating), using California as a case study due to its early adoption of renewable energy systems, unique constraints on land availability, immense energy demand, and vast natural resources. We used topo-climatic (e.g., slope, irradiance), infrastructural (e.g., proximity to transmission lines), and ecological constraints (e.g., threatened and endangered species) to determine highly favorable, favorable, and unfavorable locations for USSE and to assess its technical potential. We found that the theoretical potential of photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) in California is 26,097 and 29,422 kWh/m2/day, respectively. We identified over 150 planned, under construction, and operating USSE installations in California, ranging in size from 20 to 1,000 MW. Currently, 29% are located on shrub- and scrublands, 23% on cultivated crop land, 13% on pasture/hay areas, 11% on grassland/herbaceous and developed open space, and 7% in the built environment. Understanding current land-use decisions of USSE systems and assessing its future potential can be instructive for achieving land, energy, and environmental compatibility, especially for other global regions that share similar resource demands and limitations.

Scanning fast and slow: current limitations of 3 Tesla functional MRI and future potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boubela, Roland N.; Kalcher, Klaudius; Nasel, Christian; Moser, Ewald

2014-02-01

Functional MRI at 3T has become a workhorse for the neurosciences, e.g., neurology, psychology, and psychiatry, enabling non-invasive investigation of brain function and connectivity. However, BOLD-based fMRI is a rather indirect measure of brain function, confounded by fluctuation related signals, e.g. head or brain motion, brain pulsation, blood flow, intermixed with susceptibility differences close or distant to the region of neuronal activity. Even though a plethora of preprocessing strategies have been published to address these confounds, their efficiency is still under discussion. In particular, physiological signal fluctuations closely related to brain supply may mask BOLD signal changes related to "true" neuronal activation. Here we explore recent technical and methodological advancements aimed at disentangling the various components, employing fast multiband vs. standard EPI, in combination with fast temporal ICA.Our preliminary results indicate that fast (TR< 0.5s) scanning may help to identify and eliminate physiologic components, increasing tSNR and functional contrast. In addition, biological variability can be studied and task performance better correlated to other measures. This should increase specificity and reliability in fMRI studies. Furthermore, physiological signal changes during scanning may then be recognized as a source of information rather than a nuisance. As we are currently still undersampling the complexity of the brain, even at a rather coarse macroscopic level, we should be very cautious in the interpretation of neuroscientific findings, in particular when comparing different groups (e.g., age, sex, medication, pathology, etc.). From a technical point of view our goal should be to sample brain activity at layer specific resolution with low TR, covering as much of the brain as possible without violating SAR limits. We hope to stimulate discussion towards a better understanding and a more quantitative use of fMRI.

Translational Challenges in Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering.

PubMed

Emmert, Maximilian Y; Fioretta, Emanuela S; Hoerstrup, Simon P

2017-04-01

Valvular heart disease and congenital heart defects represent a major cause of death around the globe. Although current therapy strategies have rapidly evolved over the decades and are nowadays safe, effective, and applicable to many affected patients, the currently used artificial prostheses are still suboptimal. They do not promote regeneration, physiological remodeling, or growth (particularly important aspects for children) as their native counterparts. This results in the continuous degeneration and subsequent failure of these prostheses which is often associated with an increased morbidity and mortality as well as the need for multiple re-interventions. To overcome this problem, the concept of tissue engineering (TE) has been repeatedly suggested as a potential technology to enable native-like cardiovascular replacements with regenerative and growth capacities, suitable for young adults and children. However, despite promising data from pre-clinical and first clinical pilot trials, the translation and clinical relevance of such TE technologies is still very limited. The reasons that currently limit broad clinical adoption are multifaceted and comprise of scientific, clinical, logistical, technical, and regulatory challenges which need to be overcome. The aim of this review is to provide an overview about the translational problems and challenges in current TE approaches. It further suggests directions and potential solutions on how these issues may be efficiently addressed in the future to accelerate clinical translation. In addition, a particular focus is put on the current regulatory guidelines and the associated challenges for these promising TE technologies.

47 CFR 51.327 - Notice of network changes: Content of notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., but is not limited to, references to technical specifications, protocols, and standards regarding transmission, signaling, routing, and facility assignment as well as references to technical standards that...

47 CFR 51.327 - Notice of network changes: Content of notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., but is not limited to, references to technical specifications, protocols, and standards regarding transmission, signaling, routing, and facility assignment as well as references to technical standards that...

47 CFR 51.327 - Notice of network changes: Content of notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., but is not limited to, references to technical specifications, protocols, and standards regarding transmission, signaling, routing, and facility assignment as well as references to technical standards that...

A Survey on Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perera, T. D. P.; Jayakody, D. N. K.; De, S.; Ivanov, M. A.

2017-01-01

This paper presents a comprehensive study related to simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) in different types of wireless communication setups. Harvesting energy using SWIPT is an appealing solution in the context of extending battery life of wireless devices for a fully sustainable communication system. Strong signal power increases power transfer, but also causes more interference in information transfer, causing realization of the SWIPT challenging problem. This article provides an overview of technical evolution of SWIPT. A survey and qualitative comparison of the existing SWIPT schemes is provided to demonstrate their limitations in the current and 5G networks. Open challenges are emphasized and guidelines are provided to adapt the existing schemes in order to overcome these limitations and make them fit for integrating with the modern and emerging next generation communication networks, such as 5G systems.

Summary of nondestructive testing theory and practice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meister, R. P.; Randall, M. D.; Mitchell, D. K.; Williams, L. P.; Pattee, H. E.

1972-01-01

The ability to fabricate design critical and man-rated aerospace structures using materials near the limits of their capabilities requires a comprehensive and dependable assurance program. The quality assurance program must rely heavily on nondestructive testing methods for thorough inspection to assess properties and quality of hardware items. A survey of nondestructive testing methods is presented to provide space program managers, supervisors and engineers who are unfamiliar with this technical area with appropriate insight into the commonly accepted nondestructive testing methods available, their interrelationships, used, advantages and limitations. Primary emphasis is placed on the most common methods: liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiography, ultrasonics and eddy current. A number of the newer test techniques including thermal, acoustic emission, holography, microwaves, eddy-sonic and exo-electron emission, which are beginning to be used in applications of interest to NASA, are also discussed briefly.

Applicability of risk-based management and the need for risk-based economic decision analysis at hazardous waste contaminated sites.

PubMed

Khadam, Ibrahim; Kaluarachchi, Jagath J

2003-07-01

Decision analysis in subsurface contamination management is generally carried out through a traditional engineering economic viewpoint. However, new advances in human health risk assessment, namely, the probabilistic risk assessment, and the growing awareness of the importance of soft data in the decision-making process, require decision analysis methodologies that are capable of accommodating non-technical and politically biased qualitative information. In this work, we discuss the major limitations of the currently practiced decision analysis framework, which evolves around the definition of risk and cost of risk, and its poor ability to communicate risk-related information. A demonstration using a numerical example was conducted to provide insight on these limitations of the current decision analysis framework. The results from this simple ground water contamination and remediation scenario were identical to those obtained from studies carried out on existing Superfund sites, which suggests serious flaws in the current risk management framework. In order to provide a perspective on how these limitations may be avoided in future formulation of the management framework, more matured and well-accepted approaches to decision analysis in dam safety and the utility industry, where public health and public investment are of great concern, are presented and their applicability in subsurface remediation management is discussed. Finally, in light of the success of the application of risk-based decision analysis in dam safety and the utility industry, potential options for decision analysis in subsurface contamination management are discussed.

Understanding the origin of Paris Agreement emission uncertainties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogelj, Joeri; Fricko, Oliver; Meinshausen, Malte; Krey, Volker; Zilliacus, Johanna J. J.; Riahi, Keywan

2017-06-01

The UN Paris Agreement puts in place a legally binding mechanism to increase mitigation action over time. Countries put forward pledges called nationally determined contributions (NDC) whose impact is assessed in global stocktaking exercises. Subsequently, actions can then be strengthened in light of the Paris climate objective: limiting global mean temperature increase to well below 2 °C and pursuing efforts to limit it further to 1.5 °C. However, pledged actions are currently described ambiguously and this complicates the global stocktaking exercise. Here, we systematically explore possible interpretations of NDC assumptions, and show that this results in estimated emissions for 2030 ranging from 47 to 63 GtCO2e yr-1. We show that this uncertainty has critical implications for the feasibility and cost to limit warming well below 2 °C and further to 1.5 °C. Countries are currently working towards clarifying the modalities of future NDCs. We identify salient avenues to reduce the overall uncertainty by about 10 percentage points through simple, technical clarifications regarding energy accounting rules. Remaining uncertainties depend to a large extent on politically valid choices about how NDCs are expressed, and therefore raise the importance of a thorough and robust process that keeps track of where emissions are heading over time.

Understanding the origin of Paris Agreement emission uncertainties

PubMed Central

Rogelj, Joeri; Fricko, Oliver; Meinshausen, Malte; Krey, Volker; Zilliacus, Johanna J. J.; Riahi, Keywan

2017-01-01

The UN Paris Agreement puts in place a legally binding mechanism to increase mitigation action over time. Countries put forward pledges called nationally determined contributions (NDC) whose impact is assessed in global stocktaking exercises. Subsequently, actions can then be strengthened in light of the Paris climate objective: limiting global mean temperature increase to well below 2 °C and pursuing efforts to limit it further to 1.5 °C. However, pledged actions are currently described ambiguously and this complicates the global stocktaking exercise. Here, we systematically explore possible interpretations of NDC assumptions, and show that this results in estimated emissions for 2030 ranging from 47 to 63 GtCO2e yr−1. We show that this uncertainty has critical implications for the feasibility and cost to limit warming well below 2 °C and further to 1.5 °C. Countries are currently working towards clarifying the modalities of future NDCs. We identify salient avenues to reduce the overall uncertainty by about 10 percentage points through simple, technical clarifications regarding energy accounting rules. Remaining uncertainties depend to a large extent on politically valid choices about how NDCs are expressed, and therefore raise the importance of a thorough and robust process that keeps track of where emissions are heading over time. PMID:28585924

Understanding the origin of Paris Agreement emission uncertainties.

PubMed

Rogelj, Joeri; Fricko, Oliver; Meinshausen, Malte; Krey, Volker; Zilliacus, Johanna J J; Riahi, Keywan

2017-06-06

The UN Paris Agreement puts in place a legally binding mechanism to increase mitigation action over time. Countries put forward pledges called nationally determined contributions (NDC) whose impact is assessed in global stocktaking exercises. Subsequently, actions can then be strengthened in light of the Paris climate objective: limiting global mean temperature increase to well below 2 °C and pursuing efforts to limit it further to 1.5 °C. However, pledged actions are currently described ambiguously and this complicates the global stocktaking exercise. Here, we systematically explore possible interpretations of NDC assumptions, and show that this results in estimated emissions for 2030 ranging from 47 to 63 GtCO 2 e yr -1 . We show that this uncertainty has critical implications for the feasibility and cost to limit warming well below 2 °C and further to 1.5 °C. Countries are currently working towards clarifying the modalities of future NDCs. We identify salient avenues to reduce the overall uncertainty by about 10 percentage points through simple, technical clarifications regarding energy accounting rules. Remaining uncertainties depend to a large extent on politically valid choices about how NDCs are expressed, and therefore raise the importance of a thorough and robust process that keeps track of where emissions are heading over time.

National Institute of Statistical Sciences Data Confidentiality Technical Panel: Final Report. NCES 2011-608

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karr, Alan

2011-01-01

NCES asked the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) to convene a technical panel of survey and policy experts to examine the NCES current and planned data dissemination strategies for confidential data with respect to: mandates and directives that NCES make data available; current and prospective technologies for protecting and…

75 FR 28857 - Agency Information Collection (Technical Industry Standards) Activities Under OMB Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-24

... (Technical Industry Standards) Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY: Office of Acquisition and Logistics... Industry Standards. OMB Control Number: 2900-0586. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Abstract: VAAR provision 852.211-75, Technical Industry Standards, requires that items offered...

Astronomical Book Trek: Astronomy Books of 1983.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fraknoi, Andrew

1984-01-01

Presents an annotated list of technical and non-technical astronomy books. Topic areas of non-technical books include general astronomy, amateur astronomy, computers and astronomy, history of astronomy, pseudoscience, space exploration, physics and astronomy, and textbooks. Each entry includes author, title, description, source, and current cost.…

A comparison of the role of beamwidth in biological and engineered sonar.

PubMed

Todd, Bryan D; Müller, Rolf

2017-12-28

Sonar is an important sensory modality for engineers as well as in nature. In engineering, sonar is the dominating modality for underwater sensing. In nature, biosonar is likely to have been a central factor behind the unprecedented evolutionary success of bats, a highly diverse group that accounts for over 20% of all mammal species. However, it remains unclear to what extent engineered and biosonar follow similar design and operational principles. In the current work, the key sonar design characteristic of beamwidth is examined in technical and biosonar. To this end, beamwidth data has been obtained for 23 engineered sonar systems and from numerical beampattern predictions for 151 emission and reception elements (noseleaves and ears) representing bat biosonar. Beamwidth data from these sources is compared to the beamwidth of a planar ellipsoidal transducer as a reference. The results show that engineered and biological both obey the basic physical limit on beamwidth as a function of the ratio of aperture size and wavelength. However, beyond that, the beamwidth data revealed very different behaviors between the engineered and the biological sonar systems. Whereas the beamwidths of the technical sonar systems were very close to the planar transducer limit, the biological samples showed a very wide scatter away from this limit. This scatter was as large, if not wider, than what was seen in a small reference data set obtained with random aluminum cones. A possible interpretation of these differences in the variability could be that whereas sonar engineers try to minimize beamwidth subject to constraints on device size, the evolutionary optimization of bat biosonar beampatterns has been directed at other factors that have left beamwidth as a byproduct. Alternatively, the biosonar systems may require beamwidth values that are larger than the physical limit and differ between species and their sensory ecological niches.

28 CFR 69.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

6 CFR 9.23 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

15 CFR 28.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

15 CFR 28.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

43 CFR 18.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

6 CFR 9.23 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

6 CFR 9.23 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

6 CFR 9.23 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

15 CFR 28.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

43 CFR 18.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

28 CFR 69.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

28 CFR 69.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

15 CFR 28.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

28 CFR 69.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

Simulation-based ureteroscopy skills training curriculum with integration of technical and non-technical skills: a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Brunckhorst, Oliver; Shahid, Shahab; Aydin, Abdullatif; McIlhenny, Craig; Khan, Shahid; Raza, Syed Johar; Sahai, Arun; Brewin, James; Bello, Fernando; Kneebone, Roger; Khan, Muhammad Shamim; Dasgupta, Prokar; Ahmed, Kamran

2015-09-01

Current training modalities within ureteroscopy have been extensively validated and must now be integrated within a comprehensive curriculum. Additionally, non-technical skills often cause surgical error and little research has been conducted to combine this with technical skills teaching. This study therefore aimed to develop and validate a curriculum for semi-rigid ureteroscopy, integrating both technical and non-technical skills teaching within the programme. Delphi methodology was utilised for curriculum development and content validation, with a randomised trial then conducted (n = 32) for curriculum evaluation. The developed curriculum consisted of four modules; initially developing basic technical skills and subsequently integrating non-technical skills teaching. Sixteen participants underwent the simulation-based curriculum and were subsequently assessed, together with the control cohort (n = 16) within a full immersion environment. Both technical (Time to completion, OSATS and a task specific checklist) and non-technical (NOTSS) outcome measures were recorded with parametric and non-parametric analyses used depending on the distribution of our data as evaluated by a Shapiro-Wilk test. Improvements within the intervention cohort demonstrated educational value across all technical and non-technical parameters recorded, including time to completion (p < 0.01), OSATS scores (p < 0.001), task specific checklist scores (p = 0.011) and NOTSS scores (p < 0.001). Content validity, feasibility and acceptability were all demonstrated through curriculum development and post-study questionnaire results. The current developed curriculum demonstrates that integrating both technical and non-technical skills teaching is both educationally valuable and feasible. Additionally, the curriculum offers a validated simulation-based training modality within ureteroscopy and a framework for the development of other simulation-based programmes.

