Sample records for performance standards established

  1. New Source Performance Standards

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jenkins, Richard E.; McCutchen, Gary D.

    1972-01-01

    This feature article outlines the concept and procedures followed in establishing performance standards for new emission sources and summarizes the standards that have been established to date. Five source catagories are enumerated: fossil fuel-fired steam generators, municipal incinerators, Portland cement plants, nitric acid plants, and sulfuric…

  2. 48 CFR 37.603 - Performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Performance standards. 37... CATEGORIES OF CONTRACTING SERVICE CONTRACTING Performance-Based Acquisition 37.603 Performance standards. (a) Performance standards establish the performance level required by the Government to meet the contract...

  3. 48 CFR 37.603 - Performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Performance standards. 37... CATEGORIES OF CONTRACTING SERVICE CONTRACTING Performance-Based Acquisition 37.603 Performance standards. (a) Performance standards establish the performance level required by the Government to meet the contract...

  4. 48 CFR 37.603 - Performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Performance standards. 37... CATEGORIES OF CONTRACTING SERVICE CONTRACTING Performance-Based Acquisition 37.603 Performance standards. (a) Performance standards establish the performance level required by the Government to meet the contract...

  5. 48 CFR 37.603 - Performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Performance standards. 37... CATEGORIES OF CONTRACTING SERVICE CONTRACTING Performance-Based Acquisition 37.603 Performance standards. (a) Performance standards establish the performance level required by the Government to meet the contract...

  6. 34 CFR 685.402 - Criteria for schools to originate loans.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... severe performance deficiencies for any of the programs under title IV of the Act, including deficiencies... performance standards established by the Secretary, including but not limited to— (A) Eligibility under... fails to meet the criteria and performance standards established by the Secretary, including but not...

  7. 78 FR 21607 - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Partnership Opportunity on a Research...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-11

    ... Performance of Isolation Gowns AGENCY: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the...) International standards development to establish minimum performance requirements for isolation gowns for health... will be recognized as contributing to the establishment of the performance standard. Manufacturers...

  8. U.S. Food safety and Inspection Service testing for Salmonella in selected raw meat and poultry products in the United States, 1998 through 2003: an establishment-level analysis.

    PubMed

    Eblen, Denise R; Barlow, Kristina E; Naugle, Alecia Larew

    2006-11-01

    The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) pathogen reduction-hazard analysis critical control point systems final rule, published in 1996, established Salmonella performance standards for broiler chicken, cow and bull, market hog, and steer and heifer carcasses and for ground beef, chicken, and turkey meat. In 1998, the FSIS began testing to verify that establishments are meeting performance standards. Samples are collected in sets in which the number of samples is defined but varies according to product class. A sample set fails when the number of positive Salmonella samples exceeds the maximum number of positive samples allowed under the performance standard. Salmonella sample sets collected at 1,584 establishments from 1998 through 2003 were examined to identify factors associated with failure of one or more sets. Overall, 1,282 (80.9%) of establishments never had failed sets. In establishments that did experience set failure(s), generally the failed sets were collected early in the establishment testing history, with the exception of broiler establishments where failure(s) occurred both early and late in the course of testing. Small establishments were more likely to have experienced a set failure than were large or very small establishments, and broiler establishments were more likely to have failed than were ground beef, market hog, or steer-heifer establishments. Agency response to failed Salmonella sample sets in the form of in-depth verification reviews and related establishment-initiated corrective actions have likely contributed to declines in the number of establishments that failed sets. A focus on food safety measures in small establishments and broiler processing establishments should further reduce the number of sample sets that fail to meet the Salmonella performance standard.

  9. 20 CFR 632.89 - Performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Performance standards. 632.89 Section 632.89... EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS Program Design and Management § 632.89 Performance standards. The Department of Labor shall establish performance standards for all Native American grantees (section 401(h)(1...

  10. 20 CFR 632.89 - Performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Performance standards. 632.89 Section 632.89... EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS Program Design and Management § 632.89 Performance standards. The Department of Labor shall establish performance standards for all Native American grantees (section 401(h)(1...

  11. 40 CFR 426.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Fiberglass Subcategory § 426.15 Standards of performance for new sources. The following standards of performance establish the quantity or quality of pollutants or pollutant properties which may be discharged by...

  12. 40 CFR 426.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Fiberglass Subcategory § 426.15 Standards of performance for new sources. The following standards of performance establish the quantity or quality of pollutants or pollutant properties which may be discharged by...

  13. 40 CFR 426.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Fiberglass Subcategory § 426.15 Standards of performance for new sources. The following standards of performance establish the quantity or quality of pollutants or pollutant properties which may be discharged by...

  14. 21 CFR 861.7 - Contents of standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... DEVICES PROCEDURES FOR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT General § 861.7 Contents of standards. Any performance standard established under this part will include such provisions as the Food and Drug... address (but need not be limited to): (a) Performance characteristics of the device; (b) The design...

  15. What should DOE do to help establish voluntary consensus standards for measuring and rating the performance of PV modules?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Runkle, L. D.

    1984-01-01

    In response to concern expressed by the photovoltaics community over progress toward the establishment and issuance of concensus standards on photovoltaic performance measurements, a review of the status of and progress in developing these standards was conducted. It examined the roles of manufacturers, and consumers and the national laboratories funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in supporting this effort. This was done by means of a series of discussions with knowledgeable members of the photovoltaic community. Results of these interviews are summarized and a new approach to managing support of standards activity is recommended that responds to specific problems found in the performance measurement standards area. The study concludes that there is a positive role to be played by the U.S. Department of Energy in establishing collector performance measurement standards. It recommends that DOE continue to provide direct financial support for selected committees and for research at national laboratories, and that management of the activity be restructured to increase the authority and responsibility of the consensus committees.

  16. 42 CFR 493.1253 - Standard: Establishment and verification of performance specifications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standard: Establishment and verification of..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS... of test results for the test system. (vi) Reference intervals (normal values). (vii) Any other...

  17. NPRM: Head Start Program Performance Standards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (DHHS), Washington, DC. Head Start Bureau.

    This document contains the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Head Start Program Performance Standards, appearing in the April 22, 1996 "Federal Register." The Administration for Children, Youth, and Families issued this notice to implement the statutory provisions for establishing program performance standards for early Head Start…

  18. Iranian Special Library Standards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harvey, John F.

    The purposes of these standards are: (1) to suggest the steps necessary for the establishment of special libraries; (2) for those recently established, to suggest the steps necessary to achieve satisfactory performance levels in all areas, and finally, (3) for well established libraries, to suggest the steps necessary to achieve excellence. These…

  19. 77 FR 49489 - Oil and Natural Gas Sector: New Source Performance Standards and National Emission Standards for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-16

    ...This action finalizes the review of new source performance standards for the listed oil and natural gas source category. In this action the EPA revised the new source performance standards for volatile organic compounds from leaking components at onshore natural gas processing plants and new source performance standards for sulfur dioxide emissions from natural gas processing plants. The EPA also established standards for certain oil and gas operations not covered by the existing standards. In addition to the operations covered by the existing standards, the newly established standards will regulate volatile organic compound emissions from gas wells, centrifugal compressors, reciprocating compressors, pneumatic controllers and storage vessels. This action also finalizes the residual risk and technology review for the Oil and Natural Gas Production source category and the Natural Gas Transmission and Storage source category. This action includes revisions to the existing leak detection and repair requirements. In addition, the EPA has established in this action emission limits reflecting maximum achievable control technology for certain currently uncontrolled emission sources in these source categories. This action also includes modification and addition of testing and monitoring and related notification, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, as well as other minor technical revisions to the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. This action finalizes revisions to the regulatory provisions related to emissions during periods of startup, shutdown and malfunction.

  20. 40 CFR 401.12 - Law authorizing establishment of effluent limitations guidelines for existing sources, standards...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true Law authorizing establishment of effluent limitations guidelines for existing sources, standards of performance for new sources and pretreatment standards of new and existing sources. 401.12 Section 401.12 Protection of Environment...

  1. 40 CFR 428.95 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Mechanical Reclaimed Rubber Subcategory § 428.95 Standards of performance for new sources. (a) The following standards of performance establish the quantity or quality of pollutants or pollutant properties, controlled... or quality of pollutants or pollutant properties, controlled by this section and attributable to pan...

  2. 76 FR 62074 - Proposed Revision of Performance Standards for State Medicaid Fraud Control Units

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-06

    ... volume of case referrals and workload for each location. Performance Standard 3--Policies and Procedures A Unit establishes written policies and procedures for its operations and ensures that staff are familiar with, and adhere to, policies and procedures. In meeting this standard, the following performance...

  3. 21 CFR 861.20 - Summary of standards development process.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... accordance with section 513(e) of the act to reclassify the device; or (3) Take other appropriate action. [57... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PROCEDURES FOR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT Procedures for Performance... which a performance standard for a device may be established, amended, or revoked is as follows: (a) The...

  4. 40 CFR 455.60 - Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling establishments subcategory. 455.60 Section 455... STANDARDS (CONTINUED) PESTICIDE CHEMICALS Repackaging of Agricultural Pesticides Performed at Refilling Establishments § 455.60 Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by...

  5. 40 CFR 455.60 - Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling establishments subcategory. 455.60 Section 455... STANDARDS (CONTINUED) PESTICIDE CHEMICALS Repackaging of Agricultural Pesticides Performed at Refilling Establishments § 455.60 Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by...

  6. 40 CFR 455.60 - Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling establishments subcategory. 455.60 Section 455... STANDARDS PESTICIDE CHEMICALS Repackaging of Agricultural Pesticides Performed at Refilling Establishments § 455.60 Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling...

  7. 40 CFR 455.60 - Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling establishments subcategory. 455.60 Section 455... STANDARDS (CONTINUED) PESTICIDE CHEMICALS Repackaging of Agricultural Pesticides Performed at Refilling Establishments § 455.60 Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by...

  8. 40 CFR 455.60 - Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling establishments subcategory. 455.60 Section 455... STANDARDS PESTICIDE CHEMICALS Repackaging of Agricultural Pesticides Performed at Refilling Establishments § 455.60 Applicability; description of repackaging of agricultural pesticides performed by refilling...

  9. Analysis of Salmonella control performance in U.S. young chicken slaughter and pork slaughter establishments.

    PubMed

    Muth, Mary K; Fahimi, Mansour; Karns, Shawn A

    2009-01-01

    In the 1996 U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service's (FSIS) "Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (PR/HACCP) Systems, Final Rule," Salmonella was selected for microbiological testing and monitoring. Using data from an FSIS-sponsored survey of meat and poultry slaughter establishments, inspection results, and other establishment characteristics, potential variables affecting pathogen control, as measured by Salmonella test results, were investigated. The analysis data sets included 153 federally inspected young chicken slaughter establishments, of which 111 exceeded half the Salmonella performance standard at least once from 2003 through 2005, and 121 federally inspected pork slaughter establishments, of which 28 exceeded half the Salmonella performance standard. Logistic regression results for young chicken slaughter establishments indicate they were more likely to exceed half the standard if they had higher inspection noncompliance rates (P = 0.10) and older production space (P = 0.10), and were less likely to exceed it if they used a higher percentage of raw poultry inputs purchased from outside sources (P = 0.10). Results for pork slaughter establishments indicate they were more likely to exceed half the standard if they had a higher rate of voluntary microbiological testing (P = 0.08), and were less likely to exceed it if they were larger (P = 0.08) and used a higher percentage of raw pork inputs purchased from outside sources (P = 0.02). In general, indicators of plant characteristics, food safety practices, and management philosophy are associated with different levels of pathogen control performance that vary by species slaughtered.

  10. Developing Standards of Professional Performance in Public Relations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cameron, Glen T.; And Others

    1996-01-01

    Surveys 598 public relations professionals to assess the extent to which a professional standard exists for each of 24 elements of professional performance. Finds respondents believed ethical guidelines, accreditation, and writing/editing skills enjoy established standards, but that licensing, location of public relations on the organizational…

  11. 77 FR 32645 - Revision of Performance Standards for State Medicaid Fraud Control Units

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-01

    ... Procedures A Unit establishes written policies and procedures for its operations and ensures that staff are familiar with, and adhere to, policies and procedures. To determine whether a Unit meets this standard, OIG... contain current policies and procedures, consistent with these performance standards, for the...

  12. 78 FR 45104 - Model Manufactured Home Installation Standards: Ground Anchor Installations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-07-26

    ... test methods for establishing working load design values of ground anchor assemblies used for new... anchor installations and establish standardized test methods to determine ground anchor performance and... currently no national test method for rating and certifying ground anchor assemblies in different soil...

  13. 42 CFR 493.1253 - Standard: Establishment and verification of performance specifications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... establish performance specifications for any test system used by the laboratory before April 24, 2003. (b)(1... approved test system must do the following before reporting patient test results: (i) Demonstrate that it... following performance characteristics: (A) Accuracy. (B) Precision. (C) Reportable range of test results for...

  14. 42 CFR 493.1253 - Standard: Establishment and verification of performance specifications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... establish performance specifications for any test system used by the laboratory before April 24, 2003. (b)(1... approved test system must do the following before reporting patient test results: (i) Demonstrate that it... following performance characteristics: (A) Accuracy. (B) Precision. (C) Reportable range of test results for...

  15. 42 CFR 493.1253 - Standard: Establishment and verification of performance specifications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... establish performance specifications for any test system used by the laboratory before April 24, 2003. (b)(1... approved test system must do the following before reporting patient test results: (i) Demonstrate that it... following performance characteristics: (A) Accuracy. (B) Precision. (C) Reportable range of test results for...

  16. 42 CFR 493.1253 - Standard: Establishment and verification of performance specifications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... establish performance specifications for any test system used by the laboratory before April 24, 2003. (b)(1... approved test system must do the following before reporting patient test results: (i) Demonstrate that it... following performance characteristics: (A) Accuracy. (B) Precision. (C) Reportable range of test results for...

  17. Establishing Proficiency Standards for High School Graduation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Herron, Marshall D.

    The Oregon State Board of Education has rejected the use of cut-off scores on a proficiency test to establish minimum performance standards for high school graduation. Instead, each school district is required to specify--by local board adoption--minimum competencies in reading, writing, listening, speaking, analyzing, and computing. These…

  18. Validation of Testing for a Multi-Disciplinary Technical Position.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sheppard, Valarie

    This paper describes a testing program that established job-related standards of performance and testing procedures for the technician position within a gas transportation company. New standards were being established in response to safety concerns stemming from investigations that identified training inadequacy as a cause of accidents. The job…

  19. 40 CFR 1065.415 - Durability demonstration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... than in-use operation, subject to any pre-approval requirements established in the applicable standard.... Perform emission tests following the provisions of the standard setting part and this part, as applicable. Perform emission tests to determine deterioration factors consistent with good engineering judgment...

  20. 40 CFR 1065.415 - Durability demonstration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... than in-use operation, subject to any pre-approval requirements established in the applicable standard.... Perform emission tests following the provisions of the standard setting part and this part, as applicable. Perform emission tests to determine deterioration factors consistent with good engineering judgment...

  1. 40 CFR 1065.415 - Durability demonstration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... than in-use operation, subject to any pre-approval requirements established in the applicable standard.... Perform emission tests following the provisions of the standard setting part and this part, as applicable. Perform emission tests to determine deterioration factors consistent with good engineering judgment...

  2. 49 CFR 571.220 - Standard No. 220; School bus rollover protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standard No. 220; School bus rollover protection... STANDARDS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards § 571.220 Standard No. 220; School bus rollover protection. S1. Scope. This standard establishes performance requirements for school bus rollover protection. S2...

  3. Development of Performance Standards for Employment Service. Volume 4: Handbook for Analyzing Local ES Performance.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fairchild, Charles K.

    The objective of the project was to develop methods for establishing output and input performance standards for the placement and placement-support functions of the U.S. Employment Service (ES). Volume 4, a preliminary or working handbook, contains all forms, guidelines, procedures, and training materials for primary data collection and analysis…

  4. Human Fecal Source Identification: Real-Time Quantitative PCR Method Standardization

    EPA Science Inventory

    Method standardization or the formal development of a protocol that establishes uniform performance benchmarks and practices is necessary for widespread adoption of a fecal source identification approach. Standardization of a human-associated fecal identification method has been...

  5. Illinois Occupational Skill Standards: Nursing Cluster.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Illinois Occupational Skill Standards and Credentialing Council, Carbondale.

    These skill standards, developed through a consortium of educational and industry partners in Illinois, serve as guides to workforce preparation program providers to define content for their programs and to employers to establish the skills and standards necessary for job acquisition and performance. The skill standards include the following…

  6. Establishing Benchmarks for Outcome Indicators: A Statistical Approach to Developing Performance Standards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Henry, Gary T.; And Others

    1992-01-01

    A statistical technique is presented for developing performance standards based on benchmark groups. The benchmark groups are selected using a multivariate technique that relies on a squared Euclidean distance method. For each observation unit (a school district in the example), a unique comparison group is selected. (SLD)

  7. HUMAN FECAL SOURCE IDENTIFICATION: REAL-TIME QUANTITATIVE PCR METHOD STANDARDIZATION - abstract

    EPA Science Inventory

    Method standardization or the formal development of a protocol that establishes uniform performance benchmarks and practices is necessary for widespread adoption of a fecal source identification approach. Standardization of a human-associated fecal identification method has been...

  8. Illinois Occupational Skill Standards: Physical Therapist Assistant Cluster.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Illinois Occupational Skill Standards and Credentialing Council, Carbondale.

    These skill standards, developed through a consortium of educational and industry partners in Illinois, serve as guides to workforce preparation program providers to define content for their programs and to employers to establish the skills and standards necessary for job acquisition and performance. The skill standards include the following…

  9. Illinois Occupational Skill Standards: Medical Office Cluster.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Illinois Occupational Skill Standards and Credentialing Council, Carbondale.

    These skill standards, developed through a consortium of educational and industry partners in Illinois, serve as guides to workforce preparation program providers to define content for their programs and to employers to establish the skills and standards necessary for job acquisition and performance. The skill standards include the following…

  10. Illinois Occupational Skill Standards: Press Operations Cluster.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Illinois Occupational Skill Standards and Credentialing Council, Carbondale.

    These skill standards, developed through a consortium of educational and industry partners in Illinois, serve as guides to workforce preparation program providers to define content for their programs and to employers to establish the skills and standards necessary for job acquisition and performance. The skill standards include the following…

  11. Illinois Occupational Skill Standards: Retail Garden Center Cluster.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Illinois Occupational Skill Standards and Credentialing Council, Carbondale.

    These skill standards, developed through a consortium of educational and industry partners in Illinois, serve as guides to workforce preparation program providers to define content for their programs and to employers to establish the skills and standards necessary for job acquisition and performance. The skill standards include the following…

  12. Alternative volume performance standards for Medicare physicians' services.

    PubMed

    Marquis, M S; Kominski, G F

    1994-01-01

    The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 (OBRA89) established volume performance standards (VPSs) as a key element in Medicare physician reform. This policy requires making choices along three dimensions: the risk pool, the scope and nature of the standard, and the application of the standard. VPSs have most effectively controlled expenditures and changed physician behavior when they use states as the risk pool, are composed entirely of Medicare Part B services, and establish per capita utilization targets. The institution of separate standards for voluntarily formed physician groups would pose substantial administrative challenges and has the potential to effect adverse outcomes. Instead, Congress should continue to encourage prepaid plans for the purpose of lowering health care use. Under current law, VPSs will be used to adjust future price increases. Congress may not wish to emulate the example of countries that have imposed expenditure ceilings to control costs unless the current method of using VPSs proves unsuccessful.

  13. 40 CFR 426.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS GLASS MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Insulation Fiberglass... establish the quantity or quality of pollutants or pollutant properties which may be discharged by a new...

  14. 40 CFR 426.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS GLASS MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Insulation Fiberglass... establish the quantity or quality of pollutants or pollutant properties which may be discharged by a new...

  15. 40 CFR 60.4410 - How do I establish a valid parameter range if I have chosen to continuously monitor parameters?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false How do I establish a valid parameter range if I have chosen to continuously monitor parameters? 60.4410 Section 60.4410 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of...

  16. Development of Entry-Level Competence Tests: A Strategy for Evaluation of Vocational Education Training Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schutte, Marc; Spottl, Georg

    2011-01-01

    Developing countries such as Malaysia and Oman have recently established occupational standards based on core work processes (functional clusters of work objects, activities and performance requirements), to which competencies (performance determinants) can be linked. While the development of work-process-based occupational standards is supposed…

  17. Performance and standards for the process of head and neck cancer care: South and West audit of head and neck cancer 1996-1997 (SWAHN I). South and West Regional Cancer Organisation Tumour Panel for Head and Neck Cancer.

    PubMed

    Birchall, M A; Bailey, D; Lennon, A

    2000-08-01

    Evidence suggests wide variation in cancer care between different hospitals in the UK. To establish bench-marking data, we designed a prospective, 1 year regional study comparing key performance measures with established standards for the 28 hospital Trusts in the South and West of England involved in head and neck cancer care. 566 sequential patients with a newly-diagnosed head and neck cancer were included. Numbers referred and treated per hospital Trust were 1-58 and 1-65 respectively. 59% of patients received a pretreatment chest X-ray (standard 95%). 45% of patients were seen in a multidisciplinary clinic pretreatment (standard 95%), and this was proportional to the frequency of clinics held (P<0.0001). Median number of cases treated per surgeon was 4 (1-26), and by radiotherapist was 10 (1-51). Times between parts of the process of oral cancer care were closer to the standards than those for laryngeal cancer. Two patients were entered into a clinical trial. One had a quality-of-life score. Thus, in 1996-1997, in the South and West of England, there were major discrepancies between actual performance and established standards in many fundamental aspects of head and neck cancer care. Re-audit is essential to determine if the implementation of the Calman-Hine report has resulted in improvements.

  18. Performance and standards for the process of head and neck cancer care: South and West audit of head and neck cancer 1996–1997 (SWAHN I)

    PubMed Central

    Birchall, M A; Bailey, D; Lennon, A

    2000-01-01

    Evidence suggests wide variation in cancer care between different hospitals in the UK. To establish bench-marking data, we designed a prospective, 1 year regional study comparing key performance measures with established standards for the 28 hospital Trusts in the South and West of England involved in head and neck cancer care. 566 sequential patients with a newly-diagnosed head and neck cancer were included. Numbers referred and treated per hospital Trust were 1–58 and 1–65 respectively. 59% of patients received a pretreatment chest X-ray (standard 95%). 45% of patients were seen in a multidisciplinary clinic pretreatment (standard 95%), and this was proportional to the frequency of clinics held (P< 0.0001). Median number of cases treated per surgeon was 4 (1–26), and by radiotherapist was 10 (1–51). Times between parts of the process of oral cancer care were closer to the standards than those for laryngeal cancer. Two patients were entered into a clinical trial. One had a quality-of-life score. Thus, in 1996–1997, in the South and West of England, there were major discrepancies between actual performance and established standards in many fundamental aspects of head and neck cancer care. Re-audit is essential to determine if the implementation of the Calman–Hine report has resulted in improvements. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign PMID:10945484

  19. P21 Common Core Toolkit: A Guide to Aligning the Common Core State Standards with the Framework for 21st Century Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2011

    2011-01-01

    Standards drive critical elements of the American educational system--the curricula that schools follow, the textbooks students read, and the tests they take. Similarly, standards establish the levels of performance that students, teachers and schools are expected to meet. To succeed in the 21st century, all students will need to perform to high…

  20. NASA specification for manufacturing and performance requirements of NASA standard aerospace nickel-cadmium cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1988-01-01

    On November 25, 1985, the NASA Chief Engineer established a NASA-wide policy to maintain and to require the use of the NASA standard for aerospace nickel-cadmium cells and batteries. The Associate Administrator for Safety, Reliability, Maintainability, and Quality Assurance stated on December 29, 1986, the intent to retain the NASA standard cell usage policy established by the Office of the Chief Engineer. The current NASA policy is also to incorporate technological advances as they are tested and proven for spaceflight applications. This policy will be implemented by modifying the existing standard cells or by developing new NASA standards and their specifications in accordance with the NASA's Aerospace Battery Systems Program Plan. This NASA Specification for Manufacturing and Performance Requirements of NASA Standard Aerospace Nickel-Cadmium Cells is prepared to provide requirements for the NASA standard nickel-cadmium cell. It is an interim specification pending resolution of the separator material availability. This specification has evolved from over 15 years of nickel-cadmium cell experience by NASA. Consequently, considerable experience has been collected and cell performance has been well characterized from many years of ground testing and from in-flight operations in both geosynchronous (GEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) applications. NASA has developed and successfully used two standard flight qualified cell designs.

  1. 12 CFR 1808.500 - Evaluation of Qualified Issuer Applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... evaluation process will be based on established standard operating procedures, which may include interviews... Qualified Issuer over the life of the Bond to ensure it meets the performance standards over the life of the...

  2. 20 CFR 638.302 - Performance measurement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Performance measurement. 638.302 Section 638... § 638.302 Performance measurement. The Job Corps Director shall establish a national performance measurement system for centers and other program components which shall include annual performance standards...

  3. 20 CFR 638.302 - Performance measurement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Performance measurement. 638.302 Section 638... § 638.302 Performance measurement. The Job Corps Director shall establish a national performance measurement system for centers and other program components which shall include annual performance standards...

  4. Establishing Upper Limits for Item Ratings for the Angoff Method: Are Resulting Standards More 'Realistic'?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reid, Jerry B.

    This report investigates an area of uncertainty in using the Angoff method for setting standards, namely whether or not a judge's conceptualizations of borderline group performance are realistic. Ratings are usually made with reference to the performance of this hypothetical group, therefore the Angoff method's success is dependent on this point.…

  5. 21 CFR 861.7 - Contents of standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Contents of standards. 861.7 Section 861.7 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL... performance standard established under this part will include such provisions as the Food and Drug...

  6. Collaborative study for the calibration of a replacement International Standard for Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed.

    PubMed

    Tierney, Rob; Stickings, Paul; Hockley, Jason; Rigsby, Peter; Iwaki, Masaaki; Sesardic, Dorothea

    2011-11-01

    We present the results of a collaborative study for the establishment of a replacement International Standard (IS) for Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed. Two candidate preparations were included in the study, one of which was established as the 4th IS for Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed at the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization meeting in October 2010. This preparation was found to have a unitage of 490 IU/ampoule, based on calibration in guinea pig challenge assays. Results from mouse challenge assays suggest that the relative performance of two candidate preparations may differ significantly between guinea pigs and mice. The authors note that the number of laboratories that performed guinea pig challenge assays, which are used to calibrate and assign IU, is much lower than in previous collaborative studies and this may have implications for calibration of replacement standards in the future. The issue of assigning separate units to the IS for guinea pig and mouse assays is discussed. The study also assessed performance of the replacement standard in serological assays which are used as alternative procedures to challenge assays for tetanus potency testing. Results suggest that the replacement standard is suitable for use as the reference vaccine in serological assays. Copyright © 2011 The International Alliance for Biological Standardization. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Standardization of vascular assessment of erectile dysfunction: standard operating procedures for duplex ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Sikka, Suresh C; Hellstrom, Wayne J G; Brock, Gerald; Morales, Antonio Martin

    2013-01-01

    In-office evaluation of erectile dysfunction by color duplex Doppler ultrasound (CDDU) may benefit the decision-making process in regard to choosing the most appropriate therapy. Unfortunately, there is no uniform standardization in performing CDDU resulting in high variability in data expression and interpretation when comparing results among various centers, especially when conducting multicenter trials. Establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) is a major step that will help minimize such variability. This SOP describes CDDU procedure with focus on establishing uniformity and normative parameters. Measure intra-arterial diameter, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and resistive index for each cavernosal artery. After initial discussion with the patient about his history and International Index of Erectile Function evaluation describe procedural steps to the patient. Perform the CDDU in a relaxed state, scanning the entire penis (in B-mode image) using a 7.5- to 12-MHz linear array ultrasound probe. An intracorporal injection of a single or combination of vasoactive agents (e.g., prostaglandin E1, phentolamine, and papaverine) is then administered and CDDU performed at various time points, preferably with audiovisual sexual stimulation (AVSS). Monitor penile erection response (tumescence and rigidity) near peak blood flow. Self-stimulation or AVSS leaving the patient alone in room or redosing may be considered to decrease any anxiety and help achieve a maximum rigid erection. Considering the complexity and heterogeneity of CDDU evaluation, this communication will help in standardization and establish uniformity in such data interpretation. When indicated, invasive diagnostic testing involving (i) penile angiography and (ii) cavernosography/cavernosometry to establish veno-occlusive dysfunction may be recommended to facilitate further treatment options. © 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

  8. The Utility of Curriculum-Based Measurement within a Multitiered Framework: Establishing Cut Scores as Predictors of Student Performance on the Alaska Standards-Based Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Legg, David E.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between student performance on Reading Curriculum-based Measures (R-CBM) and student performance on the Alaska's standards based assessment (SBA) administered to students in Studied School District (SSD) Grade 3 through Grade 5 students in the Studied School District as required by…

  9. Empiric determination of corrected visual acuity standards for train crews.

    PubMed

    Schwartz, Steven H; Swanson, William H

    2005-08-01

    Probably the most common visual standard for employment in the transportation industry is best-corrected, high-contrast visual acuity. Because such standards were often established absent empiric linkage to job performance, it is possible that a job applicant or employee who has visual acuity less than the standard may be able to satisfactorily perform the required job activities. For the transportation system that we examined, the train crew is required to inspect visually the length of the train before and during the time it leaves the station. The purpose of the inspection is to determine if an individual is in a hazardous position with respect to the train. In this article, we determine the extent to which high-contrast visual acuity can predict performance on a simulated task. Performance at discriminating hazardous from safe conditions, as depicted in projected photographic slides, was determined as a function of visual acuity. For different levels of visual acuity, which was varied through the use of optical defocus, a subject was required to label scenes as hazardous or safe. Task performance was highly correlated with visual acuity as measured under conditions normally used for vision screenings (high-illumination and high-contrast): as the acuity decreases, performance at discriminating hazardous from safe scenes worsens. This empirically based methodology can be used to establish a corrected high-contrast visual acuity standard for safety-sensitive work in transportation that is linked to the performance of a job-critical task.

  10. Steps to standardization and validation of hippocampal volumetry as a biomarker in clinical trials and diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease

    PubMed Central

    Jack, Clifford R; Barkhof, Frederik; Bernstein, Matt A; Cantillon, Marc; Cole, Patricia E; DeCarli, Charles; Dubois, Bruno; Duchesne, Simon; Fox, Nick C; Frisoni, Giovanni B; Hampel, Harald; Hill, Derek LG; Johnson, Keith; Mangin, Jean-François; Scheltens, Philip; Schwarz, Adam J; Sperling, Reisa; Suhy, Joyce; Thompson, Paul M; Weiner, Michael; Foster, Norman L

    2012-01-01

    Background The promise of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers has led to their incorporation in new diagnostic criteria and in therapeutic trials; however, significant barriers exist to widespread use. Chief among these is the lack of internationally accepted standards for quantitative metrics. Hippocampal volumetry is the most widely studied quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measure in AD and thus represents the most rational target for an initial effort at standardization. Methods and Results The authors of this position paper propose a path toward this goal. The steps include: 1) Establish and empower an oversight board to manage and assess the effort, 2) Adopt the standardized definition of anatomic hippocampal boundaries on MRI arising from the EADC-ADNI hippocampal harmonization effort as a Reference Standard, 3) Establish a scientifically appropriate, publicly available Reference Standard Dataset based on manual delineation of the hippocampus in an appropriate sample of subjects (ADNI), and 4) Define minimum technical and prognostic performance metrics for validation of new measurement techniques using the Reference Standard Dataset as a benchmark. Conclusions Although manual delineation of the hippocampus is the best available reference standard, practical application of hippocampal volumetry will require automated methods. Our intent is to establish a mechanism for credentialing automated software applications to achieve internationally recognized accuracy and prognostic performance standards that lead to the systematic evaluation and then widespread acceptance and use of hippocampal volumetry. The standardization and assay validation process outlined for hippocampal volumetry is envisioned as a template that could be applied to other imaging biomarkers. PMID:21784356

  11. 34 CFR 361.86 - Performance levels.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 34 Education 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Performance levels. 361.86 Section 361.86 Education... Standards and Performance Indicators § 361.86 Performance levels. (a) General. (1) Paragraph (b) of this section establishes performance levels for— (i) General or combined DSUs; and (ii) DSUs serving...

  12. 34 CFR 361.86 - Performance levels.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 34 Education 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Performance levels. 361.86 Section 361.86 Education... Standards and Performance Indicators § 361.86 Performance levels. (a) General. (1) Paragraph (b) of this section establishes performance levels for— (i) General or combined DSUs; and (ii) DSUs serving...

  13. Six steps to an effective denials management program.

    PubMed

    Robertson, Brian; Doré, Alexander

    2005-09-01

    The following six steps can help you manage denials management issues in your organization: Create standard definitions of denial types. Establish a denial hierarchy. Establish a centralized denial database. Develop key performance indicators. Build responsibility matrices. Measure, monitor, and take action.

  14. 40 CFR 60.4355 - How do I establish and document a proper parameter monitoring plan?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Monitoring § 60.4355 How do I establish and document a proper parameter monitoring plan? (a) The steam or water to fuel ratio or other parameters that...

  15. Statistical considerations in estimating organism concentrations in ballast water discharges

    EPA Science Inventory

    Sampling probabilities may affect the practical use of different ballast water performance standards which establish the acceptable concentration of organisms in ballast discharges. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has initiated a ballast water standard of <10 viabl...

  16. Photometric requirements for portable changeable message signs.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2001-09-01

    This project reviewed the performance of pchangeable message signs (PCMSs) and developed photometric standards to establish performance requirements. In addition, researchers developed photometric test methods and recommended them for use in evaluati...

  17. Field Performance of High-Quality and Standard Northern Red Oak Seedlings in Tennessee

    Treesearch

    David S. Buckley

    2002-01-01

    First-year performance of high-quality (HQ), high-quality cull (HQC) and standard (ST) northern red oak (Quercus rubra) nursery seedlings was compared in a study established in a recent clearcut in mid-March, 2000. Objectives were to test effects of 1) seedling type, 2) planting treatment, and 3) control of competitors on the growth, browsing, and...

  18. Development of Performance Standards for Employment Service. Volume 2: Part B. Findings and Recommendations. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fairchild, Charles K.