Three-dimensional printed models in congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Cantinotti, Massimiliano; Valverde, Israel; Kutty, Shelby

2017-01-01

The purpose of this article is to discuss technical considerations and current applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing in congenital heart disease (CHD). CHD represent an attractive field for the application of 3D printed models, with consistent progress made in the past decade. Current 3D models are able to reproduce complex cardiac and extra-cardiac anatomy including small details with very limited range of errors (<1 mm), so this tool could be of value in the planning of surgical or percutaneous treatments for selected cases of CHD. However, the steps involved in the building of 3D models, consisting of image acquisition and selection, segmentation, and printing are highly operator dependent. Current 3D models may be rigid or flexible, but unable to reproduce the physiologic variations during the cardiac cycle. Furthermore, high costs and long average segmentation and printing times (18-24 h) limit a more extensive use. There is a need for better standardization of the procedure employed for collection of the images, the segmentation methods and processes, the phase of cardiac cycle used, and in the materials employed for printing. More studies are necessary to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of 3D printed models in congenital cardiac care.

Robotic general surgery: current practice, evidence, and perspective.

PubMed

Jung, M; Morel, P; Buehler, L; Buchs, N C; Hagen, M E

2015-04-01

Robotic technology commenced to be adopted for the field of general surgery in the 1990s. Since then, the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) has remained by far the most commonly used system in this domain. The da Vinci surgical system is a master-slave machine that offers three-dimensional vision, articulated instruments with seven degrees of freedom, and additional software features such as motion scaling and tremor filtration. The specific design allows hand-eye alignment with intuitive control of the minimally invasive instruments. As such, robotic surgery appears technologically superior when compared with laparoscopy by overcoming some of the technical limitations that are imposed on the surgeon by the conventional approach. This article reviews the current literature and the perspective of robotic general surgery. While robotics has been applied to a wide range of general surgery procedures, its precise role in this field remains a subject of further research. Until now, only limited clinical evidence that could establish the use of robotics as the gold standard for procedures of general surgery has been created. While surgical robotics is still in its infancy with multiple novel systems currently under development and clinical trials in progress, the opportunities for this technology appear endless, and robotics should have a lasting impact to the field of general surgery.

Individualized deliberate practice on a virtual reality simulator improves technical performance of surgical novices in the operating room: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Palter, Vanessa N; Grantcharov, Teodor P

2014-03-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether individualized deliberate practice on a virtual reality (VR) simulator results in improved technical performance in the operating room. Training on VR simulators has been shown to improve technical performance in the operating room (OR). Currently described VR curricula consist of trainees practicing the same tasks until expert proficiency is reached. It has yet to be investigated whether the individualized deliberate practice, where curricula tasks vary depending on prior levels of technical proficiency, would translate into the OR. This single-blinded prospective trial randomized 16 novice surgical residents to a deliberate practice (DP) group and a conventional residency training group. Both groups performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the OR that was video-recorded. Technical performance of DP group residents in the OR was assessed using 3 validated assessment tools. A score of less than 60% on any component of the assessment tool resulted in the trainee practicing a specific task on the VR simulator. The DP group practiced on the simulator as per their individualized schedule. Both groups then performed another laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A blinded expert assessed the OR recordings using a validated global rating scale. Although both groups had similar technical abilities preintervention [DP: median score, 13.5 (9.3-15.0); control: median score, 14.5 (9.3-17.8); P = 0.45], the DP residents had a superior technical performance postintervention [DP: median score, 17.0 (15.3-18.5); control: median score, 12.5 (7.5-14.0); P = 0.03]. Of 8 DP residents, 6 practiced 5 basic VR tasks (median 1 trial to pass), and 7 of 8 practiced 2 advanced tasks (median 4 trials to pass). A curriculum of deliberate individualized practice on a VR simulator improves technical performance in the OR. This has implications to greatly improve the feasibility of implementing simulation-based curricula in residency training programs, rather then having them being limited to research protocols.

Technical Packages in Injury and Violence Prevention to Move Evidence into Practice: Systematic Reviews and Beyond

PubMed Central

Haegerich, Tamara M.; David-Ferdon, Corinne; Noonan, Rita K.; Manns, Brian J.; Billie, Holly C.

2016-01-01

Injury and violence prevention strategies have greater potential for impact when they are based on scientific evidence. Systematic reviews of the scientific evidence can contribute key information about which policies and programs might have the greatest impact when implemented. However, systematic reviews have limitations, such as lack of implementation guidance and contextual information, that can limit the application of knowledge. “Technical packages,” developed by knowledge brokers such as the federal government, nonprofit agencies, and academic institutions, have the potential to be an efficient mechanism for making information from systematic reviews actionable. Technical packages provide information about specific evidence-based prevention strategies, along with the estimated costs and impacts, and include accompanying implementation and evaluation guidance to facilitate adoption, implementation, and performance measurement. We describe how systematic reviews can inform the development of technical packages for practitioners, provide examples of technical packages in injury and violence prevention, and explain how enhancing review methods and reporting could facilitate the use and applicability of scientific evidence. PMID:27604301

National Assessment of Oil and Gas Project: geologic assessment of undiscovered gas hydrate resources on the North Slope, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

USGS AK Gas Hydrate Assessment Team: Collett, Timothy S.; Agena, Warren F.; Lee, Myung Woong; Lewis, Kristen A.; Zyrianova, Margarita V.; Bird, Kenneth J.; Charpentier, Ronald R.; Cook, Troy A.; Houseknecht, David W.; Klett, Timothy R.; Pollastro, Richard M.

2014-01-01

Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey have completed the first assessment of the undiscovered, technically recoverable gas hydrate resources beneath the North Slope of Alaska. This assessment indicates the existence of technically recoverable gas hydrate resources—that is, resources that can be discovered, developed, and produced using current technology. The approach used in this assessment followed standard geology-based USGS methodologies developed to assess conventional oil and gas resources. In order to use the USGS conventional assessment approach on gas hydrate resources, three-dimensional industry-acquired seismic data were analyzed. The analyses indicated that the gas hydrates on the North Slope occupy limited, discrete volumes of rock bounded by faults and downdip water contacts. This assessment approach also assumes that the resource can be produced by existing conventional technology, on the basis of limited field testing and numerical production models of gas hydrate-bearing reservoirs. The area assessed in northern Alaska extends from the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska on the west through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on the east and from the Brooks Range northward to the State-Federal offshore boundary (located 3 miles north of the coastline). This area consists mostly of Federal, State, and Native lands covering 55,894 square miles. Using the standard geology-based assessment methodology, the USGS estimated that the total undiscovered technically recoverable natural-gas resources in gas hydrates in northern Alaska range between 25.2 and 157.8 trillion cubic feet, representing 95 percent and 5 percent probabilities of greater than these amounts, respectively, with a mean estimate of 85.4 trillion cubic feet.

Wind Sensing, Analysis, and Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corvin, Michael A.

1995-01-01

The purpose of this task was to begin development of a unified approach to the sensing, analysis, and modeling of the wind environments in which launch system operate. The initial activity was to examine the current usage and requirements for wind modeling for the Titan 4 vehicle. This was to be followed by joint technical efforts with NASA Langley Research Center to develop applicable analysis methods. This work was to be performed in and demonstrate the use of prototype tools implementing an environment in which to realize a unified system. At the convenience of the customer, due to resource limitations, the task was descoped. The survey of Titan 4 processes was accomplished and is reported in this document. A summary of general requirements is provided. Current versions of prototype Process Management Environment tools are being provided to the customer.

Wind sensing, analysis, and modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corvin, Michael A.

1995-01-01

The purpose of this task was to begin development of a unified approach to the sensing, analysis, and modeling of the wind environments in which launch systems operate. The initial activity was to examine the current usage and requirements for wind modeling for the Titan 4 vehicle. This was to be followed by joint technical efforts with NASA Langley Research Center to develop applicable analysis methods. This work was to be performed in and demonstrate the use of prototype tools implementing an environment in which to realize a unified system. At the convenience of the customer, due to resource limitations, the task was descoped. The survey of Titan 4 processes was accomplished and is reported in this document. A summary of general requirements is provided . Current versions of prototype Process Management Environment tools are being provided to the customer.

The European nanometrology landscape.

PubMed

Leach, Richard K; Boyd, Robert; Burke, Theresa; Danzebrink, Hans-Ulrich; Dirscherl, Kai; Dziomba, Thorsten; Gee, Mark; Koenders, Ludger; Morazzani, Valérie; Pidduck, Allan; Roy, Debdulal; Unger, Wolfgang E S; Yacoot, Andrew

2011-02-11

This review paper summarizes the European nanometrology landscape from a technical perspective. Dimensional and chemical nanometrology are discussed first as they underpin many of the developments in other areas of nanometrology. Applications for the measurement of thin film parameters are followed by two of the most widely relevant families of functional properties: measurement of mechanical and electrical properties at the nanoscale. Nanostructured materials and surfaces, which are seen as key materials areas having specific metrology challenges, are covered next. The final section describes biological nanometrology, which is perhaps the most interdisciplinary applications area, and presents unique challenges. Within each area, a review is provided of current status, the capabilities and limitations of current techniques and instruments, and future directions being driven by emerging industrial measurement requirements. Issues of traceability, standardization, national and international programmes, regulation and skills development will be discussed in a future paper.

The European nanometrology landscape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leach, Richard K.; Boyd, Robert; Burke, Theresa; Danzebrink, Hans-Ulrich; Dirscherl, Kai; Dziomba, Thorsten; Gee, Mark; Koenders, Ludger; Morazzani, Valérie; Pidduck, Allan; Roy, Debdulal; Unger, Wolfgang E. S.; Yacoot, Andrew

2011-02-01

This review paper summarizes the European nanometrology landscape from a technical perspective. Dimensional and chemical nanometrology are discussed first as they underpin many of the developments in other areas of nanometrology. Applications for the measurement of thin film parameters are followed by two of the most widely relevant families of functional properties: measurement of mechanical and electrical properties at the nanoscale. Nanostructured materials and surfaces, which are seen as key materials areas having specific metrology challenges, are covered next. The final section describes biological nanometrology, which is perhaps the most interdisciplinary applications area, and presents unique challenges. Within each area, a review is provided of current status, the capabilities and limitations of current techniques and instruments, and future directions being driven by emerging industrial measurement requirements. Issues of traceability, standardization, national and international programmes, regulation and skills development will be discussed in a future paper.

Source-separated urine opens golden opportunities for microbial electrochemical technologies.

PubMed

Ledezma, Pablo; Kuntke, Philipp; Buisman, Cees J N; Keller, Jürg; Freguia, Stefano

2015-04-01

The food security of a booming global population demands a continuous and sustainable supply of fertilisers. Their current once-through use [especially of the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)] requires a paradigm shift towards recovery and reuse. In the case of source-separated urine, efficient recovery could supply 20% of current macronutrient usage and remove 50-80% of nutrients present in wastewater. However, suitable technology options are needed to allow nutrients to be separated from urine close to the source. Thus far none of the proposed solutions has been widely implemented due to intrinsic limitations. Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) have proved to be technically and economically viable for N recovery from urine, opening the path for novel decentralised systems focused on nutrient recovery and reuse. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multiparametric Breast MRI of Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Rahbar, Habib; Partridge, Savannah C.

2015-01-01

Synopsis Breast MRI has increased in popularity over the past two decades due to evidence for its high sensitivity for cancer detection. Current clinical MRI approaches rely on the use of a dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE-MRI) acquisition that facilitates morphologic and semi-quantitative kinetic assessments of breast lesions. The use of more functional and quantitative parameters, such as pharmacokinetic features from high temporal resolution DCE-MRI, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) on diffusion weighted MRI, and choline concentrations on MR spectroscopy, hold promise to broaden the utility of MRI and improve its specificity. However, due to wide variations in approach among centers for measuring these parameters and the considerable technical challenges, robust multicenter data supporting their routine use is not yet available, limiting current applications of many of these tools to research purposes. PMID:26613883

Evaluating a scalable model for implementing electronic health records in resource-limited settings.

PubMed

Were, Martin C; Emenyonu, Nneka; Achieng, Marion; Shen, Changyu; Ssali, John; Masaba, John P M; Tierney, William M

2010-01-01

Current models for implementing electronic health records (EHRs) in resource-limited settings may not be scalable because they fail to address human-resource and cost constraints. This paper describes an implementation model which relies on shared responsibility between local sites and an external three-pronged support infrastructure consisting of: (1) a national technical expertise center, (2) an implementer's community, and (3) a developer's community. This model was used to implement an open-source EHR in three Ugandan HIV-clinics. Pre-post time-motion study at one site revealed that Primary Care Providers spent a third less time in direct and indirect care of patients (p<0.001) and 40% more time on personal activities (p=0.09) after EHRs implementation. Time spent by previously enrolled patients with non-clinician staff fell by half (p=0.004) and with pharmacy by 63% (p<0.001). Surveyed providers were highly satisfied with the EHRs and its support infrastructure. This model offers a viable approach for broadly implementing EHRs in resource-limited settings.

Random sampling of constrained phylogenies: conducting phylogenetic analyses when the phylogeny is partially known.

PubMed

Housworth, E A; Martins, E P

2001-01-01

Statistical randomization tests in evolutionary biology often require a set of random, computer-generated trees. For example, earlier studies have shown how large numbers of computer-generated trees can be used to conduct phylogenetic comparative analyses even when the phylogeny is uncertain or unknown. These methods were limited, however, in that (in the absence of molecular sequence or other data) they allowed users to assume that no phylogenetic information was available or that all possible trees were known. Intermediate situations where only a taxonomy or other limited phylogenetic information (e.g., polytomies) are available are technically more difficult. The current study describes a procedure for generating random samples of phylogenies while incorporating limited phylogenetic information (e.g., four taxa belong together in a subclade). The procedure can be used to conduct comparative analyses when the phylogeny is only partially resolved or can be used in other randomization tests in which large numbers of possible phylogenies are needed.

DWPF Melter Off-Gas Flammability Assessment for Sludge Batch 9

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

Choi, A. S.

2016-07-11

The slurry feed to the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) melter contains several organic carbon species that decompose in the cold cap and produce flammable gases that could accumulate in the off-gas system and create potential flammability hazard. To mitigate such a hazard, DWPF has implemented a strategy to impose the Technical Safety Requirement (TSR) limits on all key operating variables affecting off-gas flammability and operate the melter within those limits using both hardwired/software interlocks and administrative controls. The operating variables that are currently being controlled include; (1) total organic carbon (TOC), (2) air purges for combustion and dilution, (3)more » melter vapor space temperature, and (4) feed rate. The safety basis limits for these operating variables are determined using two computer models, 4-stage cold cap and Melter Off-Gas (MOG) dynamics models, under the baseline upset scenario - a surge in off-gas flow due to the inherent cold cap instabilities in the slurry-fed melter.« less

43 CFR 18.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

28 CFR 69.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

6 CFR 9.15 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

13 CFR 146.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a...

15 CFR 28.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

45 CFR 604.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

18 CFR 1315.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

18 CFR 1315.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

45 CFR 93.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a...

45 CFR 604.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

13 CFR 146.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a...

28 CFR 69.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

13 CFR 146.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

31 CFR 21.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

6 CFR 9.15 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

18 CFR 1315.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

22 CFR 712.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

40 CFR 34.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

28 CFR 69.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

43 CFR 18.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

22 CFR 712.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

15 CFR 28.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

40 CFR 34.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

31 CFR 21.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

45 CFR 93.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a...

45 CFR 93.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

14 CFR 1271.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

45 CFR 93.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a...

13 CFR 146.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

31 CFR 21.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

15 CFR 28.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

45 CFR 604.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

43 CFR 18.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

14 CFR 1271.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

6 CFR 9.15 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

40 CFR 34.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

15 CFR 28.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

18 CFR 1315.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

28 CFR 69.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

45 CFR 93.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

13 CFR 146.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

13 CFR 146.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a...

6 CFR 9.15 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

45 CFR 93.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

22 CFR 712.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

45 CFR 93.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

45 CFR 93.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a...

13 CFR 146.300 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... services shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline... influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a...

14 CFR 1271.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

31 CFR 21.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

13 CFR 146.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

Understanding a technical language: A schema-based approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Falzon, P.

1984-01-01

Workers in many job categories tend to develop technical languages, which are restricted subjects of natural language. A better knowledge of these retrictions provides guidelines for the design of the restricted languages of interactive systems. Accordingly, a technical language used by air-traffic controllers in their communications with pilots was studied. A method of analysis is presented that allows the schemata underlying each category of messages to be identified. This schematic knowledge was implemented in programs, which assume that the goal-oriented aspect of technical languages (and particularly the restricted domain of discourse) limits the processes and the data necessary in order to understand the messages (monosemy, limited vocabulary, evocation of the schemata by some command words, absence of syntax). The programs can interpret, and translate into sequences of action, the messages emitted by the controllers.

Identifying Needed Technical Standards: The LITA TESLA Committee at Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, Ruth C.

1984-01-01

Efforts of the Technical Standards for Library Automation Committee (TESLA), a division-wide committee of the Library Information and Technology Association (LITA) of the American Library Association, are described. The current status of suggested technical standards and recommended action are detailed. Five sources are given. (Author/EJS)

Technical Communication in the 21st Century: Where Are We Going?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Killingsworth, M. Jimmie

1999-01-01

Explores how technical communicators arrive at their attitudes toward the future and the effects of such attitudes toward current practice. Argues for a critically informed, open-minded approach to the future, an approach that encourages an honest self-criticism within the discipline of technical communication. (SC)

Trends in Career and Technical Education Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rojewski, Jay W.; Asunda, Paul; Kim, Soo Jung

2008-01-01

The purpose of this literature review was to identify current trends and issues in research focusing on career and technical education (CTE). The primary sources of literature for this review included all research articles published in three refereed scholarly journals--"Career and Technical Education Research," "Journal of Career and Technical…

77 FR 60430 - Meeting of the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-03

... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9736-3] Meeting of the Mobile Sources Technical Review... Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92- 463, notice is hereby given that the Mobile Sources Technical Review... Advisory Committee. This is an open meeting. The meeting will include discussion of current topics and...

44 CFR 70.3 - Right to submit technical information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... FOR MAP CORRECTION Mapping Deficiencies Unrelated to Community-Wide Elevation Determinations § 70.3.../AO, AR/AH, AR/A, VO, V1-30, VE, and V Zones on a FHBM or a FIRM, may submit scientific or technical...) Scientific and technical information for the purpose of this part may include, but is not limited to the...

44 CFR 70.3 - Right to submit technical information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... FOR MAP CORRECTION Mapping Deficiencies Unrelated to Community-Wide Elevation Determinations § 70.3.../AO, AR/AH, AR/A, VO, V1-30, VE, and V Zones on a FHBM or a FIRM, may submit scientific or technical...) Scientific and technical information for the purpose of this part may include, but is not limited to the...

DOE technical standards list: Department of Energy standards index

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

NONE

This technical standards list (TSL) was prepared for use by personnel involved in the selection and use of US DOE technical standards and other government and non-government standards. This TSL provides listings of current DOE technical standards, non-government standards that have been adopted by DOE, other government documents in which DOE has a recorded interest, and cancelled DOE technical standards. Standards are indexed by type in the appendices to this document. Definitions of and general guidance for the use of standards are also provided.

TADS and Technical Assistance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trohanis, Pascal L.

1983-01-01

Accomplishments of the Technical Assistance Development System (TADS) are cited, current challenges (including program development, and communication and coordination) are noted, and the mission mandated for TADS is outlined. (CL)

The California spotted owl: a technical assessment of its current status

Treesearch

Jared Verner; Kevin S. McKelvey; Barry R. Noon; R. J. Gutierrez; Gordon I. Jr. Gould; Thomas W. Beck

1992-01-01

This report is based an the Final Repart submitted on May 8, 1992 by the Technical Assessment Team to the interagency Steering Committee for the California Spotted Owl Assessment. The 13 chapters cover the assessment of the current status of the California spotted owl, its biology and habitat use, and forests where the subspecies occurs in the Sierra Nevada and...

14 CFR § 1271.205 - Professional and technical services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For... providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not...

Analysis of mutual assured destruction-like scenario with swarms of non-recallable autonomous robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straub, Jeremy

2015-05-01

This paper considers the implications of the creation of an autonomous robotic fighting force without recall-ability which could serve as a deterrent to a `total war' magnitude attack. It discusses the technical considerations for this type of robotic system and the limited enhancements required to current technologies (particularly UAVs) needed to create such a system. Particular consideration is paid to how the introduction of this type of technology by one actor could create a need for reciprocal development. Also considered is the prospective utilization of this type of technology by non-state actors and the impact of this on state actors.

Efficient prediction of human protein-protein interactions at a global scale.

PubMed

Schoenrock, Andrew; Samanfar, Bahram; Pitre, Sylvain; Hooshyar, Mohsen; Jin, Ke; Phillips, Charles A; Wang, Hui; Phanse, Sadhna; Omidi, Katayoun; Gui, Yuan; Alamgir, Md; Wong, Alex; Barrenäs, Fredrik; Babu, Mohan; Benson, Mikael; Langston, Michael A; Green, James R; Dehne, Frank; Golshani, Ashkan

2014-12-10

Our knowledge of global protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks in complex organisms such as humans is hindered by technical limitations of current methods. On the basis of short co-occurring polypeptide regions, we developed a tool called MP-PIPE capable of predicting a global human PPI network within 3 months. With a recall of 23% at a precision of 82.1%, we predicted 172,132 putative PPIs. We demonstrate the usefulness of these predictions through a range of experiments. The speed and accuracy associated with MP-PIPE can make this a potential tool to study individual human PPI networks (from genomic sequences alone) for personalized medicine.

Could spaceflight-associated immune system weakening preclude the expansion of human presence beyond Earth's orbit?

PubMed

Guéguinou, Nathan; Huin-Schohn, Cécile; Bascove, Matthieu; Bueb, Jean-Luc; Tschirhart, Eric; Legrand-Frossi, Christine; Frippiat, Jean-Pol

2009-11-01

This year, we celebrate the 40th birthday of the first landing of humans on the moon. By 2020, astronauts should return to the lunar surface and establish an outpost there that will provide a technical basis for future manned missions to Mars. This paper summarizes major constraints associated with a trip to Mars, presents immunological hazards associated with this type of mission, and shows that our current understanding of the immunosuppressive effects of spaceflight is limited. Weakening of the immune system associated with spaceflight is therefore an area that should be considered more thoroughly before we undertake prolonged space voyages.

Magellan aerobraking periapse corridor design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, Richard A.; Lyons, Daniel T.

1992-01-01

One extended mission idea for the Magellan project uses aerobraking techniques to circularize the current orbit. A major technical issue in this proposal is the design of the periapse altitude corridor. Aerobraking would cause a number of significant side effects on both the spacecraft and ground system. Heating and aerodynamic torques on the spacecraft are key issues, as are the corridor control maneuver frequency and aerobrake duration. Spacecraft and ground systems operational limits have been identified in an attempt to constrain the corridor design. A simulation program has been developed to model the aerobraking corridor control process. This paper presents study results using this program which relate to the feasibility of this aerobraking concept.

Wearable cardioverter defibrillator: Bridge or alternative to implantation?

PubMed Central

Barraud, Jeremie; Cautela, Jennifer; Orabona, Morgane; Pinto, Johan; Missenard, Olivier; Laine, Marc; Thuny, Franck; Paganelli, Franck; Bonello, Laurent; Peyrol, Michael

2017-01-01

The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is effective to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in selected patients with heart disease known to be at high risk for ventricular arrhythmia. Nevertheless, this invasive and definitive therapy is not indicated in patients with potentially transient or reversible causes of sudden death, or in patients with temporary contra-indication for ICD placement. The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is increasingly used for SCD prevention both in patients awaiting ICD implantation or with an estimated high risk of ventricular arrhythmia though to be transient. We conducted a review of current clinical uses and benefits of the WCD, and described its technical aspects, limitations and perspectives. PMID:28706588

Environmental Detection of Clandestine Nuclear Weapon Programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemp, R. Scott

2016-06-01

Environmental sensing of nuclear activities has the potential to detect nuclear weapon programs at early stages, deter nuclear proliferation, and help verify nuclear accords. However, no robust system of detection has been deployed to date. This can be variously attributed to high costs, technical limitations in detector technology, simple countermeasures, and uncertainty about the magnitude or behavior of potential signals. In this article, current capabilities and promising opportunities are reviewed. Systematic research in a variety of areas could improve prospects for detecting covert nuclear programs, although the potential for countermeasures suggests long-term verification of nuclear agreements will need to rely on methods other than environmental sensing.

Technical Feasible Study for Future Solar Thermal Steam Power Station in Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohari, Z. H.; Atira, N. N.; Jali, M. H.; Sulaima, M. F.; Izzuddin, T. A.; Baharom, M. F.

2017-10-01

This paper proposed renewable energy which is potential to be used in Malaysia in generating electricity to innovate and improve current operating systems. Thermal and water act as the resources to replace limited fossil fuels such as coal which is still widely used in energy production nowadays. Thermal is also known as the heat energy while the water absorbs energy from the thermal to produce steam energy. By combining both of the sources, it is known as thermal steam renewable energy. The targeted area to build this power station has constant high temperature and low humidity which can maximize the efficiency of generating power.

Evaluation of Agency Non-Code Layered Pressure Vessels (LPVs) . Volume 2; Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prosser, William H.

2014-01-01

In coordination with the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance and the respective Center Pressure System Managers (PSMs), the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) was requested to formulate a consensus draft proposal for the development of additional testing and analysis methods to establish the technical validity, and any limitation thereof, for the continued safe operation of facility non-code layered pressure vessels. The PSMs from each NASA Center were asked to participate as part of the assessment team by providing, collecting, and reviewing data regarding current operations of these vessels. This document contains the appendices to the main report.

The lab without walls: a deployable approach to tropical infectious diseases.

PubMed

Inglis, Timothy J J

2013-04-01

The Laboratory Without Walls is a modular field application of molecular biology that provides clinical laboratory support in resource-limited, remote locations. The current repertoire arose from early attempts to deliver clinical pathology and public health investigative services in remote parts of tropical Australia, to address the shortcomings of conventional methods when faced with emerging infectious diseases. Advances in equipment platforms and reagent chemistry have enabling rapid progress, but also ensure the Laboratory Without Walls is subject to continual improvement. Although new molecular biology methods may lead to more easily deployable clinical laboratory capability, logistic and technical governance issues continue to act as important constraints on wider implementation.

Image-guided radiation therapy in lymphoma management

PubMed Central

Eng, Tony

2015-01-01

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is a process of incorporating imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound (US) during radiation therapy (RT) to improve treatment accuracy. It allows real-time or near real-time visualization of anatomical information to ensure that the target is in its position as planned. In addition, changes in tumor volume and location due to organ motion during treatment can be also compensated. IGRT has been gaining popularity and acceptance rapidly in RT over the past 10 years, and many published data have been reported on prostate, bladder, head and neck, and gastrointestinal cancers. However, the role of IGRT in lymphoma management is not well defined as there are only very limited published data currently available. The scope of this paper is to review the current use of IGRT in the management of lymphoma. The technical and clinical aspects of IGRT, lymphoma imaging studies, the current role of IGRT in lymphoma management and future directions will be discussed. PMID:26484299

How to Overcome Information Anxiety: Assignment and Use of DoD Distribution Statements for Technical Documents. Volume 1. Facilitor Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-05-01

distribution limitations recommended if public release is not approved. The ASD(PA) shall also process appeals when public release denial is based upon...Rules of Evidence, and all other applicable laws. An interlocutory appeal by the United States shall lie from a decision or order of a district court... limitations ; document markings; document preparation; scientific and technical information; STINFO; information security; security training

Social Bots: Human-Like by Means of Human Control?

PubMed

Grimme, Christian; Preuss, Mike; Adam, Lena; Trautmann, Heike

2017-12-01

Social bots are currently regarded an influential but also somewhat mysterious factor in public discourse and opinion making. They are considered to be capable of massively distributing propaganda in social and online media, and their application is even suspected to be partly responsible for recent election results. Astonishingly, the term social bot is not well defined and different scientific disciplines use divergent definitions. This work starts with a balanced definition attempt, before providing an overview of how social bots actually work (taking the example of Twitter) and what their current technical limitations are. Despite recent research progress in Deep Learning and Big Data, there are many activities bots cannot handle well. We then discuss how bot capabilities can be extended and controlled by integrating humans into the process and reason that this is currently the most promising way to realize meaningful interactions with other humans. This finally leads to the conclusion that hybridization is a challenge for current detection mechanisms and has to be handled with more sophisticated approaches to identify political propaganda distributed with social bots.

44 CFR 70.3 - Right to submit technical information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.../AO, AR/AH, AR/A, VO, V1-30, VE, and V Zones on a FHBM or a FIRM, may submit scientific or technical...) Scientific and technical information for the purpose of this part may include, but is not limited to the following: (1) An actual copy of the recorded plat map bearing the seal of the appropriate recordation...

Author-Editor Guide to Technical Publications Preparation. Revision

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

meteorology, climatology, military technical publications. ( ") <- 15: Number of Pages: 68 17. Security Classification of Report: Unclassified 1... Security Classification of this Page: Unclassified 19. Security Classification of Abstract: Unclassified 20. Limitation of Abstract: UL Standard Form 298...34 There are, however, February 1983. numerous exceptions. Although some technical material may not be classified in accordance with security AFR 83-2, Air

Expanding the Scope of Technical Communication: Examples from the Department of Technical Communication at the University of Washington.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haselkorn, Mark P.; Sauer, Geoffrey; Turns, Jennifer; Illman, Deborah L.; Tsutsui, Michio; Plumb, Carolyn; Williams, Tom; Kolko, Beth; Spyridakis, Jan

2003-01-01

Presents eight current projects involving faculty in the University of Washington's Department of Technical Communication that illustrate the broadening of the field. Notes these projects address: the cognitive processing of visual material; Web-based education; strategic management of information; communicating science and technology in the…

New Wine in New Bottles: Transforming Vocational Education into Career and Technical Education. Practice Application Brief No. 21.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Bettina Lankard

Teachers responsible for transforming their vocational education programs into career and technical education (CTE) programs need to concentrate on ensuring programs' technical and academic rigor, engaging in collaboration in school and in the community, keeping current through professional development experiences, and extending learning beyond…

77 FR 15995 - Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-19

... information collection in support of the program for Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants (7 CFR part 1944-I...-0783, Telephone (202) 720-1489. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: 7 CFR 1944-I, Self-Help Technical... programs of technical and supervisory assistance for self-help housing loan program, as authorized under...

77 FR 55862 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of Currently Approved Collection; Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-11

... Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) Feedback Form Package ACTION: 60-Day Notice of... institutions; Businesses or other for-profit. Abstract: The Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical... forms to recipients of training and technical assistance, scholarship applicants, users of the Web site...

Quality Concerns in Technical Education in India: A Quantifiable Quality Enabled Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gambhir, Victor; Wadhwa, N. C.; Grover, Sandeep

2016-01-01

Purpose: The paper aims to discuss current Technical Education scenarios in India. It proposes modelling the factors affecting quality in a technical institute and then applying a suitable technique for assessment, comparison and ranking. Design/methodology/approach: The paper chose graph theoretic approach for quantification of quality-enabled…

Florida Study of Career and Technical Education. Final Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacobson, Louis; Mokher, Christine

2014-01-01

A key goal of the "Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006" ("Perkins IV") is to ensure career and technical education (CTE) programs are widely available for preparing high school and college students for "high skill, high wage, or high demand occupations in current or emerging professions"…

76 FR 50276 - STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2; Notice of Withdrawal of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-12

... revised the application of Risk- Managed Technical Specifications to Technical Specification 3.7.7, ``Control Room Makeup and Cleanup Filtration System.'' The purpose of the change was to correct a misapplication of the Configuration Risk Management Program that is currently allowed by the Technical...

FRATIS concept of operations : assess test readiness of FRATIS (task 4).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

This technical memorandum presents a concise assessment of the key technical and nontechnical issues and limitations related to field-testing the Freight Advanced Traveler Information System (FRATIS) Dynamic Mobility Applications (DMA) bundle and its...

Revisiting the utility of technical performance scores following tetralogy of Fallot repair.