    The objective of the project was to develop methods for establishing output and input performance standards for the placement and placement support functions of the United States Employment Service (ES). This part of Volume 2 reports substantive findings and recommendations developed during the course of the project. A key recommendation is that…

  19. Simulation-Based Training for Colonoscopy

    PubMed Central

    Preisler, Louise; Svendsen, Morten Bo Søndergaard; Nerup, Nikolaj; Svendsen, Lars Bo; Konge, Lars

    2015-01-01

    Abstract The aim of this study was to create simulation-based tests with credible pass/fail standards for 2 different fidelities of colonoscopy models. Only competent practitioners should perform colonoscopy. Reliable and valid simulation-based tests could be used to establish basic competency in colonoscopy before practicing on patients. Twenty-five physicians (10 consultants with endoscopic experience and 15 fellows with very little endoscopic experience) were tested on 2 different simulator models: a virtual-reality simulator and a physical model. Tests were repeated twice on each simulator model. Metrics with discriminatory ability were identified for both modalities and reliability was determined. The contrasting-groups method was used to create pass/fail standards and the consequences of these were explored. The consultants significantly performed faster and scored higher than the fellows on both the models (P < 0.001). Reliability analysis showed Cronbach α = 0.80 and 0.87 for the virtual-reality and the physical model, respectively. The established pass/fail standards failed one of the consultants (virtual-reality simulator) and allowed one fellow to pass (physical model). The 2 tested simulations-based modalities provided reliable and valid assessments of competence in colonoscopy and credible pass/fail standards were established for both the tests. We propose to use these standards in simulation-based training programs before proceeding to supervised training on patients. PMID:25634177

  20. 48 CFR 970.1100-1 - Performance-based contracting.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... methods of accomplishing the work; use measurable (i.e., terms of quality, timeliness, quantity) performance standards and objectives and quality assurance surveillance plans; provide performance incentives... work and other documents used to establish work requirements. (d) Quality assurance surveillance plans...

  1. 48 CFR 970.1100-1 - Performance-based contracting.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... methods of accomplishing the work; use measurable (i.e., terms of quality, timeliness, quantity) performance standards and objectives and quality assurance surveillance plans; provide performance incentives... work and other documents used to establish work requirements. (d) Quality assurance surveillance plans...

  2. 48 CFR 970.1100-1 - Performance-based contracting.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... methods of accomplishing the work; use measurable (i.e., terms of quality, timeliness, quantity) performance standards and objectives and quality assurance surveillance plans; provide performance incentives... work and other documents used to establish work requirements. (d) Quality assurance surveillance plans...

  3. Superfund Record of Decision (EPA Region 4): Agriculture and Nutrition (Montgomery), Operable Unit 2, Montgomery, AL, September 28, 1998

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

    NONE

    This decision document presents the selected remedial action for the T.H. Agriculture and Nutrition (THAN) Site, Montgomery, Alabama. Operable Unit Two (OU2) encompasses the remediation of the contaminated soils and sediments on the Site, and also establishes the performance standards for the groundwater remedy. Upon reaching the cleanup standards for groundwater at an established point(s) of compliance, the groundwater pumping system will be shut down.

  4. 45 CFR 305.31 - Amount of incentive payment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... PROGRAM PERFORMANCE MEASURES, STANDARDS, FINANCIAL INCENTIVES, AND PENALTIES § 305.31 Amount of incentive... establishment, support order, and current collections performance measures and 75 percent of the State's collections base for the fiscal year for the arrearage collections and cost-effectiveness performance measures...

  5. Critical appraisal of the Vienna consensus: performance indicators for assisted reproductive technology laboratories.

    PubMed

    Lopez-Regalado, María Luisa; Martínez-Granados, Luis; González-Utor, Antonio; Ortiz, Nereyda; Iglesias, Miriam; Ardoy, Manuel; Castilla, Jose A

    2018-05-24

    The Vienna consensus, based on the recommendations of an expert panel, has identified 19 performance indicators for assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. Two levels of reference values are established for these performance indicators: competence and benchmark. For over 10 years, the Spanish embryology association (ASEBIR) has participated in the definition and design of ART performance indicators, seeking to establish specific guidelines for ART laboratories to enhance quality, safety and patient welfare. Four years ago, ASEBIR took part in an initiative by AENOR, the Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification, to develop a national standard in this field (UNE 17900:2013 System of quality management for assisted reproduction laboratories), extending the former requirements, based on ISO 9001, to include performance indicators. Considering the experience acquired, we discuss various aspects of the Vienna consensus and consider certain discrepancies in performance indicators between the consensus and UNE 179007:2013, and analyse the definitions, methodology and reference values used. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  6. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  7. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  8. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  9. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  10. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  11. 40 CFR 60.2725 - May I conduct a repeat performance test to establish new operating limits?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Emissions Guidelines and Compliance Times for Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units Model... during any performance test used to demonstrate compliance. Model Rule—Monitoring ...

  12. 40 CFR 60.2725 - May I conduct a repeat performance test to establish new operating limits?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Emissions Guidelines and Compliance Times for Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units Model... during any performance test used to demonstrate compliance. Model Rule—Monitoring ...

  13. 77 FR 76003 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request-Safety Standard for Omnidirectional Citizens Band Base...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-26

    ... Request--Safety Standard for Omnidirectional Citizens Band Base Station Antennas AGENCY: Consumer Product... antennas. DATES: Written comments on this request for extension of approval of information collection... Citizens Band Base Station Antennas establishes performance requirements for omnidirectional citizens band...

  14. 40 CFR 60.4410 - How do I establish a valid parameter range if I have chosen to continuously monitor parameters?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Performance Tests... of NOX emission controls in accordance with § 60.4340, the appropriate parameters must be...

  15. 40 CFR 60.4410 - How do I establish a valid parameter range if I have chosen to continuously monitor parameters?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Performance Tests... of NOX emission controls in accordance with § 60.4340, the appropriate parameters must be...

  16. 40 CFR 60.4410 - How do I establish a valid parameter range if I have chosen to continuously monitor parameters?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Performance Tests... of NOX emission controls in accordance with § 60.4340, the appropriate parameters must be...

  17. 40 CFR 60.4410 - How do I establish a valid parameter range if I have chosen to continuously monitor parameters?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Performance Tests... of NOX emission controls in accordance with § 60.4340, the appropriate parameters must be...

  18. [Mobile Health: IEEE Standard for Wearable Cuffless Blood Pressure Measuring Devices].

    PubMed

    Zhou, Xia; Wu, Wenli; Bao, Shudi

    2015-07-01

    IEEE Std 1708-2014 breaks through the traditional standards of cuff based blood pressure measuring devices and establishes a normative definition of wearable cuffless blood pressure measuring devices and the objective performance evaluation of this kind of devices. This study firstly introduces the background of the new standard. Then, the standard details will be described, and the impact of cuffless blood pressure measuring devices with the new standard on manufacturers and end users will be addressed.

  19. Applying and extending ISO/TC42 digital camera resolution standards to mobile imaging products

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Williams, Don; Burns, Peter D.

    2007-01-01

    There are no fundamental differences between today's mobile telephone cameras and consumer digital still cameras that suggest many existing ISO imaging performance standards do not apply. To the extent that they have lenses, color filter arrays, detectors, apertures, image processing, and are hand held, there really are no operational or architectural differences. Despite this, there are currently differences in the levels of imaging performance. These are driven by physical and economic constraints, and image-capture conditions. Several ISO standards for resolution, well established for digital consumer digital cameras, require care when applied to the current generation of cell phone cameras. In particular, accommodation of optical flare, shading non-uniformity and distortion are recommended. We offer proposals for the application of existing ISO imaging resolution performance standards to mobile imaging products, and suggestions for extending performance standards to the characteristic behavior of camera phones.

  20. Fluid handling 2: Surgical applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Billica, Roger; Young, John; Rushing, Doug; Kizzee, Victor D.

    1991-01-01

    The methods proposed for managing fluids and particulate debris during minor surgery on Space Station Freedom (SSF) were investigated and demonstrated. A KC-135 parabolic flight test was performed, in which the flight followed the standard 40 parabola profile with 20 to 25 seconds in near-zero gravity in each parabola. The equipment (suction and laminar flow device) was evaluated. While this equipment performed satisfactorily previously in the dental simulation, the purpose of the current flight was to reconfigure the equipment in support of a minor surgical situation in order to evaluate its efficacy and establish clear requirements for the actual flight hardware. To accomplish the study the Health Maintenance Facility medical restraint system was deployed as for surgical use and mannequin suture arm was restrained to its surface. The surgical area was established as for performing minor surgery with standard tray and suture instruments employed.

  1. 75 FR 72664 - System Personnel Training Reliability Standards

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-26

    ...Under section 215 of the Federal Power Act, the Commission approves two Personnel Performance, Training and Qualifications (PER) Reliability Standards, PER-004-2 (Reliability Coordination--Staffing) and PER-005-1 (System Personnel Training), submitted to the Commission for approval by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Electric Reliability Organization certified by the Commission. The approved Reliability Standards require reliability coordinators, balancing authorities, and transmission operators to establish a training program for their system operators, verify each of their system operators' capability to perform tasks, and provide emergency operations training to every system operator. The Commission also approves NERC's proposal to retire two existing PER Reliability Standards that are replaced by the standards approved in this Final Rule.

  2. The Concept of Performance Levels in Criterion-Referenced Assessment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hewitson, Mal

    The concept of performance levels in criterion-referenced assessment is explored by applying the idea to different types of tests commonly used in schools, mastery tests (including diagnostic tests) and achievement tests. In mastery tests, a threshold performance standard must be established for each criterion. Attainment of this threshold…

  3. 45 CFR 305.62 - Disregard of a failure which is of a technical nature.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM PERFORMANCE MEASURES, STANDARDS, FINANCIAL INCENTIVES, AND... adversely affect the performance of the State's IV-D program or does not adversely affect the determination of the level of the State's paternity establishment or other performance measures percentages. ...

  4. NBS/EPA (NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS/ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY) CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIAL PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM: STATUS REPORT 1

    EPA Science Inventory

    A traceability procedure has been established which allows specialty gas producers to prepare gaseous pollutant Certified Reference Materials (CRMs). The accuracy, stability and homogeneity of the CRMs approach those of NBS Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). Part of this proced...

  5. NBS/EPA (NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS/ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY) CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIAL PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM: STATUS REPORT 2

    EPA Science Inventory

    A traceability procedure has been established which allows specialty gas producers to prepare gaseous pollutant Certified Reference Materials (CRM's). The accuracy, stability and homogeneity of the CRM's approach those of NBS Standard Reference Materials (SRM's). As of October 19...

  6. 40 CFR 63.8595 - How do I conduct performance tests and establish operating limits?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Clay Ceramics...) emission limits in Table 1 to this subpart, you must calculate your mass emissions per unit of production...

  7. Corneal injury to ex vivo eyes exposed to a 3.8-micron laser

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fyffe, James G.; Randolph, Donald Q.; Winston, Golda C. H.; Johnson, Thomas E.

    2005-04-01

    As a consequence of the enormous expansion of laser use in medicine, industry and research, specific safety standards must be developed that appropriately address eye protection. The purpose of this study is to establish injury thresholds to the cornea for 3.8 micron 8 microsecond laser light pulses and to investigate a possible replacement model to live animal testing. Previous studies of pulsed energy absorption at 3.8 microns were performed using rhesus monkey cornea and were at pulse durations two orders of magnitude different than the 8 microsecond pulses used in this study. Ex-vivo pig eyes were exposed at varying energies and evaluated to establish the statistical threshold for corneal damage. Histology was used to determine the extent of damage to the cornea. It is expected that the results will be used to assist in the establishment of safety standards for laser use and offer an alternative to future animal use in establishment of safety standards.

  8. GPS Disciplined Oscillators for Traceability to the Italian Time Standard

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cordara, Franco; Pettiti, Valerio

    1996-01-01

    The Istituo Elettrotecnico Nazionale (IEN) is one of the Italian primary institutes which is responsible for the accreditation of secondary laboratories belong to the national calibration system (SNT) established by law in 1991. The Times and Frequency Department that has accredited in this frame 14 calibration centers for frequency, performs also the remote calibration of their reference oscillators by means of different synchronization systems. The problem of establishing the traceability of the national time standard of the Global Positioning System (GPS) disciplined oscillators has been investigated and the results obtained are reported.

  9. Spinal cord testing: auditing for quality assurance.

    PubMed

    Marr, J A; Reid, B

    1991-04-01

    A quality assurance audit of spinal cord testing as documented by staff nurses was carried out. Twenty-five patient records were examined for accuracy of documented testing and compared to assessments performed by three investigators. A pilot study established interrater reliability of a tool that was designed especially for this study. Results indicated staff nurses failed to meet pre-established 100% standard in all categories of testing when compared with investigator's findings. Possible reasons for this disparity are discussed as well as indications for modifications in the spinal testing record, teaching program and preset standards.

  10. Standard of Practice and Flynn Effect Testimony in Death Penalty Cases

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gresham, Frank M.; Reschly, Daniel J.

    2011-01-01

    The Flynn Effect is a well-established psychometric fact documenting substantial increases in measured intelligence test performance over time. Flynn's (1984) review of the literature established that Americans gain approximately 0.3 points per year or 3 points per decade in measured intelligence. The accurate assessment and interpretation of…

  11. Establishing and Sustaining an Effective Pre-Kindergarten Math Intervention at Scale

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Klein, Alice; Starkey, Prentice; DeFlorio, Lydia; Brown, E. Todd

    2012-01-01

    Educators are increasingly concerned about the low level of mathematics performance of U.S. students on the TIMSS and other international assessments of mathematics (National Mathematics Advisory Panel, 2008) as well as their insufficient preparation for mathematics standards, such as the Common Core State Standards. Students from low-income and…

  12. 29 CFR 1620.12 - Wage “rate.”

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION THE EQUAL PAY ACT § 1620.12 Wage... gender than the other for the performance of equal work, the higher rate serves as a wage standard. When a violation of the Act is established, the higher rate paid for equal work is the standard to which...

  13. Standardized Tests of Handwriting Readiness: A Systematic Review of the Literature

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    van Hartingsveldt, Margo J.; de Groot, Imelda J. M.; Aarts, Pauline B. M.; Nijhuis-van der Sanden, Maria W. G.

    2011-01-01

    Aim: To establish if there are psychometrically sound standardized tests or test items to assess handwriting readiness in 5- and 6-year-old children on the levels of occupations activities/tasks and performance. Method: Electronic databases were searched to identify measurement instruments. Tests were included in a systematic review if: (1)…

  14. How Principals and Teachers Respond to States' Accountability Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lee, Hyemi

    2013-01-01

    Since the 1990s, many states have started implementing standards-based reforms and developed their own accountability systems. Each state established academic content and performance standards, implemented test for all the students in grades 3 through 8 annually, and set up annual measurable objectives in reading and mathematics for districts,…

  15. 40 CFR 63.8445 - How do I conduct performance tests and establish operating limits?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Brick and... mass emissions per unit of production for each test run using Equation 1 of this section: ER16MY03.000...

  16. 45 CFR 94.1 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Purpose. This part promotes objectivity in research by establishing standards that provide a reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, and reporting of research performed under PHS contracts will be free...

  17. Setting Performance Standards for Technical and Nontechnical Competence in General Surgery.

    PubMed

    Szasz, Peter; Bonrath, Esther M; Louridas, Marisa; Fecso, Andras B; Howe, Brett; Fehr, Adam; Ott, Michael; Mack, Lloyd A; Harris, Kenneth A; Grantcharov, Teodor P

    2017-07-01

    The objectives of this study were to (1) create a technical and nontechnical performance standard for the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, (2) assess the classification accuracy and (3) credibility of these standards, (4) determine a trainees' ability to meet both standards concurrently, and (5) delineate factors that predict standard acquisition. Scores on performance assessments are difficult to interpret in the absence of established standards. Trained raters observed General Surgery residents performing laparoscopic cholecystectomies using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) and the Objective Structured Assessment of Non-Technical Skills (OSANTS) instruments, while as also providing a global competent/noncompetent decision for each performance. The global decision was used to divide the trainees into 2 contrasting groups and the OSATS or OSANTS scores were graphed per group to determine the performance standard. Parametric statistics were used to determine classification accuracy and concurrent standard acquisition, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to delineate predictive factors. Thirty-six trainees were observed 101 times. The technical standard was an OSATS of 21.04/35.00 and the nontechnical standard an OSANTS of 22.49/35.00. Applying these standards, competent/noncompetent trainees could be discriminated in 94% of technical and 95% of nontechnical performances (P < 0.001). A 21% discordance between technically and nontechnically competent trainees was identified (P < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated case experience and trainee level were both able to predict achieving the standards with an area under the curve (AUC) between 0.83 and 0.96 (P < 0.001). The present study presents defensible standards for technical and nontechnical performance. Such standards are imperative to implementing summative assessments into surgical training.

  18. Quality Management and Key Performance Indicators in Oncologic Esophageal Surgery.

    PubMed

    Gockel, Ines; Ahlbrand, Constantin Johannes; Arras, Michael; Schreiber, Elke Maria; Lang, Hauke

    2015-12-01

    Ranking systems and comparisons of quality and performance indicators will be of increasing relevance for complex "high-risk" procedures such as esophageal cancer surgery. The identification of evidence-based standards relevant for key performance indicators in esophageal surgery is essential for establishing monitoring systems and furthermore a requirement to enhance treatment quality. In the course of this review, we analyze the key performance indicators case volume, radicality of resection, and postoperative morbidity and mortality, leading to continuous quality improvement. Ranking systems established on this basis will gain increased relevance in highly complex procedures within the national and international comparison and furthermore improve the treatment of patients with esophageal carcinoma.

  19. Job Language Performance Requirements for MOS 15E PERSHING Missile Crewman.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1977-04-12

    DATA GATHERING TASK OBSERVATION STRUCTURAL PRIORITIZATION PORN INVENTORYq CHECKLIST FIGUJRE 2 In order to establish Job Language Performance Requirements...Profanity F. Shop talk/slang G. Non-standard English Media of Instruction I. Other Comments: A. 𔄁ilms B. Video cassettes C. Graphic Training Aids

  20. Some European capabilities in satellite cinema exhibition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bock, Wolfgang

    1990-08-01

    The likely performance envelope and architecture for satellite cinema systems are derived from simple practical assumptions. A case is made for possible transatlantic cooperation towards establishing a satellite cinema standard.

  1. Temporary stabilization specification improvements.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2014-09-01

    Seed variety performance data for establishing temporary vegetative cover was collected at four Illinois locations : at four planting seasons. Current Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) standard specifications call for a : mixture of perenn...

  2. 40 CFR 60.1000 - What does this subpart do?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is Commenced After August 30, 1999 or for Which...? This subpart establishes new source performance standards for new small municipal waste combustion...

  3. 40 CFR 60.1000 - What does this subpart do?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is Commenced After August 30, 1999 or for Which...? This subpart establishes new source performance standards for new small municipal waste combustion...

  4. ACCESS: Design and Sub-System Performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kaiser, Mary Elizabeth; Morris, Matthew J.; McCandliss, Stephan R.; Rasucher, Bernard J.; Kimble, Randy A.; Kruk, Jeffrey W.; Pelton, Russell; Mott, D. Brent; Wen, Hiting; Foltz, Roger; hide

    2012-01-01

    Establishing improved spectrophotometric standards is important for a broad range of missions and is relevant to many astrophysical problems. ACCESS, "Absolute Color Calibration Experiment for Standard Stars", is a series of rocket-borne sub-orbital missions and ground-based experiments designed to enable improvements in the precision of the astrophysical flux scale through the transfer of absolute laboratory detector standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to a network of stellar standards with a calibration accuracy of 1% and a spectral resolving power of 500 across the 0.35 -1.7 micrometer bandpass.

  5. Performance Based Counselor Certification.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bernknopf, Stan; Ware, William B.

    For the past four years the Georgia Department of Education has been involved in a statewide effort to establish standards and procedures for certification of educational personnel based on competency demonstration. As part of this effort, a project was commissioned to develop a performance-based system for the certification of school counselors.…

  6. Performance Evaluation for Non-Teaching Professionals.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Panebianco, Anthony F.

    The program Performance Evaluation for Non-Teaching Professionals at the State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome provides periodic assessments as required by institutional policy. The system is intended to establish a standard for judging quality of an employee's work and a rational and uniform basis for appraising…

  7. Establishing and Maintaining High-Performing Leadership Teams: A Primary Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Abbott, Ian; Bush, Tony

    2013-01-01

    This article reports on the findings from a study into high-performing leadership teams in English primary schools. The schools, in the sample, received "outstanding" Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) grades overall, and for leadership and management, in their most recent school inspection. The evidence suggests that developing…

  8. Achieving Innovation and Affordability Through Standardization of Materials Development and Testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bray, M. H.; Zook, L. M.; Raley, R. E.; Chapman, C.

    2011-01-01

    The successful expansion of development, innovation, and production within the aeronautics industry during the 20th century was facilitated by collaboration of government agencies with the commercial aviation companies. One of the initial products conceived from the collaboration was the ANC-5 Bulletin, first published in 1937. The ANC-5 Bulletin had intended to standardize the requirements of various government agencies in the design of aircraft structure. The national space policy shift in priority for NASA with an emphasis on transferring the travel to low earth orbit to commercial space providers highlights an opportunity and a need for the national and global space industries. The same collaboration and standardization that is documented and maintained by the industry within MIL-HDBK-5 (MMPDS-01) and MIL-HBDK-17 (nonmetallic mechanical properties) can also be exploited to standardize the thermal performance properties, processing methods, test methods, and analytical methods for use in aircraft and spacecraft design and associated propulsion systems. In addition to the definition of thermal performance description and standardization, the standardization for test methods and analysis for extreme environments (high temperature, cryogenics, deep space radiation, etc) would also be highly valuable to the industry. Its subsequent revisions and conversion to MIL-HDBK-5 and then MMPDS-01 established and then expanded to contain standardized mechanical property design values and other related design information for metallic materials used in aircraft, missiles, and space vehicles. It also includes guidance on standardization of composition, processing, and analytical methods for presentation and inclusion into the handbook. This standardization enabled an expansion of the technologies to provide efficiency and reliability to the consumers. It can be established that many individual programs within the government agencies have been overcome with development costs generated from these nonstandard requirements. Without industry standardization and acceptance, the programs are driven to shoulder the costs of determining design requirements, performance criteria, and then material qualification and certification. A significant investment that the industry could make to both reduce individual program development costs and schedules while expanding commercial space flight capabilities would be to invest in standardizing material performance properties for high temperature, cryogenic, and deep space environments for both metallic and nonmetallic materials.

  9. Calibration transfer of a Raman spectroscopic quantification method for the assessment of liquid detergent compositions between two at-line instruments installed at two liquid detergent production plants.

    PubMed

    Brouckaert, D; Uyttersprot, J-S; Broeckx, W; De Beer, T

    2017-09-01

    Calibration transfer of partial least squares (PLS) quantification models is established between two Raman spectrometers located at two liquid detergent production plants. As full recalibration of existing calibration models is time-consuming, labour-intensive and costly, it is investigated whether the use of mathematical correction methods requiring only a handful of standardization samples can overcome the dissimilarities in spectral response observed between both measurement systems. Univariate and multivariate standardization approaches are investigated, ranging from simple slope/bias correction (SBC), local centring (LC) and single wavelength standardization (SWS) to more complex direct standardization (DS) and piecewise direct standardization (PDS). The results of these five calibration transfer methods are compared reciprocally, as well as with regard to a full recalibration. Four PLS quantification models, each predicting the concentration of one of the four main ingredients in the studied liquid detergent composition, are aimed at transferring. Accuracy profiles are established from the original and transferred quantification models for validation purposes. A reliable representation of the calibration models performance before and after transfer is thus established, based on β-expectation tolerance intervals. For each transferred model, it is investigated whether every future measurement that will be performed in routine will be close enough to the unknown true value of the sample. From this validation, it is concluded that instrument standardization is successful for three out of four investigated calibration models using multivariate (DS and PDS) transfer approaches. The fourth transferred PLS model could not be validated over the investigated concentration range, due to a lack of precision of the slave instrument. Comparing these transfer results to a full recalibration on the slave instrument allows comparison of the predictive power of both Raman systems and leads to the formulation of guidelines for further standardization projects. It is concluded that it is essential to evaluate the performance of the slave instrument prior to transfer, even when it is theoretically identical to the master apparatus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Alternative Shear Panel Configurations for Light Wood Construction. Development, Seismic Performance, and Design Guidance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wilcoski, James; Fischer, Chad; Allison, Tim; Malach, Kelly Jo

    2002-04-01

    Shear panels are used in light wood construction to resist lateral loads resulting from earthquakes or strong winds. These panels are typically made of wooden sheathing nailed to building frame members, but this standard panel design interferes with the installation of sheet insulation. A non-insulated shear panel conducts heat between the building interior and exterior wasting considerable amounts of energy. Several alternative shear panel designs were developed to avoid this insulation-mounting problem and sample panels were tested according to standard cyclic test protocols. One of the alternative designs consisted of diagonal steel straps nailed directly to the structural framing. Several others consisted of sheathing nailed to 2 x 4 framing then set into a larger 2 x 6 structural frame in such a way that no sheathing protruded beyond the edge of the 2 x 6 members. Also samples of industry-standard shear panels were constructed and tested in order to establish a performance baseline. Analytical models were developed to size test panels and predict panel behavior. A procedure was developed for establishing design capacities based on both test data and established baseline panel design capacity. The behavior of each panel configuration is documented and recommended design capacities are presented.

  11. Testing for Salmonella in raw meat and poultry products collected at federally inspected establishments in the United States, 1998 through 2000.

    PubMed

    Rose, Bonnie E; Hill, Walter E; Umholtz, Robert; Ransom, Gerri M; James, William O

    2002-06-01

    The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems; Final Rule (the PR/HACCP rule) on 25 July 1996. To verify that industry PR/HACCP systems are effective in controlling the contamination of raw meat and poultry products with human disease-causing bacteria, this rule sets product-specific Salmonella performance standards that must be met by slaughter establishments and establishments producing raw ground products. These performance standards are based on the prevalence of Salmonella as determined from the FSIS's nationwide microbial baseline studies and are expressed in terms of the maximum number of Salmonella-positive samples that are allowed in a given sample set. From 26 January 1998 through 31 December 2000, federal inspectors collected 98,204 samples and 1,502 completed sample sets for Salmonella analysis from large, small, and very small establishments that produced at least one of seven raw meat and poultry products: broilers, market hogs, cows and bulls, steers and heifers, ground beef, ground chicken, and ground turkey. Salmonella prevalence in most of the product categories was lower after the implementation of PR/HACCP than in pre-PR/HACCP baseline studies and surveys conducted by the FSIS. The results of 3 years of testing at establishments of all sizes combined show that >80% of the sample sets met the following Salmonella prevalence performance standards: 20.0% for broilers, 8.7% for market hogs, 2.7% for cows and bulls, 1.0% for steers and heifers, 7.5% for ground beef, 44.6% for ground chicken, and 49.9% for ground turkey. The decreased Salmonella prevalences may partly reflect industry improvements, such as improved process control, incorporation of antimicrobial interventions, and increased microbial-process control monitoring, in conjunction with PR/HACCP implementation.

  12. 40 CFR Appendix C to Subpart B of... - SAE J2788 Standard for Recovery/Recycle and Recovery/Recycle/Recharging Equipment for HFC-134a...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... requirements for the recovery/recycling of HFC-134a that has been directly removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning systems and recovery/recycling and system recharging of recycled... The purpose of this SAE Standard is to establish the specific minimum equipment performance...

  13. 45 CFR 305.61 - Penalty for failure to meet IV-D requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM PERFORMANCE MEASURES, STANDARDS, FINANCIAL INCENTIVES, AND PENALTIES § 305.61 Penalty for failure to meet IV-D requirements. (a) A State will be subject to a financial... order establishment and current collections performance measures as set forth in § 305.40 of this part...

  14. 20 CFR 669.500 - What performance measures and standards apply to the NFJP?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... youth programs, described in 20 CFR part 666. The levels of performance for the farmworker indicators will be established in a negotiation between the Department and the grantee. The levels must take into account the characteristics of the population to be served and the economic conditions in the service area...

  15. 77 FR 5615 - First Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 227, Standards of Navigation Performance

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-03

    ... Performance--Background/History Review of SC 181 Products and Intended Applications Walk through of DO-236B... Responsibilities Any Other Business Establish Agenda for Next Meeting Date and Place of Next Meeting Adjourn... Washington, DC, on January 30, 2012. John Raper, Manager, Business Operations Branch, Federal Aviation...

  16. 7 CFR 3560.308 - Annual financial reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... performance standards established in paragraph (c) of this section. Borrowers may use a CPA to prepare this..., once every two or three years. (3) If a third party requires it, the borrower may have a CPA prepare an... submit annual financial reports based on an engagement performed by a CPA must meet the following...

  17. 7 CFR 3560.308 - Annual financial reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... performance standards established in paragraph (c) of this section. Borrowers may use a CPA to prepare this..., once every two or three years. (3) If a third party requires it, the borrower may have a CPA prepare an... submit annual financial reports based on an engagement performed by a CPA must meet the following...

  18. 7 CFR 3560.308 - Annual financial reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... performance standards established in paragraph (c) of this section. Borrowers may use a CPA to prepare this..., once every two or three years. (3) If a third party requires it, the borrower may have a CPA prepare an... submit annual financial reports based on an engagement performed by a CPA must meet the following...

  19. 7 CFR 3560.308 - Annual financial reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... performance standards established in paragraph (c) of this section. Borrowers may use a CPA to prepare this..., once every two or three years. (3) If a third party requires it, the borrower may have a CPA prepare an... submit annual financial reports based on an engagement performed by a CPA must meet the following...

  20. 7 CFR 3560.308 - Annual financial reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... performance standards established in paragraph (c) of this section. Borrowers may use a CPA to prepare this..., once every two or three years. (3) If a third party requires it, the borrower may have a CPA prepare an... submit annual financial reports based on an engagement performed by a CPA must meet the following...

  1. [Primary, single-stage arterial switch operations at a newly-established, comprehensive congenital cardiac center performed in the neonatal age and beyond].

    PubMed

    Király, László; Tamás, Csaba

    2015-06-21

    Outcome of arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries with/without ventricular septal defect is a service key-performance-indicator. The aim of the authors was to assess patient characteristics and parameters in the perioperative course. In the setting of a newly-established, comprehensive tertiary-care center, primary complete repair was performed including associated anomalies, e.g. transverse arch repairs. Patients with d-transposition were grouped according to coexistence of ventricular septal defect. 118 arterial switch operations were performed between 2007 and 2014 with 96.62% survival (114/118). Ventricular septal defect and repair of associated anomalies did not yield worse outcome. Left ventricular re-training with late presentation necessitated mechanical circulatory support for 4.5±1.5 days. D-transposition is suitable for standardization of clinical algorithm and surgical technique. Quality standards contribute to excellent outcomes, minimize complications, and serve as blueprint for other neonatal open-heart procedures. Availability of mechanical circulatory support is key for single-stage left ventricular re-training beyond the neonatal period.

  2. 40 CFR 421.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... within the impoundment and the evaporation within the impoundment for that month, or, if greater, a... falls within the impoundment and the mean evaporation for that month as established by the National...

  3. 40 CFR 421.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... within the impoundment and the evaporation within the impoundment for that month, or, if greater, a... falls within the impoundment and the mean evaporation for that month as established by the National...

  4. 40 CFR 421.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... within the impoundment and the evaporation within the impoundment for that month, or, if greater, a... falls within the impoundment and the mean evaporation for that month as established by the National...

  5. 40 CFR 421.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... within the impoundment and the evaporation within the impoundment for that month, or, if greater, a... falls within the impoundment and the mean evaporation for that month as established by the National...

  6. 34 CFR 645.42 - What are Upward Bound stipends?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... (2) Performance in accordance with standards established by the grantee and described in the... Centers— (i) For the academic year component, the stipend may not exceed $40 per month; and (ii) For the...

  7. 20 CFR 1001.100 - Purpose and scope of subpart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... system established pursuant to the Wagner-Peyser Act, as amended. (b) This subpart describes the roles... performance standards for determining compliance of State agencies in carrying out the provisions of 38 U.S.C...

  8. Standard Free Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction as a New Tool for the Quality Control of High-Capacity Adenoviral Vectors in Small-Scale Preparations

    PubMed Central

    Boehme, Philip; Stellberger, Thorsten; Solanki, Manish; Zhang, Wenli; Schulz, Eric; Bergmann, Thorsten; Liu, Jing; Doerner, Johannes; Baiker, Armin E.

    2015-01-01

    Abstract High-capacity adenoviral vectors (HCAdVs) are promising tools for gene therapy as well as for genetic engineering. However, one limitation of the HCAdV vector system is the complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive production process and the following quality control procedure. Since HCAdVs are deleted for all viral coding sequences, a helper virus (HV) is needed in the production process to provide the sequences for all viral proteins in trans. For the purification procedure of HCAdV, cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation is usually performed followed by buffer exchange using dialysis or comparable methods. However, performing these steps is technically difficult, potentially error-prone, and not scalable. Here, we establish a new protocol for small-scale production of HCAdV based on commercially available adenovirus purification systems and a standard method for the quality control of final HCAdV preparations. For titration of final vector preparations, we established a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) that uses a standard free-end-point PCR in small droplets of defined volume. By using different probes, this method is capable of detecting and quantifying HCAdV and HV in one reaction independent of reference material, rendering this method attractive for accurately comparing viral titers between different laboratories. In summary, we demonstrate that it is possible to produce HCAdV in a small scale of sufficient quality and quantity to perform experiments in cell culture, and we established a reliable protocol for vector titration based on ddPCR. Our method significantly reduces time and required equipment to perform HCAdV production. In the future the ddPCR technology could be advantageous for titration of other viral vectors commonly used in gene therapy. PMID:25640117

  9. Ultraviolet Radiation Dose National Standard of México

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cardoso, R.; Rosas, E.

    2006-09-01

    We present the Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Dose National Standard for México. The establishment of this measurement reference at Centro Nacional de Metrología (CENAM) eliminates the need of contacting foreign suppliers in the search for traceability towards the SI units when calibrating instruments at 365 nm. Further more, the UV Radiation Dose National Standard constitutes a highly accurate and reliable source for the UV radiation dose measurements performed in medical and cosmetic treatments as in the the food and pharmaceutics disinfection processes, among other.

  10. Impact of government regulation on health care technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berkowitz, Robert D.

    1994-12-01

    Increased government regulation of the medical device industry produces higher expenses, a longer time to return investment capital, and greater uncertainty. As a result there are fewer new ventures and reduced efforts to develop new technology in established companies. The current federal regulatory framework has shifted from monitoring the product to monitoring the process. The inability to reach perfect performance in such a regulated environment subject to continuous and fluid interpretation guarantees non-compliance and growing ethical tension. Without new medical technology, we may be unable to maintain quality medical coverage in the face of rising demand. The author proposes risk assessment to set regulatory priorities; the conversion of a national weapons lab to a national device testing lab; the establishment of device standards and the monitoring of in-use performance against these standards; and the education of patients and users as to the results of these examinations.