PubMed

Lodin, Daud; Mavrothalassitis, Orestes; Haberer, Kim; Sunderji, Sherzana; Quek, Ruben G W; Peyvandi, Shabnam; Moon-Grady, Anita; Karamlou, Tara

2017-08-01

Although an important quality metric, current technical performance scores may not be generalizable and may omit operative factors that influence outcomes. We examined factors not included in current technical performance scores that may contribute to increased postoperative length of stay, major complications, and cost after primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot. This is a retrospective single site study of patients younger than age 2 years with tetralogy of Fallot undergoing complete repair between 2007 and 2015. Medical record data and discharge echocardiograms were reviewed to ascertain component and composite technical performance scores. Primary outcomes included postoperative length of stay, major complications, and total hospital costs. Multivariable logistic and linear regression identified determinants of each outcome. Patient population (n = 115) had a median postoperative length of stay of 8 days (interquartile range, 6-10 days), and a median total cost of $71,147. Major complications occurred in 33 patients (29%) with 1 death. Technical performance scores assigned were optimum in 28 patients (25%), adequate in 59 patients (52%), and inadequate in 26 patients (23%). Neither technical performance score components nor composite scores were associated with increased postoperative length of stay. Optimum or adequate repairs versus inadequate had equal risk of a complication (P = .79), and equivalent mean total cost ($100,000 vs $187,000; P = .25). Longer cardiopulmonary bypass time per 1-minute increase (P < .01) was associated with longer postoperative length of stay and reintervention (P = .02). The need to return to bypass also increased total cost (P < .01). Current tetralogy of Fallot technical performance scores were not associated with selected outcomes in our postoperative population. Although returning to bypass and bypass length are not included as components in the current score, these are important factors influencing complications and resource use in our population. Revisions anticipated from a prospective trial should consider including these variables. Copyright © 2017 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

NASA Engineering Excellence: A Case Study on Strengthening an Engineering Organization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shivers, C. Herbert; Wessel, Vernon W.

2006-01-01

NASA implemented a system of technical authority following the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAE) report calling for independent technical authority to be exercised on the Space Shuttle Program activities via a virtual organization of personnel exercising specific technical authority responsibilities. After the current NASA Administrator reported for duty, and following the first of two planned "Shuttle Return to Flight" missions, the NASA Chief Engineer and the Administrator redirected the Independent Technical Authority to a program of Technical Excellence and Technical Authority exercised within the existing engineering organizations. This paper discusses the original implementation of technical authority and the transition to the new implementation of technical excellence, including specific measures aimed at improving safety of future Shuttle and space exploration flights.

Technical Excellence: A Requirement for Good Engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gill, Paul S.; Vaughan, William W.

2008-01-01

Technical excellence is a requirement for good engineering. Technical excellence has many different ways of expressing itself within engineering. NASA has initiatives that address the enhancement of the Agency's technical excellence and thrust to maintain the associated high level of performance by the Agency on current programs/projects and as it moves into the Constellation Program and the return to the Moon with plans to visit Mars. This paper addresses some of the key initiatives associated with NASA's technical excellence thrust. Examples are provided to illustrate some results being achieved and plans to enhance these initiatives.

Global negative emissions capacity of ocean macronutrient fertilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, Daniel P.

2017-03-01

In order to meet the goal of limiting global average temperature increase to less than 2 °C, it is increasingly apparent that negative emissions technologies of up to 10 Pg C yr-1 will be needed before the end of the century. Recent research indicates that fertilization of the ocean with the macronutrients nitrogen and phosphorus where they limit primary production, may have sequestration advantages over fertilizing iron limited regions. Utilizing global datasets of oceanographic field measurements, and output from a high resolution global circulation model, the current study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the global potential for carbon sequestration from ocean macronutrient fertilization (OMF). Sufficient excess phosphate exists outside the iron limited surface ocean to support once-off sequestration of up to 3.6 Pg C by fertilization with nitrogen. Ongoing maximum capacity of nitrogen only fertilization is estimated at 0.7 ± 0.4 Pg C yr-1. Sequestration capacity is expected to decrease from the upper toward the lower bound over time under continued intense fertilization. If N and P were used in combination the capacity is ultimately limited by societies willingness to utilize phosphate resources. Doubling current phosphate production would allow an additional 0.9 Pg C yr-1 and consume 0.07% yr-1 of known global resources. Therefore offsetting up to around 15% (1.5 Pg C yr-1) of annual global CO2 emissions is assessed as being technically plausible. Environmental risks which to date have received little quantitative evaluation, could also limit the scale of implementation. These results reinforce the need to consider a multi-faceted approach to greenhouse gasses, including a reduction in emissions coupled with further research into negative emissions technologies.

New Frameworks for Detecting and Minimizing Information Leakage in Anonymized Network Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-01

researcher the exact extent to which a particular utility is affected by the anonymization. For instance, Karr et al.’s use of the Kullback - Leibler ...technical, legal, policy, and privacy issues limit the ability of operators to produce data sets for information security testing . In an effort to...technical, legal, policy, and privacy issues limit the ability of operators to produce datasets for information security testing . In an effort to help

Technical Packages in Injury and Violence Prevention to Move Evidence Into Practice: Systematic Reviews and Beyond.

PubMed

Haegerich, Tamara M; David-Ferdon, Corinne; Noonan, Rita K; Manns, Brian J; Billie, Holly C

2016-09-07

Injury and violence prevention strategies have greater potential for impact when they are based on scientific evidence. Systematic reviews of the scientific evidence can contribute key information about which policies and programs might have the greatest impact when implemented. However, systematic reviews have limitations, such as lack of implementation guidance and contextual information, that can limit the application of knowledge. "Technical packages," developed by knowledge brokers such as the federal government, nonprofit agencies, and academic institutions, have the potential to be an efficient mechanism for making information from systematic reviews actionable. Technical packages provide information about specific evidence-based prevention strategies, along with the estimated costs and impacts, and include accompanying implementation and evaluation guidance to facilitate adoption, implementation, and performance measurement. We describe how systematic reviews can inform the development of technical packages for practitioners, provide examples of technical packages in injury and violence prevention, and explain how enhancing review methods and reporting could facilitate the use and applicability of scientific evidence. © The Author(s) 2016.

77 FR 34784 - Removal of Six Month Line Check Requirement for Pilots Over Age 60; Technical Amendment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-12

...-0486; Amdt. No. 121-359] Removal of Six Month Line Check Requirement for Pilots Over Age 60; Technical... years of age that applied to air carriers engaged in part 121 operations. This technical amendment... December 13, 2007. This legislation raised the upper age limit for pilots in part 121 from age 60 to age 65...

An Assessment of the Support Service Needs of Career and Technical Education Teachers and Their Students with Limited English Proficiency in Selected Pennsylvania AVTS's

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wichowski, Chester P.; Nunez, Frances

2005-01-01

A survey was conducted among a population of 350 Career and Technical Education, CTE, teachers from 12 Career Technical Education Centers, CTC, sites in seven counties throughout Pennsylvania (return rate = 64%). The participating schools demographic settings, which were selected by the respondents, were closely divided between rural (37.9%) and…

National Profiles in Technical and Vocational Education in Asia and the Pacific: Japan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Bangkok (Thailand). Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

One of a series of studies on the development of technical and vocational education in the member states of UNESCO, this report profiles the educational system in Japan. The three parts of the document provide information about the geography and history of Japan, historical and current perspectives of general education, and technical and…

Use of Career Education and Occupation Information Services in Boosting Enrolment into Vocational and Technical Education Programs in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Igbinedion, V. I.; Ojeaga, I. J.

2012-01-01

The major thrust of technical and vocational education (TVE) worldwide is to address issues of youth unemployment, poverty and international competitiveness in skills development towards current and projected opportunities and challenges. The paper posits that despite the evidence of numerous reforms in vocational and technical education programs…

Hijacking bacterial glycosylation for the production of glycoconjugates, from vaccines to humanised glycoproteins.

PubMed

Cuccui, Jon; Wren, Brendan

2015-03-01

Glycosylation or the modification of a cellular component with a carbohydrate moiety has been demonstrated in all three domains of life as a basic post-translational process important in a range of biological processes. This review will focus on the latest studies attempting to exploit bacterial N-linked protein glycosylation for glycobiotechnological applications including glycoconjugate vaccine and humanised glycoprotein production. The challenges that remain for these approaches to reach full biotechnological maturity will be discussed. Oligosaccharyltransferase-dependent N-linked glycosylation can be exploited to make glycoconjugate vaccines against bacterial pathogens. Few technical limitations remain, but it is likely that the technologies developed will soon be considered a cost-effective and flexible alternative to current chemical-based methods of vaccine production. Some highlights from current glycoconjugate vaccines developed using this in-vivo production system include a vaccine against Shigella dysenteriae O1 that has passed phase 1 clinical trials, a vaccine against the tier 1 pathogen Francisella tularensis that has shown efficacy in mice and a vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus serotypes 5 and 8. Generation of humanised glycoproteins within bacteria was considered impossible due to the distinct nature of glycan modification in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. We describe the method used to overcome this conundrum to allow engineering of a eukaryotic pentasaccharide core sugar modification within Escherichia coli. This core was assembled by combining the function of the initiating transferase WecA, several Alg genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the oligosaccharyltransferase function of the Campylobacter jejuni PglB. Further exploitation of a cytoplasmic N-linked glycosylation system found in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae where the central enzyme is known as N-linking glycosyltransferase has overcome some of the limitations demonstrated by the oligosaccharyltransferase-dependent system. Characterisation of the first bacterial N-linked glycosylation system in the human enteropathogen Campylobacter jejuni has led to substantial biotechnological applications. Alternative methods for glycoconjugate vaccine production have been developed using this N-linked system. Vaccines against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms have been developed, and efficacy testing has thus far demonstrated that the vaccines are safe and that robust immune responses are being detected. These are likely to complement and reduce the cost of current technologies thus opening new avenues for glycoconjugate vaccines. These new markets could potentially include glycoconjugate vaccines tailored specifically for animal vaccination, which has until today thought to be non-viable due to the cost of current in-vitro chemical conjugation methods. Utilisation of N-linked glycosylation to generate humanised glycoproteins is also close to becoming reality. This 'bottom up' assembly mechanism removes the heterogeneity seen in current humanised products. The majority of developments reported in this review exploit a single N-linked glycosylation system from Campylobacter jejuni; however, alternative N-linked glycosylation systems have been discovered which should help to overcome current technical limitations and perhaps more systems remain to be discovered. The likelihood is that further glycosylation systems exist and are waiting to be exploited. © 2014 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Current approaches for the assessment of in situ biodegradation.

PubMed

Bombach, Petra; Richnow, Hans H; Kästner, Matthias; Fischer, Anko

2010-04-01

Considering the high costs and technical difficulties associated with conventional remediation strategies, in situ biodegradation has become a promising approach for cleaning up contaminated aquifers. To verify if in situ biodegradation of organic contaminants is taking place at a contaminated site and to determine if these processes are efficient enough to replace conventional cleanup technologies, a comprehensive characterization of site-specific biodegradation processes is essential. In recent years, several strategies including geochemical analyses, microbial and molecular methods, tracer tests, metabolite analysis, compound-specific isotope analysis, and in situ microcosms have been developed to investigate the relevance of biodegradation processes for cleaning up contaminated aquifers. In this review, we outline current approaches for the assessment of in situ biodegradation and discuss their potential and limitations. We also discuss the benefits of research strategies combining complementary methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex hydrogeological and microbial interactions governing contaminant biodegradation in the field.

Advances in bone surgery: the Er:YAG laser in oral surgery and implant dentistry

PubMed Central

Stübinger, Stefan

2010-01-01

The erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser has emerged as a possible alternative to conventional methods of bone ablation because of its wavelength of 2.94 μm, which coincides with the absorption peak of water. Over the last decades in several experimental and clinical studies, the widespread initial assumption that light amplification for stimulated emission of radiation (laser) osteotomy inevitably provokes profound tissue damage and delayed wound healing has been refuted. In addition, the supposed disadvantage of prolonged osteotomy times could be overcome by modern short-pulsed Er:YAG laser systems. Currently, the limiting factors for a routine application of lasers for bone ablation are mainly technical drawbacks such as missing depth control and a difficult and safe guidance of the laser beam. This article gives a short overview of the development process and current possibilities of noncontact Er:YAG laser osteotomy in oral and implant surgery. PMID:23662082

Position and speed control of brushless DC motors using sensorless techniques and application trends.

PubMed

Gamazo-Real, José Carlos; Vázquez-Sánchez, Ernesto; Gómez-Gil, Jaime

2010-01-01

This paper provides a technical review of position and speed sensorless methods for controlling Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motor drives, including the background analysis using sensors, limitations and advances. The performance and reliability of BLDC motor drivers have been improved because the conventional control and sensing techniques have been improved through sensorless technology. Then, in this paper sensorless advances are reviewed and recent developments in this area are introduced with their inherent advantages and drawbacks, including the analysis of practical implementation issues and applications. The study includes a deep overview of state-of-the-art back-EMF sensing methods, which includes Terminal Voltage Sensing, Third Harmonic Voltage Integration, Terminal Current Sensing, Back-EMF Integration and PWM strategies. Also, the most relevant techniques based on estimation and models are briefly analysed, such as Sliding-mode Observer, Extended Kalman Filter, Model Reference Adaptive System, Adaptive observers (Full-order and Pseudoreduced-order) and Artificial Neural Networks.

EIT forward problem parallel simulation environment with anisotropic tissue and realistic electrode models.

PubMed

De Marco, Tommaso; Ries, Florian; Guermandi, Marco; Guerrieri, Roberto

2012-05-01

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an imaging technology based on impedance measurements. To retrieve meaningful insights from these measurements, EIT relies on detailed knowledge of the underlying electrical properties of the body. This is obtained from numerical models of current flows therein. The nonhomogeneous and anisotropic electric properties of human tissues make accurate modeling and simulation very challenging, leading to a tradeoff between physical accuracy and technical feasibility, which at present severely limits the capabilities of EIT. This work presents a complete algorithmic flow for an accurate EIT modeling environment featuring high anatomical fidelity with a spatial resolution equal to that provided by an MRI and a novel realistic complete electrode model implementation. At the same time, we demonstrate that current graphics processing unit (GPU)-based platforms provide enough computational power that a domain discretized with five million voxels can be numerically modeled in about 30 s.

High Misalignment Carbon Seals for the Fan Drive Gear System Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaughnessy, Dennis; Dobek, Lou

2006-01-01

Aircraft engines of the future will require capability bearing compartment seals than found in current engines. Geared systems driving the fan will be subjected to inertia and gyroscopic forces resulting in extremely high angular and radial misalignments. Because of the high misalignment levels, compartment seals capable of accommodating angularities and eccentricities are required. Pratt & Whitney and Stein Seal Company selected the segmented circumferential carbon seal as the best candidate to operate at highly misaligned conditions. Initial seal tests established the misalignment limits of the current technology circumferential seal. From these results a more compliant seal configuration was conceived, designed, fabricated, and tested. Further improvements to the design are underway and plans are to conduct a durability test of the next phase configuration. A technical approach is presented, including design modification to a "baseline"seal, carbon grade selection, test rig configuration, test plan and results of analysis of seal testing.

Vascular access in critical limb ischemia.

PubMed

Kang, Won Yu; Campia, Umberto; Ota, Hideaki; Didier, Romain J; Negi, Smita I; Kiramijyan, Sarkis; Koifman, Edward; Baker, Nevin C; Magalhaes, Marco A; Lipinski, Michael J; Escarcega, Ricardo O; Torguson, Rebecca; Waksman, Ron; Bernardo, Nelson L

2016-01-01

Currently, percutaneous endovascular intervention is considered a first line of therapy for treating patients with critical limb ischemia. As the result of remarkable development of techniques and technologies, percutaneous endovascular intervention has led to rates of limb salvage comparable to those achieved with bypass surgery, with fewer complications, even in the presence of lower rates of long-term patency. Currently, interventionalists have a multiplicity of access routes including smaller arteries, with both antegrade and retrograde approaches. Therefore, the choice of the optimal access site has become an integral part of the success of the percutaneous intervention. By understanding the technical aspects, as well as the advantages and limitations of each approach, the interventionalists can improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. This article reviews the access routes in critical limb ischemia, their advantages and disadvantages, and the clinical outcomes of each. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Minimally invasive computer-assisted stereotactic fenestration of an aqueductal cyst: case report.

PubMed

Fonoff, E T; Gentil, A F; Padilha, P M; Teixeira, M J

2010-02-01

Current advances in frame modeling and computer software allow stereotactic procedures to be performed with great accuracy and minimal risk of neural tissue or vascular injury. In this report we associate a previously described minimally invasive stereotactic technique with state-of-the-art 3D computer guidance technology to successfully treat a 55-year-old patient with an arachnoidal cyst obstructing the aqueduct of Sylvius. We provide detailed technical information and discuss how this technique deals with previous limitations for stereotactic manipulation of the aqueductal region. We further discuss current advances in neuroendoscopy for treating obstructive hydrocephalus and make comparisons with our proposed technique. We advocate that this technique is not only capable of treating this pathology but it also has the advantages to enable reestablishment of physiological CSF flow thus preventing future brainstem compression by cyst enlargement. (c) Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.

Technical Communication: Perspectives for the Eighties, Part 1. Proceedings of the Technical Communications Sessions at the 32Nd Annual Meeting of the Conference on College Composition and Communication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathes, J. C. (Compiler); Pinelli, T. E. (Compiler)

1981-01-01

Proceeding of the technical communication sessions at the 32nd annual meeting of the Conference on College Composition and Communication held in Dallas, Texas, March 26-28, 1981 are summarized. The proceeding suggest that technical communication has become an important subfield and is becoming an intrinsic part of many undergraduate curricula. Technical communication as a separate discipline, however, is relatively new. For that reason, proceedings that can make current research available as quickly as possible are suggested for preparation. The following topics were addressed: (1) a history and definition of technical writing, (2) the case method is technical communication (3) teaching technical writing (4) oral communication and rhetorical theory, and (5) new approaches in and practical applications of technical writing.

47 CFR 27.55 - Power strength limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Power strength limits. 27.55 Section 27.55 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES MISCELLANEOUS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Technical Standards § 27.55 Power strength limits. (a) Field strength limits. For the...

A systematic review of evidence for education and training interventions in microsurgery.

PubMed

Ghanem, Ali M; Hachach-Haram, Nadine; Leung, Clement Chi Ming; Myers, Simon Richard

2013-07-01

Over the past decade, driven by advances in educational theory and pressures for efficiency in the clinical environment, there has been a shift in surgical education and training towards enhanced simulation training. Microsurgery is a technical skill with a steep competency learning curve on which the clinical outcome greatly depends. This paper investigates the evidence for educational and training interventions of traditional microsurgical skills courses in order to establish the best evidence practice in education and training and curriculum design. A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed databases was performed to identify randomized control trials looking at educational and training interventions that objectively improved microsurgical skill acquisition, and these were critically appraised using the BestBETs group methodology. The databases search yielded 1,148, 1,460, and 2,277 citations respectively. These were then further limited to randomized controlled trials from which abstract reviews reduced the number to 5 relevant randomised controlled clinical trials. The best evidence supported a laboratory based low fidelity model microsurgical skills curriculum. There was strong evidence that technical skills acquired on low fidelity models transfers to improved performance on higher fidelity human cadaver models and that self directed practice leads to improved technical performance. Although there is significant paucity in the literature to support current microsurgical education and training practices, simulated training on low fidelity models in microsurgery is an effective intervention that leads to acquisition of transferable skills and improved technical performance. Further research to identify educational interventions associated with accelerated skill acquisition is required.

A Comparative Study of Students’ Track and Field Technical Performance in Sport Education and in a Direct Instruction Approach

PubMed Central

Pereira, José; Hastie, Peter; Araújo, Rui; Farias, Cláudio; Rolim, Ramiro; Mesquita, Isabel

2015-01-01

This study examined students’ technical performances improvements in three track and field events (hurdles, shot put, and long jump) following either a Sport Education season or a Direct Instruction unit. An experienced Physical Education teacher taught two classes totalling 47 sixth-grade students (25 boys and 22 girls, aged between 10 and 13 years old) in 20, 45-minute lessons over 10 weeks. The students’ technical performances were analysed and evaluated through systematic observation of videos. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare scores at three time points (pre-test, post-test and retention), and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine the differences within each instructional model at each assessment moment, as well as by gender and skill level. The impact of each instructional model in student learning was markedly distinct. While in Sport Education students of both genders and skill levels improved significantly in all events, in Direct Instruction, evidence of significant improvements was limited to boys and students of higher skill level. Key points The impact of each teaching approach in student learning was distinct. While in Sport Education the technical performance improvements spread throughout students of both genders and skill levels, in Direct Instruction significant improvements were exclusive to boys and students of higher skill level. The extended analysis in the current study, taking into account student gender and skill level, permitted a more comprehensive measure of the learning impact of the two approaches. More sophisticated analyses of the tasks and instructional strategies of each approach are encouraged. PMID:25729299

Research highlights: increasing paper possibilities.

PubMed

Wu, Chueh-Yu; Adeyiga, Oladunni; Lin, Jonathan; Di Carlo, Dino

2014-09-07

In this issue we highlight three recent papers that demonstrate new strategies to extend the capabilities of paper microfluidics. Paper (a mesh of porous fibers) has a long history as a substrate to perform biomolecular assays. Traditional lateral flow immunoassays (LFAs) are widely used for rapid diagnostic tests, and perform well when a yes or no answer is required and the analyte of interest is at relatively high concentrations. High concentrations are required because usually only a small volume of analyte-containing fluid flows past the detection region, leading to a limited signal. Further, the small pores within paper matrices prevent the use of paper to control the flow of larger particles and cells, limiting the use of paper microfluidics for cell-based diagnostics. The work we highlight addresses these important unmet challenges in paper microfluidics: enriching low concentration analytes to a higher concentration in a smaller volume that can be processed effectively, and using paper to pump flows in larger channels amenable to cells. Applying these new approaches may allow diagnosis of disease states currently technically unachievable using current LFA systems, while maintaining many of the "un-instrumented" advantages of an assay on self-wicking paper.

Airborne incidents : an econometric analysis of severity, December 31, 2014 : technical summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-12-31

This is a technical summary of the Airborne Incidents: An Econometric Analysis of Severity main report. : Airborne loss of separation incidents occur when an aircraft breaches the defined separation limit (vertical and/or horizontal) with anoth...

Technical aspects of MRI signal change quantification after gadolinium-based contrast agents' administration.

PubMed

Ramalho, Joana; Ramalho, Miguel; AlObaidy, Mamdoh; Semelka, Richard C

2016-12-01

Over the last 2years several studies have been published regarding gadolinium deposition in brain structures in patients with normal renal function after repeated administrations of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Most of the publications are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based retrospective studies, where gadolinium deposition may be indirectly measured by evaluating changes in T1 signal intensity (SI) in brain tissue, particularly in the dentate nucleus (DN) and/or globus pallidi (GP). The direct correlation between T1 signal changes and gadolinium deposition was validated by human pathology studies. However, the variability of the MR equipment and parameters used across different publications, along with the inherent limitations of MRI to assess gadolinium in human tissues should be acknowledged when interpreting those studies. Nevertheless, MRI studies remain essential regarding gadolinium bio-distribution knowledge. The aim of this paper is to overview current knowledge of technical aspects of T1 signal intensity evaluation by MRI and describe confounding factors, with the intention to achieve higher accuracy and maximize reproducibility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantitative proteomics in cardiovascular research: global and targeted strategies

PubMed Central

Shen, Xiaomeng; Young, Rebeccah; Canty, John M.; Qu, Jun

2014-01-01

Extensive technical advances in the past decade have substantially expanded quantitative proteomics in cardiovascular research. This has great promise for elucidating the mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the discovery of cardiac biomarkers used for diagnosis and treatment evaluation. Global and targeted proteomics are the two major avenues of quantitative proteomics. While global approaches enable unbiased discovery of altered proteins via relative quantification at the proteome level, targeted techniques provide higher sensitivity and accuracy, and are capable of multiplexed absolute quantification in numerous clinical/biological samples. While promising, technical challenges need to be overcome to enable full utilization of these techniques in cardiovascular medicine. Here we discuss recent advances in quantitative proteomics and summarize applications in cardiovascular research with an emphasis on biomarker discovery and elucidating molecular mechanisms of disease. We propose the integration of global and targeted strategies as a high-throughput pipeline for cardiovascular proteomics. Targeted approaches enable rapid, extensive validation of biomarker candidates discovered by global proteomics. These approaches provide a promising alternative to immunoassays and other low-throughput means currently used for limited validation. PMID:24920501

Systems identification and the adaptive management of waterfowl in the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Williams, B.K.; Nichols, J.D.

2001-01-01

Waterfowl management in the United States is one of the more visible conservation success stories in the United States. It is authorized and supported by appropriate legislative authorities, based on large-scale monitoring programs, and widely accepted by the public. The process is one of only a limited number of large-scale examples of effective collaboration between research and management, integrating scientific information with management in a coherent framework for regulatory decision-making. However, harvest management continues to face some serious technical problems, many of which focus on sequential identification of the resource system in a context of optimal decision-making. The objective of this paper is to provide a theoretical foundation of adaptive harvest management, the approach currently in use in the United States for regulatory decision-making. We lay out the legal and institutional framework for adaptive harvest management and provide a formal description of regulatory decision-making in terms of adaptive optimization. We discuss some technical and institutional challenges in applying adaptive harvest management and focus specifically on methods of estimating resource states for linear resource systems.

Origins, Chronology, and Current Status of the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education: 1963-2012

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, Morgan V.; Stone, James R., III

2013-01-01

The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE) had a unique status among federally funded research and development center in education. Its funding was authorized by the federal legislation for career and technical and administered by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, not the Institute for Education Sciences.…

The U.S. government technical report and the transfer of federally funded aerospace R & D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinelli, Thomas E.; Barclay, Rebecca O.; Kennedy, John M.

1993-01-01

This article discusses the U.S. government technical report and the transfer of federally funded aerospace research and development in a conceptual framework of the federal government as a producer of scientific and technical information. The article summarizes current literature and research and discusses U.S. government technical report use and the importance of using data obtained from the NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. The authors make a case for changing existing U.S. technology policy and present a research agenda for the U.S. government technical report.

Study on the feasibility of provision of distance learning programmes in surgery to Malawi.

PubMed

Mains, Edward A A; Blackmur, James P; Dewhurst, David; Ward, Ross M; Garden, O James; Wigmore, Stephen J

2011-12-01

Medical educational opportunities and resources are considerably limited in the developing world. The expansion of computing and Internet access means that there exists a potential to provide education to students through distance learning programmes. This study investigated the feasibility of providing distance learning course in surgery in Malawi. The study investigated the user requirements, technical requirements and Internet connections in two teaching hospitals in Malawi. In addition the appropriateness of current course material from the Edinburgh Surgical Sciences Qualification to Malawi trainees was assessed. The study found a high degree of interest from Malawian trainees in distance learning. The provision of basic science modules such as anatomy and physiology and the ability to access journals were considered highly desirable. The current ESSQ course would require extensive re-modelling to make it suitable to an African trainee's requirements. Internet speeds remain slow and access is currently expensive. There is considerable interest in distance learning programmes in Malawi but access to them is limited partly because of slow and expensive Internet access. Understanding the needs of trainees in countries such as Malawi will allow better direction of educational aid and resources to support surgical training. Copyright © 2010 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Do PICU patients meet technical criteria for performing indirect calorimetry?

PubMed

Beggs, Megan R; Garcia Guerra, Gonzalo; Larsen, Bodil M K

2016-10-01

Indirect calorimetry (IC) is considered gold standard for assessing energy needs of critically ill children as predictive equations and clinical status indicators are often unreliable. Accurate assessment of energy requirements in this vulnerable population is essential given the high risk of over or underfeeding and the consequences thereof. The proportion of patients and patient days in pediatric intensive care (PICU) for which energy expenditure (EE) can be measured using IC is currently unknown. In the current study, we aimed to quantify the daily proportion of consecutive PICU patients who met technical criteria to perform indirect calorimetry and describe the technical contraindications when criteria were not met. Prospective, observational, single-centre study conducted in a cardiac and general PICU. All consecutive patients admitted for at least 96 h were included in the study. Variables collected for each patient included age at admission, admission diagnosis, and if technical criteria for indirect calorimetry were met. Technical criteria variables were collected within the same 2 h each morning and include: provision of supplemental oxygen, ventilator settings, endotracheal tube (ETT) leak, diagnosis of chest tube air leak, provision of external gas support (i.e. nitric oxide), and provision of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). 288 patients were included for a total of 3590 patient days between June 2014 and February 2015. The main reasons for admission were: surgery (cardiac and non-cardiac), respiratory distress, trauma, oncology and medicine/other. The median (interquartile range) patient age was 0.7 (0.3-4.6) years. The median length of PICU stay was 7 (5-14) days. Only 34% (95% CI, 32.4-35.5%) of patient days met technical criteria for IC. For patients less than 6 months of age, technical criteria were met on significantly fewer patient days (29%, p < 0.01). Moreover, 27% of patients did not meet technical criteria for IC on any day during their PICU stay. Most frequent reasons for why IC could not be performed included supplemental oxygen, ECMO, and ETT leak. In the current study, technical criteria to perform IC in the PICU were not met for 27% of patients and were not met on 66% of patient days. Moreover, criteria were met on only 29% of days for infants 6 months and younger where children 24 months of age and older still only met criteria on 40% of patient days. This data represents a major gap in the feasibility of current recommendations for assessing energy requirements of this population. Future studies are needed to improve methods of predicting and measuring energy requirements in critically ill children who do not meet current criteria for indirect calorimetry. Copyright © 2016 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

TWRS technical baseline database manager definition document

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

Acree, C.D.

1997-08-13

This document serves as a guide for using the TWRS Technical Baseline Database Management Systems Engineering (SE) support tool in performing SE activities for the Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS). This document will provide a consistent interpretation of the relationships between the TWRS Technical Baseline Database Management software and the present TWRS SE practices. The Database Manager currently utilized is the RDD-1000 System manufactured by the Ascent Logic Corporation. In other documents, the term RDD-1000 may be used interchangeably with TWRS Technical Baseline Database Manager.

Model-based variance-stabilizing transformation for Illumina microarray data.

PubMed

Lin, Simon M; Du, Pan; Huber, Wolfgang; Kibbe, Warren A

2008-02-01

Variance stabilization is a step in the preprocessing of microarray data that can greatly benefit the performance of subsequent statistical modeling and inference. Due to the often limited number of technical replicates for Affymetrix and cDNA arrays, achieving variance stabilization can be difficult. Although the Illumina microarray platform provides a larger number of technical replicates on each array (usually over 30 randomly distributed beads per probe), these replicates have not been leveraged in the current log2 data transformation process. We devised a variance-stabilizing transformation (VST) method that takes advantage of the technical replicates available on an Illumina microarray. We have compared VST with log2 and Variance-stabilizing normalization (VSN) by using the Kruglyak bead-level data (2006) and Barnes titration data (2005). The results of the Kruglyak data suggest that VST stabilizes variances of bead-replicates within an array. The results of the Barnes data show that VST can improve the detection of differentially expressed genes and reduce false-positive identifications. We conclude that although both VST and VSN are built upon the same model of measurement noise, VST stabilizes the variance better and more efficiently for the Illumina platform by leveraging the availability of a larger number of within-array replicates. The algorithms and Supplementary Data are included in the lumi package of Bioconductor, available at: www.bioconductor.org.

Signal-to-noise enhancement techniques for quantum cascade absorption spectrometers employing optimal filtering and other approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Disselkamp, R. S.; Kelly, J. F.; Sams, R. L.; Anderson, G. A.

Optical feedback to the laser source in tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS) is known to create intensity modulation noise due to elatoning and optical feedback (i.e. multiplicative technical noise) that usually limits spectral signal-to-noise (S/N). The large technical noise often limits absorption spectroscopy to noise floors 100-fold greater than the Poisson shot noise limit due to fluctuations in the laser intensity. The high output powers generated from quantum cascade (QC) lasers, along with their high gain, makes these injection laser systems especially susceptible to technical noise. In this article we discuss a method of using optimal filtering to reduce technical noise. We have observed S/N enhancements ranging from 20% to a factor of 50. The degree to which optimal filtering enhances S/N depends on the similarity between the Fourier components of the technical noise and those of the signal, with lower S/N enhancements observed for more similar Fourier decompositions of the signal and technical noise. We also examine the linearity of optimal filtered spectra in both time and intensity. This was accomplished by creating a synthetic spectrum for the species being studied (CH4, N2O, CO2 and H2O in ambient air) utilizing line positions and linewidths with an assumed Voigt profile from a commercial database (HITRAN). Agreement better than 0.036% in wavenumber and 1.64% in intensity (up to a 260-fold intensity ratio employed) was observed. Our results suggest that rapid ex post facto digital optimal filtering can be used to enhance S/N for routine trace gas detection.