  11. Board oversight of patient care quality in community health systems.

    PubMed

    Prybil, Lawrence D; Peterson, Richard; Brezinski, Paul; Zamba, Gideon; Roach, William; Fillmore, Ammon

    2010-01-01

    In hospitals and health systems, ensuring that standards for the quality of patient care are established and continuous improvement processes are in place are among the board's most fundamental responsibilities. A recent survey has examined governance oversight of patient care quality at 123 nonprofit community health systems and compared their practices with current benchmarks of good governance. The findings show that 88% of the boards have established standing committees on patient quality and safety, nearly all chief executive officers' performance expectations now include targets related to patient quality and safety, and 96% of the boards regularly receive formal written reports regarding their organizations' performance in relation to quality measures and standards. However, there continue to be gaps between present reality and current benchmarks of good governance in several areas. These gaps are somewhat greater for independent systems than for those affiliated with a larger parent organization.

  12. The Rise and Fall of a Standards Based Spelling Assessment: Did Spelling Improve or Is it Just Another Case of Teaching to the Test?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fenton, Ray; Stofflet, Fred; Straugh, Tom

    This paper reports the creation, implementation, and discontinuation of a standards based spelling assessment program in Anchorage, Alaska. The program was initiated by the Anchorage school board as part of establishing district-wide performance goals for students in 1998-1999. Spelling was singled out for attention because of national discussions…

  13. Framework for establishing records control in hospitals as an ISO 9001 requirement.

    PubMed

    Al-Qatawneh, Lina

    2017-02-13

    Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the process followed to control records in a Jordanian private community hospital as an ISO 9001:2008 standard requirement. Design/methodology/approach Under the hospital quality council's supervision, the quality management and development office staff were responsible for designing, planning and implementing the quality management system (QMS) using the ISO 9001:2008 standard. A policy for records control was established. An action plan for establishing the records control was developed and implemented. On completion, a coding system for records was specified to be used by hospital staff. Finally, an internal audit was performed to verify conformity to the ISO 9001:2008 standard requirements. Findings Successful certification by a neutral body ascertained that the hospital's QMS conformed to the ISO 9001:2008 requirements. A framework was developed that describes the records controlling process, which can be used by staff in any healthcare organization wanting to achieve ISO 9001:2008 accreditation. Originality/value Given the increased interest among healthcare organizations to achieve the ISO 9001 certification, the proposed framework for establishing records control is developed and is expected to be a valuable management tool to improve and sustain healthcare quality.

  14. Chapter 23: International Standard reagents for harmonization of HPV serology and DNA assays--an update.

    PubMed

    Pagliusi, Sonia R; Dillner, Joakim; Pawlita, Michael; Quint, Wim G V; Wheeler, Cosette M; Ferguson, M

    2006-08-31

    International reference materials such as International Standard reagents facilitate quality assurance of essential biopharmaceutical products and related in vitro diagnostic tests. Standardization of antibody and DNA measurements and harmonization of laboratory procedures are key to the success of cancer prevention strategies through screening methods as well as for development and implementation of vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV). The WHO supported the preparation and initial analysis of a panel of candidate serological and DNA reference reagents aimed at facilitating inter-laboratory comparisons and detection of HPV worldwide. Two international collaborative studies assessed the performance of various HPV antibody and HPV-DNA detection assays and examined the feasibility of generating HPV antibody and DNA standard reagents. These studies showed that improvement in performance and comparability of assays is urgently needed and that the use of the same International Standard reference reagent could significantly improve performance and comparability. It is hoped that the establishment of International Units and International Standards for HPV antibody and DNA analysis will be pursued with high priority.

  15. Implementing the No Child Left Behind Act: Challenges for the States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goertz, Margaret E.

    2005-01-01

    The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) requires states to test specified subjects and grades, to establish minimum performance standards for students, schools and school districts, and to provide assistance and impose sanctions on schools and districts that do not meet performance goals as a condition of receiving federal aid. NCLB builds on…

  16. IDENTIFICATION OF MAJOR TASKS PERFORMED BY MERCHANDISING EMPLOYEES WORKING IN THREE STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    ERTEL, KENNETH A.

    BY QUESTIONNAIRE, FACTS WERE OBTAINED REGARDING 12 CATEGORIES OF MERCHANDISING PERFORMED BY 609 SUPERVISORY AND NONSUPERVISORY PERSONNEL OF 33 DEPARTMENT, LIMITED-PRICE VARIETY, AND GENERAL MERCHANDISING STORES. THIS SAMPLE WAS SELECTED FROM A POPULATION OF 13,643 MERCHANDISING EMPLOYEES, WORKING IN A TOTAL OF 234 FIRMS, IN KING AND PIERCE…

  17. Medical Malpractice Implications of Clinical Practice Guidelines.

    PubMed

    Ruhl, Douglas S; Siegal, Gil

    2017-08-01

    Clinical practice guidelines aim to improve medical care by clarifying and making useful recommendations to providers. Although providers should account for patients' unique characteristics when determining a treatment plan, it is generally perceived as good practice to follow guidelines when applicable. This is of interest in malpractice litigation, where it is essential to establish a standard of care to evaluate the performances of providers. Although the opinions of expert witnesses are used to determine standards of care, guidelines are expected to play a leading role. Guidelines alone should not establish a legal standard but may help inform this discussion in the courtroom. Therefore, it is incumbent that excellent, practical, and timely guidelines are continually created and updated in a transparent way. These guidelines must be very clear and underscore the various strengths of recommendation based on the quality of available evidence.

  18. 42 CFR 493.1200 - Introduction.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... (that is, preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic) as well as general laboratory systems. (b) The...) STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS Quality System for Nonwaived Testing § 493.1200 Introduction. (a) Each laboratory that performs nonwaived testing must establish and maintain written policies...

  19. [The influence of "hygienic minimum" course on quality of catering establishments].

    PubMed

    Venus, Miroslav; Petrovcić, Darija

    2010-01-01

    The aim of this article was to define the quality of catering establishments in Virovitica Podravina county before and after the course of "hygienic minimum". Research was realized through interview and assessment of microbiological swabs of the same catering establishments before and after the course of "hygienic minimum". All procedures were performed according to Regulations on standard specification in microbiological cleanness and methods of its determining. Twenty-five catering establishments from a group of restaurants and bars were analyzed. In all of them we found improvement in the most of examined parameters. So, implementation of the course through the existing program has proven to be justified.

  20. Nurses critical to quality, safety, and now financial performance.

    PubMed

    Kohlbrenner, Janis; Whitelaw, George; Cannaday, Denise

    2011-03-01

    Preventable hospital errors are the accepted impetus to the establishment of quality measures and served as a catalyst for the ongoing evolution of healthcare reform. Nurses are crucial members of the hospital quality team, and their actions are integral to the hospital's quality performance. The authors explore some of the practical challenges created by quality performance standards, specifically around venous thromboembolism, and the contribution nurses can make, to patient safety, quality of care, and the institutions financial performance.

  1. Effect of pulsed 5. 62 ghz microwaves on squirrel monkeys (saimiri sciureus) performing a repeated acquisition task. Final report

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

    Knepton, J.; de Lorge, J.

    1983-01-28

    Navy personnel assigned to perform duties in the vicinity of microwave irradiating devices are subject to possible hazards if the irradiation is of adequate intensity and frequency. Data are of critical need to establish safety standards for human exposure to microwaves. In an effort to provide such information squirrel monkeys were trained on a task that required learning and were subsequently irradiated with microwaves while they performed the task. Four male squirrel monkeys trained to perform a repeated learning task demonstrated performance decay while being exposed to pulsed 5.62 GHz microwave radiation in the far-field situation at power densities ofmore » 38 and 46 mW/sq cm, but there was only slight learning impairment. There was little, if any, effect on learning or performance at 17 and 32 mW/sq cm. The performance effect became evident when the monkey's colonic temperature increased 1 C or more above the small increases that occurred during sham exposure. There was no evidence of either thermal or behavioral adaption, nor were there indications of lasting microwave effects. Specific absorption rate (SAR) values, obtained from saline and tissue-simulating models, coupled with the performance decay finding at 38 and 46 mW/sq cm indicate that special attention should be given to exposures of the head and extremities when establishing safety standards for human exposure.« less

  2. A General Small-Scale Reactor To Enable Standardization and Acceleration of Photocatalytic Reactions.

    PubMed

    Le, Chi Chip; Wismer, Michael K; Shi, Zhi-Cai; Zhang, Rui; Conway, Donald V; Li, Guoqing; Vachal, Petr; Davies, Ian W; MacMillan, David W C

    2017-06-28

    Photocatalysis for organic synthesis has experienced an exponential growth in the past 10 years. However, the variety of experimental procedures that have been reported to perform photon-based catalyst excitation has hampered the establishment of general protocols to convert visible light into chemical energy. To address this issue, we have designed an integrated photoreactor for enhanced photon capture and catalyst excitation. Moreover, the evaluation of this new reactor in eight photocatalytic transformations that are widely employed in medicinal chemistry settings has confirmed significant performance advantages of this optimized design while enabling a standardized protocol.

  3. Administrative Support Occupations Skill Standards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Professional Secretaries International, Kansas City, MO.

    This document establishes a set of performance expectations based on current practices in administrative support occupations. It is designed to assist individuals, training providers, employers, management personnel, and professional organizations in matching knowledge, abilities, and interests to knowledge and skills required for success in…

  4. 42 CFR 493.1271 - Standard: Immunohematology.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... further testing in the event of transfusion reactions. The laboratory must promptly dispose of blood not... reactions. (1) According to its established procedures, the laboratory that performs compatibility testing, or issues blood or blood products, must promptly investigate all transfusion reactions occurring in...

  5. Standardization of clinical pharmacist's activities: Methodology.

    PubMed

    Gregorová, Jana; Rychlíčková, Jitka; Šaloun, Jan

    2017-09-01

    Establishing standardized and controlled system of work at a clinical pharmacy department and establishing effective recording of activities of a group of four clinical pharmacist when providing clinical pharmaceutical care (CPC) in a hospital. The duration of evaluated period is 5.5 years. The first part was defining the purpose, methods and activities of clinical pharmaceutical care, the next part was designing the software for recording patient's data and CPC activities. To verify the functionality of our system the third part was conducted (from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015). CPC activities were defined precisely. During the 6 months period, 3946 patients were reviewed (17% of patients admitted), in this group, 41% patients was labeled as risk (these patients had one or more risk factor). 1722 repeated reviews were performed, 884 drug therapy recommendations were recorded. The calculated average time necessary for one CPC activity is 28 min. During the 5 year period, standardized system of work in clinical pharmacy department was established. This system is based on clearly defined activities and it enables external control. Our results supply data for negotiations with health insurance companies.

  6. A Step Towards Electric Propulsion Testing Standards: Pressure Measurements and Effective Pumping Speeds

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dankanich, John W.; Swiatek, Michael W.; Yim, John T.

    2012-01-01

    The electric propulsion community has been implored to establish and implement a set of universally applicable test standards during the research, development, and qualification of electric propulsion systems. Existing practices are fallible and result in testing variations which leads to suspicious results, large margins in application, or aversion to mission infusion. Performance measurements and life testing under appropriate conditions can be costly and lengthy. Measurement practices must be consistent, accurate, and repeatable. Additionally, the measurements must be universally transportable across facilities throughout the development, qualification, spacecraft integration and on-orbit performance. A preliminary step to progress towards universally applicable testing standards is outlined for facility pressure measurements and effective pumping speed calculations. The standard has been applied to multiple facilities at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Test results and analyses of universality of measurements are presented herein.

  7. Study on Quality Standard of Processed Curcuma Longa Radix

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Yongfeng; Quan, Liang; Zhou, Haiting; Cao, Dong; Li, Wenbing; Yang, Zhuo

    2017-01-01

    To control the quality of Curcuma Longa Radix by establishing quality standards, this paper increased the contents of extract and volatile oil determination. Meanwhile, the curcumin was selected as the internal marker, and the relative correlation factors (RCFs) of demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin were established by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The contents of multicomponents were calculated based on their RCFs. The rationality and feasibility of the methods were evaluated by comparison of the quantitative results between external standard method (ESM) and quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single-marker (QAMS). Ethanol extracts ranged from 9.749 to 15.644% and the mean value was 13.473%. The volatile oil ranged from 0.45 to 0.90 mL/100 g and the mean value was 0.66 mL/100 g. This method was accurate and feasible and could provide a reference for further comprehensive and effective control of the quality standard of Curcuma Longa Radix and its processed products. PMID:29375640

  8. Clusters of Tasks Performed by Merchandising Employees Working in Three Standard Industrial Classifications of Retail Establishments. Final Report, No. 20.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ertel, Kenneth Arthur

    The study assembled up-to-date facts by questionnaire about major types of tasks actually performed by merchandising employees working in department, variety, and general merchandise stores in King and Pierce Counties, Washington. This population closely matched the national percentages, and responses of 609 employees provided data for the study.…

  9. Oustar: A Premixed Blend of Velpar DF+Oust XP For Herbaceous Weed Control and Enhanced Loblolly Pine Seedling Performance

    Treesearch

    Jimmie L. Yeiser; Andrew W. Ezell

    2004-01-01

    Six tests were established comparing the herbaceous weed control (HWC) and resultant loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedling performance from treatments of Oustar (0, 10, 13, 16, 19 ounces product acre-1), and industry standards (Velpar L+Oust 32+2; Arsenal+Oust 4+2 both in ounces product acre-1). Sites...

  10. Evaluation of the Comprehensive School Reform Program Implementation and Outcomes. Third-Year Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Orland, Martin; Connolly, Brooke; Fong, Tony; Sosenko, Lauren Davis; Tushnet, Naida C.; Yin, Robert K.; Burt, Janeula M.; Warner, Emily

    2008-01-01

    The Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) Program was established as a demonstration program in 1998 and authorized as a full program in 2002 as part of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). It is one approach to help low-performing K-12 public schools meet state performance standards. CSR emphasizes two major concepts: mandating that school reform…

  11. Establishment of key grid-connected performance index system for integrated PV-ES system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Q.; Yuan, X. D.; Qi, Q.; Liu, H. M.

    2016-08-01

    In order to further promote integrated optimization operation of distributed new energy/ energy storage/ active load, this paper studies the integrated photovoltaic-energy storage (PV-ES) system which is connected with the distribution network, and analyzes typical structure and configuration selection for integrated PV-ES generation system. By combining practical grid- connected characteristics requirements and technology standard specification of photovoltaic generation system, this paper takes full account of energy storage system, and then proposes several new grid-connected performance indexes such as paralleled current sharing characteristic, parallel response consistency, adjusting characteristic, virtual moment of inertia characteristic, on- grid/off-grid switch characteristic, and so on. A comprehensive and feasible grid-connected performance index system is then established to support grid-connected performance testing on integrated PV-ES system.

  12. Modeling operators' emergency response time for chemical processing operations.

    PubMed

    Murray, Susan L; Harputlu, Emrah; Mentzer, Ray A; Mannan, M Sam

    2014-01-01

    Operators have a crucial role during emergencies at a variety of facilities such as chemical processing plants. When an abnormality occurs in the production process, the operator often has limited time to either take corrective actions or evacuate before the situation becomes deadly. It is crucial that system designers and safety professionals can estimate the time required for a response before procedures and facilities are designed and operations are initiated. There are existing industrial engineering techniques to establish time standards for tasks performed at a normal working pace. However, it is reasonable to expect the time required to take action in emergency situations will be different than working at a normal production pace. It is possible that in an emergency, operators will act faster compared to a normal pace. It would be useful for system designers to be able to establish a time range for operators' response times for emergency situations. This article develops a modeling approach to estimate the time standard range for operators taking corrective actions or following evacuation procedures in emergency situations. This will aid engineers and managers in establishing time requirements for operators in emergency situations. The methodology used for this study combines a well-established industrial engineering technique for determining time requirements (predetermined time standard system) and adjustment coefficients for emergency situations developed by the authors. Numerous videos of workers performing well-established tasks at a maximum pace were studied. As an example, one of the tasks analyzed was pit crew workers changing tires as quickly as they could during a race. The operations in these videos were decomposed into basic, fundamental motions (such as walking, reaching for a tool, and bending over) by studying the videos frame by frame. A comparison analysis was then performed between the emergency pace and the normal working pace operations to determine performance coefficients. These coefficients represent the decrease in time required for various basic motions in emergency situations and were used to model an emergency response. This approach will make hazardous operations requiring operator response, alarm management, and evacuation processes easier to design and predict. An application of this methodology is included in the article. The time required for an emergency response was roughly a one-third faster than for a normal response time.

  13. Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for calibration transfer between environmental CRMs.

    PubMed

    Turk, G C; Yu, L L; Salit, M L; Guthrie, W F

    2001-06-01

    Multielement analyses of environmental reference materials have been performed using existing certified reference materials (CRMs) as calibration standards for inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The analyses have been performed using a high-performance methodology that results in comparison measurement uncertainties that are significantly less than the uncertainties of the certified values of the calibration CRM. Consequently, the determined values have uncertainties that are very nearly equivalent to the uncertainties of the calibration CRM. Several uses of this calibration transfer are proposed, including, re-certification measurements of replacement CRMs, establishing traceability of one CRM to another, and demonstrating the equivalence of two CRMs. RM 8704, a river sediment, was analyzed using SRM 2704, Buffalo River Sediment, as the calibration standard. SRM 1632c, Trace Elements in Bituminous Coal, which is a replacement for SRM 1632b, was analyzed using SRM 1632b as the standard. SRM 1635, Trace Elements in Subbituminous Coal, was also analyzed using SRM 1632b as the standard.

  14. [Immuno-affinity chromatographic purification: the study of methods to test citrinin in monascus products by high performance liquid chromatography].

    PubMed

    Qiu, Wen-qian; Liu, Xiao-xia; Zheng, Kui-cheng; Fu, Wu-sheng

    2012-08-01

    To establish a method to test citrinin (CIT) in monascus products by immuno-affinity chromatography (IAC)-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to detect the content of CIT in monascus products in Fujian province. IAC-HPLC was applied to detect the CIT content in monascus products. The conditions to use HPLC were as follows: C(18) reversed-phase chromatographic column, 150.0 mm×4.6mm×3 µm; mobile phase: the volume ratio of acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid solution at 65:35; isocratic elution; column temperature: 28°C; flow velocity: 0.8 ml/min; fluorescence detector, excitation wavelength (λ(ex)) was 331 nm and emission wavelength (λ(em)) was 500 nm. The standard curved was established by the linear regression of peak area (Y) to CIT content (X, ng/ml). The accuracy and precision of the method would then be verified. And 32 kinds of monascus products were determined and their color values were compared by this method. The standard curve established in this study was Y = 4634.8X-136.42, r = 1.000; whose limits of detection was 20 µg/kg and the limits of qualification was 64 µg/kg. In the range between 200 and 800 µg/kg, the standard recovery rate was 98.9% - 110.0% (n = 3), and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.51% - 1.76%. Out of the 32 samples, CIT was detected from 11 samples of monascus rice, 9 samples of monascus powder and 5 samples of monascus pigments, the content was around 0.212 - 14.500 mg/kg. 4 out of 7 functional monascus samples were detected out CIT, whose content at 0.142 - 0.275 mg/kg. The method to detect CIT in monascus products by IAC-HPLC has been established.

  15. 45 CFR 156.1110 - Establishment of patient safety standards for QHP issuers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... STANDARDS RELATED TO EXCHANGES Quality Standards § 156.1110 Establishment of patient safety standards for QHP issuers. (a) Patient safety standards. A QHP issuer that contracts with a hospital with greater... 45 Public Welfare 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Establishment of patient safety standards for QHP...

  16. Body composition and military performance--many things to many people.

    PubMed

    Friedl, Karl E

    2012-07-01

    Soldiers are expected to maintain the highest possible level of physical readiness because they must be ready to mobilize and perform their duties anywhere in the world at any time. The objective of Army body composition standards is to motivate physical training and good nutrition habits to ensure a high state of readiness. Establishment of enforceable and rational standards to support this objective has been challenging even at extremes of body size. Morbidly obese individuals are clearly not suited to military service, but very large muscular individuals may be superbly qualified for soldier performance demands. For this reason, large individuals are measured for body fat using a waist circumference-based equation (female soldiers are also measured for hip circumference). The main challenge comes in setting appropriate fat standards to support the full range of Army requirements. Military appearance ideals dictate the most stringent body fat standards, whereas health risk thresholds anchor the most liberal standards, and physical performance associations fall on a spectrum between these 2 poles. Standards should not exclude or penalize specialized performance capabilities such as endurance running or power lifting across a spectrum of body sizes and fat. The full integration of women into the military further complicates the issue because of sexually dimorphic characteristics that make gender-appropriate standards essential and where inappropriately stringent standards can compromise both health and performance of this segment of the force. Other associations with body composition such as stress effects on intraabdominal fat distribution patterns and metabolic implications of a fat reserve for survival in extreme environments are also relevant considerations. This is a review of the science that underpins the U.S. Army body composition standards.

  17. 78 FR 79283 - Community Reinvestment Act Regulations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-30

    ... thresholds used to define ``small bank'' or ``small savings association'' and ``intermediate small bank'' or ``intermediate small savings association.'' As required by the CRA regulations, the adjustment to the threshold... Agencies' CRA regulations establish CRA performance standards for small and intermediate small banks and...

  18. Pocket-sized versus standard ultrasound machines in abdominal imaging.

    PubMed

    Tse, K H; Luk, W H; Lam, M C

    2014-06-01

    The pocket-sized ultrasound machine has emerged as an invaluable tool for quick assessment in emergency and general practice settings. It is suitable for instant and quick assessment in cardiac imaging. However, its applicability in the imaging of other body parts has yet to be established. In this pictorial review, we compared the performance of the pocketsized ultrasound machine against the standard ultrasound machine for its image quality in common abdominal pathology.

  19. ACCESS: integration and pre-flight performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaiser, Mary Elizabeth; Morris, Matthew J.; Aldoroty, Lauren N.; Pelton, Russell; Kurucz, Robert; Peacock, Grant O.; Hansen, Jason; McCandliss, Stephan R.; Rauscher, Bernard J.; Kimble, Randy A.; Kruk, Jeffrey W.; Wright, Edward L.; Orndorff, Joseph D.; Feldman, Paul D.; Moos, H. Warren; Riess, Adam G.; Gardner, Jonathan P.; Bohlin, Ralph; Deustua, Susana E.; Dixon, W. V.; Sahnow, David J.; Perlmutter, Saul

    2017-09-01

    Establishing improved spectrophotometric standards is important for a broad range of missions and is relevant to many astrophysical problems. ACCESS, "Absolute Color Calibration Experiment for Standard Stars", is a series of rocket-borne sub-orbital missions and ground-based experiments designed to enable improvements in the precision of the astrophysical flux scale through the transfer of absolute laboratory detector standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to a network of stellar standards with a calibration accuracy of 1% and a spectral resolving power of 500 across the 0.35 - 1.7μm bandpass. This paper describes the sub-system testing, payload integration, avionics operations, and data transfer for the ACCESS instrument.

  20. Standardization of quality control plans for highway bridges in Europe: COST Action TU 1406

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Casas, Joan R.; Matos, Jose Campos e.

    2017-09-01

    In Europe, as all over the world, the need to manage roadway bridges in an efficient way led to the development of different management systems. Hence, nowadays, many European countries have their own system. Although they present a similar architectural framework, several differences can be appointed. These differences constitute a divergent mechanism that may conduct to different decisions on maintenance actions. Within the roadway bridge management process, the identification of maintenance needs is more effective when developed in a uniform and repeatable manner. This process can be accomplished by the identification of performance indicators and definition of performance goals and key performance indicators (KPI), improving the planning of maintenance strategies. Therefore, a discussion at a European level, seeking to achieve a standardized approach in this subject, will bring significant benefits. Accordingly, a COST Action is under way in Europe with the aim of standardizing the establishment of quality control plans for roadway bridges.

  1. Reciprocating and Screw Compressor semi-empirical models for establishing minimum energy performance standards

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Javed, Hassan; Armstrong, Peter

    2015-08-01

    The efficiency bar for a Minimum Equipment Performance Standard (MEPS) generally aims to minimize energy consumption and life cycle cost of a given chiller type and size category serving a typical load profile. Compressor type has a significant chiller performance impact. Performance of screw and reciprocating compressors is expressed in terms of pressure ratio and speed for a given refrigerant and suction density. Isentropic efficiency for a screw compressor is strongly affected by under- and over-compression (UOC) processes. The theoretical simple physical UOC model involves a compressor-specific (but sometimes unknown) volume index parameter and the real gas properties of the refrigerant used. Isentropic efficiency is estimated by the UOC model and a bi-cubic, used to account for flow, friction and electrical losses. The unknown volume index, a smoothing parameter (to flatten the UOC model peak) and bi-cubic coefficients are identified by curve fitting to minimize an appropriate residual norm. Chiller performance maps are produced for each compressor type by selecting optimized sub-cooling and condenser fan speed options in a generic component-based chiller model. SEER is the sum of hourly load (from a typical building in the climate of interest) and specific power for the same hourly conditions. An empirical UAE cooling load model, scalable to any equipment capacity, is used to establish proposed UAE MEPS. Annual electricity use and cost, determined from SEER and annual cooling load, and chiller component cost data are used to find optimal chiller designs and perform life-cycle cost comparison between screw and reciprocating compressor-based chillers. This process may be applied to any climate/load model in order to establish optimized MEPS for any country and/or region.

  2. Assessing patient safety in Canadian ambulatory surgery facilities: A national survey

    PubMed Central

    Ahmad, Jamil; Ho, Olivia A; Carman, Wayne W; Thoma, Achilles; Lalonde, Donald H; Lista, Frank

    2014-01-01

    BACKGROUND: There has been increased interest regarding patient safety and standards of care in Canadian ambulatory surgery facilities where surgical procedures are performed. The Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (CAAASF) is a national organization formed to establish and maintain standards to ensure that surgical procedures conducted outside of public hospitals are performed safely. OBJECTIVE: To determine how many procedures are performed annually at CAAASF member sites, and to examine complication rates and several key patient safety practices. METHODS: All 69 facilities accredited by the CAAASF were surveyed. The survey focused on procedural data, complication rates and patient safety interventions. RESULTS: In 2010, 40,240 estimated procedures were performed. A total of 263 (0.007%) complications were reported. Sixteen (0.0004%) patients required reoperations in hospital and 19 (0.0004%) patients required transfer to hospital on the day of surgery. There were only two mortalities within 30 days of surgery reported in the past five years. With regard to patient safety practices, 93% used antimicrobial prophylaxis, 100% used strategies to maintain normothermia and 82% used measures for venous thromboembolism prevention. CONCLUSION: The present study is the first to report on the Canadian experience in ambulatory surgery facilities and provides insight into current practices at these facilities. Appropriate accreditation of ambulatory surgery facilities, well-established patient safety-related standards of care, careful patient selection and procedures performed by qualified health care professionals with appropriate certification practicing within the scope of their practice form the basis for safe and effective ambulatory surgery. PMID:25152645

  3. Employment Standards for Australian Urban Firefighters: Part 4: Physical Aptitude Tests and Standards.

    PubMed

    Fullagar, Hugh H K; Sampson, John A; Mott, Brendan J; Burdon, Catriona A; Taylor, Nigel A S; Groeller, Herbert

    2015-10-01

    Firefighter physical aptitude tests were administered to unskilled subjects and operational firefighters to evaluate the impact that testing bias associated with gender, age, activity-specific skills, or task familiarity may have upon establishing performance thresholds. These tests were administered in sequence, simulating hazmat incidents, ventilation fan carriage (stairs), motor-vehicle rescues, bushfire incidents, fire attacks, and a firefighter rescue. Participants included two unskilled samples (N = 14 and 22) and 143 firefighters. Firefighter performance was not significantly different from the unskilled subjects. Participants from both genders passed the test, with scores unrelated to performance skill or age; however, familiarization significantly improved performance when the test was repeated. These outcomes confirmed this test to be gender-, age-, and skill-neutral. Familiarization effects could be removed through performing a single, pre-selection trial of the test battery.

  4. [How to establish a good acupuncture-moxibustion standard?].

    PubMed

    Wu, Xiao-dong; Xiao, Hui

    2014-10-01

    At the beginning of a standard item, the standardized objects and involved contents should be demonstrated thoroughly, which is the precondition of establishing a good standard. After the proposal of this standard, a high-level drafting group should be built, led by top specialists who also draft the standard, which is essential to guarantee the quality of the standard. Before drafting the standard, literature regarding this standard should be searched completely, and Directives for Standardization should be learned to understand the basic requirements of establishing a standard; in the meanwhile, selections on standardized contents and quantitative boundaries of technical indices should be comprehensively and deeply studied. At the stage of consultation, focus should be paid on the scope of the consultation departments, level and personnel quality. As for standard review, it should be precise and truth-seeking. At the stage of submitting and authorization, it is necessary to have timely communication. Only by full cooperations of all parties, and by strictly following the procedure, method and rule of standard establishment, can a high-quality acupuncture-moxibustion standard be established.

  5. Pragmatic setup for bioparticle responses by dielectrophoresis for resource limited environment application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ali, Mohd Anuar Md; Yeop Majlis, Burhanuddin; Kayani, Aminuddin Ahmad

    2017-12-01

    Various dielectrophoretic responses of bioparticles, including cell-chain, spinning, rotation and clustering, are of high interest in the field due to their benefit into application for biomedical and clinical implementation potential. Numerous attempts using sophisticated equipment setup have been studied to perform those dielectrophoretic responses, however, for development into resource limited environment application, such as portable, sustainable and environmental friendly diagnostic tools, establishment of pragmatic setup using standard, non-sophisticated and low-cost equipment is of important task. Here we show the advantages in the judicious design optimization of tip microelectrode, also with selection of suspending medium and optimization of electric signal configuration in establishing setup that can promote the aforementioned dielectrophoretic responses within standard equipments, i.e. pragmatic setup.

  6. Establishing Recommendations for Stroke Systems in the Thrombectomy Era: The Upstate New York Stakeholder Proceedings.

    PubMed

    Magdon-Ismail, Zainab; Benesch, Curtis; Cushman, Jeremy T; Brissette, Ian; Southerland, Andrew M; Brandler, Ethan S; Sozener, Cemal B; Flor, Sue; Hemmitt, Roseanne; Wales, Kathleen; Parrigan, Krystal; Levine, Steven R

    2017-07-01

    The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and Department of Health Stroke Coverdell Program convened a stakeholder meeting in upstate NY to develop recommendations to enhance stroke systems for acute large vessel occlusion. Prehospital, hospital, and Department of Health leadership were invited (n=157). Participants provided goals/concerns and developed recommendations for prehospital triage and interfacility transport, rating each using a 3-level impact (A [high], B, and C [low]) and implementation feasibility (1 [high], 2, and 3 [low]) scale. Six weeks later, participants finalized recommendations. Seventy-one stakeholders (45% of invitees) attended. Six themes around goals/concerns emerged: (1) emergency medical services capacity, (2) validated prehospital screening tools, (3) facility capability, (4) triage/transport guidelines, (5) data capture/feedback tools, and (6) facility competition. In response, high-impact (level A) prehospital recommendations, stratified by implementation feasibility, were (1) use of online medical control for triage (6%); (2) regional transportation strategy (31%), standardized emergency medical services checklists (18%), quality metrics (14%), standardized prehospital screening tools (13%), and feedback for performance improvement (7%); and (3) smartphone application algorithm for screening/decision-making (6%) and ambulance-based telemedicine (6%). Level A interfacility transfer recommendations were (1) standardized transfer process (32%)/timing goals (16%)/regionalized systems (11%), performance metrics (11%), image sharing capabilities (7%); (2) provider education (9%) and stroke toolbox (5%); and (3) interfacility telemedicine (7%) and feedback (2%). The methods used and recommendations generated provide models for stroke system enhancement. Implementation may vary based on geographic need/capacity and be contingent on establishing standard care practices. Further research is needed to establish optimal implementation strategies. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

  7. 42 CFR 493.1445 - Standard; Laboratory director responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... quality laboratory services for all aspects of test performance, which includes the preanalytic, analytic... result is found to be unacceptable or unsatisfactory; (5) Ensure that the quality control and quality assessment programs are established and maintained to assure the quality of laboratory services provided and...

  8. 75 FR 13646 - Public Meeting With Interested Persons To Discuss the Proposed AC 20-42D, Hand Fire Extinguishers...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-22

    ... Systems Fire Protection Working Group (IASFPWG) to draft a revision to the current AC 20-42C, issued on... approved replacement agents for Halon 1211 and establishes an FAA approved minimum performance standard...

  9. A Planning Process and the Integration of Institutional Research.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Spencer, R.; And Others

    Consisting mainly of charts, graphs, and lists, this publication presents materials used in the Delaware County Community College (DCCC) planning and institutional research processes. Guidelines for establishing DCCC mission, goals, objectives, and management by objectives performance standards relative to planning changes, instructional programs,…

  10. 5 CFR 330.208 - Qualification requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. (c) The sex of an individual may not be... qualified for a position if he or she: (1) Meets OPM-established or approved qualification standards and requirements for the position, including any minimum educational requirements, and any selection placement...

  11. Angle Measurement System (AMS) for Establishing Model Pitch and Roll Zero, and Performing Single Axis Angle Comparisons

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crawford, Bradley L.

    2007-01-01

    The angle measurement system (AMS) developed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is a system for many uses. It was originally developed to check taper fits in the wind tunnel model support system. The system was further developed to measure simultaneous pitch and roll angles using 3 orthogonally mounted accelerometers (3-axis). This 3-axis arrangement is used as a transfer standard from the calibration standard to the wind tunnel facility. It is generally used to establish model pitch and roll zero and performs the in-situ calibration on model attitude devices. The AMS originally used a laptop computer running DOS based software but has recently been upgraded to operate in a windows environment. Other improvements have also been made to the software to enhance its accuracy and add features. This paper will discuss the accuracy and calibration methodologies used in this system and some of the features that have contributed to its popularity.

  12. Déjà vu experiences in healthy subjects are unrelated to laboratory tests of recollection and familiarity for word stimuli.

    PubMed

    O'Connor, Akira R; Moulin, Chris J A

    2013-01-01

    Recent neuropsychological and neuroscientific research suggests that people who experience more déjà vu display characteristic patterns in normal recognition memory. We conducted a large individual differences study (n = 206) to test these predictions using recollection and familiarity parameters recovered from a standard memory task. Participants reported déjà vu frequency and a number of its correlates, and completed a recognition memory task analogous to a Remember-Know procedure. The individual difference measures replicated an established correlation between déjà vu frequency and frequency of travel, and recognition performance showed well-established word frequency and accuracy effects. Contrary to predictions, no relationships were found between déjà vu frequency and recollection or familiarity memory parameters from the recognition test. We suggest that déjà vu in the healthy population reflects a mismatch between errant memory signaling and memory monitoring processes not easily characterized by standard recognition memory task performance.

  13. Déjà vu experiences in healthy subjects are unrelated to laboratory tests of recollection and familiarity for word stimuli

    PubMed Central

    O’Connor, Akira R.; Moulin, Chris J. A.

    2013-01-01

    Recent neuropsychological and neuroscientific research suggests that people who experience more déjà vu display characteristic patterns in normal recognition memory. We conducted a large individual differences study (n = 206) to test these predictions using recollection and familiarity parameters recovered from a standard memory task. Participants reported déjà vu frequency and a number of its correlates, and completed a recognition memory task analogous to a Remember-Know procedure. The individual difference measures replicated an established correlation between déjà vu frequency and frequency of travel, and recognition performance showed well-established word frequency and accuracy effects. Contrary to predictions, no relationships were found between déjà vu frequency and recollection or familiarity memory parameters from the recognition test. We suggest that déjà vu in the healthy population reflects a mismatch between errant memory signaling and memory monitoring processes not easily characterized by standard recognition memory task performance. PMID:24409159

  14. Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Assays Differ in Subjects at Elevated Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Subjects with Established Disease

    PubMed Central

    Demoruelle, M. Kristen; Parish, Mark C.; Derber, Lezlie A.; Kolfenbach, Jason R.; Hughes-Austin, Jan M.; Weisman, Michael H.; Gilliland, William; Edison, Jess D.; Buckner, Jane H.; Mikuls, Ted R.; O’Dell, James R.; Keating, Richard M.; Gregersen, Peter K.; Norris, Jill M.; Holers, V. Michael; Deane, Kevin D.

    2013-01-01

    Objective To compare commonly-available tests for antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPAs) for diagnostic accuracy and assay agreement in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and subjects at elevated risk for RA. Methods ELISA testing for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies was performed using CCP2 (Axis-Shield) and CCP3.1 (IgA/IgG INOVA) in the following subjects: 1) probands with established RA (N=340) from the Studies of the Etiology of RA (SERA), 2) first degree relatives (FDRs) without RA (family members of SERA RA probands; N=681), 3) Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR) RA cases with pre-diagnosis samples (N=83; 47/83 also had post-diagnosis samples), and 4) blood-donor and DoDSR controls (N=283). Results In established RA, CCP2 was more specific (99.2% vs. 93.1%, p<0.01), but less sensitive (58.7% vs. 67.4%, p=0.01) than CCP3.1, with specificity of CCP3.1 increasing to 97.2% if levels ≥3 times the standard cut-off level were considered. In all subjects, at standard cut-off levels, CCP3.1 positivity was more prevalent. In DoDSR cases, CCP2 was more specific than CCP3.1 for a future diagnosis of RA, and higher CCP levels trended towards greater specificity for disease onset within 2 years. At standard cut-off levels, assay agreement was good in established RA (kappa=0.76), but poor in FDRs without inflammatory arthritis (kappa=0.25). Conclusion Anti-CCP assays differ to an extent that may be meaningful in diagnosing RA in patients with inflammatory arthritis, and in evaluating the natural history of RA development in subjects at-risk for future RA. Mechanisms underlying these differences in test performance need further investigation. PMID:23686569

  15. Collaborative study for the establishment of the WHO 3(rd) International Standard for Endotoxin, the Ph. Eur. endotoxin biological reference preparation batch 5 and the USP Reference Standard for Endotoxin Lot H0K354.

    PubMed

    Findlay, L; Desai, T; Heath, A; Poole, S; Crivellone, M; Hauck, W; Ambrose, M; Morris, T; Daas, A; Rautmann, G; Buchheit, K H; Spieser, J M; Terao, E

    2015-01-01

    An international collaborative study was organised jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO)/National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM/Council of Europe) for the establishment of harmonised replacement endotoxin standards for these 3 organisations. Thirty-five laboratories worldwide, including Official Medicines Control Laboratories (OMCLs) and manufacturers enrolled in the study. Three candidate preparations (10/178, 10/190 and 10/196) were produced with the same material and same formulation as the current reference standards with the objective of generating a new (3(rd)) International Standard (IS) with the same potency (10 000 IU/vial) as the current (2(nd)) IS, as well as new European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). and USP standards. The suitability of the candidate preparations to act as the reference standard in assays for endotoxin performed according to compendial methods was evaluated. Their potency was calibrated against the WHO 2(nd) IS for Endotoxin (94/580). Gelation and photometric methods produced similar results for each of the candidate preparations. The overall potency estimates for the 3 batches were comparable. Given the intrinsic assay precision, the observed differences between the batches may be considered unimportant for the intended use of these materials. Overall, these results were in line with those generated for the establishment of the current preparations of reference standards. Accelerated degradation testing of vials stored at elevated temperatures supported the long-term stability of the 3 candidate preparations. It was agreed between the 3 organisations that batch 10/178 be shared between WHO and EDQM and that batches 10/190 and 10/196 be allocated to USP, with a common assigned value of 10 000 IU/vial. This value maintains the continuity of the global harmonisation of reference materials and unitage for the testing of endotoxins in parenteral pharmaceutical products. Based on the results of the collaborative study, batch 10/178 was established by the European Pharmacopoeia Commission as the Ph. Eur. Endotoxin Biological Reference Preparation (BRP) batch 5. The same batch was also established by the Expert Committee on Biological Standardisation (ECBS) of WHO as the WHO 3(rd) IS for Endotoxin. Batch 10/190 was adopted as the USP Endotoxin Reference Standard, lot H0K354 and vials from this same batch (10/190) will serve as the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) Endotoxin Standard, EC-7.

  16. Establishment and validation of analytical reference panels for the standardization of quantitative BCR-ABL1 measurements on the international scale.

    PubMed

    White, Helen E; Hedges, John; Bendit, Israel; Branford, Susan; Colomer, Dolors; Hochhaus, Andreas; Hughes, Timothy; Kamel-Reid, Suzanne; Kim, Dong-Wook; Modur, Vijay; Müller, Martin C; Pagnano, Katia B; Pane, Fabrizio; Radich, Jerry; Cross, Nicholas C P; Labourier, Emmanuel

    2013-06-01

    Current guidelines for managing Philadelphia-positive chronic myeloid leukemia include monitoring the expression of the BCR-ABL1 (breakpoint cluster region/c-abl oncogene 1, non-receptor tyrosine kinase) fusion gene by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Our goal was to establish and validate reference panels to mitigate the interlaboratory imprecision of quantitative BCR-ABL1 measurements and to facilitate global standardization on the international scale (IS). Four-level secondary reference panels were manufactured under controlled and validated processes with synthetic Armored RNA Quant molecules (Asuragen) calibrated to reference standards from the WHO and the NIST. Performance was evaluated in IS reference laboratories and with non-IS-standardized RT-qPCR methods. For most methods, percent ratios for BCR-ABL1 e13a2 and e14a2 relative to ABL1 or BCR were robust at 4 different levels and linear over 3 logarithms, from 10% to 0.01% on the IS. The intraassay and interassay imprecision was <2-fold overall. Performance was stable across 3 consecutive lots, in multiple laboratories, and over a period of 18 months to date. International field trials demonstrated the commutability of the reagents and their accurate alignment to the IS within the intra- and interlaboratory imprecision of IS-standardized methods. The synthetic calibrator panels are robust, reproducibly manufactured, analytically calibrated to the WHO primary standards, and compatible with most BCR-ABL1 RT-qPCR assay designs. The broad availability of secondary reference reagents will further facilitate interlaboratory comparative studies and independent quality assessment programs, which are of paramount importance for worldwide standardization of BCR-ABL1 monitoring results and the optimization of current and new therapeutic approaches for chronic myeloid leukemia. © 2013 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

  17. 29 CFR 1910.18 - Changes in established Federal standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 1910.18 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS Adoption and Extension of Established Federal Standards § 1910.18 Changes in established Federal standards. Whenever an occupational safety and health...

  18. 29 CFR 1910.18 - Changes in established Federal standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 1910.18 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS Adoption and Extension of Established Federal Standards § 1910.18 Changes in established Federal standards. Whenever an occupational safety and health...

  19. The Development of a Quality Management Framework for Evaluating Medical Device Reprocessing Practice in Healthcare Facilities.

    PubMed

    Lorv, Bailey; Horodyski, Robin; Welton, Cynthia; Vail, John; Simonetto, Luca; Jokanovic, Danilo; Sharma, Richa; Mahoney, Angela Rea; Savoy-Bird, Shay; Bains, Shalu

    2017-01-01

    There is increasing awareness of the importance of medical device reprocessing (MDR) for the provision of safe patient care. Although industry service standards are available to guide MDR practices, there remains a lack of published key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets that are necessary to evaluate MDR quality for feedback and improvement. This article outlines the development of an initial framework that builds on established guidelines and includes service standards, KPIs and targets for evaluating MDR operations. This framework can support healthcare facilities in strengthening existing practices and enables a platform for collaboration towards better MDR performance management.

  20. Standardization, evaluation and early-phase method validation of an analytical scheme for batch-consistency N-glycosylation analysis of recombinant produced glycoproteins.

    PubMed

    Zietze, Stefan; Müller, Rainer H; Brecht, René

    2008-03-01

    In order to set up a batch-to-batch-consistency analytical scheme for N-glycosylation analysis, several sample preparation steps including enzyme digestions and fluorophore labelling and two HPLC-methods were established. The whole method scheme was standardized, evaluated and validated according to the requirements on analytical testing in early clinical drug development by usage of a recombinant produced reference glycoprotein (RGP). The standardization of the methods was performed by clearly defined standard operation procedures. During evaluation of the methods, the major interest was in the loss determination of oligosaccharides within the analytical scheme. Validation of the methods was performed with respect to specificity, linearity, repeatability, LOD and LOQ. Due to the fact that reference N-glycan standards were not available, a statistical approach was chosen to derive accuracy from the linearity data. After finishing the validation procedure, defined limits for method variability could be calculated and differences observed in consistency analysis could be separated into significant and incidental ones.

  1. Establishment of National Laboratory Standards in Public and Private Hospital Laboratories

    PubMed Central

    ANJARANI, Soghra; SAFADEL, Nooshafarin; DAHIM, Parisa; AMINI, Rana; MAHDAVI, Saeed; MIRAB SAMIEE, Siamak

    2013-01-01

    In September 2007 national standard manual was finalized and officially announced as the minimal quality requirements for all medical laboratories in the country. Apart from auditing laboratories, Reference Health Laboratory has performed benchmarking auditing of medical laboratory network (surveys) in provinces. 12th benchmarks performed in Tehran and Alborz provinces, Iran in 2010 in three stages. We tried to compare different processes, their quality and accordance with national standard measures between public and private hospital laboratories. The assessment tool was a standardized checklist consists of 164 questions. Analyzing process show although in most cases implementing the standard requirements are more prominent in private laboratories, there is still a long way to complete fulfillment of requirements, and it takes a lot of effort. Differences between laboratories in public and private sectors especially in laboratory personnel and management process are significant. Probably lack of motivation, plays a key role in obtaining less desirable results in laboratories in public sectors. PMID:23514840

  2. 76 FR 46841 - Notice of Proposed Information Collection for 1029-0039

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-03

    ... Requirements for Reclamation and Operation Plans. DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must... Requirements for Reclamation and Operation Plans. OMB Control Number: 1029-0039. Summary: Sections 507(b), 508... operations and reclamation plan and establish performance standards for the mining operation. Information...

  3. DCSC (Defense Construction Supply Center) Total Quality Management Master Plan

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-07-01

    job while allowing them to establish a better balance between work and personal needs. 29 TQM SHORT-MID-LONG RANGE INITIATIVES MID RANGE (3 YEARS...all performance standards. IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WORKLIFE - Projects requiring engineering support throughout FY 90 and beyond are: Construction of

  4. Teacher Effectiveness: An Update on Pennsylvania's Teacher Evaluation System. Issue Brief

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Research For Action, 2013

    2013-01-01

    Act 82 of 2012 established new standards for Pennsylvania's teacher evaluation system, including the incorporation of student performance measures in ratings decisions. Since 2009, approximately 35 states have amended teacher evaluation systems, with student achievement playing an increasingly prominent role. This count includes neighboring…

  5. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Standards Review Panel Workshop Summary Report

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

    Stenner, Robert D.; Kirk, Jennifer L.; Stanton, James R.

    The importance and need for full compliant implementation of NIMS nationwide was clearly demonstrated during the Hurricane Katrina event, which was clearly expressed in Secretary Chertoff's October 4, 2005 letter addressed to the State's governors. It states, ''Hurricane Katrina was a stark reminder of how critical it is for our nation to approach incident management in a coordinated, consistent, and efficient manner. We must be able to come together, at all levels of government, to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from any emergency or disaster. Our operations must be seamless and based on common incident management doctrine, becausemore » the challenges we face as a nation are far greater than capabilities of any one jurisdiction.'' The NIMS is a system/architecture for organizing response on a ''national'' level. It incorporations ICS as a main component of that structure (i.e., it institutionalizes ICS in NIMS). In a paper published on the NIMS Website, the following statements were made: ''NIMS represents a core set of doctrine, principles, terminology, and organizational processes to enable effective, efficient and collaborative incident management at all levels. To provide the framework for interoperability and compatibility, the NIMS is based on a balance between flexibility and standardization.'' Thus the NIC is challenged with the need to adopt quality SDO generated standards to support NIMS compliance, but in doing so maintain the flexibility necessary so that response operations can be tailored for the specific jurisdictional and geographical needs across the nation. In support of this large and complex challenge facing the NIC, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) was asked to provide technical support to the NIC, through their DHS Science and Technology ? Standards Portfolio Contract, to help identify, review, and develop key standards for NIMS compliance. Upon examining the challenge, the following general process appears to be a reasonable approach for identifying and establishing existing standards that would be applicable to NIMS compliance. The suggested generalized steps to establishing existing SDO generated standards for NIMS compliance are: (1) establish search criteria from the NIMS and its support documents, (2) search SDO databases to identify key existing nationally and/or internationally recognized standards that have potential application to NIMS compliance needs, (3) review the identified standards against the specific component needs of the NIMS, (4) identify the pertinent aspects/components of those identified standards that clearly address specific NIMS compliance needs, (5) establish a process to adopt the pertinent standards, which includes the generation of formalized FEMA Guidance that identifies the specific NIMS component compliance needs addressed in the respective standard, (6) develop performance criteria for which to measure compliance with the identified NIMS components addressed by the respective adopted standard, and (7) adopt the standard, publish the guidance and performance criteria, and incorporate it into routine FEMA/NIC NIMS management operations. This review process will also help identify real gaps in standards for which new NIMS specific standards should be developed. To jump start this process and hopefully identify some key ''low hanging fruit'' standards the NIC could use to begin such a process, a panel of first-responder experts (familiar with the current standards of common use in the first-responder community) from various response disciplines was formed and a workshop held. The workshop included a pre-workshop information gathering process. This report discusses the workshop and its findings in detail.« less

  6. 45 CFR 155.700 - Standards for the establishment of a SHOP.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... Section 155.700 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS EXCHANGE ESTABLISHMENT STANDARDS AND OTHER RELATED STANDARDS UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Exchange Functions: Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) § 155.700 Standards for the establishment...

  7. 45 CFR 155.700 - Standards for the establishment of a SHOP.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... Section 155.700 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS EXCHANGE ESTABLISHMENT STANDARDS AND OTHER RELATED STANDARDS UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Exchange Functions: Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) § 155.700 Standards for the establishment...

  8. Near-infrared fluorescence image quality test methods for standardized performance evaluation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kanniyappan, Udayakumar; Wang, Bohan; Yang, Charles; Ghassemi, Pejhman; Wang, Quanzeng; Chen, Yu; Pfefer, Joshua

    2017-03-01

    Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging has gained much attention as a clinical method for enhancing visualization of cancers, perfusion and biological structures in surgical applications where a fluorescent dye is monitored by an imaging system. In order to address the emerging need for standardization of this innovative technology, it is necessary to develop and validate test methods suitable for objective, quantitative assessment of device performance. Towards this goal, we develop target-based test methods and investigate best practices for key NIRF imaging system performance characteristics including spatial resolution, depth of field and sensitivity. Characterization of fluorescence properties was performed by generating excitation-emission matrix properties of indocyanine green and quantum dots in biological solutions and matrix materials. A turbid, fluorophore-doped target was used, along with a resolution target for assessing image sharpness. Multi-well plates filled with either liquid or solid targets were generated to explore best practices for evaluating detection sensitivity. Overall, our results demonstrate the utility of objective, quantitative, target-based testing approaches as well as the need to consider a wide range of factors in establishing standardized approaches for NIRF imaging system performance.

  9. AGARD standard aeroelastic configurations for dynamic response. Candidate configuration I.-wing 445.6

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yates, E. Carson, Jr.

    1987-01-01

    To promote the evaluation of existing and emerging unsteady aerodynamic codes and methods for applying them to aeroelastic problems, especially for the transonic range, a limited number of aerodynamic configurations and experimental dynamic response data sets are to be designated by the AGARD Structures and Materials Panel as standards for comparison. This set is a sequel to that established several years ago for comparisons of calculated and measured aerodynamic pressures and forces. This report presents the information needed to perform flutter calculations for the first candidate standard configuration for dynamic response along with the related experimental flutter data.

  10. 75 FR 1595 - Establishment of NIST Smart Grid Advisory Committee and Solicitation of Nominations for Members

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-12

    ... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology Establishment of NIST Smart... Standards and Technology, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of establishment of the NIST Smart Grid Advisory... Act, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announces the establishment of the NIST...

  11. Passive autonomous infrared sensor technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sadjadi, Firooz

    1987-10-01

    This study was conducted in response to the DoD's need for establishing understanding of algorithm's modules for passive infrared sensors and seekers and establishing a standardized systematic procedure for applying this understanding to DoD applications. We quantified the performances of Honeywell's Background Adaptive Convexity Operator Region Extractor (BACORE) detection and segmentation modules, as functions of a set of image metrics for both single-frame and multiframe processing. We established an understanding of the behavior of the BACORE's internal parameters. We characterized several sets of stationary and sequential imagery and extracted TIR squared, TBIR squared, ESR, and range for each target. We generated a set of performance models for multi-frame processing BACORE that could be used to predict the behavior of BACORE in image metric space. A similar study was conducted for another of Honeywell's segmentors, namely Texture Boundary Locator (TBL), and its performances were quantified. Finally, a comparison of TBL and BACORE on the same data base and same number of frames was made.

  12. Development of the NBT assay as a marker of sperm oxidative stress.

    PubMed

    Tunc, Ozlem; Thompson, Jeremy; Tremellen, Kelton

    2010-02-01

    Oxidative stress is a well-established cause of male infertility, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing infertility principally by impairing sperm motility and DNA integrity. Currently, most clinics do not test their infertile patients for the presence of oxidative stress because the available tests are expensive or difficult to perform. As antioxidant therapy may improve sperm DNA integrity and pregnancy outcomes, it has become apparent that there is an unmet clinical need for an inexpensive and easy-to-perform assay to identify sperm oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to develop a standardized protocol for performing a photometric nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay for the measurement of seminal ROS production via production of coloured formazan, whilst correlating these results with impaired sperm function (motility and DNA integrity). Semen samples from 21 fertile and 36 male aetiology infertile men were assessed for ROS production (NBT assay), sperm DNA integrity (TUNEL), apoptosis (Annexin V) and sperm motility. Infertile men's semen contained on average fourfold higher levels of ROS than fertile men. The production of ROS by sperm was positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptosis, whilst being negatively correlated with sperm motility. Receiver-operating characteristic plot analysis established a cut-off point of 24 microg formazan/10(7) sperm having a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 81% for determining the fertility status of an individual. This study has been successful in establishing a standardized protocol for performing a photometric seminal NBT assay that has significant clinical utility in identifying men with impaired fertility because of oxidative stress.

  13. Reproductive Performance of Mice in Disposable and Standard Individually Ventilated Cages

    PubMed Central

    Ferguson, Danielle R; Bailey, Michele M

    2013-01-01

    This study assessed the reproductive performance of mice housed in 2 types of individually ventilated caging systems. Breeding pairs from 48 female and 24 male mice of 3 established transgenic mouse breeding colonies were placed in either a standard or disposable ventilated caging system. For 3 breeding cycles, the number of pups born, pup survival rate to weaning, time interval between litters, and pup weights were monitored for each breeding pair. Disposable and standard cages were maintained in the same location during breeding. Environmental parameters included intracage temperature, humidity, and ammonia and carbon dioxide levels and room light intensity and sound. Overall, 776 offspring were produced. Breeding performance did not differ significantly between the 2 cage types. By 11 wk of age, the weights of pups from both cage types were equivalent. The intracage temperature was 1.1 °F warmer and light intensity at the site of the nest was 34 lx dimmer in disposable cages than in standard caging. The difference in lighting likely was due to nest location; the nests in the disposable cages were at the back of the cages and away from the anterior air supply, whereas in standard caging, nests were at the front of the cages, with the air supply at the rear. Under these husbandry conditions, mice housed in disposable caging systems have comparable breeding performance to those housed in standard individually ventilated cages. PMID:23849403

  14. Why We Should Establish a National System of Standards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hennen, Thomas J., Jr.

    2000-01-01

    Explains the need to establish a national system of standards for public libraries. Discusses local standards, state standards, and international standards, and suggests adopting a tiered approach including three levels: minimum standards; target standards; and benchmarking standards, as found in total quality management. (LRW)

  15. Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers come of age

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morgan, Robert A.; Lehman, John A.; Hibbs-Brenner, Mary K.

    1996-04-01

    This manuscript reviews our efforts in demonstrating state-of-the-art planar, batch-fabricable, high-performance vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). All performance requirements for short-haul data communication applications are clearly established. We concentrate on the flexibility of the established proton-implanted AlGaAs-based (emitting near 850 nm) technology platform, focusing on a standard device design. This structure is shown to meet or exceed performance and producibility requirements. These include > 99% device yield across 3-in-dia. metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE)-grown wafers and wavelength operation across a > 100-nm range. Recent progress in device performance [low threshold voltage (Vth equals 1.53 V); threshold current (Ith equals 0.68 mA); continuous wave (CW) power (Pcw equals 59 mW); maximum and minimum CW lasing temperature (T equals 200 degree(s)C, 10 K); and wall-plug efficiencies ((eta) wp equals 28%)] should enable great advances in VCSEL-based technologies. We also discuss the viability of VCSELs in cryogenic and avionic/military environments. Also reviewed is a novel technique, modifying this established platform, to engineer low-threshold, high-speed, single- mode VCSELs.

  16. Recommendations for standardized reporting of protein electrophoresis in Australia and New Zealand.

    PubMed

    Tate, Jillian; Caldwell, Grahame; Daly, James; Gillis, David; Jenkins, Margaret; Jovanovich, Sue; Martin, Helen; Steele, Richard; Wienholt, Louise; Mollee, Peter

    2012-05-01

    Although protein electrophoresis of serum (SPEP) and urine (UPEP) specimens is a well-established laboratory technique, the reporting of results using this important method varies considerably between laboratories. The Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists recognized a need to adopt a standardized approach to reporting SPEP and UPEP by clinical laboratories. A Working Party considered available data including published literature and clinical studies, together with expert opinion in order to establish optimal reporting practices. A position paper was produced, which was subsequently revised through a consensus process involving scientists and pathologists with expertise in the field throughout Australia and New Zealand. Recommendations for standardized reporting of protein electrophoresis have been produced. These cover analytical requirements: detection systems; serum protein and albumin quantification; fractionation into alpha-1, alpha-2, beta and gamma fractions; paraprotein quantification; urine Bence Jones protein quantification; paraprotein characterization; and laboratory performance, expertise and staffing. The recommendations also include general interpretive commenting and commenting for specimens with paraproteins and small bands together with illustrative examples of reports. Recommendations are provided for standardized reporting of protein electrophoresis in Australia and New Zealand. It is expected that such standardized reporting formats will reduce both variation between laboratories and the risk of misinterpretation of results.

  17. Developing indicators of pattern identification in patients with stroke using traditional Korean medicine

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The traditional Korean medical diagnoses employ pattern identification (PI), a diagnostic system that entails the comprehensive analysis of symptoms and signs. The PI needs to be standardized due to its ambiguity. Therefore, this study was performed to establish standard indicators of the PI for stroke through the traditional Korean medical literature, expert consensus and a clinical field test. Methods We sorted out stroke patterns with an expert committee organized by the Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine. The expert committee composed a document for a standardized pattern of identification for stroke based on the traditional Korean medical literature, and we evaluated the clinical significance of the document through a field test. Results We established five stroke patterns from the traditional Korean medical literature and extracted 117 indicators required for diagnosis. The indicators were evaluated by a field test and verified by the expert committee. Conclusions This study sought to develop indicators of PI based on the traditional Korean medical literature. This process contributed to the standardization of traditional Korean medical diagnoses. PMID:22410195

  18. Toward the establishment of standardized in vitro tests for lipid-based formulations, part 1: method parameterization and comparison of in vitro digestion profiles across a range of representative formulations.

    PubMed

    Williams, Hywel D; Sassene, Philip; Kleberg, Karen; Bakala-N'Goma, Jean-Claude; Calderone, Marilyn; Jannin, Vincent; Igonin, Annabel; Partheil, Anette; Marchaud, Delphine; Jule, Eduardo; Vertommen, Jan; Maio, Mario; Blundell, Ross; Benameur, Hassan; Carrière, Frédéric; Müllertz, Anette; Porter, Christopher J H; Pouton, Colin W

    2012-09-01

    The Lipid Formulation Classification System Consortium is an industry-academia collaboration, established to develop standardized in vitro methods for the assessment of lipid-based formulations (LBFs). In this first publication, baseline conditions for the conduct of digestion tests are suggested and a series of eight model LBFs are described to probe test performance across different formulation types. Digestion experiments were performed in vitro using a pH-stat apparatus and danazol employed as a model poorly water-soluble drug. LBF digestion (rate and extent) and drug solubilization patterns on digestion were examined. To evaluate cross-site reproducibility, experiments were conducted at two sites and highly consistent results were obtained. In a further refinement, bench-top centrifugation was explored as a higher throughput approach to separation of the products of digestion (and compared with ultracentrifugation), and conditions under which this method was acceptable were defined. Drug solubilization was highly dependent on LBF composition, but poorly correlated with simple performance indicators such as dispersion efficiency, confirming the utility of the digestion model as a means of formulation differentiation. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. 30 CFR 715.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... a qualified soil scientist or agronomist, may be obtained from any one or a combination of the following sources: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii...

  20. 30 CFR 816.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  1. 30 CFR 816.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  2. 30 CFR 817.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  3. 30 CFR 817.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  4. 30 CFR 715.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... a qualified soil scientist or agronomist, may be obtained from any one or a combination of the following sources: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii...

  5. 30 CFR 817.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  6. 30 CFR 817.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  7. 30 CFR 715.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... a qualified soil scientist or agronomist, may be obtained from any one or a combination of the following sources: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii...

  8. 30 CFR 715.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... a qualified soil scientist or agronomist, may be obtained from any one or a combination of the following sources: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii...

  9. 30 CFR 715.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... a qualified soil scientist or agronomist, may be obtained from any one or a combination of the following sources: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii...

  10. 30 CFR 816.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  11. 30 CFR 816.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  12. 30 CFR 816.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  13. 30 CFR 817.200 - Interpretative rules related to general performance standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... demonstrate that the resulting soil medium is equal to or more suitable for sustaining revegetation than the...: (i) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service published data based on established soil series; (ii) U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Guides; (iii) State...

  14. 77 FR 2708 - Performance of Registration Functions by National Futures Association With Respect To Swap...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-19

    ... standards established by the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and the Commission's regulations issued thereunder...: January 19, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara S. Gold, Associate Director, Christopher W... Background In a separate document published elsewhere in today's Federal Register, the Commission is issuing...

  15. The Problem of Boys' Literacy Underachievement: Raising Some Questions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watson, Anne; Kehler, Michael; Martino, Wayne

    2010-01-01

    Boys' literacy underachievement continues to garner significant attention and has been identified by journalists, educational policymakers, and scholars in the field as the cause for much concern. It has been established that boys perform less well than girls on literacy benchmark or standardized tests. According to the National Assessment of…

  16. HPAC Info-dex 5: Locating engineering societies, associations

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

    NONE

    1995-06-01

    This is the 1995/1996 listing of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems engineering societies, trade associations, and government organizations that have established performance standards for mechanical systems and components. The societies and associations are listed alphabetically along with their complete addresses and telephone and FAX numbers.

  17. Student Aims Performance in a Predominately Hispanic District

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chebultz, Lance

    2012-01-01

    School districts in the United States have undergone large changes over the last decade to accommodate No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Arizona accommodated NCLB through Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS). Expectations were established for all students, varying by group of students based on grade, special education status, free/reduced…

  18. 42 CFR 493.1407 - Standard; Laboratory director responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... developed and used for each of the tests performed in the laboratory provide quality laboratory services for... results are found to be unacceptable or unsatisfactory; (5) Ensure that the quality control and quality assessment programs are established and maintained to assure the quality of laboratory services provided and...

  19. 14 CFR 25.1419 - Ice protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Ice protection. 25.1419 Section 25.1419... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Equipment Safety Equipment § 25.1419 Ice protection. If the...) An analysis must be performed to establish that the ice protection for the various components of the...

  20. 14 CFR 25.1419 - Ice protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Ice protection. 25.1419 Section 25.1419... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Equipment Safety Equipment § 25.1419 Ice protection. If the...) An analysis must be performed to establish that the ice protection for the various components of the...

  1. 14 CFR 25.1419 - Ice protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Ice protection. 25.1419 Section 25.1419... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Equipment Safety Equipment § 25.1419 Ice protection. If the...) An analysis must be performed to establish that the ice protection for the various components of the...

  2. 14 CFR 25.1419 - Ice protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Ice protection. 25.1419 Section 25.1419... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Equipment Safety Equipment § 25.1419 Ice protection. If the...) An analysis must be performed to establish that the ice protection for the various components of the...

  3. 14 CFR 25.1419 - Ice protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Ice protection. 25.1419 Section 25.1419... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Equipment Safety Equipment § 25.1419 Ice protection. If the...) An analysis must be performed to establish that the ice protection for the various components of the...

  4. 40 CFR 264.120 - Certification of completion of post-closure care.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... certification that the post-closure care period for the hazardous waste disposal unit was performed in...) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND... later than 60 days after completion of the established post-closure care period for each hazardous waste...

  5. 5 CFR 430.206 - Planning performance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... summary level, including at least one critical element and any non-critical element(s). (5) Each... summary levels (pattern A as specified in § 430.208(d)(1)) shall not include non-critical elements. (7) An... non-critical elements. (8) Elements and standards shall be established as follows— (i) For a critical...

  6. 21 CFR 606.100 - Standard operating procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... components from a donor who later tests reactive for evidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection... establishment is made aware of other reliable test results or information indicating evidence of HIV or HCV... consignees of the results of the HIV or HCV testing performed on the donors of such blood and blood...

  7. 21 CFR 606.100 - Standard operating procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... components from a donor who later tests reactive for evidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection... establishment is made aware of other reliable test results or information indicating evidence of HIV or HCV... consignees of the results of the HIV or HCV testing performed on the donors of such blood and blood...

  8. 21 CFR 606.100 - Standard operating procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... components from a donor who later tests reactive for evidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection... establishment is made aware of other reliable test results or information indicating evidence of HIV or HCV... consignees of the results of the HIV or HCV testing performed on the donors of such blood and blood...

  9. 21 CFR 606.100 - Standard operating procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... components from a donor who later tests reactive for evidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection... establishment is made aware of other reliable test results or information indicating evidence of HIV or HCV... consignees of the results of the HIV or HCV testing performed on the donors of such blood and blood...

  10. 77 FR 22835 - Second Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 227, Standards of Navigation Performance

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-17

    ... Agenda Overview Review of SC-227 Workspace Changes/Process, and MASPS/MOPS Workgroup Leadership Review... Applicable to MOPS Other Business Establish Agenda for Next Meeting. Attendance is open to the interested.... John Raper, Manager, Business Operations Branch, Federal Aviation Administration. [FR Doc. 2012-9193...

  11. 76 FR 15282 - New Performance Standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in Young Chicken and Turkey Slaughter...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-21

    ..., eggs, beef, game, pork, poultry, grains- beans, oils-sugars, fruits-nuts, fungi, leafy vegetables, root... cattle, swine, eggs, fish, fruits and vegetables. Thus an observed correlation (negative or positive... primarily affect small volume establishments (Potential Public Health Impact). FSIS Response: FSIS notes...

  12. Unobtrusive measurement of indoor energy expenditure using an infrared sensor-based activity monitoring system.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Bosun; Han, Jonghee; Choi, Jong Min; Park, Kwang Suk

    2008-11-01

    The purpose of this study was to develop an unobtrusive energy expenditure (EE) measurement system using an infrared (IR) sensor-based activity monitoring system to measure indoor activities and to estimate individual quantitative EE. IR-sensor activation counts were measured with a Bluetooth-based monitoring system and the standard EE was calculated using an established regression equation. Ten male subjects participated in the experiment and three different EE measurement systems (gas analyzer, accelerometer, IR sensor) were used simultaneously in order to determine the regression equation and evaluate the performance. As a standard measurement, oxygen consumption was simultaneously measured by a portable metabolic system (Metamax 3X, Cortex, Germany). A single room experiment was performed to develop a regression model of the standard EE measurement from the proposed IR sensor-based measurement system. In addition, correlation and regression analyses were done to compare the performance of the IR system with that of the Actigraph system. We determined that our proposed IR-based EE measurement system shows a similar correlation to the Actigraph system with the standard measurement system.

  13. 45 CFR 155.700 - Standards for the establishment of a SHOP.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Standards for the establishment of a SHOP. 155.700... Exchange Functions: Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) § 155.700 Standards for the establishment of a SHOP. (a) General requirement. An Exchange must provide for the establishment of a SHOP that...

  14. Software handlers for process interfaces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bercaw, R. W.

    1976-01-01

    The principles involved in the development of software handlers for custom interfacing problems are discussed. Handlers for the CAMAC standard are examined in detail. The types of transactions that must be supported have been established by standards groups, eliminating conflicting requirements arising out of different design philosophies and applications. Implementation of the standard handlers has been facilititated by standardization of hardware. The necessary local processors can be placed in the handler when it is written or at run time by means of input/output directives, or they can be built into a high-performance input/output processor. The full benefits of these process interfaces will only be realized when software requirements are incorporated uniformly into the hardware.