Expert Technical Committee : Bay Bridge Project Assessment meeting, January 6-8, 2005.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-01-01

The Expert Technical Committee (ETC) was formed to provide an independent review and : assessment of the history and current status of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge East Span : Seismic Retrofit Cost Increases.

Financing Opportunities for Renewable Energy Development in Alaska

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

Ardani, K.; Hillman, D.; Busche, S.

2013-04-01

This technical report provides an overview of existing and potential financing structures for renewable energy project development in Alaska with a focus on four primary sources of project funding: government financed or supported (the most commonly used structure in Alaska today), developer equity capital, commercial debt, and third-party tax-equity investment. While privately funded options currently have limited application in Alaska, their implementation is theoretically possible based on successful execution in similar circumstances elsewhere. This report concludes that while tax status is a key consideration in determining appropriate financing structure, there are opportunities for both taxable and tax-exempt entities to participatemore » in renewable energy project development.« less

Evaluation of Agency Non-Code Layered Pressure Vessels (LPVs)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prosser, William H.

2014-01-01

In coordination with the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance and the respective Center Pressure System Managers (PSMs), the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) was requested to formulate a consensus draft proposal for the development of additional testing and analysis methods to establish the technical validity, and any limitation thereof, for the continued safe operation of facility non-code layered pressure vessels. The PSMs from each NASA Center were asked to participate as part of the assessment team by providing, collecting, and reviewing data regarding current operations of these vessels. This report contains the outcome of the assessment and the findings, observations, and NESC recommendations to the Agency and individual NASA Centers.

Evaluation of Agency Non-Code Layered Pressure Vessels (LPVs). Corrected Copy, Aug. 25, 2014

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prosser, William H.

2014-01-01

In coordination with the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance and the respective Center Pressure System Managers (PSMs), the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) was requested to formulate a consensus draft proposal for the development of additional testing and analysis methods to establish the technical validity, and any limitation thereof, for the continued safe operation of facility non-code layered pressure vessels. The PSMs from each NASA Center were asked to participate as part of the assessment team by providing, collecting, and reviewing data regarding current operations of these vessels. This report contains the outcome of the assessment and the findings, observations, and NESC recommendations to the Agency and individual NASA Centers.

Status of the ATF Damping Ring BPM Upgrade Project

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

Briegel, C.; /Fermilab; Eddy, N.

2011-12-01

A substantial upgrade of the beam position monitors (BPM) at the ATF (Accelerator Test Facility) damping ring is currently in progress. Implementing digital read-out signal processing techniques in line with an optimized, low-noise analog downconverter, a resolution well below 1 mum could be demonstrated at 20 (of 96) upgraded BPM stations. The narrowband, high resolution BPM mode permits investigation of all types of non-linearities, imperfections and other obstacles in the machine which may limit the very low target aimed vertical beam emittance of < 2 pm. The technical status of the project, first beam measurements and an outlook to it'smore » finalization are presented.« less

Integration of an expert teaching assistant with distance learning software

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

Fonseca, S.P.; Reed, N.E.

1996-12-31

The Remote Teaching Assistant (RTA) software currently under development at UC Davis allows students and Teaching Assistants (TA`s) to interact through multimedia communication via the Internet. To resolve the problem of TA unavailability and limited knowledge, an Expert Teaching Assistant (ETA) module is being developed. When TA`s are not on-line, students in need of help consult ETA. The focus of this research is the development and integration of ETA with RTA, the establishment of an architecture suitable for use with education (the domain) in any sub-domain (course), and the creation of a mechanism usable by non-technical personnel to maintain knowledgemore » bases.« less

RNA interference: ready to silence cancer?

PubMed

Mocellin, Simone; Costa, Rodolfo; Nitti, Donato

2006-01-01

RNA interference (RNAi) is considered the most promising functional genomics tool recently developed. As in other medical fields, this biotechnology might revolutionize the approach to dissecting the biology of cancer, ultimately speeding up the discovery pace of novel targets suitable for molecularly tailored antitumor therapies. In addition, preclinical results suggest that RNAi itself might be used as a therapeutic weapon. With the aim of illustrating not only the potentials but also the current limitations of RNAi as a tool in the fight against cancer, here we summarize the physiology of RNAi, discuss the main technical issues of RNAi-based gene silencing, and review some of the most interesting preclinical results obtained so far with its implementation in the field of oncology.

The NASA Hydrogen Energy Systems Technology study - A summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laumann, E. A.

1976-01-01

This study is concerned with: hydrogen use, alternatives and comparisons, hydrogen production, factors affecting application, and technology requirements. Two scenarios for future use are explained. One is called the reference hydrogen use scenario and assumes continued historic uses of hydrogen along with additional use for coal gasification and liquefaction, consistent with the Ford technical fix baseline (1974) projection. The expanded scenario relies on the nuclear electric economy (1973) energy projection and assumes the addition of limited new uses such as experimental hydrogen-fueled aircraft, some mixing with natural gas, and energy storage by utilities. Current uses and supply of hydrogen are described, and the technological requirements for developing new methods of hydrogen production are discussed.

PEPSI-feed: linking PEPSI to the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope using a 450m long fibre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sablowski, D. P.; Weber, M.; Woche, M.; Ilyin, I.; Järvinen, A.; Strassmeier, K. G.; Gabor, P.

2016-07-01

Limited observing time at large telescopes equipped with the most powerful spectrographs makes it almost impossible to gain long and well-sampled time-series observations. Ditto, high-time-resolution observations of bright targets with high signal-to-noise are rare. By pulling an optical fibre of 450m length from the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) to the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) to connect the Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument (PEPSI) to the VATT, allows for ultra-high resolution time-series measurements of bright targets. This article presents the fibre-link in detail from the technical point-of-view, demonstrates its performance from first observations, and sketches current applications.

Individualized radiotherapy by combining high-end irradiation and magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Combs, Stephanie E; Nüsslin, Fridtjof; Wilkens, Jan J

2016-04-01

Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) has been integrated into daily clinical routine and can today be considered the standard especially with high-dose radiotherapy. Currently imaging is based on MV- or kV-CT, which has clear limitations especially in soft-tissue contrast. Thus, combination of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and high-end radiotherapy opens a new horizon. The intricate technical properties of MR imagers pose a challenge to technology when combined with radiation technology. Several solutions that are almost ready for routine clinical application have been developed. The clinical questions include dose-escalation strategies, monitoring of changes during treatment as well as imaging without additional radiation exposure during treatment.

Technical and physical determinants of soccer match-play performance in elite youth soccer players.

PubMed

Rowat, Owain; Fenner, Jonathan; Unnithan, Viswanath

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether physical performance characteristics could be a better predictor than technical skills in determining the technical level of county soccer players in a match situation. With institutional ethics approval, 25 male youth soccer players aged 16-18.5 years from a professional soccer academy in South East Asia were selected and height and body mass were recorded. Players were tested for sexual maturity (pubertal development scale [PDS] self-assessment), aerobic capacity (yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 [YYIR1]), repeated sprint ability (7 x 35 m sprints) acceleration (15 m sprint) and four soccer skills tests (dribble with pass, dribbling speed, passing and shooting accuracy). Players' technical ability during match play was assessed in small-sided games of soccer (5 v 5) using a novel game technical scoring chart (scoring chart completed by coaches to assess technical performance in a match situation) developed from criteria (e.g., first touch, dribbling and two footedness) used by youth soccer coaches for talent identification. A Spearman's rank correlation showed the YYIR1 test and 15 m sprint test were limited in predicting technical match performance (r=0.03, P=0.88, r=-0.23, P=0.32 respectively). A Pearson product moment correlation showed that the repeated sprint test was also limited in predicting technical match performance (r=-0.34, P=0.14). A dribbling skill with a pass was found to be the best determinant of a player's technical ability in a match (r=-0.57, P=0.00). Talent identification and selection programs in Asian youth soccer should include a dribbling skill performed with a pass.

The impact of nontechnical skills on technical performance in surgery: a systematic review.

PubMed

Hull, Louise; Arora, Sonal; Aggarwal, Rajesh; Darzi, Ara; Vincent, Charles; Sevdalis, Nick

2012-02-01

Failures in nontechnical and teamwork skills frequently lie at the heart of harm and near-misses in the operating room (OR). The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the impact of nontechnical skills on technical performance in surgery. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO databases were searched, and 2,041 articles were identified. After limits were applied, 341 articles were retrieved for evaluation. Of these, 28 articles were accepted for this review. Data were extracted from the articles regarding sample population, study design and setting, measures of nontechnical skills and technical performance, study findings, and limitations. Of the 28 articles that met inclusion criteria, 21 articles assessed the impact of surgeons' nontechnical skills on their technical performance. The evidence suggests that receiving feedback and effectively coping with stressful events in the OR has a beneficial impact on certain aspects of technical performance. Conversely, increased levels of fatigue are associated with detriments to surgical skill. One article assessed the impact of anesthesiologists' nontechnical skills on anesthetic technical performance, finding a strong positive correlation between the 2 skill sets. Finally, 6 articles assessed the impact of multiple nontechnical skills of the entire OR team on surgical performance. A strong relationship between teamwork failure and technical error was empirically demonstrated in these studies. Evidence suggests that certain nontechnical aspects of performance can enhance or, if lacking, contribute to deterioration of surgeons' technical performance. The precise extent of this effect remains to be elucidated. Copyright © 2012 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

48 CFR 227.7103-7 - Use and non-disclosure agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... recipient shall not, for example, enhance, decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer the software; time... (b) of this subsection, technical data or computer software delivered to the Government with..., display, or disclose technical data subject to limited rights or computer software subject to restricted...

48 CFR 227.7103-7 - Use and non-disclosure agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... recipient shall not, for example, enhance, decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer the software; time... (b) of this subsection, technical data or computer software delivered to the Government with..., display, or disclose technical data subject to limited rights or computer software subject to restricted...

48 CFR 227.7103-7 - Use and non-disclosure agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... recipient shall not, for example, enhance, decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer the software; time... (b) of this subsection, technical data or computer software delivered to the Government with..., display, or disclose technical data subject to limited rights or computer software subject to restricted...

48 CFR 227.7103-7 - Use and non-disclosure agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... recipient shall not, for example, enhance, decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer the software; time... (b) of this subsection, technical data or computer software delivered to the Government with..., display, or disclose technical data subject to limited rights or computer software subject to restricted...

The potential for land sparing to offset greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamb, Anthony; Green, Rhys; Bateman, Ian; Broadmeadow, Mark; Bruce, Toby; Burney, Jennifer; Carey, Pete; Chadwick, David; Crane, Ellie; Field, Rob; Goulding, Keith; Griffiths, Howard; Hastings, Astley; Kasoar, Tim; Kindred, Daniel; Phalan, Ben; Pickett, John; Smith, Pete; Wall, Eileen; Zu Ermgassen, Erasmus K. H. J.; Balmford, Andrew

2016-05-01

Greenhouse gas emissions from global agriculture are increasing at around 1% per annum, yet substantial cuts in emissions are needed across all sectors. The challenge of reducing agricultural emissions is particularly acute, because the reductions achievable by changing farming practices are limited and are hampered by rapidly rising food demand. Here we assess the technical mitigation potential offered by land sparing--increasing agricultural yields, reducing farmland area and actively restoring natural habitats on the land spared. Restored habitats can sequester carbon and can offset emissions from agriculture. Using the UK as an example, we estimate net emissions in 2050 under a range of future agricultural scenarios. We find that a land-sparing strategy has the technical potential to achieve significant reductions in net emissions from agriculture and land-use change. Coupling land sparing with demand-side strategies to reduce meat consumption and food waste can further increase the technical mitigation potential--however, economic and implementation considerations might limit the degree to which this technical potential could be realized in practice.

7 CFR 1944.407 - Limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) HOUSING Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants § 1944.407 Limitations. The amount of... typical needed repairs, and the cost savings between self-help and contractor rehabilitation and repair...

49 CFR 130.5 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Copies may be.... Maximum extent practicable means the limits of available technology and the practical and technical limits...

49 CFR 130.5 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Copies may be.... Maximum extent practicable means the limits of available technology and the practical and technical limits...

77 FR 30516 - Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical Institutions Program; Final Waivers and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-23

...For 60-month projects funded in fiscal year (FY) 2007 under the Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical Institutions Program (TCPCTIP), the Secretary waives 34 CFR 75.250 and 75.261(c)(2) in order to extend the project period of these current TCPCTIP grantees through FY 2013, or longer, if Congress continues to appropriate funds under the existing TCPCTIP program authority. This action will enable the two current TCPCTIP grantees to seek continuation awards in FY 2012 for their current projects, and we will not announce a new TCPCTIP competition in FY 2012.

Marketing information: The technical report as product

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoher, F. F.; Pinelli, T. E.

1981-01-01

Technical reports constitute a product, the primary means for communicating the results of research to the user. The Langley scientific and technical information (STI) review and evaluation project undertook a review of the technical report as an effective product for information communication. Style manuals describing theory and practice in technical report preparation; publication manuals covering such factors as design, layout, and type style; and copies of technical reports were obtained from industrial, academic, governmental, and research organizations. Based on an analysis of this material, criteria will be established for the report components, for the relationship of the components within the report context, and for the overall report organization. The criteria will be used as bench marks and compared with the publication standards currently used to prepare NASA technical reports.

Rationale for a Threshold Limit Value (TLV)R for JP-4/Jet B Wide Cut Aviation Turbine Fuel.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-01

Additional copies may be purchased from: National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, Virginia 22161 Government agencies...Cameron Station Alexandria, Virginia 22314 This report has been reviewed by the Public Affairs Office and is releasable to the National Technical...Information Service (NTIS). At NTIS, it will be available to the general public, including foreign nations . This technical report has been reviewed and is

Domestic wastewater treatment with purple phototrophic bacteria using a novel continuous photo anaerobic membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Hülsen, Tim; Barry, Edward M; Lu, Yang; Puyol, Daniel; Keller, Jürg; Batstone, Damien J

2016-09-01

A key future challenge of domestic wastewater treatment is nutrient recovery while still achieving acceptable discharge limits. Nutrient partitioning using purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) has the potential to biologically concentrate nutrients through growth. This study evaluates the use of PPB in a continuous photo-anaerobic membrane bioreactor (PAnMBR) for simultaneous organics and nutrient removal from domestic wastewater. This process could continuously treat domestic wastewater to discharge limits (<50 mgCOD L(-1), 5 mgN L(-1), 1.0 mgP L(-1)). Approximately 6.4 ± 1.3 gNH4-N and 1.1 ± 0.2 gPO4-P for every 100 gSCOD were removed at a hydraulic retention time of 8-24 h and volumetric loading rates of 0.8-2.5 COD kg m(3) d(-1). Thus, a minimum of 200 mg L(-1) of ethanol (to provide soluble COD) was required to achieve these discharge limits. Microbial community through sequencing indicated dominance of >60% of PPB, though the PPB community was highly variable. The outcomes from the current work demonstrate the potential of PPB for continuous domestic (and possibly industrial) wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery. Technical challenges include the in situ COD supply in a continuous reactor system, as well as efficient light delivery. Addition of external (agricultural or fossil) derived organics is not financially nor environmentally justified, and carbon needs to be sourced internally from the biomass itself to enable this technology. Reduced energy consumption for lighting is technically feasible, and needs to be addressed as a key objective in scaleup. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Should Dental Schools Train Dentists to Routinely Provide Limited Preventive Primary Medical Care? Two Viewpoints: Viewpoint 1: Dentists Should Be Trained to Routinely Provide Limited Preventive Primary Care and Viewpoint 2: Dentists Should Be Trained in Primary Care Medicine to Enable Comprehensive Patient Management Within Their Scope of Practice.