  15. Analysis of statistical and standard algorithms for detecting muscle onset with surface electromyography.

    PubMed

    Tenan, Matthew S; Tweedell, Andrew J; Haynes, Courtney A

    2017-01-01

    The timing of muscle activity is a commonly applied analytic method to understand how the nervous system controls movement. This study systematically evaluates six classes of standard and statistical algorithms to determine muscle onset in both experimental surface electromyography (EMG) and simulated EMG with a known onset time. Eighteen participants had EMG collected from the biceps brachii and vastus lateralis while performing a biceps curl or knee extension, respectively. Three established methods and three statistical methods for EMG onset were evaluated. Linear envelope, Teager-Kaiser energy operator + linear envelope and sample entropy were the established methods evaluated while general time series mean/variance, sequential and batch processing of parametric and nonparametric tools, and Bayesian changepoint analysis were the statistical techniques used. Visual EMG onset (experimental data) and objective EMG onset (simulated data) were compared with algorithmic EMG onset via root mean square error and linear regression models for stepwise elimination of inferior algorithms. The top algorithms for both data types were analyzed for their mean agreement with the gold standard onset and evaluation of 95% confidence intervals. The top algorithms were all Bayesian changepoint analysis iterations where the parameter of the prior (p0) was zero. The best performing Bayesian algorithms were p0 = 0 and a posterior probability for onset determination at 60-90%. While existing algorithms performed reasonably, the Bayesian changepoint analysis methodology provides greater reliability and accuracy when determining the singular onset of EMG activity in a time series. Further research is needed to determine if this class of algorithms perform equally well when the time series has multiple bursts of muscle activity.

  16. A Gold Standards Approach to Training Instructors to Evaluate Crew Performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baker, David P.; Dismukes, R. Key

    2003-01-01

    The Advanced Qualification Program requires that airlines evaluate crew performance in Line Oriented Simulation. For this evaluation to be meaningful, instructors must observe relevant crew behaviors and evaluate those behaviors consistently and accurately against standards established by the airline. The airline industry has largely settled on an approach in which instructors evaluate crew performance on a series of event sets, using standardized grade sheets on which behaviors specific to event set are listed. Typically, new instructors are given a class in which they learn to use the grade sheets and practice evaluating crew performance observed on videotapes. These classes emphasize reliability, providing detailed instruction and practice in scoring so that all instructors within a given class will give similar scores to similar performance. This approach has value but also has important limitations; (1) ratings within one class of new instructors may differ from those of other classes; (2) ratings may not be driven primarily by the specific behaviors on which the company wanted the crews to be scored; and (3) ratings may not be calibrated to company standards for level of performance skill required. In this paper we provide a method to extend the existing method of training instructors to address these three limitations. We call this method the "gold standards" approach because it uses ratings from the company's most experienced instructors as the basis for training rater accuracy. This approach ties the training to the specific behaviors on which the experienced instructors based their ratings.

  17. Management options of non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis.

    PubMed

    Lee, Bryan S; Hwang, Lee S; Doumit, Gaby D; Wooley, Joseph; Papay, Francis A; Luciano, Mark G; Recinos, Violette M

    2017-05-01

    There have been various effective surgical procedures for the treatment of non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis, but no definitive guidelines for management have been established. We conducted a study to elucidate the current state of practice and establish a warranted standard of care. An Internet-based study was sent to 180 pediatric neurosurgeons across the country and 102 craniofacial plastic surgeons in fourteen different countries, to collect data for primary indication for surgical management, preference for timing and choice of surgery, and pre-, peri-, and post-operative management options. The overall response rate from both groups was 32% (n=90/284). Skull deformity was the primary indication for surgical treatment in patients without signs of hydrocephalus for both neurosurgeons and craniofacial surgeons (80% and 63%, respectively). Open surgical management was most commonly performed at six months of age by neurosurgeons (46%) and also by craniofacial surgeons (35%). Open surgical approach was favored for patients younger than four months of age by neurosurgeons (50%), but endoscopic approach was favored by craniofacial surgeons (35%). When performing an open surgical intervention, most neurosurgeons preferred pi or reversed pi procedure (27%), whereas total cranial vault remodeling was the most commonly performed procedure by craniofacial surgeons (37%). The data demonstrated a discrepancy in the treatment options for non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. By conducting/comparing a wide survey to collect consolidative data from both groups of pediatric neurosurgeons and craniofacial plastic surgeons, we can attempt to facilitate the establishment of standard of care. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Toward the establishment of standardized in vitro tests for lipid-based formulations, part 4: proposing a new lipid formulation performance classification system.

    PubMed

    Williams, Hywel D; Sassene, Philip; Kleberg, Karen; Calderone, Marilyn; Igonin, Annabel; Jule, Eduardo; Vertommen, Jan; Blundell, Ross; Benameur, Hassan; Müllertz, Anette; Porter, Christopher J H; Pouton, Colin W

    2014-08-01

    The Lipid Formulation Classification System Consortium looks to develop standardized in vitro tests and to generate much-needed performance criteria for lipid-based formulations (LBFs). This article highlights the value of performing a second, more stressful digestion test to identify LBFs near a performance threshold and to facilitate lead formulation selection in instances where several LBF prototypes perform adequately under standard digestion conditions (but where further discrimination is necessary). Stressed digestion tests can be designed based on an understanding of the factors that affect LBF performance, including the degree of supersaturation generated on dispersion/digestion. Stresses evaluated included decreasing LBF concentration (↓LBF), increasing bile salt, and decreasing pH. Their capacity to stress LBFs was dependent on LBF composition and drug type: ↓LBF was a stressor to medium-chain glyceride-rich LBFs, but not more hydrophilic surfactant-rich LBFs, whereas decreasing pH stressed tolfenamic acid LBFs, but not fenofibrate LBFs. Lastly, a new Performance Classification System, that is, LBF composition independent, is proposed to promote standardized LBF comparisons, encourage robust LBF development, and facilitate dialogue with the regulatory authorities. This classification system is based on the concept that performance evaluations across three in vitro tests, designed to subject a LBF to progressively more challenging conditions, will enable effective LBF discrimination and performance grading. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  19. Beyond the hype: deep neural networks outperform established methods using a ChEMBL bioactivity benchmark set.

    PubMed

    Lenselink, Eelke B; Ten Dijke, Niels; Bongers, Brandon; Papadatos, George; van Vlijmen, Herman W T; Kowalczyk, Wojtek; IJzerman, Adriaan P; van Westen, Gerard J P

    2017-08-14

    The increase of publicly available bioactivity data in recent years has fueled and catalyzed research in chemogenomics, data mining, and modeling approaches. As a direct result, over the past few years a multitude of different methods have been reported and evaluated, such as target fishing, nearest neighbor similarity-based methods, and Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR)-based protocols. However, such studies are typically conducted on different datasets, using different validation strategies, and different metrics. In this study, different methods were compared using one single standardized dataset obtained from ChEMBL, which is made available to the public, using standardized metrics (BEDROC and Matthews Correlation Coefficient). Specifically, the performance of Naïve Bayes, Random Forests, Support Vector Machines, Logistic Regression, and Deep Neural Networks was assessed using QSAR and proteochemometric (PCM) methods. All methods were validated using both a random split validation and a temporal validation, with the latter being a more realistic benchmark of expected prospective execution. Deep Neural Networks are the top performing classifiers, highlighting the added value of Deep Neural Networks over other more conventional methods. Moreover, the best method ('DNN_PCM') performed significantly better at almost one standard deviation higher than the mean performance. Furthermore, Multi-task and PCM implementations were shown to improve performance over single task Deep Neural Networks. Conversely, target prediction performed almost two standard deviations under the mean performance. Random Forests, Support Vector Machines, and Logistic Regression performed around mean performance. Finally, using an ensemble of DNNs, alongside additional tuning, enhanced the relative performance by another 27% (compared with unoptimized 'DNN_PCM'). Here, a standardized set to test and evaluate different machine learning algorithms in the context of multi-task learning is offered by providing the data and the protocols. Graphical Abstract .

  20. Mechanisms for training security inspectors to enhance human performance

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

    Burkhalter, H.E.; Sessions, J.C.

    The Department of Energy (DOE) has established qualification standards for protective force personnel employed at nuclear facilities (10 CFR Part 1046 (Federal Register)). Training mechanisms used at Los Alamos to enhance human performance in meeting DOE standards include, but are not limited to, the following: for cardio-respiratory training, they utilize distance running, interval training, sprint training, pacing, indoor aerobics and circuit training; for muscular strength, free weights, weight machines, light hand weights, grip strength conditioners, and calistenics are employed; for muscular endurance, participants do high repetitions (15 - 40) using dumbbells, flex weights, resistive rubber bands, benches, and calisthenics; formore » flexibility, each training session devotes specific times to stretch the muscles involved for a particular activity. These training mechanisms with specific protocols can enhance human performance.« less

  1. 7 CFR 610.23 - State Technical Committee meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Technical Committee member. (b) NRCS will establish and maintain national standard operating procedures... standard operating procedures will outline items such as: The best practice approach to establishing... standard operating procedures established under paragraph (b) of this section, the State Conservationist...

  2. 7 CFR 610.23 - State Technical Committee meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Technical Committee member. (b) NRCS will establish and maintain national standard operating procedures... standard operating procedures will outline items such as: The best practice approach to establishing... standard operating procedures established under paragraph (b) of this section, the State Conservationist...

  3. 7 CFR 610.23 - State Technical Committee meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Technical Committee member. (b) NRCS will establish and maintain national standard operating procedures... standard operating procedures will outline items such as: The best practice approach to establishing... standard operating procedures established under paragraph (b) of this section, the State Conservationist...

  4. 7 CFR 610.23 - State Technical Committee meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Technical Committee member. (b) NRCS will establish and maintain national standard operating procedures... standard operating procedures will outline items such as: The best practice approach to establishing... standard operating procedures established under paragraph (b) of this section, the State Conservationist...

  5. 7 CFR 610.23 - State Technical Committee meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Technical Committee member. (b) NRCS will establish and maintain national standard operating procedures... standard operating procedures will outline items such as: The best practice approach to establishing... standard operating procedures established under paragraph (b) of this section, the State Conservationist...

  6. Risk Analysis as Regulatory Science: Toward The Establishment of Standards

    PubMed Central

    Murakami, Michio

    2016-01-01

    Understanding how to establish standards is essential for risk communication and also provides perspectives for further study. In this paper, the concept of risk analysis as regulatory science for the establishment of standards is demonstrated through examples of standards for evacuation and provisional regulation values in foods and drinking water. Moreover, academic needs for further studies related to standards are extracted. The concepts of the traditional ‘Standard I’, which has a paternalistic orientation, and ‘Standard II’, established through stakeholder consensus, are then systemized by introducing the current status of the new standards-related movement that developed after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, and the perspectives of the standards are discussed. Preparation of standards on the basis of stakeholder consensus through intensive risk dialogue before a potential nuclear power plant accident is suggested to be a promising approach to ensure a safe society and enhance subjective well-being. PMID:27475751

  7. Risk Analysis as Regulatory Science: Toward The Establishment of Standards.

    PubMed

    Murakami, Michio

    2016-09-01

    Understanding how to establish standards is essential for risk communication and also provides perspectives for further study. In this paper, the concept of risk analysis as regulatory science for the establishment of standards is demonstrated through examples of standards for evacuation and provisional regulation values in foods and drinking water. Moreover, academic needs for further studies related to standards are extracted. The concepts of the traditional 'Standard I', which has a paternalistic orientation, and 'Standard II', established through stakeholder consensus, are then systemized by introducing the current status of the new standards-related movement that developed after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, and the perspectives of the standards are discussed. Preparation of standards on the basis of stakeholder consensus through intensive risk dialogue before a potential nuclear power plant accident is suggested to be a promising approach to ensure a safe society and enhance subjective well-being. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

  8. The Second National Ballistics Imaging Comparison (NBIC-2)

    PubMed Central

    Vorburger, TV; Yen, J; Song, JF; Thompson, RM; Renegar, TB; Zheng, A; Tong, M; Ols, M

    2014-01-01

    In response to the guidelines issued by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB-International) to establish traceability and quality assurance in U.S. crime laboratories, NIST and the ATF initiated a joint project, entitled the National Ballistics Imaging Comparison (NBIC). The NBIC project aims to establish a national traceability and quality system for ballistics identifications in crime laboratories utilizing ATF’s National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). The original NBIC was completed in 2010. In the second NBIC, NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2461 Cartridge Cases were used as reference standards, and 14 experts from 11 U.S. crime laboratories each performed 17 image acquisitions and correlations of the SRM cartridge cases over the course of about half a year. Resulting correlation scores were collected by NIST for statistical analyses, from which control charts and control limits were developed for the proposed quality system and for promoting future assessments and accreditations for firearm evidence in U.S. forensic laboratories in accordance with the ISO 17025 Standard. PMID:26601051

  9. The Second National Ballistics Imaging Comparison (NBIC-2).

    PubMed

    Vorburger, T V; Yen, J; Song, J F; Thompson, R M; Renegar, T B; Zheng, A; Tong, M; Ols, M

    2014-01-01

    In response to the guidelines issued by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB-International) to establish traceability and quality assurance in U.S. crime laboratories, NIST and the ATF initiated a joint project, entitled the National Ballistics Imaging Comparison (NBIC). The NBIC project aims to establish a national traceability and quality system for ballistics identifications in crime laboratories utilizing ATF's National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). The original NBIC was completed in 2010. In the second NBIC, NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2461 Cartridge Cases were used as reference standards, and 14 experts from 11 U.S. crime laboratories each performed 17 image acquisitions and correlations of the SRM cartridge cases over the course of about half a year. Resulting correlation scores were collected by NIST for statistical analyses, from which control charts and control limits were developed for the proposed quality system and for promoting future assessments and accreditations for firearm evidence in U.S. forensic laboratories in accordance with the ISO 17025 Standard.

  10. Medical Services Career Ladder (AFSC 902XO/A/B)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-02-01

    the manner specified by the AFR 39-1 Specialty Description and may serve as a basis for considering changes to current utilization policies and...medical facility policies 59 F285 Apply tape or nonelastic bandages 59 E147 Answer patient telephone inquiries 58 H441 Maintain treatment room supplies 57...medical facility policies 55 A14 Establish performance standards for subordinates 55 B58 Initiate actions to correct substandard performance of

  11. Introducing a design exigency to promote student learning through assessment: A case study.

    PubMed

    Grealish, Laurie A; Shaw, Julie M

    2018-02-01

    Assessment technologies are often used to classify student and newly qualified nurse performance as 'pass' or 'fail', with little attention to how these decisions are achieved. Examining the design exigencies of classification technologies, such as performance assessment technologies, provides opportunities to explore flexibility and change in the process of using those technologies. Evaluate an established assessment technology for nursing performance as a classification system. A case study analysis that is focused on the assessment approach and a priori design exigencies of performance assessment technology, in this case the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool 2016. Nurse assessors are required to draw upon their expertise to judge performance, but that judgement is described as a source of bias, creating confusion. The definition of satisfactory performance is 'ready to enter practice'. To pass, the performance on each criterion must be at least satisfactory, indicating to the student that no further improvement is required. The Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool 2016 does not have a third 'other' category, which is usually found in classification systems. Introducing a 'not yet competent' category and creating a two-part, mixed methods assessment process can improve the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool 2016 assessment technology. Using a standards approach in the first part, judgement is valued and can generate learning opportunities across a program. Using a measurement approach in the second part, student performance can be 'not yet competent' but still meet criteria for year level performance and a graded pass. Subjecting the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool 2016 assessment technology to analysis as a classification system provides opportunities for innovation in design. This design innovation has the potential to support students who move between programs and clinicians who assess students from different universities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. 12 CFR Appendix B to Part 30 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Establishing Information Security Standards Table of Contents I. Introduction A. Scope B. Preservation of... Security Program B. Objectives III. Development and Implementation of Customer Information Security Program.... Introduction The Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards (Guidelines) set forth...

  13. Establishment of replacement batches for heparin low-molecular-mass for calibration CRS, and the International Standard Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Calibration.

    PubMed

    Mulloy, B; Heath, A; Behr-Gross, M-E

    2007-12-01

    An international collaborative study involving fourteen laboratories has taken place, organised by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) with National Institute for Biological Standards & Control (NIBSC) (in its capacity as a World Health Organisation (WHO) Laboratory for Biological Standardisation) to provide supporting data for the establishment of replacement batches of Heparin Low-Molecular-Mass (LMM) for Calibration Chemical Reference Substance (CRS), and of the International Reference Reagent (IRR) Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Molecular Weight Calibration. A batch of low-molecular-mass heparin was donated to the organisers and candidate preparations of freeze-dried heparin were produced at NIBSC and EDQM. The establishment study was organised in two phases: a prequalification (phase 1, performed in 3 laboratories in 2005) followed by an international collaborative study (phase 2). In phase 2, started in March 2006, molecular mass parameters were determined for seven different LMM heparin samples using the current CRS batch and two batches of candidate replacement material with a defined number average relative molecular mass (Mn) of 3,700, determined in phase 1. The values calculated using the candidates as standard were systematically different from values calculated using the current batch with its assigned number-average molecular mass (Mna) of 3,700. Using raw data supplied by participants, molecular mass parameters were recalculated using the candidates as standard with values for Mna of 3,800 and 3,900. Values for these parameters agreed more closely with those calculated using the current batch supporting the fact that the candidates, though similar to batch 1 in view of the production processes used, differ slightly in terms of molecular mass distribution. Therefore establishment of the candidates was recommended with an assigned Mna value of 3,800 that is both consistent with phase 1 results and guarantees continuity with the current CRS batch. In phase 2, participants also determined molecular weight parameters for the seven different LMM heparin samples using both the 1st IRR (90/686) and its Broad Standard Table and the candidate World Health Organization (WHO) 2nd International Standard (05/112) (2nd IS) using a Broad Standard Table established in phase 1. Mean molecular weights calculated using 2nd IS were slightly higher than with 1st IRR, and participants in the study indicated that this systematic difference precluded establishment of 2nd IS with the table supplied. A replacement Broad Standard Table has been devised on the basis of the central recalculations of raw data supplied by participants; this table gives improved agreement between values derived using the 1st IRR and the candidate 2nd IS. On the basis of this study a recommendation was made for the establishment of 2nd IS and its proposed Broad Standard Table as a replacement for the 1st International Reference Reagent Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Molecular Weight Calibration. Unlike the 1st IRR however, the candidate material 2nd IS is not suitable for use with the method of Nielsen. The candidate materials were established as heparin low-molecular-mass for calibration batches 2 and 3 by the Ph. Eur. Commission in March 2007 and as 2nd IS low-molecular-weight heparin for molecular weight calibration (05/112) by the Expert Committee on Biological Standardization in November 2007.

  14. Traceability of Software Safety Requirements in Legacy Safety Critical Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hill, Janice L.

    2007-01-01

    How can traceability of software safety requirements be created for legacy safety critical systems? Requirements in safety standards are imposed most times during contract negotiations. On the other hand, there are instances where safety standards are levied on legacy safety critical systems, some of which may be considered for reuse for new applications. Safety standards often specify that software development documentation include process-oriented and technical safety requirements, and also require that system and software safety analyses are performed supporting technical safety requirements implementation. So what can be done if the requisite documents for establishing and maintaining safety requirements traceability are not available?

  15. Teacher Research at the Middle Level: Strengthening the Essential Attributes of Education for Young Adolescents

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    DiLucchio, Connie; Leaman, Heather; Elicker, Kathleen; Mathisen, Denise

    2014-01-01

    Teacher research (practitioner inquiry) is an effective form of professional development for middle level teachers. Through teacher research, classroom teachers develop the skills needed to demonstrate mastery of the performance standards for middle level master teacher candidates. Using well-established research methods, middle level educators…

  16. Evaluating Workplace Education Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    MacMaster, Don

    The Workplace Project (WPP) at Alpena Community College, in Michigan, uses a range of assessment instruments to measure learner performance in workplace classes. The Test of Adult Basic Education is administered at the beginning of the course to establish a baseline standardized test score, and again at the end of course to measure gains. Also,…

  17. Use of gelatin gels as a reference material for performance evaluation of meat shear force measurements

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Establishing standards for meat tenderness based on Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) is complicated by the lack of methods for certifying WBSF testing among texture systems or laboratories. The objective of this study was to determine the suitability of using gelatin gels as a reference material ...

  18. 42 CFR 425.800 - Preclusion of administrative and judicial review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Preclusion of administrative and judicial review. 425.800 Section 425.800 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH... assessment of the quality of care furnished by an ACO under the performance standards established in § 425...

  19. 42 CFR 425.800 - Preclusion of administrative and judicial review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Preclusion of administrative and judicial review. 425.800 Section 425.800 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH... assessment of the quality of care furnished by an ACO under the performance standards established in § 425...

  20. 42 CFR 425.800 - Preclusion of administrative and judicial review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Preclusion of administrative and judicial review. 425.800 Section 425.800 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH... assessment of the quality of care furnished by an ACO under the performance standards established in § 425...

  1. 40 CFR 412.46 - New source performance standards (NSPS).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... designed open manure storage structure. For those CAFOs where 100 years of local weather data for the CAFO... based upon a site-specific evaluation of the CAFO's open surface manure storage structure. The NPDES... the case of any CAFO using an open surface manure storage structure for which the Director establishes...

  2. 40 CFR 412.46 - New source performance standards (NSPS).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... designed open manure storage structure. For those CAFOs where 100 years of local weather data for the CAFO... based upon a site-specific evaluation of the CAFO's open surface manure storage structure. The NPDES... the case of any CAFO using an open surface manure storage structure for which the Director establishes...

  3. 40 CFR 412.46 - New source performance standards (NSPS).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... designed open manure storage structure. For those CAFOs where 100 years of local weather data for the CAFO... based upon a site-specific evaluation of the CAFO's open surface manure storage structure. The NPDES... the case of any CAFO using an open surface manure storage structure for which the Director establishes...

  4. 76 FR 814 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Order Approving a Proposed Rule Change To...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-06

    ... proposes to establish new minimum performance standards for specialist units.\\12\\ Specifically, new Rule... Streamline the Process for Specialist Evaluations and Clarify the Time Within Which SQTs and RSQTs Must Begin...-4 thereunder,\\2\\ a proposed rule change to update and streamline the process for specialist...

  5. Stakes Matter: Student Motivation and the Validity of Student Assessments for Teacher Evaluation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rutkowski, David; Wild, Justin

    2015-01-01

    In 2011, Indiana lawmakers established a system to evaluate teachers using existing standardized assessments as an indicator of student learning. In this study we examined one component of Indiana's evaluation system to determine whether student knowledge of the test's consequences is predictive of test performance. Using an experimental design,…

  6. Establishing and performing targeted multi-residue analysis for lipid mediators and fatty acids in small clinical plasma samples.

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    LC-MS/MS and GC-MS based targeted metabolomics is typically conducted by analyzing and quantifying a cascade of metabolites with methods specifically developed for the metabolite class. Here we describe an approach for the development of multi-residue analytical profiles, calibration standards, and ...

  7. Mental Rotation: Cross-Task Training and Generalization

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stransky, Debi; Wilcox, Laurie M.; Dubrowski, Adam

    2010-01-01

    It is well established that performance on standard mental rotation tasks improves with training (Peters et al., 1995), but thus far there is little consensus regarding the degree of transfer to other tasks which also involve mental rotation. In Experiment 1, we assessed the effect of mental rotation training on participants' Mental Rotation Test…

  8. Evaluating the Performance of Repeated Measures Approaches in Replicating Experimental Benchmark Results

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McConeghy, Kevin; Wing, Coady; Wong, Vivian C.

    2015-01-01

    Randomized experiments have long been established as the gold standard for addressing causal questions. However, experiments are not always feasible or desired, so observational methods are also needed. When multiple observations on the same variable are available, a repeated measures design may be used to assess whether a treatment administered…

  9. (PRESENTED IN ALBERTA, CANADA) A PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE 2004 RELEASE OF MODELS-3 CMAQ

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Clean Air Act and its Amendments require that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards for O3 and particulate matter and to assess current and future air quality regulations designed to protect human health and...

  10. Using business intelligence to monitor clinical quality metrics.

    PubMed

    Resetar, Ervina; Noirot, Laura A; Reichley, Richard M; Storey, Patricia; Skiles, Ann M; Traynor, Patrick; Dunagan, W Claiborne; Bailey, Thomas C

    2007-10-11

    BJC HealthCare (BJC) uses a number of industry standard indicators to monitor the quality of services provided by each of its hospitals. By establishing an enterprise data warehouse as a central repository of clinical quality information, BJC is able to monitor clinical quality performance in a timely manner and improve clinical outcomes.

  11. Aviation and the environment : initial voluntary airport low emissions program projects reduce emissions, and FAA plans to assess the program's overall performance as participation increases.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2008-11-01

    In 2003, Congress established a program to reduce airport ground emissions at commercial service airports in areas failing to meet or maintain air quality standards. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administers the Voluntary Airport Low Emis...

  12. Assessment of stabilized hydrogen peroxide as an antimicrobial agent for use in reducing Campylobacter prevalence and levels on chicken broiler wings

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service requires samples of raw broiler parts for performance standard verification for the detection of Campylobacter. Poultry processors must maintain process controls with Campylobacter prevalence levels below 7.7%. Establishments utilize antimicrobial processi...

  13. Well-Prepared Teachers Inspire Student Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pecheone, Raymond L.; Whittaker, Andrea

    2016-01-01

    This is an era of transformation in the preparation, induction, and assessment of prospective teachers. The tension between local and state control is at the heart of the debate. States should be responsible for establishing performance standards that ensure that new teachers are well-prepared, competent, and ready to teach. This is why the…

  14. 76 FR 9449 - National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Gold Mine Ore Processing and Production...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-17

    ... chemistry, scrubber pressure drop, and scrubber inlet gas temperature hourly. The final rule does not... pressure) and inlet gas temperature to be based on the minimum flow rate (or line pressure) or maximum inlet gas temperature established during the initial performance test. It also includes two additional...

  15. Planting Yellow-Poplar--Where We Stand Today

    Treesearch

    T.E. Russell

    1977-01-01

    Yellow-poplar can be established on a wide variety of sites with bare-rooted seedlings and standard planting techniques. Many past plantings have performed poorly because substandard seedlings have been planted on unsuitable sites and competing vegetation has not been adequately controlled. Research over the past two decades, however, provides workable guides for site...

  16. Establishment of northern red oak genetic tests with nursery-graded seedlings

    Treesearch

    S. A. Lay; M. A. Remaley; S. E. Schlarbaum; P. P. Kormanik; T. Tibbs; R. A. Cox; T. LaFarge; A. M. Saxton

    1997-01-01

    Artificial regeneration of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) has had variable success over time. Current nursery practices generally involve the growth of seedlings to a standardized height and form with little regard to seed source, seedling quality, or subsequent field performance. Additionally, there is not an accepted culling criteria for...

  17. Relating Aspects of Motivation to Facets of Mathematical Competence Varying in Cognitive Demand

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gilbert, Melissa C.

    2016-01-01

    The author investigated the relationship between aspects of student motivation and performance on mathematical tasks varying in cognitive demand relevant to meeting the expectations of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M). A sample of 479 primarily Latino middle school students completed established survey measures of…

  18. [Establishment of database with standard 3D tooth crowns based on 3DS MAX].

    PubMed

    Cheng, Xiaosheng; An, Tao; Liao, Wenhe; Dai, Ning; Yu, Qing; Lu, Peijun

    2009-08-01

    The database with standard 3D tooth crowns has laid the groundwork for dental CAD/CAM system. In this paper, we design the standard tooth crowns in 3DS MAX 9.0 and create a database with these models successfully. Firstly, some key lines are collected from standard tooth pictures. Then we use 3DS MAX 9.0 to design the digital tooth model based on these lines. During the design process, it is important to refer to the standard plaster tooth model. After some tests, the standard tooth models designed with this method are accurate and adaptable; furthermore, it is very easy to perform some operations on the models such as deforming and translating. This method provides a new idea to build the database with standard 3D tooth crowns and a basis for dental CAD/CAM system.

  19. Observation of the Higgs boson decay to a pair of τ leptons with the CMS detector

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sirunyan, A. M.; Tumasyan, A.; Adam, W.; Ambrogi, F.; Asilar, E.; Bergauer, T.; Brandstetter, J.; Brondolin, E.; Dragicevic, M.; Erö, J.; Flechl, M.; Friedl, M.; Frühwirth, R.; Ghete, V. M.; Grossmann, J.; Hrubec, J.; Jeitler, M.; König, A.; Krammer, N.; Krätschmer, I.; Liko, D.; Madlener, T.; Mikulec, I.; Pree, E.; Rabady, D.; Rad, N.; Rohringer, H.; Schieck, J.; Schöfbeck, R.; Spanring, M.; Spitzbart, D.; Waltenberger, W.; Wittmann, J.; Wulz, C.-E.; Zarucki, M.; Chekhovsky, V.; Mossolov, V.; Suarez Gonzalez, J.; De Wolf, E. A.; Di Croce, D.; Janssen, X.; Lauwers, J.; Van Haevermaet, H.; Van Mechelen, P.; Van Remortel, N.; Abu Zeid, S.; Blekman, F.; D'Hondt, J.; De Bruyn, I.; De Clercq, J.; Deroover, K.; Flouris, G.; Lontkovskyi, D.; Lowette, S.; Moortgat, S.; Moreels, L.; Python, Q.; Skovpen, K.; Tavernier, S.; Van Doninck, W.; Van Mulders, P.; Van Parijs, I.; Beghin, D.; Brun, H.; Clerbaux, B.; De Lentdecker, G.; Delannoy, H.; Fasanella, G.; Favart, L.; Goldouzian, R.; Grebenyuk, A.; Karapostoli, G.; Lenzi, T.; Luetic, J.; Maerschalk, T.; Marinov, A.; Randle-conde, A.; Seva, T.; Vander Velde, C.; Vanlaer, P.; Vannerom, D.; Yonamine, R.; Zenoni, F.; Zhang, F.; Cimmino, A.; Cornelis, T.; Dobur, D.; Fagot, A.; Gul, M.; Khvastunov, I.; Poyraz, D.; Roskas, C.; Salva, S.; Tytgat, M.; Verbeke, W.; Zaganidis, N.; Bakhshiansohi, H.; Bondu, O.; Brochet, S.; Bruno, G.; Caputo, C.; Caudron, A.; De Visscher, S.; Delaere, C.; Delcourt, M.; Francois, B.; Giammanco, A.; Jafari, A.; Komm, M.; Krintiras, G.; Lemaitre, V.; Magitteri, A.; Mertens, A.; Musich, M.; Piotrzkowski, K.; Quertenmont, L.; Vidal Marono, M.; Wertz, S.; Beliy, N.; Aldá Júnior, W. L.; Alves, F. L.; Alves, G. A.; Brito, L.; Correa Martins Junior, M.; Hensel, C.; Moraes, A.; Pol, M. E.; Rebello Teles, P.; Belchior Batista Das Chagas, E.; Carvalho, W.; Chinellato, J.; Coelho, E.; Custódio, A.; Da Costa, E. M.; Da Silveira, G. G.; De Jesus Damiao, D.; Fonseca De Souza, S.; Huertas Guativa, L. M.; Malbouisson, H.; Melo De Almeida, M.; Mora Herrera, C.; Mundim, L.; Nogima, H.; Santoro, A.; Sznajder, A.; Tonelli Manganote, E. J.; Torres Da Silva De Araujo, F.; Vilela Pereira, A.; Ahuja, S.; Bernardes, C. A.; Fernandez Perez Tomei, T. R.; Gregores, E. M.; Mercadante, P. G.; Novaes, S. F.; Padula, Sandra S.; Romero Abad, D.; Ruiz Vargas, J. C.; Aleksandrov, A.; Hadjiiska, R.; Iaydjiev, P.; Misheva, M.; Rodozov, M.; Shopova, M.; Stoykova, S.; Sultanov, G.; Dimitrov, A.; Glushkov, I.; Litov, L.; Pavlov, B.; Petkov, P.; Fang, W.; Gao, X.; Ahmad, M.; Bian, J. G.; Chen, G. M.; Chen, H. S.; Chen, M.; Chen, Y.; Jiang, C. H.; Leggat, D.; Liao, H.; Liu, Z.; Romeo, F.; Shaheen, S. M.; Spiezia, A.; Tao, J.; Wang, C.; Wang, Z.; Yazgan, E.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, S.; Zhao, J.; Ban, Y.; Chen, G.; Li, Q.; Liu, S.; Mao, Y.; Qian, S. J.; Wang, D.; Xu, Z.; Avila, C.; Cabrera, A.; Chaparro Sierra, L. F.; Florez, C.; González Hernández, C. F.; Ruiz Alvarez, J. D.; Courbon, B.; Godinovic, N.; Lelas, D.; Puljak, I.; Ribeiro Cipriano, P. M.; Sculac, T.; Antunovic, Z.; Kovac, M.; Brigljevic, V.; Ferencek, D.; Kadija, K.; Mesic, B.; Starodumov, A.; Susa, T.; Ather, M. W.; Attikis, A.; Mavromanolakis, G.; Mousa, J.; Nicolaou, C.; Ptochos, F.; Razis, P. A.; Rykaczewski, H.; Finger, M.; Finger, M.; Carrera Jarrin, E.; Assran, Y.; Elgammal, S.; Mahrous, A.; Dewanjee, R. K.; Kadastik, M.; Perrini, L.; Raidal, M.; Tiko, A.; Veelken, C.; Eerola, P.; Pekkanen, J.; Voutilainen, M.; Härkönen, J.; Järvinen, T.; Karimäki, V.; Kinnunen, R.; Lampén, T.; Lassila-Perini, K.; Lehti, S.; Lindén, T.; Luukka, P.; Tuominen, E.; Tuominiemi, J.; Tuovinen, E.; Talvitie, J.; Tuuva, T.; Besancon, M.; Couderc, F.; Dejardin, M.; Denegri, D.; Faure, J. L.; Ferri, F.; Ganjour, S.; Ghosh, S.; Givernaud, A.; Gras, P.; Hamel de Monchenault, G.; Jarry, P.; Kucher, I.; Locci, E.; Machet, M.; Malcles, J.; Negro, G.; Rander, J.; Rosowsky, A.; Sahin, M. Ö.; Titov, M.; Abdulsalam, A.; Amendola, C.; Antropov, I.; Baffioni, S.; Beaudette, F.; Busson, P.; Cadamuro, L.; Charlot, C.; Granier de Cassagnac, R.; Jo, M.; Lisniak, S.; Lobanov, A.; Martin Blanco, J.; Nguyen, M.; Ochando, C.; Ortona, G.; Paganini, P.; Pigard, P.; Salerno, R.; Sauvan, J. B.; Sirois, Y.; Stahl Leiton, A. G.; Strebler, T.; Yilmaz, Y.; Zabi, A.; Zghiche, A.; Agram, J.-L.; Andrea, J.; Bloch, D.; Brom, J.-M.; Buttignol, M.; Chabert, E. C.; Chanon, N.; Collard, C.; Conte, E.; Coubez, X.; Fontaine, J.-C.; Gelé, D.; Goerlach, U.; Jansová, M.; Le Bihan, A.-C.; Tonon, N.; Van Hove, P.; Gadrat, S.; Beauceron, S.; Bernet, C.; Boudoul, G.; Chierici, R.; Contardo, D.; Depasse, P.; El Mamouni, H.; Fay, J.; Finco, L.; Gascon, S.; Gouzevitch, M.; Grenier, G.; Ille, B.; Lagarde, F.; Laktineh, I. B.; Lethuillier, M.; Mirabito, L.; Pequegnot, A. L.; Perries, S.; Popov, A.; Sordini, V.; Vander Donckt, M.; Viret, S.; Khvedelidze, A.; Tsamalaidze, Z.; Autermann, C.; Feld, L.; Kiesel, M. K.; Klein, K.; Lipinski, M.; Preuten, M.; Schomakers, C.; Schulz, J.; Verlage, T.; Zhukov, V.; Albert, A.; Dietz-Laursonn, E.; Duchardt, D.; Endres, M.; Erdmann, M.; Erdweg, S.; Esch, T.; Fischer, R.; Güth, A.; Hamer, M.; Hebbeker, T.; Heidemann, C.; Hoepfner, K.; Knutzen, S.; Merschmeyer, M.; Meyer, A.; Millet, P.; Mukherjee, S.; Pook, T.; Radziej, M.; Reithler, H.; Rieger, M.; Scheuch, F.; Teyssier, D.; Thüer, S.; Flügge, G.; Kargoll, B.; Kress, T.; Künsken, A.; Lingemann, J.; Müller, T.; Nehrkorn, A.; Nowack, A.; Pistone, C.; Pooth, O.; Stahl, A.; Aldaya Martin, M.; Arndt, T.; Asawatangtrakuldee, C.; Beernaert, K.; Behnke, O.; Behrens, U.; Bermúdez Martínez, A.; Bin Anuar, A. A.; Borras, K.; Botta, V.; Campbell, A.; Connor, P.; Contreras-Campana, C.; Costanza, F.; Diez Pardos, C.; Eckerlin, G.; Eckstein, D.; Eichhorn, T.; Eren, E.; Gallo, E.; Garay Garcia, J.; Geiser, A.; Gizhko, A.; Grados Luyando, J. M.; Grohsjean, A.; Gunnellini, P.; Guthoff, M.; Harb, A.; Hauk, J.; Hempel, M.; Jung, H.; Kalogeropoulos, A.; Kasemann, M.; Keaveney, J.; Kleinwort, C.; Korol, I.; Krücker, D.; Lange, W.; Lelek, A.; Lenz, T.; Leonard, J.; Lipka, K.; Lohmann, W.; Mankel, R.; Melzer-Pellmann, I.-A.; Meyer, A. B.; Mittag, G.; Mnich, J.; Mussgiller, A.; Ntomari, E.; Pitzl, D.; Raspereza, A.; Roland, B.; Savitskyi, M.; Saxena, P.; Shevchenko, R.; Spannagel, S.; Stefaniuk, N.; Van Onsem, G. P.; Walsh, R.; Wen, Y.; Wichmann, K.; Wissing, C.; Zenaiev, O.; Bein, S.; Blobel, V.; Centis Vignali, M.; Dreyer, T.; Garutti, E.; Gonzalez, D.; Haller, J.; Hinzmann, A.; Hoffmann, M.; Karavdina, A.; Klanner, R.; Kogler, R.; Kovalchuk, N.; Kurz, S.; Lapsien, T.; Marchesini, I.; Marconi, D.; Meyer, M.; Niedziela, M.; Nowatschin, D.; Pantaleo, F.; Peiffer, T.; Perieanu, A.; Scharf, C.; Schleper, P.; Schmidt, A.; Schumann, S.; Schwandt, J.; Sonneveld, J.; Stadie, H.; Steinbrück, G.; Stober, F. M.; Stöver, M.; Tholen, H.; Troendle, D.; Usai, E.; Vanelderen, L.; Vanhoefer, A.; Vormwald, B.; Akbiyik, M.; Barth, C.; Baur, S.; Butz, E.; Caspart, R.; Chwalek, T.; Colombo, F.; De Boer, W.; Dierlamm, A.; Freund, B.; Friese, R.; Giffels, M.; Haitz, D.; Hartmann, F.; Heindl, S. M.; Husemann, U.; Kassel, F.; Kudella, S.; Mildner, H.; Mozer, M. U.; Müller, Th.; Plagge, M.; Quast, G.; Rabbertz, K.; Schröder, M.; Shvetsov, I.; Sieber, G.; Simonis, H. J.; Ulrich, R.; Wayand, S.; Weber, M.; Weiler, T.; Williamson, S.; Wöhrmann, C.; Wolf, R.; Anagnostou, G.; Daskalakis, G.; Geralis, T.; Giakoumopoulou, V. A.; Kyriakis, A.; Loukas, D.; Topsis-Giotis, I.; Karathanasis, G.; Kesisoglou, S.; Panagiotou, A.; Saoulidou, N.; Kousouris, K.; Evangelou, I.; Foudas, C.; Kokkas, P.; Mallios, S.; Manthos, N.; Papadopoulos, I.; Paradas, E.; Strologas, J.; Triantis, F. A.; Csanad, M.; Filipovic, N.; Pasztor, G.; Veres, G. I.; Bencze, G.; Hajdu, C.; Horvath, D.; Hunyadi, Á.; Sikler, F.; Veszpremi, V.; Zsigmond, A. J.; Beni, N.; Czellar, S.; Karancsi, J.; Makovec, A.; Molnar, J.; Szillasi, Z.; Bartók, M.; Raics, P.; Trocsanyi, Z. L.; Ujvari, B.; Choudhury, S.; Komaragiri, J. R.; Bahinipati, S.; Bhowmik, S.; Mal, P.; Mandal, K.; Nayak, A.; Sahoo, D. K.; Sahoo, N.; Swain, S. K.; Bansal, S.; Beri, S. B.; Bhatnagar, V.; Chawla, R.; Dhingra, N.; Kalsi, A. K.; Kaur, A.; Kaur, M.; Kumar, R.; Kumari, P.; Mehta, A.; Singh, J. B.; Walia, G.; Kumar, Ashok; Shah, Aashaq; Bhardwaj, A.; Chauhan, S.; Choudhary, B. C.; Garg, R. B.; Keshri, S.; Kumar, A.; Malhotra, S.; Naimuddin, M.; Ranjan, K.; Sharma, R.; Bhardwaj, R.; Bhattacharya, R.; Bhattacharya, S.; Bhawandeep, U.; Dey, S.; Dutt, S.; Dutta, S.; Ghosh, S.; Majumdar, N.; Modak, A.; Mondal, K.; Mukhopadhyay, S.; Nandan, S.; Purohit, A.; Roy, A.; Roy, D.; Roy Chowdhury, S.; Sarkar, S.; Sharan, M.; Thakur, S.; Behera, P. K.; Chudasama, R.; Dutta, D.; Jha, V.; Kumar, V.; Mohanty, A. K.; Netrakanti, P. K.; Pant, L. M.; Shukla, P.; Topkar, A.; Aziz, T.; Dugad, S.; Mahakud, B.; Mitra, S.; Mohanty, G. B.; Sur, N.; Sutar, B.; Banerjee, S.; Bhattacharya, S.; Chatterjee, S.; Das, P.; Guchait, M.; Jain, Sa.; Kumar, S.; Maity, M.; Majumder, G.; Mazumdar, K.; Sarkar, T.; Wickramage, N.; Chauhan, S.; Dube, S.; Hegde, V.; Kapoor, A.; Kothekar, K.; Pandey, S.; Rane, A.; Sharma, S.; Chenarani, S.; Eskandari Tadavani, E.; Etesami, S. 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A.; Mersi, S.; Meschi, E.; Milenovic, P.; Moortgat, F.; Mulders, M.; Neugebauer, H.; Ngadiuba, J.; Orfanelli, S.; Orsini, L.; Pape, L.; Perez, E.; Peruzzi, M.; Petrilli, A.; Petrucciani, G.; Pfeiffer, A.; Pierini, M.; Racz, A.; Reis, T.; Rolandi, G.; Rovere, M.; Sakulin, H.; Schäfer, C.; Schwick, C.; Seidel, M.; Selvaggi, M.; Sharma, A.; Silva, P.; Sphicas, P.; Stakia, A.; Steggemann, J.; Stoye, M.; Tosi, M.; Treille, D.; Triossi, A.; Tsirou, A.; Veckalns, V.; Verweij, M.; Zeuner, W. D.; Bertl, W.; Caminada, L.; Deiters, K.; Erdmann, W.; Horisberger, R.; Ingram, Q.; Kaestli, H. C.; Kotlinski, D.; Langenegger, U.; Rohe, T.; Wiederkehr, S. A.; Bäni, L.; Berger, P.; Bianchini, L.; Casal, B.; Dissertori, G.; Dittmar, M.; Donegà, M.; Grab, C.; Heidegger, C.; Hits, D.; Hoss, J.; Kasieczka, G.; Klijnsma, T.; Lustermann, W.; Mangano, B.; Marionneau, M.; Meinhard, M. 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R.; Olmedo Negrete, M.; Paneva, M. I.; Shrinivas, A.; Si, W.; Wang, L.; Wei, H.; Wimpenny, S.; Yates, B. R.; Branson, J. G.; Cittolin, S.; Derdzinski, M.; Gerosa, R.; Hashemi, B.; Holzner, A.; Klein, D.; Kole, G.; Krutelyov, V.; Letts, J.; Macneill, I.; Masciovecchio, M.; Olivito, D.; Padhi, S.; Pieri, M.; Sani, M.; Sharma, V.; Simon, S.; Tadel, M.; Vartak, A.; Wasserbaech, S.; Wood, J.; Würthwein, F.; Yagil, A.; Zevi Della Porta, G.; Amin, N.; Bhandari, R.; Bradmiller-Feld, J.; Campagnari, C.; Dishaw, A.; Dutta, V.; Franco Sevilla, M.; George, C.; Golf, F.; Gouskos, L.; Gran, J.; Heller, R.; Incandela, J.; Mullin, S. D.; Ovcharova, A.; Qu, H.; Richman, J.; Stuart, D.; Suarez, I.; Yoo, J.; Anderson, D.; Bendavid, J.; Bornheim, A.; Lawhorn, J. M.; Newman, H. B.; Nguyen, T.; Pena, C.; Spiropulu, M.; Vlimant, J. R.; Xie, S.; Zhang, Z.; Zhu, R. Y.; Andrews, M. B.; Ferguson, T.; Mudholkar, T.; Paulini, M.; Russ, J.; Sun, M.; Vogel, H.; Vorobiev, I.; Weinberg, M.; Cumalat, J. P.; Ford, W. T.; Jensen, F.; Johnson, A.; Krohn, M.; Leontsinis, S.; Mulholland, T.; Stenson, K.; Wagner, S. R.; Alexander, J.; Chaves, J.; Chu, J.; Dittmer, S.; Mcdermott, K.; Mirman, N.; Patterson, J. R.; Rinkevicius, A.; Ryd, A.; Skinnari, L.; Soffi, L.; Tan, S. M.; Tao, Z.; Thom, J.; Tucker, J.; Wittich, P.; Zientek, M.; Abdullin, S.; Albrow, M.; Alyari, M.; Apollinari, G.; Apresyan, A.; Apyan, A.; Banerjee, S.; Bauerdick, L. A. T.; Beretvas, A.; Berryhill, J.; Bhat, P. C.; Bolla, G.; Burkett, K.; Butler, J. N.; Canepa, A.; Cerati, G. B.; Cheung, H. W. K.; Chlebana, F.; Cremonesi, M.; Duarte, J.; Elvira, V. D.; Freeman, J.; Gecse, Z.; Gottschalk, E.; Gray, L.; Green, D.; Grünendahl, S.; Gutsche, O.; Harris, R. M.; Hasegawa, S.; Hirschauer, J.; Hu, Z.; Jayatilaka, B.; Jindariani, S.; Johnson, M.; Joshi, U.; Klima, B.; Kreis, B.; Lammel, S.; Lincoln, D.; Lipton, R.; Liu, M.; Liu, T.; Lopes De Sá, R.; Lykken, J.; Maeshima, K.; Magini, N.; Marraffino, J. M.; Maruyama, S.; Mason, D.; McBride, P.; Merkel, P.; Mrenna, S.; Nahn, S.; O'Dell, V.; Pedro, K.; Prokofyev, O.; Rakness, G.; Ristori, L.; Schneider, B.; Sexton-Kennedy, E.; Soha, A.; Spalding, W. J.; Spiegel, L.; Stoynev, S.; Strait, J.; Strobbe, N.; Taylor, L.; Tkaczyk, S.; Tran, N. V.; Uplegger, L.; Vaandering, E. W.; Vernieri, C.; Verzocchi, M.; Vidal, R.; Wang, M.; Weber, H. A.; Whitbeck, A.; Acosta, D.; Avery, P.; Bortignon, P.; Bourilkov, D.; Brinkerhoff, A.; Carnes, A.; Carver, M.; Curry, D.; Field, R. D.; Furic, I. K.; Konigsberg, J.; Korytov, A.; Kotov, K.; Ma, P.; Matchev, K.; Mei, H.; Mitselmakher, G.; Rank, D.; Sperka, D.; Terentyev, N.; Thomas, L.; Wang, J.; Wang, S.; Yelton, J.; Joshi, Y. R.; Linn, S.; Markowitz, P.; Rodriguez, J. L.; Ackert, A.; Adams, T.; Askew, A.; Hagopian, S.; Hagopian, V.; Johnson, K. F.; Kolberg, T.; Martinez, G.; Perry, T.; Prosper, H.; Saha, A.; Santra, A.; Sharma, V.; Yohay, R.; Baarmand, M. M.; Bhopatkar, V.; Colafranceschi, S.; Hohlmann, M.; Noonan, D.; Roy, T.; Yumiceva, F.; Adams, M. R.; Apanasevich, L.; Berry, D.; Betts, R. R.; Cavanaugh, R.; Chen, X.; Evdokimov, O.; Gerber, C. E.; Hangal, D. A.; Hofman, D. J.; Jung, K.; Kamin, J.; Sandoval Gonzalez, I. D.; Tonjes, M. B.; Trauger, H.; Varelas, N.; Wang, H.; Wu, Z.; Zhang, J.; Bilki, B.; Clarida, W.; Dilsiz, K.; Durgut, S.; Gandrajula, R. P.; Haytmyradov, M.; Khristenko, V.; Merlo, J.-P.; Mermerkaya, H.; Mestvirishvili, A.; Moeller, A.; Nachtman, J.; Ogul, H.; Onel, Y.; Ozok, F.; Penzo, A.; Snyder, C.; Tiras, E.; Wetzel, J.; Yi, K.; Blumenfeld, B.; Cocoros, A.; Eminizer, N.; Fehling, D.; Feng, L.; Gritsan, A. V.; Maksimovic, P.; Roskes, J.; Sarica, U.; Swartz, M.; Xiao, M.; You, C.; Al-bataineh, A.; Baringer, P.; Bean, A.; Boren, S.; Bowen, J.; Castle, J.; Khalil, S.; Kropivnitskaya, A.; Majumder, D.; Mcbrayer, W.; Murray, M.; Royon, C.; Sanders, S.; Schmitz, E.; Tapia Takaki, J. D.; Wang, Q.; Ivanov, A.; Kaadze, K.; Maravin, Y.; Mohammadi, A.; Saini, L. K.; Skhirtladze, N.; Toda, S.; Rebassoo, F.; Wright, D.; Anelli, C.; Baden, A.; Baron, O.; Belloni, A.; Calvert, B.; Eno, S. C.; Ferraioli, C.; Hadley, N. J.; Jabeen, S.; Jeng, G. Y.; Kellogg, R. G.; Kunkle, J.; Mignerey, A. C.; Ricci-Tam, F.; Shin, Y. H.; Skuja, A.; Tonwar, S. C.; Abercrombie, D.; Allen, B.; Azzolini, V.; Barbieri, R.; Baty, A.; Bi, R.; Brandt, S.; Busza, W.; Cali, I. A.; D'Alfonso, M.; Demiragli, Z.; Gomez Ceballos, G.; Goncharov, M.; Hsu, D.; Iiyama, Y.; Innocenti, G. M.; Klute, M.; Kovalskyi, D.; Lai, Y. S.; Lee, Y.-J.; Levin, A.; Luckey, P. D.; Maier, B.; Marini, A. C.; Mcginn, C.; Mironov, C.; Narayanan, S.; Niu, X.; Paus, C.; Roland, C.; Roland, G.; Salfeld-Nebgen, J.; Stephans, G. S. F.; Tatar, K.; Velicanu, D.; Wang, J.; Wang, T. W.; Wyslouch, B.; Benvenuti, A. C.; Chatterjee, R. M.; Evans, A.; Hansen, P.; Kalafut, S.; Kubota, Y.; Lesko, Z.; Mans, J.; Nourbakhsh, S.; Ruckstuhl, N.; Rusack, R.; Turkewitz, J.; Acosta, J. G.; Oliveros, S.; Avdeeva, E.; Bloom, K.; Claes, D. R.; Fangmeier, C.; Gonzalez Suarez, R.; Kamalieddin, R.; Kravchenko, I.; Monroy, J.; Siado, J. E.; Snow, G. R.; Stieger, B.; Dolen, J.; Godshalk, A.; Harrington, C.; Iashvili, I.; Nguyen, D.; Parker, A.; Rappoccio, S.; Roozbahani, B.; Alverson, G.; Barberis, E.; Hortiangtham, A.; Massironi, A.; Morse, D. M.; Nash, D.; Orimoto, T.; Teixeira De Lima, R.; Trocino, D.; Wood, D.; Bhattacharya, S.; Charaf, O.; Hahn, K. A.; Mucia, N.; Odell, N.; Pollack, B.; Schmitt, M. H.; Sung, K.; Trovato, M.; Velasco, M.; Dev, N.; Hildreth, M.; Hurtado Anampa, K.; Jessop, C.; Karmgard, D. J.; Kellams, N.; Lannon, K.; Loukas, N.; Marinelli, N.; Meng, F.; Mueller, C.; Musienko, Y.; Planer, M.; Reinsvold, A.; Ruchti, R.; Smith, G.; Taroni, S.; Wayne, M.; Wolf, M.; Woodard, A.; Alimena, J.; Antonelli, L.; Bylsma, B.; Durkin, L. S.; Flowers, S.; Francis, B.; Hart, A.; Hill, C.; Ji, W.; Liu, B.; Luo, W.; Puigh, D.; Winer, B. L.; Wulsin, H. W.; Cooperstein, S.; Driga, O.; Elmer, P.; Hardenbrook, J.; Hebda, P.; Higginbotham, S.; Lange, D.; Luo, J.; Marlow, D.; Mei, K.; Ojalvo, I.; Olsen, J.; Palmer, C.; Piroué, P.; Stickland, D.; Tully, C.; Malik, S.; Norberg, S.; Barker, A.; Barnes, V. E.; Das, S.; Folgueras, S.; Gutay, L.; Jha, M. K.; Jones, M.; Jung, A. W.; Khatiwada, A.; Miller, D. H.; Neumeister, N.; Peng, C. C.; Schulte, J. F.; Sun, J.; Wang, F.; Xie, W.; Cheng, T.; Parashar, N.; Stupak, J.; Adair, A.; Akgun, B.; Chen, Z.; Ecklund, K. M.; Geurts, F. J. M.; Guilbaud, M.; Li, W.; Michlin, B.; Northup, M.; Padley, B. P.; Roberts, J.; Rorie, J.; Tu, Z.; Zabel, J.; Bodek, A.; de Barbaro, P.; Demina, R.; Duh, Y. t.; Ferbel, T.; Galanti, M.; Garcia-Bellido, A.; Han, J.; Hindrichs, O.; Khukhunaishvili, A.; Lo, K. H.; Tan, P.; Verzetti, M.; Ciesielski, R.; Goulianos, K.; Mesropian, C.; Agapitos, A.; Chou, J. P.; Gershtein, Y.; Gómez Espinosa, T. A.; Halkiadakis, E.; Heindl, M.; Hughes, E.; Kaplan, S.; Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, R.; Kyriacou, S.; Lath, A.; Montalvo, R.; Nash, K.; Osherson, M.; Saka, H.; Salur, S.; Schnetzer, S.; Sheffield, D.; Somalwar, S.; Stone, R.; Thomas, S.; Thomassen, P.; Walker, M.; Delannoy, A. G.; Foerster, M.; Heideman, J.; Riley, G.; Rose, K.; Spanier, S.; Thapa, K.; Bouhali, O.; Castaneda Hernandez, A.; Celik, A.; Dalchenko, M.; De Mattia, M.; Delgado, A.; Dildick, S.; Eusebi, R.; Gilmore, J.; Huang, T.; Kamon, T.; Mueller, R.; Pakhotin, Y.; Patel, R.; Perloff, A.; Perniè, L.; Rathjens, D.; Safonov, A.; Tatarinov, A.; Ulmer, K. A.; Akchurin, N.; Damgov, J.; De Guio, F.; Dudero, P. R.; Faulkner, J.; Gurpinar, E.; Kunori, S.; Lamichhane, K.; Lee, S. W.; Libeiro, T.; Peltola, T.; Undleeb, S.; Volobouev, I.; Wang, Z.; Greene, S.; Gurrola, A.; Janjam, R.; Johns, W.; Maguire, C.; Melo, A.; Ni, H.; Padeken, K.; Sheldon, P.; Tuo, S.; Velkovska, J.; Xu, Q.; Arenton, M. W.; Barria, P.; Cox, B.; Hirosky, R.; Joyce, M.; Ledovskoy, A.; Li, H.; Neu, C.; Sinthuprasith, T.; Wang, Y.; Wolfe, E.; Xia, F.; Harr, R.; Karchin, P. E.; Sturdy, J.; Zaleski, S.; Brodski, M.; Buchanan, J.; Caillol, C.; Dasu, S.; Dodd, L.; Duric, S.; Gomber, B.; Grothe, M.; Herndon, M.; Hervé, A.; Hussain, U.; Klabbers, P.; Lanaro, A.; Levine, A.; Long, K.; Loveless, R.; Pierro, G. A.; Polese, G.; Ruggles, T.; Savin, A.; Smith, N.; Smith, W. H.; Taylor, D.; Woods, N.; CMS Collaboration

    2018-04-01

    A measurement of the H → ττ signal strength is performed using events recorded in proton-proton collisions by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016 at a center-of-mass energy of 13TeV. The data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb-1. The H → ττ signal is established with a significance of 4.9 standard deviations, to be compared to an expected significance of 4.7 standard deviations. The best fit of the product of the observed H → ττ signal production cross section and branching fraction is 1.09-0.26+0.27 times the standard model expectation. The combination with the corresponding measurement performed with data collected by the CMS experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8TeV leads to an observed significance of 5.9 standard deviations, equal to the expected significance. This is the first observation of Higgs boson decays to τ leptons by a single experiment.

  20. Science and the rules governing anti-doping violations.

    PubMed

    Bowers, Larry D

    2010-01-01

    The fight against the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports has been in effect for nearly 90 years. The formation of the World Anti-Doping Agency in 1999 was a major event because an independent agency was entrusted with harmonization of the antidoping program. In addition to sports governing bodies, governments have endorsed WADA and its programs by signing a United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization Convention on Doping. The first step in the harmonization process was the development of the World Anti-Doping Program. This program consisted of five documents - the Code, the International Standard for Testing, the International Standard for Laboratories, the Prohibited List, and the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions - which unified the approach of the international federations and national antidoping agencies in applying antidoping rules. For laboratory testing, the International Standard for Laboratories establishes the performance expectations for and competence of laboratories recognized by WADA, including accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025. The antidoping rules are adjudicated by arbitration using the internationally recognized Court of Arbitration for Sport.

  1. 75 FR 21523 - Airworthiness Standards; Rotor Overspeed Requirements

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-26

    ... would establish uniform rotor overspeed design and test requirements for aircraft engines and... establishing one harmonized standard requiring: (1) Rotors be designed with a burst/failure speed that exceeds... also establish uniform standards for the design and testing of engine rotor parts in the United States...

  2. Scaling maximal oxygen uptake to predict performance in elite-standard men cross-country skiers.

    PubMed

    Carlsson, Tomas; Carlsson, Magnus; Felleki, Majbritt; Hammarström, Daniel; Heil, Daniel; Malm, Christer; Tonkonogi, Michail

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to: 1) establish the optimal body-mass exponent for maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) to indicate performance in elite-standard men cross-country skiers; and 2) evaluate the influence of course inclination on the body-mass exponent. Twelve elite-standard men skiers completed an incremental treadmill roller-skiing test to determine VO(2)max and performance data came from the 2008 Swedish National Championship 15-km classic-technique race. Log-transformation of power-function models was used to predict skiing speeds. The optimal models were found to be: Race speed = 7.86 · VO(2)max · m(-0.48) and Section speed = 5.96 · [VO(2)max · m(-(0.38 + 0.03 · α)) · e(-0.003 · Δ) (where m is body mass, α is the section's inclination and Δ is the altitude difference of the previous section), that explained 68% and 84% of the variance in skiing speed, respectively. A body-mass exponent of 0.48 (95% confidence interval: 0.19 to 0.77) best described VO(2)max as an indicator of performance in elite-standard men skiers. The confidence interval did not support the use of either "1" (simple ratio-standard scaled) or "0" (absolute expression) as body-mass exponents for expressing VO(2)max as an indicator of performance. Moreover, results suggest that course inclination increases the body-mass exponent for VO(2)max.

  3. Best Practices in Establishing and Sustaining Consortia in Pharmacy Education

    PubMed Central

    Hincapie, Ana; Baugh, Gina; Rice, Luke; Sy, Erin; Penm, Jonathan; Albano, Christian

    2017-01-01

    Objective. To describe best practices, necessary resources, and success or lessons learned from established consortia in pharmacy education. Methods. Using semi-structured interviews and qualitative analysis, interviews with members of established consortia in pharmacy education were conducted until saturation was reached. Themes were analyzed and meaningful descriptions of consortia characteristics were developed using systematic text condensation. Results. Thirteen interviews were conducted. The primary purpose for forming a consortium was identified as threefold: share ideas/best practices; facilitate collaboration; and perform shared problem-solving. For experiential education consortia, two additional purposes were found: share capacity for practice sites, and promote standardization across programs. When investigating best practices for established consortia, three main themes were identified. These included strategies for: (1) relationship building within consortia, (2) successful outcomes of consortia, and (3) sustainability. Successful outcomes included scholarship and, sometimes, program standardization. Sustainability was linked to structure/support and momentum. Respect was considered the foundation for collaborative relationships to flourish in these consortia. Conclusions. Pharmacy education consortia form through a process that involves relationship building to produce outcomes that promote sustainability, which benefits both pharmacy schools and individual faculty members. Consortium formation is a viable, productive, and often necessary institutional goal for pharmacy schools. PMID:28381887

  4. Feasibility of a Networked Air Traffic Infrastructure Validation Environment for Advanced NextGen Concepts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    McCormack, Michael J.; Gibson, Alec K.; Dennis, Noah E.; Underwood, Matthew C.; Miller,Lana B.; Ballin, Mark G.

    2013-01-01

    Abstract-Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) applications reliant upon aircraft data links such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) offer a sweeping modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS), but the aviation stakeholder community has not yet established a positive business case for equipage and message content standards remain in flux. It is necessary to transition promising Air Traffic Management (ATM) Concepts of Operations (ConOps) from simulation environments to full-scale flight tests in order to validate user benefits and solidify message standards. However, flight tests are prohibitively expensive and message standards for Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) systems cannot support many advanced ConOps. It is therefore proposed to simulate future aircraft surveillance and communications equipage and employ an existing commercial data link to exchange data during dedicated flight tests. This capability, referred to as the Networked Air Traffic Infrastructure Validation Environment (NATIVE), would emulate aircraft data links such as ADS-B using in-flight Internet and easily-installed test equipment. By utilizing low-cost equipment that is easy to install and certify for testing, advanced ATM ConOps can be validated, message content standards can be solidified, and new standards can be established through full-scale flight trials without necessary or expensive equipage or extensive flight test preparation. This paper presents results of a feasibility study of the NATIVE concept. To determine requirements, six NATIVE design configurations were developed for two NASA ConOps that rely on ADS-B. The performance characteristics of three existing in-flight Internet services were investigated to determine whether performance is adequate to support the concept. Next, a study of requisite hardware and software was conducted to examine whether and how the NATIVE concept might be realized. Finally, to determine a business case, economic factors were evaluated and a preliminary cost-benefit analysis was performed.

  5. 7 CFR 868.102 - Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 7 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Procedures for establishing and revising grade....102 Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards. (a) GIPSA will develop, revise, suspend, or terminate grade standards if it determines that such action is in the public interest. GIPSA...

  6. 7 CFR 868.102 - Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 7 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Procedures for establishing and revising grade....102 Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards. (a) GIPSA will develop, revise, suspend, or terminate grade standards if it determines that such action is in the public interest. GIPSA...

  7. 7 CFR 868.102 - Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Procedures for establishing and revising grade....102 Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards. (a) GIPSA will develop, revise, suspend, or terminate grade standards if it determines that such action is in the public interest. GIPSA...

  8. 7 CFR 868.102 - Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 7 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Procedures for establishing and revising grade....102 Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards. (a) GIPSA will develop, revise, suspend, or terminate grade standards if it determines that such action is in the public interest. GIPSA...

  9. 7 CFR 868.102 - Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 7 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Procedures for establishing and revising grade....102 Procedures for establishing and revising grade standards. (a) GIPSA will develop, revise, suspend, or terminate grade standards if it determines that such action is in the public interest. GIPSA...

  10. Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC): State of the Council 2010

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nambiar, Raghunath; Wakou, Nicholas; Carman, Forrest; Majdalany, Michael

    The Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC) is a non-profit corporation founded to define transaction processing and database benchmarks and to disseminate objective, verifiable performance data to the industry. Established in August 1988, the TPC has been integral in shaping the landscape of modern transaction processing and database benchmarks over the past twenty-two years. This paper provides an overview of the TPC's existing benchmark standards and specifications, introduces two new TPC benchmarks under development, and examines the TPC's active involvement in the early creation of additional future benchmarks.

  11. Project FIRES. Volume 1: Program Overview and Summary, Phase 1B

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abeles, F. J.

    1980-01-01

    Overall performance requirements and evaluation methods for firefighters protective equipment were established and published as the Protective Ensemble Performance Standards (PEPS). Current firefighters protective equipment was tested and evaluated against the PEPS requirements, and the preliminary design of a prototype protective ensemble was performed. In phase 1B, the design of the prototype ensemble was finalized. Prototype ensembles were fabricated and then subjected to a series of qualification tests which were based upon the PEPS requirements. Engineering drawings and purchase specifications were prepared for the new protective ensemble.

  12. Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) cryogenic unlatch tests

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1973-01-01

    Cryogenic tanking and partial jettison (unlatch) tests were performed on a full scale Centaur vehicle and Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) to develop and qualify the CSS insulation system, the CSS and Centaur ground-hold purge systems, and the Centaur hydrogen tank flight vent system. Operation of the shroud/Centaur pyrotechnic systems, seals, and the shroud jettison springs, hinges, and other separation systems was demonstrated by a partial jettison of the shroud into catch nets. The Centaur tanks were filled with liquid hydrogen and liquid nitrogen. Prelaunch operations were performed, and data taken to establish system performances. Results from the initial tests showed a higher than expected heat transfer rate to the Centaur hydrogen tank. In addition, the release mechanism for the forward seal between the Centaur and the CSS did not function properly, and the seal was torn during jettison of the shroud.

  13. Analysis of statistical and standard algorithms for detecting muscle onset with surface electromyography

    PubMed Central

    Tweedell, Andrew J.; Haynes, Courtney A.

    2017-01-01

    The timing of muscle activity is a commonly applied analytic method to understand how the nervous system controls movement. This study systematically evaluates six classes of standard and statistical algorithms to determine muscle onset in both experimental surface electromyography (EMG) and simulated EMG with a known onset time. Eighteen participants had EMG collected from the biceps brachii and vastus lateralis while performing a biceps curl or knee extension, respectively. Three established methods and three statistical methods for EMG onset were evaluated. Linear envelope, Teager-Kaiser energy operator + linear envelope and sample entropy were the established methods evaluated while general time series mean/variance, sequential and batch processing of parametric and nonparametric tools, and Bayesian changepoint analysis were the statistical techniques used. Visual EMG onset (experimental data) and objective EMG onset (simulated data) were compared with algorithmic EMG onset via root mean square error and linear regression models for stepwise elimination of inferior algorithms. The top algorithms for both data types were analyzed for their mean agreement with the gold standard onset and evaluation of 95% confidence intervals. The top algorithms were all Bayesian changepoint analysis iterations where the parameter of the prior (p0) was zero. The best performing Bayesian algorithms were p0 = 0 and a posterior probability for onset determination at 60–90%. While existing algorithms performed reasonably, the Bayesian changepoint analysis methodology provides greater reliability and accuracy when determining the singular onset of EMG activity in a time series. Further research is needed to determine if this class of algorithms perform equally well when the time series has multiple bursts of muscle activity. PMID:28489897

  14. The Role of Space Medicine in Management of Risk in Spaceflight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Clark, Jonathan B.

    2001-01-01

    The purpose of Space Medicine is to ensure mission success by providing quality and comprehensive health care throughout all mission phases to optimize crew health and performance and to prevent negative long-term health consequences. Space flight presents additional hazards and associated risks to crew health, performance, and safety. With an extended human presence in space it is expected that illness and injury will occur on orbit, which may present a significant threat to crew health and performance and to mission success. Maintaining crew health, safety and performance and preventing illness and injury are high priorities necessary for mission success and agency goals. Space flight health care should meet the standards of practice of evidence based clinical medicine. The function of Space Medicine is expected to meet the agency goals as stated in the 1998 NASA Strategic Plan and the priorities established by the Critical Path Roadmap Project. The Critical Path Roadmap Project is an integrated NASA cross-disciplinary strategy to assess, understand, mitigate, and manage the risks associated with long-term exposure to the space flight environment. The evidence based approach to space medicine should be standardized, objective process yielding expected results and establishing clinical practice standards while balancing individual risk with mission (programmatic) risk. The ability to methodically apply available knowledge and expertise to individual and mission health issues will ensure appropriate priorities are assigned and resources are allocated. NASA Space Medicine risk management process is a combined clinical and engineering approach. Competition for weight, power, volume, cost, and crew time must be balanced in making decisions about the care of individual crew with competing agency resources.

  15. An initial test of a normative Figure Of Merit for the quality of overall task performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lemay, Moira; Comstock, J. R., Jr.