PubMed

Giddon, Donald B; Donoff, R Bruce; Edwards, Paul C; Goldblatt, Lawrence I

2017-05-01

This Point/Counterpoint acknowledges the transformation of dental practice from a predominantly technically based profession with primary emphasis on restoration of the tooth and its supporting structures to that of a more medically based specialty focusing on the oral and maxillofacial complex. While both viewpoints accept the importance of this transformation, they differ on the ultimate desired outcome and how changes should be implemented during training of dentists as oral health professionals. Viewpoint 1 argues that, in response to a shortage of both primary care providers and access to affordable oral health care, dentists need to be able and willing to provide limited preventive primary care (LPPC), and dental educators should develop and implement training models to prepare them. Among changes proposed are consideration of three types of practitioners: oral physicians with sufficient training to provide LPPC; dentists with excellent technical proficiency but minimal medical and surgical training; and mid-level providers to provide simple restorative and uncomplicated surgical care. Viewpoint 2 argues that the objective of dentists' education in primary care medicine is to help them safely and effectively provide all aspects of oral health care, including appropriate preventive medical care, that already fall within their scope of knowledge and practice. Dental educators should encourage students to use this knowledge to take full ownership of non-tooth-related pathologic conditions of the oral and maxillofacial complex not currently managed in the dental setting, but encouraging graduates to expand into non-dental LPPC outside the recognized scope of practice will only further exacerbate fragmentation of care.

Iliocapsularis: Technical application of fine-wire electromyography, and direction specific action during maximum voluntary isometric contractions.

PubMed

Lawrenson, Peter; Grimaldi, Alison; Crossley, Kay; Hodges, Paul; Vicenzino, Bill; Semciw, Adam Ivan

2017-05-01

The iliocapsularis muscle of the anterior hip may play an important role in hip function, but no electromyographic (EMG) recordings have been made. This muscle provides the most substantial muscular attachment to the anterior hip capsule and is hypothesised to have a dynamic role to limit capsular impingement and to augment joint stability. Current understanding of the function of iliocapsularis is based on limited cadaveric and radiographic studies. Located deep over the hip joint it would require intramuscular fine-wire EMG to evaluate its activity directly with limited cross-talk from overlying muscles. The primary aim of this study was to describe a new technique for insertion of intramuscular EMG electrodes into iliocapsularis and to report its activation during different directions of hip maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Fifteen healthy volunteers (10M, mean age (SD) 22 (2) years) who were free from hip pain were recruited for electrode insertion and to perform MVIC's in six directions at 0° and three directions at 90° of hip flexion. Intramuscular electrodes were successfully inserted into the iliocapsularis muscle with guidance from real-time ultrasound imaging. The greatest muscle activity occurred during resisted hip flexion at 90° (Median (IQR); 100.0 (1.2) % MVIC) and lowest activity during hip extension, 0° (0.5 (0.3) % MVIC). These findings have implications for our understanding of iliocapsularis' functional role. This paper provides the first report of intramuscular electrode insertion into iliocapsularis with guided technical instructions for future EMG investigations in other populations and tasks. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from on-road vehicles in Midwestern USA States and integrated approach to achieving environmental sustainability in transportation : USDOT Region V Regional University Transportation Center final report : technical su

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-12-29

Two project objectives one technical and one educational- were laid out in this project. The technical objective was to assess current inventory of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the six Midwestern states of the nation and to estimate improvements as ...

Technical Support Project for Cleaning Up Contaminated Sites - Expertise Directory

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This directory is searchable and provides a snapshot of the various types of expertise possessed by the current members of the three Technical Support Project forums. It is based on input provided by the members themselves.

47 CFR 27.55 - Power strength limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Power strength limits. 27.55 Section 27.55... COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Technical Standards § 27.55 Power strength limits. (a) Field strength limits. For the following bands, the predicted or measured median field strength at any location on the geographical border...

Occupational-Technical Curriculum Development TV Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McClure, Lyndon

Section I of this report provides a brief review of various experiments and studies conducted in the United States and abroad on the effectiveness of televised occupational-technical courses. Issues discussed include the packaging of televised instruction; the need for preproduction testing; the limitations of television teaching; teacher and…

Engineering Technical Support Center Annual Report Fiscal Year 2014; Technical Support and Innovative Research for Contaminated Sites

EPA Science Inventory

This report highlights significant projects that the ETSC has supported throughout fiscal year 2014. Projects have addressed an array of environmental scenarios, including but not limited to remote mining contamination, expansive landfill waste, sediment remediation by capping, ...

75 FR 69986 - Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-16

..., technical experts, and members of the public through a public meeting and written submissions. Following the... request for input to gather technical expertise pertaining to the U.S. Catalog of Federal Domestic...-literacy skills, reading, and writing, for students from birth through grade 12, including limited-English...

NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. Paper 29: The US government technical report and the transfer of federally funded aerospace R and D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinelli, Thomas E.; Barclay, Rebecca O.; Kennedy, John M.

1993-01-01

This article discusses the U.S. government technical report and the transfer of federally funded aerospace research and development in a conceptual framework of the federal government as a producer of scientific and technical information. The article summarizes current literature and research and discusses U.S. government technical report use and the importance of using data obtained from the NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. The authors make a case for changing existing U.S. technology policy and present a research agenda for the U.S. government technical report.

Uganda's National Transmission Backbone Infrastructure Project: Technical Challenges and the Way Forward

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulega, T.; Kyeyune, A.; Onek, P.; Sseguya, R.; Mbabazi, D.; Katwiremu, E.

2011-10-01

Several publications have identified technical challenges facing Uganda's National Transmission Backbone Infrastructure project. This research addresses the technical limitations of the National Transmission Backbone Infrastructure project, evaluates the goals of the project, and compares the results against the technical capability of the backbone. The findings of the study indicate a bandwidth deficit, which will be addressed by using dense wave division multiplexing repeaters, leasing bandwidth from private companies. Microwave links for redundancy, a Network Operation Center for operation and maintenance, and deployment of wireless interoperability for microwave access as a last-mile solution are also suggested.

Estimate of potential benefit for Europe of fitting Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems for pedestrian protection to passenger cars.

PubMed

Edwards, Mervyn; Nathanson, Andrew; Wisch, Marcus

2014-01-01

The objective of the current study was to estimate the benefit for Europe of fitting precrash braking systems to cars that detect pedestrians and autonomously brake the car to prevent or lower the speed of the impact with the pedestrian. The analysis was divided into 2 main parts: (1) Develop and apply methodology to estimate benefit for Great Britain and Germany; (2) scale Great Britain and German results to give an indicative estimate for Europe (EU27). The calculation methodology developed to estimate the benefit was based on 2 main steps: 1. Calculate the change in the impact speed distribution curve for pedestrian casualties hit by the fronts of cars assuming pedestrian autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system fitment. 2. From this, calculate the change in the number of fatally, seriously, and slightly injured casualties by using the relationship between risk of injury and the casualty impact speed distribution to sum the resulting risks for each individual casualty. The methodology was applied to Great Britain and German data for 3 types of pedestrian AEB systems representative of (1) currently available systems; (2) future systems with improved performance, which are expected to be available in the next 2-3 years; and (3) reference limit system, which has the best performance currently thought to be technically feasible. Nominal benefits estimated for Great Britain ranged from £119 million to £385 million annually and for Germany from €63 million to €216 million annually depending on the type of AEB system assumed fitted. Sensitivity calculations showed that the benefit estimated could vary from about half to twice the nominal estimate, depending on factors such as whether or not the system would function at night and the road friction assumed. Based on scaling of estimates made for Great Britain and Germany, the nominal benefit of implementing pedestrian AEB systems on all cars in Europe was estimated to range from about €1 billion per year for current generation AEB systems to about €3.5 billion for a reference limit system (i.e., best performance thought technically feasible at present). Dividing these values by the number of new passenger cars registered in Europe per year gives an indication that the cost of a system per car should be less than ∼€80 to ∼€280 for it to be cost effective. The potential benefit of fitting AEB systems to cars in Europe for pedestrian protection has been estimated and the results interpreted to indicate the upper limit of cost for a system to allow it to be cost effective.

Solid Waste Program technical baseline description

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

Carlson, A.B.

1994-07-01

The system engineering approach has been taken to describe the technical baseline under which the Solid Waste Program is currently operating. The document contains a mission analysis, function analysis, system definition, documentation requirements, facility and project bases, and uncertainties facing the program.

Technical Guidance for Hazardous Analysis, Emergency Planning for Extremely Hazardous Substances

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This current guide supplements NRT-1 by providing technical assistance to LEPCs to assess the lethal hazards related to potential airborne releases of extremely hazardous substances (EHSs) as designated under Section 302 of Title Ill of SARA.

STATUS OF SO2 SCRUBBING TECHNOLOGIES

EPA Science Inventory

The paper presents the extent of current sulfur dioxide (SO2) scrubber applications on electricity generating units in the U.S. and abroad. The technical performance of recent SO2 scrubber installations is discussed. Recently reported technical innovations to SO2 scrubbing tech...

Edwin I. Hatch nuclear plant implementation of improved technical specifications

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

Mahler, S.R.; Pendry, D.

1994-12-31

Edwin I. Hatch nuclear plant consists of two General Electric boiling water reactor/4 units, with a common control room and a common refueling floor. In March 1993, Hatch began conversion of both units` technical specifications utilizing NUREG 1433. The technical specifications amendment request was submitted February 25, 1994. Issuance is scheduled for October 21, 1994, with implementation on March 15, 1994. The current unit-1 technical specifications are in the {open_quotes}custom{close_quotes} format, and the unit-2 technical specifications are in the old standard format. Hatch previously relocated the fire protection and radiological technical specifications requirements. The Hatch conversion will provide consistency betweenmore » the two units, to the extent practicable.« less

47 CFR 87.139 - Emission limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Emission limitations. 87.139 Section 87.139 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES AVIATION SERVICES Technical Requirements § 87.139 Emission limitations. (a) Except for ELTs and when using single sideband...

47 CFR 101.111 - Emission limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Emission limitations. 101.111 Section 101.111 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Technical Standards § 101.111 Emission limitations. (a) The mean power of emissions must be...

47 CFR 101.111 - Emission limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Emission limitations. 101.111 Section 101.111 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Technical Standards § 101.111 Emission limitations. (a) The mean power of emissions must be...

47 CFR 101.111 - Emission limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Emission limitations. 101.111 Section 101.111 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Technical Standards § 101.111 Emission limitations. (a) The mean power of emissions must be...

47 CFR 101.111 - Emission limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Emission limitations. 101.111 Section 101.111 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Technical Standards § 101.111 Emission limitations. (a) The mean power of emissions must be...

Review: Semen sexing - current state of the art with emphasis on bovine species.

PubMed

Vishwanath, R; Moreno, J F

2018-06-01

It is approaching three decades since the first public evidence of sex-sorting of semen. The technology has progressed considerably since then with a number of institutions and researchers collaborating to eventually bring this to application. The technical challenges have been quite substantial and in the early years the application was limited to only heifer inseminations. Comparable fertility of sex-sorted semen with conventional semen has been an aspirational benchmark for the industry for many years. Significant investment in research in the primary biology of sex-sorted sperm and associated sorting equipment ensured steady progress over the years and current methods particularly the new SexedULTRA-4M™ seems to have now mostly bridged this fertility gap. The dairy and beef industry have adopted this technology quite rapidly. Other animal industries are progressively testing it for application in their specific niches and environments. The current state of the art in the fundamentals of sex-sorting, the biology of the process as well as new developments in machinery are described in this review.

Emerging Patterns for Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment: A Review of Fate and Toxicity Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garner, K.; Keller, A. A.

2014-12-01

The technical complexity of measuring ENM fate and transport processes in all environments necessitates identifying trends in these same processes. As part of our research, we collected emerging information on the environmental fate and toxicity of many ENMs and investigated transportation and transformation processes in air, water, and soil. Generally, studies suggest that (i) ENMs will have limited transport in the atmosphere, because they settle rapidly; (ii) ENMs are more stable in freshwater and stormwater than in seawater or groundwater primarily due to variations in ionic strength and the presence of natural organic matter; and (iii) in soil, the fate of ENMs strongly depends on the size of the ENM aggregates and groundwater chemistry, as well as pore and soil particle size. Emerging patterns regarding ENM fate, transport, and exposure combined with emerging information on toxicity indicate the risk is low for most ENMs although current exposure estimates compared with current data on toxicity indicate that at current production and release levels, exposure to Ag, nZVI, and ZnO may cause a toxic response to freshwater and marine species.

Smart-device environmental control systems: experiences of people with cervical spinal cord injuries.

PubMed

Hooper, Bethany; Verdonck, Michele; Amsters, Delena; Myburg, Michelle; Allan, Emily

2017-09-06

Environmental control systems (ECS) are devices that enable people with severe physical limitations to independently control household appliances. Recent advancements in the area of environmental control technology have led to the development of ECS that can be controlled through mainstream smart-devices. There is limited research on ECS within Australia and no known research addressing smart-device ECS. The current study sought to explore users' experiences with smart-device ECS within Australia. The study followed a single embedded case study method. Participants (n = 5) were existing ECS users with a cervical spinal cord injury. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants, reflexive journals and field notes. An inductive approach was used to analyze the data thematically. The experience of using a smart-device ECS presented both opportunities and costs to users. The opportunities included: independent control, choice, peace of mind, connection, effective resource use, and control over smart-phone functions and applications. The associated costs included: financial, time, frustration, and technical limitations. While findings are similar to previous research into traditional ECS this study indicates that smart-device ECS also offered a new opportunity for users to access mainstream smart-device functions and applications. Future research should investigate methods and resources that practitioners could utilize to better support new users of smart-device ECS. Implications for Rehabilitation As with traditional environmental control systems, users of smart environmental control systems report increased independence, choice and control. Smart-device environmental control systems provide users with access to mainstream smart-device functions and applications, which facilitate connection to family and the outside world. The costs to the user of smart-device environmental control systems include monetary and time investment, dealing with technical limitations and resulting frustration. Prescribers and installers must consider ways to mitigate these costs experienced by users.

High Performance Asynchronous Limited Sensing Algorithms for CSMA and CSMA-CD Channels.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

for CSM and CSMA-CD Channels" M. Geargiopoulos L. Merakos P. Papantoni-Kazakos- Technical Report UCT/ DEECS /TR-85-2 Mrh1985 iDISTRIBUTION STAEmEN 2j C...Perforance Asynchronous Limited Sensing Algoit~5 forCSMAandCSMA-CD Channels" M1. Georgiop0 ul 0 5 L. Merakos P. PaPantoni-.Kazakos Technical Report UCT/ DEECS ...SCHEDULE unlimited. 4 PERFORMING ORGANiZATION REPORT NUMBERIS) 5. MONITORING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBERIS" UCT/ DEECS /TR-85-2 SR-TR. 85-0 398 6& NAME OF

Current Challenges in Health Economic Modeling of Cancer Therapies: A Research Inquiry

PubMed Central

Miller, Jeffrey D.; Foley, Kathleen A.; Russell, Mason W.

2014-01-01

Background The demand for economic models that evaluate cancer treatments is increasing, as healthcare decision makers struggle for ways to manage their budgets while providing the best care possible to patients with cancer. Yet, after nearly 2 decades of cultivating and refining techniques for modeling the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of cancer therapies, serious methodologic and policy challenges have emerged that question the adequacy of economic modeling as a sound decision-making tool in oncology. Objectives We sought to explore some of the contentious issues associated with the development and use of oncology economic models as informative tools in current healthcare decision-making. Our objective was to draw attention to these complex pharmacoeconomic concerns and to promote discussion within the oncology and health economics research communities. Methods Using our combined expertise in health economics research and economic modeling, we structured our inquiry around the following 4 questions: (1) Are economic models adequately addressing questions relevant to oncology decision makers; (2) What are the methodologic limitations of oncology economic models; (3) What guidelines are followed for developing oncology economic models; and (4) Is the evolution of oncology economic modeling keeping pace with treatment innovation? Within the context of each of these questions, we discuss issues related to the technical limitations of oncology modeling, the availability of adequate data for developing models, and the problems with how modeling analyses and results are presented and interpreted. Discussion There is general acceptance that economic models are good, essential tools for decision-making, but the practice of oncology and its rapidly evolving technologies present unique challenges that make assessing and demonstrating value especially complex. There is wide latitude for improvement in oncology modeling methodologies and how model results are presented and interpreted. Conclusion Complex technical and data availability issues with oncology economic modeling pose serious concerns that need to be addressed. It is our hope that this article will provide a framework to guide future discourse on this important topic. PMID:24991399

Current challenges in health economic modeling of cancer therapies: a research inquiry.