    1990-01-01

    An overall indicator, or Figure Of Merit (FOM), of the quality of crew/vehicle system performance is needed to establish the effect of workload on efficiency and to identify overload conditions. A normative FOM is proposed in which performance is measured on a representative task and a normative data base obtained. FOMs for subsequent executions of the task are then reported in terms of weighted deviations from average task performance. Performance of discrete tasks is measured primarily in terms of subtask time and errors. Discrete task performance is then combined with a measure of continuous vehicle control. In order to test the normative FOM procedure, the technique was applied to an existing set of data from a simulated landing task in which standard communications with ATC was compared with a data link communications system. The results indicated that while mean task performance was not affected, task variability, as measured by the FOM, was significantly higher when data link communications were used. In order to establish the sensitivity of the normative FOM method, further testing of the measure is recommended.

  16. The international development of forensic science standards - A review.

    PubMed

    Wilson-Wilde, Linzi

    2018-04-16

    Standards establish specifications and procedures designed to ensure products, services and systems are safe, reliable and consistently perform as intended. Standards can be used in the accreditation of forensic laboratories or facilities and in the certification of products and services. In recent years there have been various international activities aiming at developing forensic science standards and guidelines. The most significant initiative currently underway within the global forensic community is the development of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. This paper reviews the main bodies working on standards for forensic science, the processes used and the implications for accreditation. This paper specifically discusses the work of ISO Technical Committee TC272, the future TC272 work program for the development of forensic science standards and associated timelines. Also discussed, are the lessons learnt to date in navigating the complex environment of multi-country stakeholder deliberations in standards development. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Nano-flow vs standard-flow: Which is the more suitable LC/MS method for quantifying hepcidin-25 in human serum in routine clinical settings?

    PubMed

    Vialaret, Jérôme; Picas, Alexia; Delaby, Constance; Bros, Pauline; Lehmann, Sylvain; Hirtz, Christophe

    2018-06-01

    Hepcidin-25 peptide is a biomarker which is known to have considerable clinical potential for diagnosing iron-related diseases. Developing analytical methods for the absolute quantification of hepcidin is still a real challenge, however, due to the sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility issues involved. In this study, we compare and discuss two MS-based assays for quantifying hepcidin, which differ only in terms of the type of liquid chromatography (nano LC/MS versus standard LC/MS) involved. The same sample preparation, the same internal standards and the same MS analyzer were used with both approaches. In the field of proteomics, nano LC chromatography is generally known to be more sensitive and less robust than standard LC methods. In this study, we established that the performances of the standard LC method are equivalent to those of our previously developed nano LC method. Although the analytical performances were very similar in both cases. The standard-flow platform therefore provides the more suitable alternative for accurately determining hepcidin in clinical settings. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Observation of the Higgs boson decay to a pair of τ leptons with the CMS detector

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

    Sirunyan, A. M.; Tumasyan, A.; Adam, W.

    Here, a measurement of the H → ττ signal strength is performed using events recorded in proton–proton collisions by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb -1. The H → ττ signal is established with a significance of 4.9 standard deviations, to be compared to an expected significance of 4.7 standard deviations.

  19. Observation of the Higgs boson decay to a pair of τ leptons with the CMS detector

    DOE PAGES

    Sirunyan, A. M.; Tumasyan, A.; Adam, W.; ...

    2018-02-07

    Here, a measurement of the H → ττ signal strength is performed using events recorded in proton–proton collisions by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb -1. The H → ττ signal is established with a significance of 4.9 standard deviations, to be compared to an expected significance of 4.7 standard deviations.

  20. Inconsistency of residents' communication performance in challenging consultations.

    PubMed

    Wouda, Jan C; van de Wiel, Harry B M

    2013-12-01

    Communication performance inconsistency between consultations is usually regarded as a measurement error that jeopardizes the reliability of assessments. However, inconsistency is an important phenomenon, since it indicates that physicians' communication may be below standard in some consultations. Fifty residents performed two challenging consultations. Residents' communication competency was assessed with the CELI instrument. Residents' background in communication skills training (CST) was also established. We used multilevel analysis to explore communication performance inconsistency between the two consultations. We also established the relationships between inconsistency and average performance quality, the type of consultation, and CST background. Inconsistency accounted for 45.5% of variance in residents' communication performance. Inconsistency was dependent on the type of consultation. The effect of CST background training on performance quality was case specific. Inconsistency and average performance quality were related for those consultation combinations dissimilar in goals, structure, and required skills. CST background had no effect on inconsistency. Physician communication performance should be of high quality, but also consistent regardless of the type and complexity of the consultation. In order to improve performance quality and reduce performance inconsistency, communication education should offer ample opportunities to practice a wide variety of challenging consultations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Masonry building envelope analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McMullan, Phillip C.

    1993-04-01

    Over the past five years, infrared thermography has proven an effective tool to assist in required inspections on new masonry construction. However, with more thermographers providing this inspection service, establishing a standard for conducting these inspections is imperative. To attempt to standardize these inspections, it is important to understand the nature of the inspection as well as the context in which the inspection is typically conducted. The inspection focuses on evaluating masonry construction for compliance with the design specifications with regard to structural components and thermal performance of the building envelope. The thermal performance of the building includes both the thermal resistance of the material as well as infiltration/exfiltration characteristics. Given that the inspections occur in the 'field' rather than the controlled environment of a laboratory, there are numerous variables to be considered when undertaking this type of inspection. Both weather and site conditions at the time of the inspection can vary greatly. In this paper we will look at the variables encountered during recent inspections. Additionally, the author will present the standard which was employed in collecting this field data. This method is being incorporated into a new standard to be included in the revised version of 'Guidelines for Specifying and Performing Infrared Inspections' developed by the Infraspection Institute.

  2. Monte Carlo Simulation to Determine Geometry Effects on Quantitative X-ray Microanalysis in Plant Cell Walls Using Gelatin Standards

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tylko, Grzegorz; Dubchak, Sergyi; Banach, Zuzanna; Turnau, Katarzyna

    2010-04-01

    Monte Carlo simulations of gelatin matrices with known elemental concentrations confirmed the suitability of protein standards to quantify elements of cellulose material in x-ray microanalysis. However, gelatin standards and cellulose plant cell walls differ in structure, what influences x-ray generation and emission in both specimens. The goal of the project was to establish the influence of gelatin structure on x-ray generation and its usefulness to calculate elemental concentrations in plant cell walls of different width. Roots of Medicago truncatula as well as gelatin standards with known elemental composition were prepared according to freeze-drying protocols. The thermanox polymer was chosen to establish background formation for flat and compact organic materials. All analyses were performed with the scanning electron microscope operated at 10 keV and probe current of 350 pA. The Monte Carlo code Casino was applied to calculate the intensities of the generated and the emitted x-rays from biological matrix of different width. No topography effects of gelatin structure were visible when the raster mode of electron impact was applied to the specimen. Monte Carlo simulations of gelatin of different width revealed that a significant decrease of the generated x-ray intensity appears at the width of the specimen around 3.5 μm. However, an increase of emission of low energy x-ray intensities (Na, Mg) was noted at 3.5 μm size with constant emission of higher energy x-rays (Cl, K) down to 2.5 μm width. It determines the minimal size of plant specimen useful for comparison to bulk gelatin standard when quantitative analysis is performed for biologically important elements.

  3. Technical support document: Energy conservation standards for consumer products: Dishwashers, clothes washers, and clothes dryers including: Environmental impacts; regulatory impact analysis

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

    Not Available

    1990-12-01

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act as amended (P.L. 94-163), establishes energy conservation standards for 12 of the 13 types of consumer products specifically covered by the Act. The legislation requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to consider new or amended standards for these and other types of products at specified times. This Technical Support Document presents the methodology, data and results from the analysis of the energy and economic impacts of standards on dishwashers, clothes washers, and clothes dryers. The economic impact analysis is performed in five major areas: An Engineering Analysis, which establishes technical feasibility and product attributesmore » including costs of design options to improve appliance efficiency. A Consumer Analysis at two levels: national aggregate impacts, and impacts on individuals. The national aggregate impacts include forecasts of appliance sales, efficiencies, energy use, and consumer expenditures. The individual impacts are analyzed by Life-Cycle Cost (LCC), Payback Periods, and Cost of Conserved Energy (CCE), which evaluate the savings in operating expenses relative to increases in purchase price; A Manufacturer Analysis, which provides an estimate of manufacturers' response to the proposed standards. Their response is quantified by changes in several measures of financial performance for a firm. An Industry Impact Analysis shows financial and competitive impacts on the appliance industry. A Utility Analysis that measures the impacts of the altered energy-consumption patterns on electric utilities. A Environmental Effects analysis, which estimates changes in emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, due to reduced energy consumption in the home and at the power plant. A Regulatory Impact Analysis collects the results of all the analyses into the net benefits and costs from a national perspective. 47 figs., 171 tabs. (JF)« less

  4. Sensitivity and specificity of the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis according to disease duration: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Banal, F; Dougados, M; Combescure, C; Gossec, L

    2009-07-01

    To evaluate the ability of the widely used ACR set of criteria (both list and tree format) to diagnose RA compared with expert opinion according to disease duration. A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed and Embase databases. All articles reporting the prevalence of RA according to ACR criteria and expert opinion in cohorts of early (<1 year duration) or established (>1 year) arthritis were analysed to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of ACR 1987 criteria against the "gold standard" (expert opinion). A meta-analysis using a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was performed and pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated with confidence intervals. Of 138 publications initially identified, 19 were analysable (total 7438 patients, 3883 RA). In early arthritis, pooled sensitivity and specificity of the ACR set of criteria were 77% (68% to 84%) and 77% (68% to 84%) in the list format versus 80% (72% to 88%) and 33% (24% to 43%) in the tree format. In established arthritis, sensitivity and specificity were respectively 79% (71% to 85%) and 90% (84% to 94%) versus 80% (71% to 85%) and 93% (86% to 97%). The SROC meta-analysis confirmed the statistically significant differences, suggesting that diagnostic performances of ACR list criteria are better in established arthritis. The specificity of ACR 1987 criteria in early RA is low, and these criteria should not be used as diagnostic tools. Sensitivity and specificity in established RA are higher, which reflects their use as classification criteria gold standard.

  5. A new IRT-based standard setting method: application to eCat-listening.

    PubMed

    García, Pablo Eduardo; Abad, Francisco José; Olea, Julio; Aguado, David

    2013-01-01

    Criterion-referenced interpretations of tests are highly necessary, which usually involves the difficult task of establishing cut scores. Contrasting with other Item Response Theory (IRT)-based standard setting methods, a non-judgmental approach is proposed in this study, in which Item Characteristic Curve (ICC) transformations lead to the final cut scores. eCat-Listening, a computerized adaptive test for the evaluation of English Listening, was administered to 1,576 participants, and the proposed standard setting method was applied to classify them into the performance standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The results showed a classification closely related to relevant external measures of the English language domain, according to the CEFR. It is concluded that the proposed method is a practical and valid standard setting alternative for IRT-based tests interpretations.

  6. 29 CFR 1910.1 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 29 Labor 5 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Purpose and scope. 1910.1 Section 1910.1 Labor Regulations... consensus standard, and any established Federal standard, unless he determines that the promulgation of such... national consensus standards or established Federal standards. ...

  7. FIELD EVALUATION OF SAMPLERS FOR EPA'S NATIONAL PM 2.5 CHEMICAL SPECIATION NETWORK-PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM ATLANTA

    EPA Science Inventory

    The US EPA bas established a national network at nearly 1100 sites to monitor PM2.5 mass for testing compliance with the PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The objective of the field evaluation is to determine the performance characteristics for the collection of the...

  8. 45 CFR 155.140 - Establishment of a regional Exchange or subsidiary Exchange.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... requirements of an Exchange consistent with this part; and (2) Meet the following standards for SHOP: (i) Perform the functions of a SHOP for its service area in accordance with subpart H of this part; and (ii) Encompass the same geographic area for its regional or subsidiary SHOP and its regional or subsidiary...

  9. 45 CFR 155.140 - Establishment of a regional Exchange or subsidiary Exchange.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... requirements of an Exchange consistent with this part; and (2) Meet the following standards for SHOP: (i) Perform the functions of a SHOP for its service area in accordance with subpart H of this part; and (ii) If a State elects to operate its individual market Exchange and SHOP under two governance or...

  10. 45 CFR 155.140 - Establishment of a regional Exchange or subsidiary Exchange.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... requirements of an Exchange consistent with this part; and (2) Meet the following standards for SHOP: (i) Perform the functions of a SHOP for its service area in accordance with subpart H of this part; and (ii) Encompass the same geographic area for its regional or subsidiary SHOP and its regional or subsidiary...

  11. 40 CFR 63.10011 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limits and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Testing and Initial... liquid oil-fired unit, and you use quarterly stack testing for HCl and HF plus site-specific parameter monitoring to demonstrate continuous performance, you must also establish a site-specific operating limit, in...

  12. 40 CFR 63.10011 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emissions limits and work practice standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Testing and Initial... liquid oil-fired unit, and you use quarterly stack testing for HCl and HF plus site-specific parameter monitoring to demonstrate continuous performance, you must also establish a site-specific operating limit, in...

  13. States Raise Proficiency Standards in Math and Reading

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peterson, Paul E.; Ackerman, Matthew

    2015-01-01

    Since No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was enacted into federal law in 2002, states have been required to test students in grades 3 through 8 and again in high school to assess math and reading achievement. The federal law also asks states to establish the performance level students must reach on the exams in order to be identified as…

  14. Test-Optional Admission Policies and Their Effect on the Composition of the Student Body at King's College

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schmude, Michelle

    2011-01-01

    This study examined test-optional admission policies and their effect on the composition of the student body at King's College. According to the College Board (2009), students from underrepresented populations do not perform as well as White students on standardized tests. Therefore, higher education institutions have established test-optional…

  15. Trends in State Charter School Laws: Authorizers, Caps, Performance-Based Closures and Virtual Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Christie, Kathy; Millard, Maria; Thomsen, Jennifer; Wixom, Micah

    2014-01-01

    Forty-two states and the District of Columbia have enacted charter school legislation. The Education Commission of the States (ECS) analysts reviewed laws in the 50 states in creating an online database that highlights how state charter school laws vary, particularly in how states establish standards and accountability for charter school…

  16. A potential quantitative method for assessing individual tree performance

    Treesearch

    Lance A. Vickers; David R. Larsen; Daniel C. Dey; John M. Kabrick; Benjamin O. Knapp

    2014-01-01

    By what standard should a tree be judged? This question, perhaps unknowingly, is posed almost daily by practicing foresters. Unfortunately, there are few cases in which clearly defined quantitative (i.e., directly measurable) references have been established in forestry. A lack of common references may be an unnecessary source of error in silvicultural application and...

  17. Standards of care and quality indicators for multidisciplinary care models for psoriatic arthritis in Spain.

    PubMed

    Gratacós, Jordi; Luelmo, Jesús; Rodríguez, Jesús; Notario, Jaume; Marco, Teresa Navío; de la Cueva, Pablo; Busquets, Manel Pujol; Font, Mercè García; Joven, Beatriz; Rivera, Raquel; Vega, Jose Luis Alvarez; Álvarez, Antonio Javier Chaves; Parera, Ricardo Sánchez; Carrascosa, Jose Carlos Ruiz; Martínez, Fernando José Rodríguez; Sánchez, José Pardo; Olmos, Carlos Feced; Pujol, Conrad; Galindez, Eva; Barrio, Silvia Pérez; Arana, Ana Urruticoechea; Hergueta, Mercedes; Coto, Pablo; Queiro, Rubén

    2018-06-01

    To define and give priority to standards of care and quality indicators of multidisciplinary care for patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A systematic literature review on PsA standards of care and quality indicators was performed. An expert panel of rheumatologists and dermatologists who provide multidisciplinary care was established. In a consensus meeting group, the experts discussed and developed the standards of care and quality indicators and graded their priority, agreement and also the feasibility (only for quality indicators) following qualitative methodology and a Delphi process. Afterwards, these results were discussed with 2 focus groups, 1 with patients, another with health managers. A descriptive analysis is presented. We obtained 25 standards of care (9 of structure, 9 of process, 7 of results) and 24 quality indicators (2 of structure, 5 of process, 17 of results). Standards of care include relevant aspects in the multidisciplinary care of PsA patients like an appropriate physical infrastructure and technical equipment, the access to nursing care, labs and imaging techniques, other health professionals and treatments, or the development of care plans. Regarding quality indicators, the definition of multidisciplinary care model objectives and referral criteria, the establishment of responsibilities and coordination among professionals and the active evaluation of patients and data collection were given a high priority. Patients considered all of them as important. This set of standards of care and quality indicators for the multidisciplinary care of patients with PsA should help improve quality of care in these patients.

  18. Adverse effect of the financial crisis in Greece on perinatal factors.

    PubMed

    Zografaki, Irini; Papamichail, Dimitris; Panagiotopoulos, Takis

    2018-05-16

    Starting in 2008 recession affected many European countries and especially Greece. Previous studies have reported increases in low birth weight, preterm birth and stillbirth rates in Greece during early crisis. In our study we used data on births from 1980 to 2014 that allowed us to distinguish recent changes, which could possibly be attributed to the financial crisis, from long term trends, and controlled for maternal age and country of origin as potential confounders. Our study covered a longer period (up to 2014) than what has been studied before and looked separately at the effect of early and established crisis. We used national vital statistics data from 1980 to 2014. We performed age standardization and calculated age standardized rates and standardized rate ratios (SRRs) for perinatal factors for three time periods (pre-crisis, early crisis and established crisis) for Greek and non-Greek women. We found an increase in low birth weight deliveries independent of maternal age and origin and an increased stillbirth rate in Greek women younger than 25 in early (RR = 1.42 95%CI: 1.12-1.80) and established crisis periods (RR = 1.36 95%CI: 1.07-1.72) compared with pre-crisis. Non-Greek women have also been affected, with their advantage regarding birth outcomes becoming less profound in the established crisis period (low birth weight: established crisis SRR = 0.84 95%CI: 0.82-0.87, pre-crisis SRR = 0.79 95% CI: 0.76- 0.81). The financial crisis has possibly adversely affected perinatal factors in Greece. Our results highlight the need of appropriate public health interventions and family support policies, especially for younger people, unemployed and immigrants.

  19. The role of standards in the development and implementation of clinical laboratory tests: a domestic and global perspective.

    PubMed

    Michaud, Ginette Y

    2005-01-01

    In the field of clinical laboratory medicine, standardization is aimed at increasing the trueness and reliability of measured values. Standardization relies on the use of written standards, reference measurement procedures and reference materials. These are important tools for the design and validation of new tests, and for establishing the metrological traceability of diagnostic assays. Their use supports the translation of research technologies into new diagnostic assays and leads to more rapid advances in science and medicine, as well as improvements in the quality of patient care. The various standardization tools are described, as are the procedures by which written standards, reference procedures and reference materials are developed. Recent efforts to develop standards for use in the field of molecular diagnostics are discussed. The recognition of standardization tools by the FDA and other regulatory authorities is noted as evidence of their important role in ensuring the safety and performance of in vitro diagnostic devices.

  20. Performance testing of the environmental TLD system for the Three Mile Island Nuclear Station.

    PubMed

    Toke, L F; Carson, B H; Baker, G G; McBride, M H; Plato, P A; Miklos, J A

    1984-05-01

    Panasonic UD-801 thermoluminescent dosimeters ( TLDs ) containing two calcium sulfate phosphors were tested under Performance Specification 3.1 established by the American National Standard Institute ( ANSI75 ) and in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Regulatory Guide 4.13 ( NRC77 ). The specific qualifying tests included TLD uniformity, reproducibility, energy dependence and directional dependence. The overall measurement uncertainties and associated confidence levels are within the prescribed guidelines defined in the qualifying requirements for environmental TLDs .

  1. An automated LS(β)- NaI(Tl)(γ) coincidence system as absolute standard for radioactivity measurements.

    PubMed

    Joseph, Leena; Das, A P; Ravindra, Anuradha; Kulkarni, D B; Kulkarni, M S

    2018-07-01

    4πβ-γ coincidence method is a powerful and widely used method to determine the absolute activity concentration of radioactive solutions. A new automated liquid scintillator based coincidence system has been designed, developed, tested and established as absolute standard for radioactivity measurements. The automation is achieved using PLC (programmable logic controller) and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition). Radioactive solution of 60 Co was standardized to compare the performance of the automated system with proportional counter based absolute standard maintained in the laboratory. The activity concentrations determined using these two systems were in very good agreement; the new automated system can be used for absolute measurement of activity concentration of radioactive solutions. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  2. Calibration Testing of Network Tap Devices

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

    Popovsky, Barbara; Chee, Brian; Frincke, Deborah A.

    2007-11-14

    Abstract: Understanding the behavior of network forensic devices is important to support prosecutions of malicious conduct on computer networks as well as legal remedies for false accusations of network management negligence. Individuals who seek to establish the credibility of network forensic data must speak competently about how the data was gathered and the potential for data loss. Unfortunately, manufacturers rarely provide information about the performance of low-layer network devices at a level that will survive legal challenges. This paper proposes a first step toward an independent calibration standard by establishing a validation testing methodology for evaluating forensic taps against manufacturermore » specifications. The methodology and the theoretical analysis that led to its development are offered as a conceptual framework for developing a standard and to "operationalize" network forensic readiness. This paper also provides details of an exemplar test, testing environment, procedures and results.« less

  3. Standard practice for cell sorting in a BSL-3 facility.

    PubMed

    Perfetto, Stephen P; Ambrozak, David R; Nguyen, Richard; Roederer, Mario; Koup, Richard A; Holmes, Kevin L

    2011-01-01

    Over the past decade, there has been a rapid growth in the number of BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories in the USA and an increase in demand for infectious cell sorting in BSL-3 laboratories. In 2007, the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) Biosafety Committee published standards for the sorting of unfixed cells and is an important resource for biosafety procedures when performing infectious cell sorting. Following a careful risk assessment, if it is determined that a cell sorter must be located within a BSL-3 laboratory, there are a variety of factors to be considered prior to the establishment of the laboratory. This chapter outlines procedures for infectious cell sorting in a BSL-3 environment to facilitate the establishment and safe operation of a BSL-3 cell sorting laboratory. Subjects covered include containment verification, remote operation, disinfection, personal protective equipment (PPE), and instrument-specific modifications for enhanced aerosol evacuation.

  4. Standard Practice for Cell Sorting in a BSL-3 Facility

    PubMed Central

    Perfetto, Stephen P.; Ambrozak, David R.; Nguyen, Richard; Roederer, Mario; Koup, Richard A.; Holmes, Kevin L.

    2016-01-01

    Over the past decade, there has been a rapid growth in the number of BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories in the USA and an increase in demand for infectious cell sorting in BSL-3 laboratories. In 2007, the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) Biosafety Committee published standards for the sorting of unfixed cells and is an important resource for biosafety procedures when performing infectious cell sorting. Following a careful risk assessment, if it is determined that a cell sorter must be located within a BSL-3 laboratory, there are a variety of factors to be considered prior to the establishment of the laboratory. This chapter outlines procedures for infectious cell sorting in a BSL-3 environment to facilitate the establishment and safe operation of a BSL-3 cell sorting laboratory. Subjects covered include containment verification, remote operation, disinfection, personal protective equipment (PPE), and instrument-specific modifications for enhanced aerosol evacuation. PMID:21116997

  5. Standard of practice and Flynn Effect testimony in death penalty cases.

    PubMed

    Gresham, Frank M; Reschly, Daniel J

    2011-06-01

    The Flynn Effect is a well-established psychometric fact documenting substantial increases in measured intelligence test performance over time. Flynn's (1984) review of the literature established that Americans gain approximately 0.3 points per year or 3 points per decade in measured intelligence. The accurate assessment and interpretation of intellectual functioning becomes critical in death penalty cases that seek to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for intellectual disability and thereby is ineligible for execution under Atkins v. Virginia (2002) . We reviewed the literature on the Flynn Effect and demonstrated how failure to adjust intelligence test scores based on this phenomenon invalidates test scores and may be in violation of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing as well as the "Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct." Application of the Flynn Effect and score adjustments for obsolete norms clearly is supported by science and should be implemented by practicing psychologists.

  6. 77 FR 15745 - Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC): Correction

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-16

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Appliance Standards and... Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of Establishment of the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking... Establishment of the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC) and Solicitation of...

  7. 77 FR 60373 - Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-03

    ... on Universal Cotton Standards AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of Re-establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards and...- establish the Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards (Committee). The Committee is necessary and...

  8. Comparison of a novel fixation device with standard suturing methods for spinal cord stimulators.

    PubMed

    Bowman, Richard G; Caraway, David; Bentley, Ishmael

    2013-01-01

    Spinal cord stimulation is a well-established treatment for chronic neuropathic pain of the trunk or limbs. Currently, the standard method of fixation is to affix the leads of the neuromodulation device to soft tissue, fascia or ligament, through the use of manually tying general suture. A novel semiautomated device is proposed that may be advantageous to the current standard. Comparison testing in an excised caprine spine and simulated bench top model was performed. Three tests were performed: 1) perpendicular pull from fascia of caprine spine; 2) axial pull from fascia of caprine spine; and 3) axial pull from Mylar film. Six samples of each configuration were tested for each scenario. Standard 2-0 Ethibond was compared with a novel semiautomated device (Anulex fiXate). Upon completion of testing statistical analysis was performed for each scenario. For perpendicular pull in the caprine spine, the failure load for standard suture was 8.95 lbs with a standard deviation of 1.39 whereas for fiXate the load was 15.93 lbs with a standard deviation of 2.09. For axial pull in the caprine spine, the failure load for standard suture was 6.79 lbs with a standard deviation of 1.55 whereas for fiXate the load was 12.31 lbs with a standard deviation of 4.26. For axial pull in Mylar film, the failure load for standard suture was 10.87 lbs with a standard deviation of 1.56 whereas for fiXate the load was 19.54 lbs with a standard deviation of 2.24. These data suggest a novel semiautomated device offers a method of fixation that may be utilized in lieu of standard suturing methods as a means of securing neuromodulation devices. Data suggest the novel semiautomated device in fact may provide a more secure fixation than standard suturing methods. © 2012 International Neuromodulation Society.

  9. To recognize the use of international standards for making harmonized regulation of medical devices in Asia-pacific.

    PubMed

    Anand, K; Saini, Ks; Chopra, Y; Binod, Sk

    2010-07-01

    'Medical Devices' include everything from highly sophisticated, computerized, medical equipment, right down to simple wooden tongue depressors. Regulations embody the public expectations for how buildings and facilities are expected to perform and as such represent public policy. Regulators, who develop and enforce regulations, are empowered to act in the public's interest to set this policy and are ultimately responsible to the public in this regard. Standardization contributes to the basic infrastructure that underpins society including health and environment, while promoting sustainability and good regulatory practice. The international organizations that produce International Standards are the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). With the increasing globalization of markets, International Standards (as opposed to regional or national standards) have become critical to the trading process, ensuring a level playing field for exports, and ensuring that imports meet the internationally recognized levels of performance and safety. The development of standards is done in response to sectors and stakeholders that express a clearly established need for them. An industry sector or other stakeholder group typically communicates its requirement for standards to one of the national members. To be accepted for development, a proposed work item must receive a majority support of the participating members, who verify the global relevance of the proposed item. The regulatory authority (RA) should provide a method for the recognition of international voluntary standards and for public notification of such recognition. The process of recognition may vary from country to country. Recognition may occur by periodic publication of lists of standards that a regulatory authority has found will meet the Essential Principles. In conclusion, International standards, such as, basic standards, group standards, and product standards, are a tool for harmonizing regulatory processes, to assure the safety, quality, and performance of medical devices. Standards represent the opinion of experts from all interested parties, including industry, regulators, users, and others.

  10. Basic health program: state administration of basic health programs; eligibility and enrollment in standard health plans; essential health benefits in standard health plans; performance standards for basic health programs; premium and cost sharing for basic health programs; federal funding process; trust fund and financial integrity. Final rule.

    PubMed

    2014-03-12

    This final rule establishes the Basic Health Program (BHP), as required by section 1331 of the Affordable Care Act. The BHP provides states the flexibility to establish a health benefits coverage program for low-income individuals who would otherwise be eligible to purchase coverage through the Affordable Insurance Exchange (Exchange, also called Health Insurance Marketplace). The BHP complements and coordinates with enrollment in a QHP through the Exchange, as well as with enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This final rule also sets forth a framework for BHP eligibility and enrollment, benefits, delivery of health care services, transfer of funds to participating states, and federal oversight. Additionally, this final rule amends another rule issued by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (Secretary) in order to clarify the applicability of that rule to the BHP.

  11. The National Ballistics Imaging Comparison (NBIC) project.

    PubMed

    Song, J; Vorburger, T V; Ballou, S; Thompson, R M; Yen, J; Renegar, T B; Zheng, A; Silver, R M; Ols, M

    2012-03-10

    In response to the guidelines issued by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB-International) to establish traceability and quality assurance in U.S. crime laboratories, a NIST/ATF joint project entitled National Ballistics Imaging Comparison (NBIC) was initialized in 2008. The NBIC project aims to establish a National Traceability and Quality System for ballistics identifications in crime laboratories within the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) of the U.S. NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2460 bullets and 2461 cartridge cases are used as reference standards. 19 ballistics examiners from 13 U.S. crime laboratories participated in this project. They each performed 24 periodic image acquisitions and correlations of the SRM bullets and cartridge cases over the course of a year, but one examiner only participated in Phase 1 tests of SRM cartridge case. The correlation scores were collected by NIST for statistical analyses, from which control charts and control limits were developed for the proposed Quality System and for promoting future assessments and accreditations for firearm evidence in U.S. forensic laboratories in accordance with the ISO 17025 Standard. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  12. The use of lower resolution viewing devices for mammographic interpretation: implications for education and training.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yan; James, Jonathan J; Turnbull, Anne E; Gale, Alastair G

    2015-10-01

    To establish whether lower resolution, lower cost viewing devices have the potential to deliver mammographic interpretation training. On three occasions over eight months, fourteen consultant radiologists and reporting radiographers read forty challenging digital mammography screening cases on three different displays: a digital mammography workstation, a standard LCD monitor, and a smartphone. Standard image manipulation software was available for use on all three devices. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) were used to determine the significance of differences in performance between the viewing devices with/without the application of image manipulation software. The effect of reader's experience was also assessed. Performance was significantly higher (p < .05) on the mammography workstation compared to the other two viewing devices. When image manipulation software was applied to images viewed on the standard LCD monitor, performance improved to mirror levels seen on the mammography workstation with no significant difference between the two. Image interpretation on the smartphone was uniformly poor. Film reader experience had no significant effect on performance across all three viewing devices. Lower resolution standard LCD monitors combined with appropriate image manipulation software are capable of displaying mammographic pathology, and are potentially suitable for delivering mammographic interpretation training. • This study investigates potential devices for training in mammography interpretation. • Lower resolution standard LCD monitors are potentially suitable for mammographic interpretation training. • The effect of image manipulation tools on mammography workstation viewing is insignificant. • Reader experience had no significant effect on performance in all viewing devices. • Smart phones are not suitable for displaying mammograms.

  13. ASCCP Colposcopy Standards: How Do We Perform Colposcopy? Implications for Establishing Standards.

    PubMed

    Waxman, Alan G; Conageski, Christine; Silver, Michelle I; Tedeschi, Candice; Stier, Elizabeth A; Apgar, Barbara; Huh, Warner K; Wentzensen, Nicolas; Massad, L Stewart; Khan, Michelle J; Mayeaux, Edward J; Einstein, Mark H; Schiffman, Mark H; Guido, Richard S

    2017-10-01

    The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Colposcopy Standards recommendations address the role of and approach to colposcopy and biopsy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States. The recommendations were developed by an expert working group appointed by ASCCP's Board of Directors. Working group 3 defined colposcopy procedure guidelines for minimum and comprehensive colposcopy practice and evaluated the use of colposcopy adjuncts. The working group performed a systematic literature review to identify best practices in colposcopy methodology and to evaluate the use of available colposcopy adjuncts. The literature provided little evidence to support specific elements of the procedure. The working group, therefore, implemented a national survey of current and recent ASCCP members to evaluate common elements of the colposcopy examination. The findings of this survey were modified by expert consensus from the ASCCP Colposcopy Standards Committee members to create guidelines for performing colposcopy. The draft recommendations were posted online for public comment and presented at an open session of the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy 2017 World Congress for further comment. All comments were considered in the development of final recommendations. Minimum and comprehensive colposcopy practice guidelines were developed. These guidelines represent recommended practice in all parts of the examination including the following: precolposcopy evaluation, performing the procedure, documentation of findings, biopsy practice, and postprocedure follow-up. These guidelines are intended to serve as a guide to standardize colposcopy across the United States.

  14. Applying policy and health effects of air pollution in South Korea: focus on ambient air quality standards

    PubMed Central

    Ha, Jongsik

    2014-01-01

    Objectives South Korea’s air quality standards are insufficient in terms of establishing a procedure for their management. The current system lacks a proper decision-making process and prior evidence is not considered. The purpose of this study is to propose a measure for establishing atmospheric environmental standards in South Korea that will take into consideration the health of its residents. Methods In this paper, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of the US was examined in order to suggest ways, which consider health effects, to establish air quality standards in South Korea. Up-to-date research on the health effects of air pollution was then reviewed, and tools were proposed to utilize the key results. This was done in an effort to ensure the reliability of the standards with regard to public health. Results This study showed that scientific research on the health effects of air pollution and the methodology used in the research have contributed significantly to establishing air quality standards. However, as the standards are legally binding, the procedure should take into account the effects on other sectors. Realistically speaking, it is impossible to establish standards that protect an entire population from air pollution. Instead, it is necessary to find a balance between what should be done and what can be done. Conclusions Therefore, establishing air quality standards should be done as part of an evidence-based policy that identifies the health effects of air pollution and takes into consideration political, economic, and social contexts. PMID:25300297

  15. Kent County Health Department: Using an Agency Strategic Plan to Drive Improvement.

    PubMed

    Saari, Chelsey K

    The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) was accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) in September 2014. Although Michigan has had a state-level accreditation process for local health departments since the late 1990s, the PHAB accreditation process presented a unique opportunity for KCHD to build on successes achieved through state accreditation and enhance performance in all areas of KCHD programs, services, and operations. PHAB's standards, measures, and peer-review process provided a standardized and structured way to identify meaningful opportunities for improvement and to plan and implement strategies for enhanced performance and established a platform for being recognized nationally as a high-performing local health department. The current case report highlights the way in which KCHD has developed and implemented its strategic plan to guide efforts aimed at addressing gaps identified through the accreditation process and to drive overall improvement within our agency.