PubMed

Miller, Jeffrey D; Foley, Kathleen A; Russell, Mason W

2014-05-01

The demand for economic models that evaluate cancer treatments is increasing, as healthcare decision makers struggle for ways to manage their budgets while providing the best care possible to patients with cancer. Yet, after nearly 2 decades of cultivating and refining techniques for modeling the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of cancer therapies, serious methodologic and policy challenges have emerged that question the adequacy of economic modeling as a sound decision-making tool in oncology. We sought to explore some of the contentious issues associated with the development and use of oncology economic models as informative tools in current healthcare decision-making. Our objective was to draw attention to these complex pharmacoeconomic concerns and to promote discussion within the oncology and health economics research communities. Using our combined expertise in health economics research and economic modeling, we structured our inquiry around the following 4 questions: (1) Are economic models adequately addressing questions relevant to oncology decision makers; (2) What are the methodologic limitations of oncology economic models; (3) What guidelines are followed for developing oncology economic models; and (4) Is the evolution of oncology economic modeling keeping pace with treatment innovation? Within the context of each of these questions, we discuss issues related to the technical limitations of oncology modeling, the availability of adequate data for developing models, and the problems with how modeling analyses and results are presented and interpreted. There is general acceptance that economic models are good, essential tools for decision-making, but the practice of oncology and its rapidly evolving technologies present unique challenges that make assessing and demonstrating value especially complex. There is wide latitude for improvement in oncology modeling methodologies and how model results are presented and interpreted. Complex technical and data availability issues with oncology economic modeling pose serious concerns that need to be addressed. It is our hope that this article will provide a framework to guide future discourse on this important topic.

Scanning fast and slow: current limitations of 3 Tesla functional MRI and future potential

PubMed Central

Boubela, Roland N.; Kalcher, Klaudius; Nasel, Christian; Moser, Ewald

2017-01-01

Functional MRI at 3T has become a workhorse for the neurosciences, e.g., neurology, psychology, and psychiatry, enabling non-invasive investigation of brain function and connectivity. However, BOLD-based fMRI is a rather indirect measure of brain function, confounded by physiology related signals, e.g., head or brain motion, brain pulsation, blood flow, intermixed with susceptibility differences close or distant to the region of neuronal activity. Even though a plethora of preprocessing strategies have been published to address these confounds, their efficiency is still under discussion. In particular, physiological signal fluctuations closely related to brain supply may mask BOLD signal changes related to “true” neuronal activation. Here we explore recent technical and methodological advancements aimed at disentangling the various components, employing fast multiband vs. standard EPI, in combination with fast temporal ICA. Our preliminary results indicate that fast (TR <0.5 s) scanning may help to identify and eliminate physiologic components, increasing tSNR and functional contrast. In addition, biological variability can be studied and task performance better correlated to other measures. This should increase specificity and reliability in fMRI studies. Furthermore, physiological signal changes during scanning may then be recognized as a source of information rather than a nuisance. As we are currently still undersampling the complexity of the brain, even at a rather coarse macroscopic level, we should be very cautious in the interpretation of neuroscientific findings, in particular when comparing different groups (e.g., age, sex, medication, pathology, etc.). From a technical point of view our goal should be to sample brain activity at layer specific resolution with low TR, covering as much of the brain as possible without violating SAR limits. We hope to stimulate discussion toward a better understanding and a more quantitative use of fMRI. PMID:28164083

Beyond MOS and fibers: Optical Fourier-transform Imaging Unit for Cananea Observatory (OFIUCO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nieto-Suárez, M. A.; Rosales-Ortega, F. F.; Castillo, E.; García, P.; Escobedo, G.; Sánchez, S. F.; González, J.; Iglesias-Páramo, J.; Mollá, M.; Chávez, M.; Bertone, E.; et al.

2017-11-01

Many physical processes in astronomy are still hampered by the lack of spatial and spectral resolution, and also restricted to the field-of-view (FoV) of current 2D spectroscopy instruments available worldwide. It is due to that, many of the ongoing or proposed studies are based on large-scale imaging and/or spectroscopic surveys. Under this philosophy, large aperture telescopes are dedicated to the study of intrinsically faint and/or distance objects, covering small FoVs, with high spatial resolution, while smaller telescopes are devoted to wide-field explorations. However, future astronomical surveys, should be addressed by acquiring un-biases, spatially resolved, high-quality spectroscopic information for a wide FoV. Therefore, and in order to improve the current instrumental offer in the Observatorio Astrofísico Guillermo Haro (OAGH) in Cananea, Mexico (INAOE); and to explore a possible instrument for the future Telescopio San Pedro Mártir (6.5m), we are currently integrating at INAOE an instrument prototype that will provide us with un-biased wide-field (few arcmin) spectroscopic information, and with the flexibility of operating at different spectral resolutions (R 1-20000), with a spatial resolution limited by seeing, and therefore, to be used in a wide range of astronomical problems. This instrument called OFIUCO: Optical Fourier-transform Imaging Unit for Cananea Observatory, will make use of the Fourier Transform Spectroscopic technique, which has been proved to be feasible in the optical wavelength range (350-1000 nm) with designs such as SITELLE (CFHT). We describe here the basic technical description of a Fourier transform spectrograph with important modifications from previous astronomical versions, as well as the technical advantages and weakness, and the science cases in which this instrument can be implemented.

Patients' and families' perspectives of patient safety at the end of life: a video-reflexive ethnography study.

PubMed

Collier, Aileen; Sorensen, Ros; Iedema, Rick

2016-02-01

The aim of this study was to investigate patients' and families' perspectives of safety and quality in the setting of a life-limiting illness. Data reported here were generated from a qualitative study using video-reflexive ethnographic methodology. Data were collected over 18 months and generated through participant observation, shadowing of clinicians, field-interviews and semi-structured interviews with patients and families. The study was conducted at two hospital sites in Sydney, Australia and in patients' homes. Patients with an advanced life-limiting illness (n = 29) ranging in age between 27 and 89 years and family members (n = 5) participated in the study. Patient safety remains important to dying patients and families. For dying people, iatrogenic harm is not regarded as 'one off' incidents. Rather, harm is experienced as a result of an unfolding series of negative events. Critically, iatrogenic harm is emotional, social and spiritual and not solely technical-clinical misadventure and is inextricably linked with feeling unsafe. Thus, patient safety extends beyond narrowly defined technical-clinical parameters to include interpersonal safety. Current approaches to patient safety do not address fully the needs of dying patients and their families. Patients and their families regard poor communication with and by health professionals to be harmful in and of itself. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care; all rights reserved.

Deployment Area Selection and Land Withdrawal/Acquisition. M-X/MPS (M-X/Multiple Protective Shelter) Environmental Technical Report. Nye County, Nevada.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-02

captures the environ- mental data and analysis in the document that was nearing com- pletion when the President decided to deploy the system in a...environmental technical " data from the Congress, federal agencies and the states involved, we have published limited copies of the document for their use...Land Withdrawal/Acquisition Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and its associated Environmental Technical Reports (ETRs). The data tables

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Technical considerations and an update

PubMed Central

Dominguez-Escrig, Jose L; Vasdev, Nikhil; O’Riordon, Anna; Soomro, Naeem

2011-01-01

The widespread use of radiological imaging (ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) has resulted in a steady increase in the incidental diagnosis of small renal masses. While open partial nephrectomy (OPN) remains the reference standard for the management of small renal masses, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) continues to evolve. LPN is currently advocated to be at par with OPN oncologically. The steep learning curve and technical demand of LPN make it challenging to establish this as a new procedure. We present a detailed up-to-date review on the previous, current and planned technical considerations for the use of LPN, highlighting important surgical techniques, including single-port and robotic surgery, techniques on improving intra-operative haemostasis and the management of complications specific to LPN. PMID:22022109

The Interactive Electronic Technical Manual: Requirements, Current Status, and Implementation. Strategy Considerations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-07-01

authoring systems. Concurrently, great strides in computer-aided design and computer-aided maintenance have contributed to this capability. 12 Junod ...J.; William A. Nugent; and L. John Junod . Plan for the Navy/Air Force Test of the Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) at Cecil Field...AFHRL Logistics and Human Factors Division, WPAFB. Aug 1990. 12. Junod , John L. PY90 Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) Portable Delivery

Technical Trend of Environment-friendly High Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okubo, Hitoshi

Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCBs) have widely been used for low and medium voltage level, because of their high current interruption performance, maintenance free operations and environment-friendly characteristics. The VCB is now going to be applied to higher voltage systems for transmission and substation use. In this paper, the recent technical trend and future perspectives of high voltage VCBs are described, as well as their technical background.

Transforming South-South technical support to fight noncommunicable diseases.

PubMed

Shakow, Aaron D A; Bukhman, Gene; Adebona, Olumuyiwa; Greene, Jeremy; de Dieu Ngirabega, Jean; Binagwaho, Agnès

2012-03-01

At the UN High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCD) in September 2011, each member state was challenged to create a multisectoral national policy and plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable disease by 2013. Few low-income countries, however, currently have such plans. Their governments are likely to turn for assistance in drafting and implementation to multilateral agencies and Contract Technical Support Organizations recommended by development partners. Yet because many NCD seen in the lowest-income countries differ significantly from those prevalent elsewhere, existing providers of external technical support may lack the necessary experience to support strategic planning for NCD interventions in these settings. This article reviews currently available mechanisms of technical support for health sector planning. It places them in the broader historical context of post- World War II international development assistance and the more recent campaigns for horizontal "South-South" cooperation and aid effectiveness. It proposes bilateral technical assistance by low income-countries themselves as the natural evolution of development assistance in health. Such programs, it argues, may be able to improve the quality of technical support to low-income countries for strategic planning in the NCD area while directing resources to the regions where they are most needed. Copyright © 2012 World Heart Federation (Geneva). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

48 CFR 252.204-7014 - Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Information by Litigation Support Contractors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... Computer software does not include computer data bases or computer software documentation. Litigation... includes technical data and computer software, but does not include information that is lawfully, publicly available without restriction. Technical data means recorded information, regardless of the form or method...

77 FR 66194 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-02

... Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Make Technical Change to SPY Position Limit Pilot Program and Representation Regarding Timing of Submission of Pilot Report October 26, 2012. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of... technical amendment to Interpretation and Policy [[Page 66195

Methodology in Seeking Stakeholder Perceptions of Effective Technical Oral Presentations: An Exploratory Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bhattacharyya, Ena; Patil, Arun; Sargunan, Rajeswary Appacutty

2010-01-01

Engineering communication studies indicate the importance of oral presentations as an indispensable component of workplace oral communication activities; however, since there is limited literature regarding stakeholder perceptions of effective presentation skills and attributes in technical oral presentations or final year engineering project…

24 CFR 570.402 - Technical assistance awards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... (24 CFR part 571); and the Special Purpose Grants for Insular Areas, Community Development Work Study... the assistance is limited to conferences/workshops attended by more than one unit of government. (d... section include: (1) In the case of technical assistance for States, the cost of carrying out the...

24 CFR 570.402 - Technical assistance awards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... (24 CFR part 571); and the Special Purpose Grants for Insular Areas, Community Development Work Study... the assistance is limited to conferences/workshops attended by more than one unit of government. (d... section include: (1) In the case of technical assistance for States, the cost of carrying out the...

24 CFR 570.402 - Technical assistance awards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... (24 CFR part 571); and the Special Purpose Grants for Insular Areas, Community Development Work Study... the assistance is limited to conferences/workshops attended by more than one unit of government. (d... section include: (1) In the case of technical assistance for States, the cost of carrying out the...

Design Software Gives Rocketry a Boost in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Spencer C.

2005-01-01

Building and launching model rockets makes a great activity for a technology education class. A model rocket curriculum provides a valuable tool for improving students' technical skills that includes, but is not limited to, following technical instructions and procedures while learning about aerospace technology. This article describes a way that…

Development of Cooperative Planning for Technical-Vocational Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cisco Junior Coll., TX.

During the past decade vocational-technical education in Texas has grown so rapidly that now attention must be given to enrollments, employment projections, and more efficient utilization of the limited resources available. Cisco and Ranger Junior Colleges serve essentially the same population and a plan for close cooperation and coordination is…

Obstacles and opportunities in the functional analysis of extracellular vesicle RNA – an ISEV position paper

PubMed Central

Mateescu, Bogdan; Kowal, Emma J. K.; van Balkom, Bas W. M.; Bartel, Sabine; Bhattacharyya, Suvendra N.; Buzás, Edit I.; Buck, Amy H.; de Candia, Paola; Chow, Franklin W. N.; Das, Saumya; Driedonks, Tom A. P.; Fernández-Messina, Lola; Haderk, Franziska; Hill, Andrew F.; Jones, Jennifer C.; Van Keuren-Jensen, Kendall R.; Lai, Charles P.; Lässer, Cecilia; Liegro, Italia di; Lunavat, Taral R.; Lorenowicz, Magdalena J.; Maas, Sybren L. N.; Mäger, Imre; Mittelbrunn, Maria; Momma, Stefan; Mukherjee, Kamalika; Nawaz, Muhammed; Pegtel, D. Michiel; Pfaffl, Michael W.; Schiffelers, Raymond M.; Tahara, Hidetoshi; Théry, Clotilde; Tosar, Juan Pablo; Wauben, Marca H. M.; Witwer, Kenneth W.; Nolte-‘t Hoen, Esther N. M.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The release of RNA-containing extracellular vesicles (EV) into the extracellular milieu has been demonstrated in a multitude of different in vitro cell systems and in a variety of body fluids. RNA-containing EV are in the limelight for their capacity to communicate genetically encoded messages to other cells, their suitability as candidate biomarkers for diseases, and their use as therapeutic agents. Although EV-RNA has attracted enormous interest from basic researchers, clinicians, and industry, we currently have limited knowledge on which mechanisms drive and regulate RNA incorporation into EV and on how RNA-encoded messages affect signalling processes in EV-targeted cells. Moreover, EV-RNA research faces various technical challenges, such as standardisation of EV isolation methods, optimisation of methodologies to isolate and characterise minute quantities of RNA found in EV, and development of approaches to demonstrate functional transfer of EV-RNA in vivo. These topics were discussed at the 2015 EV-RNA workshop of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles. This position paper was written by the participants of the workshop not only to give an overview of the current state of knowledge in the field, but also to clarify that our incomplete knowledge – of the nature of EV(-RNA)s and of how to effectively and reliably study them – currently prohibits the implementation of gold standards in EV-RNA research. In addition, this paper creates awareness of possibilities and limitations of currently used strategies to investigate EV-RNA and calls for caution in interpretation of the obtained data. PMID:28326170

New technologies for HWIL testing of WFOV, large-format FPA sensor systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fink, Christopher

2016-05-01

Advancements in FPA density and associated wide-field-of-view infrared sensors (>=4000x4000 detectors) have outpaced the current-art HWIL technology. Whether testing in optical projection or digital signal injection modes, current-art technologies for infrared scene projection, digital injection interfaces, and scene generation systems simply lack the required resolution and bandwidth. For example, the L3 Cincinnati Electronics ultra-high resolution MWIR Camera deployed in some UAV reconnaissance systems features 16MP resolution at 60Hz, while the current upper limit of IR emitter arrays is ~1MP, and single-channel dual-link DVI throughput of COTs graphics cards is limited to 2560x1580 pixels at 60Hz. Moreover, there are significant challenges in real-time, closed-loop, physics-based IR scene generation for large format FPAs, including the size and spatial detail required for very large area terrains, and multi - channel low-latency synchronization to achieve the required bandwidth. In this paper, the author's team presents some of their ongoing research and technical approaches toward HWIL testing of large-format FPAs with wide-FOV optics. One approach presented is a hybrid projection/injection design, where digital signal injection is used to augment the resolution of current-art IRSPs, utilizing a multi-channel, high-fidelity physics-based IR scene simulator in conjunction with a novel image composition hardware unit, to allow projection in the foveal region of the sensor, while non-foveal regions of the sensor array are simultaneously stimulated via direct injection into the post-detector electronics.