  16. Refractory Metal Heat Pipe Life Test - Test Plan and Standard Operating Procedures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Martin, J. J.; Reid, R. S.

    2010-01-01

    Refractory metal heat pipes developed during this project shall be subjected to various operating conditions to evaluate life-limiting corrosion factors. To accomplish this objective, various parameters shall be investigated, including the effect of temperature and mass fluence on long-term corrosion rate. The test series will begin with a performance test of one module to evaluate its performance and to establish the temperature and power settings for the remaining modules. The performance test will be followed by round-the-clock testing of 16 heat pipes. All heat pipes shall be nondestructively inspected at 6-month intervals. At longer intervals, specific modules will be destructively evaluated. Both the nondestructive and destructive evaluations shall be coordinated with Los Alamos National Laboratory. During the processing, setup, and testing of the heat pipes, standard operating procedures shall be developed. Initial procedures are listed here and, as hardware is developed, will be updated, incorporating findings and lessons learned.

  17. Final Report of the NASA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance Agile Benchmarking Team

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wetherholt, Martha

    2016-01-01

    To ensure that the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) community remains in a position to perform reliable Software Assurance (SA) on NASAs critical software (SW) systems with the software industry rapidly transitioning from waterfall to Agile processes, Terry Wilcutt, Chief, Safety and Mission Assurance, Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) established the Agile Benchmarking Team (ABT). The Team's tasks were: 1. Research background literature on current Agile processes, 2. Perform benchmark activities with other organizations that are involved in software Agile processes to determine best practices, 3. Collect information on Agile-developed systems to enable improvements to the current NASA standards and processes to enhance their ability to perform reliable software assurance on NASA Agile-developed systems, 4. Suggest additional guidance and recommendations for updates to those standards and processes, as needed. The ABT's findings and recommendations for software management, engineering and software assurance are addressed herein.

  18. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    What Works Clearinghouse, 2018

    2018-01-01

    The "National Board for Professional Teaching Standards" ("NBPTS") establishes standards for accomplished teachers and awards professional certification to teachers who can demonstrate that their teaching practices meet those standards. Educators and experts in child development and related fields established the organization,…

  19. 48 CFR 9904.410-63 - Effective date.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ...-63 Section 9904.410-63 Federal Acquisition Regulations System COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD, OFFICE... ACCOUNTING STANDARDS COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS 9904.410-63 Effective date. This Standard is effective as of... accounting practice disclosed or established prior to the date established by 9904.410-80(b) of the original...

  20. The performance of the standard rate turn (SRT) by student naval helicopter pilots.

    PubMed

    Chapman, F; Temme, L A; Still, D L

    2001-04-01

    During flight training, student naval helicopter pilots learn the use of flight instruments through a prescribed series of simulator training events. The training simulator is a 6-degrees-of-freedom, motion-based, high-fidelity instrument trainer. From the final basic instrument simulator flights of student pilots, we selected for evaluation and analysis their performance of the Standard Rate Turn (SRT), a routine flight maneuver. The performance of the SRT was scored with air speed, altitude and heading average error from target values and standard deviations. These average errors and standard deviations were used in a Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to evaluate the effects of three independent variables: 1) direction of turn (left vs. right), 2) degree of turn (180 vs. 360 degrees); and 3) segment of turn (roll-in, first 30 s, last 30 s, and roll-out of turn). Only the main effects of the three independent variables were significant; there were no significant interactions. This result greatly reduces the number of different conditions that should be scored separately for the evaluation of SRT performance. The results also showed that the magnitude of the heading and altitude errors at the beginning of the SRT correlated with the magnitude of the heading and altitude errors throughout the turn. This result suggests that for the turn to be well executed, it is important for it to begin with little error in these two response parameters. The observations reported here should be considered when establishing SRT performance norms and comparing student scores. Furthermore, it seems easier for pilots to maintain good performance than to correct poor performance.

  1. [Difference of three standard curves of real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR in viable Vibrio parahaemolyticus quantification].

    PubMed

    Jin, Mengtong; Sun, Wenshuo; Li, Qin; Sun, Xiaohong; Pan, Yingjie; Zhao, Yong

    2014-04-04

    We evaluated the difference of three standard curves in quantifying viable Vibrio parahaemolyticus in samples by real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (Real-time RT-PCR). The standard curve A was established by 10-fold diluted cDNA. The cDNA was reverse transcripted after RNA synthesized in vitro. The standard curve B and C were established by 10-fold diluted cDNA. The cDNA was synthesized after RNA isolated from Vibrio parahaemolyticus in pure cultures (10(8) CFU/mL) and shrimp samples (10(6) CFU/g) (Standard curve A and C were proposed for the first time). Three standard curves were performed to quantitatively detect V. parahaemolyticus in six samples, respectively (Two pure cultured V. parahaemolyticus samples, two artificially contaminated cooked Litopenaeus vannamei samples and two artificially contaminated Litopenaeus vannamei samples). Then we evaluated the quantitative results of standard curve and the plate counting results and then analysed the differences. The three standard curves all show a strong linear relationship between the fractional cycle number and V. parahaemolyticus concentration (R2 > 0.99); The quantitative results of Real-time PCR were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the results of plate counting. The relative errors compared with the results of plate counting ranked standard curve A (30.0%) > standard curve C (18.8%) > standard curve B (6.9%); The average differences between standard curve A and standard curve B and C were - 2.25 Lg CFU/mL and - 0.75 Lg CFU/mL, respectively, and the mean relative errors were 48.2% and 15.9%, respectively; The average difference between standard curve B and C was among (1.47 -1.53) Lg CFU/mL and the average relative errors were among 19.0% - 23.8%. Standard curve B could be applied to Real-time RT-PCR when quantify the number of viable microorganisms in samples.

  2. A Strategy to Establish a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan for the Application of Biosensors for the Detection of E. coli in Water.

    PubMed

    Hesari, Nikou; Kıratlı Yılmazçoban, Nursel; Elzein, Mohamad; Alum, Absar; Abbaszadegan, Morteza

    2017-01-03

    Rapid bacterial detection using biosensors is a novel approach for microbiological testing applications. Validation of such methods is an obstacle in the adoption of new bio-sensing technologies for water testing. Therefore, establishing a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) plan is essential to demonstrate accuracy and reliability of the biosensor method for the detection of E. coli in drinking water samples. In this study, different reagents and assay conditions including temperatures, holding time, E. coli strains and concentrations, dissolving agents, salinity and pH effects, quality of substrates of various suppliers of 4-methylumbelliferyl glucuronide (MUG), and environmental water samples were included in the QA/QC plan and used in the assay optimization and documentation. Furthermore, the procedural QA/QC for the monitoring of drinking water samples was established to validate the performance of the biosensor platform for the detection of E. coli using a culture-based standard technique. Implementing the developed QA/QC plan, the same level of precision and accuracy was achieved using both the standard and the biosensor methods. The established procedural QA/QC for the biosensor will provide a reliable tool for a near real-time monitoring of E. coli in drinking water samples to both industry and regulatory authorities.

  3. A Strategy to Establish a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan for the Application of Biosensors for the Detection of E. coli in Water

    PubMed Central

    Hesari, Nikou; Kıratlı Yılmazçoban, Nursel; Elzein, Mohamad; Alum, Absar; Abbaszadegan, Morteza

    2017-01-01

    Rapid bacterial detection using biosensors is a novel approach for microbiological testing applications. Validation of such methods is an obstacle in the adoption of new bio-sensing technologies for water testing. Therefore, establishing a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) plan is essential to demonstrate accuracy and reliability of the biosensor method for the detection of E. coli in drinking water samples. In this study, different reagents and assay conditions including temperatures, holding time, E. coli strains and concentrations, dissolving agents, salinity and pH effects, quality of substrates of various suppliers of 4-methylumbelliferyl glucuronide (MUG), and environmental water samples were included in the QA/QC plan and used in the assay optimization and documentation. Furthermore, the procedural QA/QC for the monitoring of drinking water samples was established to validate the performance of the biosensor platform for the detection of E. coli using a culture-based standard technique. Implementing the developed QA/QC plan, the same level of precision and accuracy was achieved using both the standard and the biosensor methods. The established procedural QA/QC for the biosensor will provide a reliable tool for a near real-time monitoring of E. coli in drinking water samples to both industry and regulatory authorities. PMID:28054956

  4. Standards for Library Services to Disabled Students.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trezza, Alphonse F.

    The paper addresses the quality and extent of services provided by academic libraries to students with disabilities. The issue of establishing standards for such services is considered, and while the author notes the formidable difficulties involved in establishing such standards, he asserts that standards must be developed and implemented. He…

  5. 21 CFR 14.120 - Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). 14.120 Section 14.120 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG... Technical Electronic Products Radiation Safety Standards Committee § 14.120 Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). The Technical Electronic Product Radiation...

  6. 21 CFR 14.120 - Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). 14.120 Section 14.120 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG... Technical Electronic Products Radiation Safety Standards Committee § 14.120 Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). The Technical Electronic Product Radiation...

  7. 21 CFR 14.120 - Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). 14.120 Section 14.120 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG... Technical Electronic Products Radiation Safety Standards Committee § 14.120 Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). The Technical Electronic Product Radiation...

  8. 21 CFR 14.120 - Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). 14.120 Section 14.120 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG... Technical Electronic Products Radiation Safety Standards Committee § 14.120 Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). The Technical Electronic Product Radiation...

  9. 21 CFR 14.120 - Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). 14.120 Section 14.120 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG... Technical Electronic Products Radiation Safety Standards Committee § 14.120 Establishment of the Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC). The Technical Electronic Product Radiation...

  10. Interpreting international governance standards for health IT use within general medical practice.

    PubMed

    Mahncke, Rachel J; Williams, Patricia A H

    2014-01-01

    General practices in Australia recognise the importance of comprehensive protective security measures. Some elements of information security governance are incorporated into recommended standards, however the governance component of information security is still insufficiently addressed in practice. The International Organistion for Standardisation (ISO) released a new global standard in May 2013 entitled, ISO/IEC 27014:2013 Information technology - Security techniques - Governance of information security. This standard, applicable to organisations of all sizes, offers a framework against which to assess and implement the governance components of information security. The standard demonstrates the relationship between governance and the management of information security, provides strategic principles and processes, and forms the basis for establishing a positive information security culture. An analysis interpretation of this standard for use in Australian general practice was performed. This work is unique as such interpretation for the Australian healthcare environment has not been undertaken before. It demonstrates an application of the standard at a strategic level to inform existing development of an information security governance framework.

  11. Quality of haemophilia care in The Netherlands: new standards for optimal care.

    PubMed

    Leebeek, Frank W G; Fischer, Kathelijn

    2014-04-01

    In the Netherlands, the first formal haemophilia comprehensive care centre was established in 1964, and Dutch haemophilia doctors have been organised since 1972. Although several steps were taken to centralise haemophilia care and maintain quality of care, treatment was still delivered in many hospitals, and formal criteria for haemophilia treatment centres as well as a national haemophilia registry were lacking. In collaboration with patients and other stakeholders, Dutch haemophilia doctors have undertaken a formal process to draft new quality standards for the haemophilia treatment centres. First a project group including doctors, nurses, patients and the institute for harmonisation of quality standards undertook a literature study on quality standards and performed explorative visits to several haemophilia treatment centres in the Netherlands. Afterwards concept standards were defined and validated in two treatment centres. Next, the concept standards were evaluated by haemophilia doctors, patients, health insurance representatives and regulators. Finally, the final version of the standards of care was approved by Central body of Experts on quality standards in clinical care and the Dutch Ministry of Health. A team of expert auditors have been trained and, together with an independent auditor, will perform audits in haemophilia centres applying for formal certification. Concomitantly, a national registry for haemophilia and allied disorders is being set up. It is expected that these processes will lead to further concentration and improved quality of haemophilia care in the Netherlands.

  12. Standardization of Clinical Skill Evaluation in Physical/Occupational Therapist Education –Effects of Introduction of an Education System Using OSCE–

    PubMed Central

    Sakurai, Hiroaki; Kanada, Yoshikiyo; Sugiura, Yoshito; Motoya, Ikuo; Yamada, Masayuki; Tomita, Masao; Naka, Toru; Teranishi, Toshio; Tanabe, Shigeo; Tsujimura, Toru; Okanishi, Tetsuo

    2013-01-01

    [Purpose] A major issue in physical/occupational therapist education is the improvement of students' clinical techniques. In this study, we introduced an education system using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and made an attempt at standardization of its evaluation. [Subjects] The subjects were 227 students in the classes of 2008 to 2010 who enrolled at our university between 2004 and 2006, before the introduction of the education system using OSCE, and 221 students in the classes of 2011 to 2013 who enrolled between 2007 and 2009, after the introduction. [Methods] Performances in attitude and skills (performance in clinical training and OSCE) were compared between before and after the introduction of OSCE. OSCE results were compared between before and after clinical trainings at each OSCE Level; and the correlation of between performances in clinical training and OSCE was examined. [Results] Performances in OSCE and clinical training (attitude, skills) were improved by the introduction of the education system using OSCE, but no significant correlation was observed in the relationship between performances in OSCE and clinical training. [Conclusion] Further studies should be conducted aiming at the standardization of clinical skill evaluation in postgraduate education to establish an education system using OSCE. PMID:24259918

  13. Intelligent Use of Intelligence Tests: Empirical and Clinical Support for Canadian WAIS-IV Norms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miller, Jessie L.; Weiss, Lawrence G.; Beal, A. Lynne; Saklofske, Donald H.; Zhu, Jianjun; Holdnack, James A.

    2015-01-01

    It is well established that Canadians produce higher raw scores than their U.S. counterparts on intellectual assessments. As a result of these differences in ability along with smaller variability in the population's intellectual performance, Canadian normative data will yield lower standard scores for most raw score points compared to U.S. norms.…

  14. Root-collar diameter and third-year survival of three bottomland hardwoods planted on former agricultural fields in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley

    Treesearch

    Emile S. Gardiner; Douglass F. Jacobs; Ronald P. Overton; George Hernandez

    2009-01-01

    Athough the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) has experienced substantial afforestation of former agricultural fields during the past 2 decades, seedling standards that support satisfactory outplanting performance of bottomland hardwood tree species are not available. A series of experimental plantations, established on three afforestation sites in the LMAV,...

  15. 40 CFR 63.9917 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... subpart; and (2) For each wet scrubber subject to the operating limits for pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate in § 63.9890(b), you have established appropriate site-specific operating limits and have a record of the pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate measured during the performance test in...

  16. 40 CFR 63.9917 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... subpart; and (2) For each wet scrubber subject to the operating limits for pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate in § 63.9890(b), you have established appropriate site-specific operating limits and have a record of the pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate measured during the performance test in...

  17. 40 CFR 63.9917 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... subpart; and (2) For each wet scrubber subject to the operating limits for pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate in § 63.9890(b), you have established appropriate site-specific operating limits and have a record of the pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate measured during the performance test in...

  18. 40 CFR 63.9917 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... subpart; and (2) For each wet scrubber subject to the operating limits for pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate in § 63.9890(b), you have established appropriate site-specific operating limits and have a record of the pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate measured during the performance test in...

  19. 40 CFR 63.9917 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations and work practice standards...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... subpart; and (2) For each wet scrubber subject to the operating limits for pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate in § 63.9890(b), you have established appropriate site-specific operating limits and have a record of the pressure drop and scrubber water flow rate measured during the performance test in...

  20. 40 CFR Table 6 to Subpart Kkkkk of... - Continuous Compliance With Emission Limitations and Work Practice Standards

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... or DLS/FF i. If you use a bag leak detection system, initiating corrective action within 1 hour of a bag leak detection system alarm and completing corrective actions in accordance with your OM&M plan... established during the performance test; and iv. If chemicals are added to the scrubber water, collecting the...

  1. The Behavioralist Goes to School: Leveraging Behavioral Economics to Improve Educational Performance. NBER Working Paper No. 18165

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Levitt, Steven D.; List, John A.; Neckermann, Susanne; Sadoff, Sally

    2012-01-01

    A long line of research on behavioral economics has established the importance of factors that are typically absent from the standard economic framework: reference dependent preferences, hyperbolic preferences, and the value placed on non-financial rewards. To date, these insights have had little impact on the way the educational system operates.…

  2. Rapid Word Recognition as a Measure of Word-Level Automaticity and Its Relation to Other Measures of Reading

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Frye, Elizabeth M.; Gosky, Ross

    2012-01-01

    The present study investigated the relationship between rapid recognition of individual words (Word Recognition Test) and two measures of contextual reading: (1) grade-level Passage Reading Test (IRI passage) and (2) performance on standardized STAR Reading Test. To establish if time of presentation on the word recognition test was a factor in…

  3. Impact of Eliminating Anchor Items Flagged from Statistical Criteria on Test Score Classifications in Common Item Equating

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Karkee, Thakur; Choi, Seung

    2005-01-01

    Proper maintenance of a scale established in the baseline year would assure the accurate estimation of growth in subsequent years. Scale maintenance is especially important when the state performance standards must be preserved for future administrations. To ensure proper maintenance of a scale, the selection of anchor items and evaluation of…

  4. 76 FR 26489 - Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Value-Based Purchasing Program

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-06

    ...This final rule implements a Hospital Inpatient Value-Based Purchasing program (Hospital VBP program or the program) under section 1886(o) of the Social Security Act (the Act), under which value-based incentive payments will be made in a fiscal year to hospitals that meet performance standards with respect to a performance period for the fiscal year involved. The program will apply to payments for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2012, in accordance with section 1886(o) (as added by section 3001(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively known as the Affordable Care Act)). Scoring in the Hospital VBP program will be based on whether a hospital meets or exceeds the performance standards established with respect to the measures. By adopting this program, we will reward hospitals based on actual quality performance on measures, rather than simply reporting data for those measures.

  5. 49 CFR 525.1 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... OF TRANSPORTATION EXEMPTIONS FROM AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS § 525.1 Scope. This part establishes... automobiles to exempt them from the average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and to establish alternative average fuel economy standards for those manufacturers. ...

  6. 49 CFR 525.1 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... OF TRANSPORTATION EXEMPTIONS FROM AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS § 525.1 Scope. This part establishes... automobiles to exempt them from the average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and to establish alternative average fuel economy standards for those manufacturers. ...

  7. Nuclear power and the market value of the shares of electric utilities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lyons, Joseph T.

    The most basic principle of security valuation is that market prices are determined by investors' expectations of the firm's performance in the future. These expectations are generally understood to be related to the risk that investors will bear by holding the firm's equity. There is considerable evidence that financial statements prepared in accordance with accrual-based accounting standards consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) have information content relevant to the establishment of market prices. In 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," changing the accounting standards that must be used to prepare financial statements. This paper investigates the effect that investment in nuclear power has on the market value of electric utilities and the impact on the securities markets of the significant changes in financial statement presentation mandated by this new standard.

  8. High IQ May "Mask" the Diagnosis of ADHD by Compensating for Deficits in Executive Functions in Treatment-Naïve Adults With ADHD.

    PubMed

    Milioni, Ana Luiza Vidal; Chaim, Tiffany Moukbel; Cavallet, Mikael; de Oliveira, Nathalya Moleda; Annes, Marco; Dos Santos, Bernardo; Louzã, Mario; da Silva, Maria Aparecida; Miguel, Carmen Silvia; Serpa, Mauricio Henriques; Zanetti, Marcus V; Busatto, Geraldo; Cunha, Paulo Jannuzzi

    2017-04-01

    To evaluate and compare the performance of adults with ADHD with high and standard IQ in executive functions (EF) tasks. We investigated the neuropsychological performance of 51 adults with ADHD, compared with 33 healthy controls (HC) while performing a wide battery of neuropsychological tests that measure executive functioning. Adults with clinical diagnosis of ADHD were divided into two groups according to their IQ level (IQ ≥ 110-ADHD group with more elevated IQ, and IQ < 110-ADHD group with standard IQ). The ADHD group with standard IQ presented a worse executive functioning compared with the HC group in the following measures: Stroop 2 ( p = .000) and 3 ( p = .000), Trail Making Test (TMT) B ( p = .005), Wisconsin Card-Sorting Test (WCST)-perseverative errors ( p = .022) and failures to maintain set ( p = .020), Continuous Performance Test (CPT)-omission errors ( p = .005) and commission errors ( p = .000), and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB)-conceptualization ( p = .016). The ADHD group with more elevated IQ presented only impairments in the CPT-commission errors ( p = .019) when compared with the control group. Adults with ADHD and more elevated IQ show less evidence of executive functioning deficits compared with those with ADHD and standard IQ, suggesting that a higher degree of intellectual efficiency may compensate deficits in executive functions, leading to problems in establishing a precise clinical diagnosis.

  9. A Comparison of the Capability of Sensitivity Level 3 and Sensitivity Level 4 Fluorescent Penetrants to Detect Fatigue Cracks in Aluminum

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Parker, Bradford, H.

    2009-01-01

    Historically both sensitivity level 3 and sensitivity level 4 fluorescent penetrants have been used to perform NASA Standard Level inspections of aerospace hardware. In April 2008, NASA-STD-5009 established a requirement that only sensitivity level 4 penetrants were acceptable for inspections of NASA hardware. Having NASA contractors change existing processes or perform demonstration tests to certify sensitivity level 3 penetrants posed a potentially huge cost to the Agency. This study was conducted to directly compare the probability of detection sensitivity level 3 and level 4 penetrants using both Method A and Method D inspection processes. The study results strongly support the conclusion that sensitivity level 3 penetrants are acceptable for NASA Standard Level inspections

  10. A Comparison of the Capability of Sensitivity Level 3 and Sensitivity Level 4 Fluorescent Penetrants to Detect Fatigue Cracks in Various Metals

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Parker, Bradford H.

    2011-01-01

    In April 2008, NASA-STD-5009 established a requirement that only sensitivity level 4 penetrants are acceptable for NASA Standard Level liquid penetrant inspections. Having NASA contractors change existing processes or perform demonstration tests to certify sensitivity level 3 penetrants posed a potentially huge cost to the Agency. This study was conducted to directly compare the probability of detection (POD) of sensitivity level 3 and level 4 penetrants using both Method A and Method D inspection processes. POD demonstration tests were performed on 6061-Al, Haynes 188 and Ti-6Al-4V crack panel sets. The study results strongly support the conclusion that sensitivity level 3 penetrants are acceptable for NASA Standard Level inspections.

  11. Fire service and first responder thermal imaging camera (TIC) advances and standards

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Konsin, Lawrence S.; Nixdorff, Stuart

    2007-04-01

    Fire Service and First Responder Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) applications are growing, saving lives and preventing injury and property damage. Firefighters face a wide range of serious hazards. TICs help mitigate the risks by protecting Firefighters and preventing injury, while reducing time spent fighting the fire and resources needed to do so. Most fire safety equipment is covered by performance standards. Fire TICs, however, are not covered by such standards and are also subject to inadequate operational performance and insufficient user training. Meanwhile, advancements in Fire TICs and lower costs are driving product demand. The need for a Fire TIC Standard was spurred in late 2004 through a Government sponsored Workshop where experts from the First Responder community, component manufacturers, firefighter training, and those doing research on TICs discussed strategies, technologies, procedures, best practices and R&D that could improve Fire TICs. The workshop identified pressing image quality, performance metrics, and standards issues. Durability and ruggedness metrics and standard testing methods were also seen as important, as was TIC training and certification of end-users. A progress report on several efforts in these areas and their impact on the IR sensor industry will be given. This paper is a follow up to the SPIE Orlando 2004 paper on Fire TIC usage (entitled Emergency Responders' Critical Infrared) which explored the technological development of this IR industry segment from the viewpoint of the end user, in light of the studies and reports that had established TICs as a mission critical tool for firefighters.

  12. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing, Drug Resistance Mechanisms, and Therapy of Infections with Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

    PubMed Central

    Nash, Kevin A.; Wallace, Richard J.

    2012-01-01

    Summary: Within the past 10 years, treatment and diagnostic guidelines for nontuberculous mycobacteria have been recommended by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Moreover, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) has published and recently (in 2011) updated recommendations including suggested antimicrobial and susceptibility breakpoints. The CLSI has also recommended the broth microdilution method as the gold standard for laboratories performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing of nontuberculous mycobacteria. This article reviews the laboratory, diagnostic, and treatment guidelines together with established and probable drug resistance mechanisms of the nontuberculous mycobacteria. PMID:22763637

  13. Development and Evaluation of Reference Standards for Image-based Telemedicine Diagnosis and Clinical Research Studies in Ophthalmology

    PubMed Central

    Ryan, Michael C.; Ostmo, Susan; Jonas, Karyn; Berrocal, Audina; Drenser, Kimberly; Horowitz, Jason; Lee, Thomas C.; Simmons, Charles; Martinez-Castellanos, Maria-Ana; Chan, R.V. Paul; Chiang, Michael F.

    2014-01-01

    Information systems managing image-based data for telemedicine or clinical research applications require a reference standard representing the correct diagnosis. Accurate reference standards are difficult to establish because of imperfect agreement among physicians, and discrepancies between clinical vs. image-based diagnosis. This study is designed to describe the development and evaluation of reference standards for image-based diagnosis, which combine diagnostic impressions of multiple image readers with the actual clinical diagnoses. We show that agreement between image reading and clinical examinations was imperfect (689 [32%] discrepancies in 2148 image readings), as was inter-reader agreement (kappa 0.490-0.652). This was improved by establishing an image-based reference standard defined as the majority diagnosis given by three readers (13% discrepancies with image readers). It was further improved by establishing an overall reference standard that incorporated the clinical diagnosis (10% discrepancies with image readers). These principles of establishing reference standards may be applied to improve robustness of real-world systems supporting image-based diagnosis. PMID:25954463

  14. Establishment of metrological traceability in porosity measurements by x-ray computed tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hermanek, Petr; Carmignato, Simone

    2017-09-01

    Internal porosity is an inherent phenomenon to many manufacturing processes, such as casting, additive manufacturing, and others. Since these defects cannot be completely avoided by improving production processes, it is important to have a reliable method to detect and evaluate them accurately. The accurate evaluation becomes even more important concerning current industrial trends to minimize size and weight of products on one side, and enhance their complexity and performance on the other. X-ray computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a promising instrument for holistic porosity measurements offering several advantages over equivalent methods already established in the detection of internal defects. The main shortcomings of the conventional techniques pertain to too general information about total porosity content (e.g. Archimedes method) or the destructive way of testing (e.g. microscopy of cross-sections). On the contrary, CT is a nondestructive technique providing complete information about size, shape and distribution of internal porosity. However, due to the lack of international standards and the fact that it is relatively a new measurement technique, CT as a measurement technology has not yet reached maturity. This study proposes a procedure for the establishment of measurement traceability in porosity measurements by CT including the necessary evaluation of measurement uncertainty. The traceability transfer is carried out through a novel reference standard calibrated by optical and tactile coordinate measuring systems. The measurement uncertainty is calculated following international standards and guidelines. In addition, the accuracy of porosity measurements by CT with the associated measurement uncertainty is evaluated using the reference standard.

  15. Sexual victimization history predicts academic performance in college women.

    PubMed

    Baker, Majel R; Frazier, Patricia A; Greer, Christiaan; Paulsen, Jacob A; Howard, Kelli; Meredith, Liza N; Anders, Samantha L; Shallcross, Sandra L

    2016-11-01

    College women frequently report having experienced sexual victimization (SV) in their lifetime, including child sexual abuse and adolescent/adult sexual assault. Although the harmful mental health sequelae of SV have been extensively studied, recent research suggests that SV is also a risk factor for poorer college academic performance. The current studies examined whether exposure to SV uniquely predicted poorer college academic performance, even beyond contributions from three well-established predictors of academic performance: high school rank, composite standardized test scores (i.e., American College Testing [ACT]), and conscientiousness. Study 1 analyzed longitudinal data from a sample of female college students (N = 192) who were assessed at the beginning and end of one semester. SV predicted poorer cumulative end-of-semester grade point average (GPA) while controlling for well-established predictors of academic performance. Study 2 replicated these findings in a second longitudinal study of female college students (N = 390) and extended the analyses to include follow-up data on the freshmen and sophomore students (n = 206) 4 years later. SV predicted students' GPA in their final term at the university above the contributions of well-established academic predictors, and it was the only factor related to leaving college. These findings highlight the importance of expanding the scope of outcomes of SV to include academic performance, and they underscore the need to assess SV and other adverse experiences on college campuses to target students who may be at risk of poor performance or leaving college. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  16. [Care plan for patients in prone decubitus. An experience from practice].

    PubMed

    Oliva Torras, E; Subirana Casacuberta, M; Sebastià, M P; Jover Sancho, C; Solà Solé, N

    1995-01-01

    Offering a specific integral attention to patients with SDRA in prone decubitus positions makes us establish a performance plan with the aim to know the problems derived from the change in position, the time staying in prone decubitus and to standardize a care plan. We review the clinic records of the patients admitted in our unit from March '93 to March '95 who were positioned in prone decubitus. Taking as a base the nursing care model of V. Henderson and the taxonomy of NANDA, we analyse the needs which have been altered, and determine the nursing diagnosis, complications and most frequent interdependent problems establishing the aim to accomplish, planning the performance and rationalization. Five patients were positioned in prone decubitus before planning the performance and four more afterwards. All the patients tolerated SNG diet keeping a correct bowel transit. One patient showed an ulcera at frontal level. There were neither comeal ulceras nor alterations in the oral mucossa. The vascular accesses remained permeable. DP caused facial and periorbital edema in all the patients. We did not observe any increase in the amount of bronchial secretions. The eight patients who tolerated the change in position stayed in prone decubitus for an average of 77 hours, with a range of 10 to 216 hours. Four patients were discharged from the hospital, two of whom showed movility alterations, independently of the time staying in prone decubitus. We state explicitly the nursing care, determine five nursing diagnosis, one problem and seven interdependent complications. Establishing the nursing care from the experience and review of the records has allowed us to be more specific and objective. Standardizing the specific care plans makes the nursing care easier when dealing with real problems as well as with the care of complications derived from this situation.

  17. Standard-Chinese Lexical Neighborhood Test in normal-hearing young children.

    PubMed

    Liu, Chang; Liu, Sha; Zhang, Ning; Yang, Yilin; Kong, Ying; Zhang, Luo

    2011-06-01

    The purposes of the present study were to establish the Standard-Chinese version of Lexical Neighborhood Test (LNT) and to examine the lexical and age effects on spoken-word recognition in normal-hearing children. Six lists of monosyllabic and six lists of disyllabic words (20 words/list) were selected from the database of daily speech materials for normal-hearing (NH) children of ages 3-5 years. The lists were further divided into "easy" and "hard" halves according to the word frequency and neighborhood density in the database based on the theory of Neighborhood Activation Model (NAM). Ninety-six NH children (age ranged between 4.0 and 7.0 years) were divided into three different age groups of 1-year intervals. Speech-perception tests were conducted using the Standard-Chinese monosyllabic and disyllabic LNT. The inter-list performance was found to be equivalent and inter-rater reliability was high with 92.5-95% consistency. Results of word-recognition scores showed that the lexical effects were all significant. Children scored higher with disyllabic words than with monosyllabic words. "Easy" words scored higher than "hard" words. The word-recognition performance also increased with age in each lexical category. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that neighborhood density, age, and word frequency appeared to have increasingly more contributions to Chinese word recognition. The results of the present study indicated that performances of Chinese word recognition were influenced by word frequency, age, and neighborhood density, with word frequency playing a major role. These results were consistent with those in other languages, supporting the application of NAM in the Chinese language. The development of Standard-Chinese version of LNT and the establishment of a database of children of 4-6 years old can provide a reliable means for spoken-word recognition test in children with hearing impairment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Fulfillment of GMP standard, halal standard, and applying HACCP for production process of beef floss (Case study: Ksatria enterprise)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    A'diat, Arkan Addien Al; Liquiddanu, Eko; Laksono, Pringgo Widyo; Sutopo, Wahyudi; Suletra, I. Wayan

    2018-02-01

    Along with the increasing number of the modern retail business in Indonesia, give an opportunity to small and medium enterprise (SME) to sell its products through the modern retailer. There are some obstacles faced by the SMEs, one of them is about product standard. Product standard that must be owned by SMEs are GMP standard and halal standard. This research was conducted to know the fulfillment by the beef floss enterprise in jagalan in fulfilling the GMP standard and halal. In addition, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system was applied to analyze the process. HACCP which used in this research was based on the seven principles in SNI (Indonesian National Standard) 01-4852-1998. The seven principles included hazard analysis, critical control point (CCP) determination, critical limit establishment, CCP monitor system establishment, corrective action establishment, verification, and also documentation establishment that must be applied in preparing HACCP plan. Based on this case study, it is concluded that there were 5 CCPs : the boiling process, roasting process, frying process, the beef floss draining process, and the packaging process.

  19. Metrics for Offline Evaluation of Prognostic Performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Saxena, Abhinav; Celaya, Jose; Saha, Bhaskar; Saha, Sankalita; Goebel, Kai

    2010-01-01

    Prognostic performance evaluation has gained significant attention in the past few years. Currently, prognostics concepts lack standard definitions and suffer from ambiguous and inconsistent interpretations. This lack of standards is in part due to the varied end-user requirements for different applications, time scales, available information, domain dynamics, etc. to name a few. The research community has used a variety of metrics largely based on convenience and their respective requirements. Very little attention has been focused on establishing a standardized approach to compare different efforts. This paper presents several new evaluation metrics tailored for prognostics that were recently introduced and were shown to effectively evaluate various algorithms as compared to other conventional metrics. Specifically, this paper presents a detailed discussion on how these metrics should be interpreted and used. These metrics have the capability of incorporating probabilistic uncertainty estimates from prognostic algorithms. In addition to quantitative assessment they also offer a comprehensive visual perspective that can be used in designing the prognostic system. Several methods are suggested to customize these metrics for different applications. Guidelines are provided to help choose one method over another based on distribution characteristics. Various issues faced by prognostics and its performance evaluation are discussed followed by a formal notational framework to help standardize subsequent developments.

  20. Palus Somni - Anomalies in the correlation of Al/Si X-ray fluorescence intensity ratios and broad-spectrum visible albedos. [lunar surface mineralogy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Clark, P. E.; Andre, C. G.; Adler, I.; Weidner, J.; Podwysocki, M.

    1976-01-01

    The positive correlation between Al/Si X-ray fluorescence intensity ratios determined during the Apollo 15 lunar mission and a broad-spectrum visible albedo of the moon is quantitatively established. Linear regression analysis performed on 246 1 degree geographic cells of X-ray fluorescence intensity and visible albedo data points produced a statistically significant correlation coefficient of .78. Three distinct distributions of data were identified as (1) within one standard deviation of the regression line, (2) greater than one standard deviation below the line, and (3) greater than one standard deviation above the line. The latter two distributions of data were found to occupy distinct geographic areas in the Palus Somni region.

  1. How HRP Research Results Contribute to Human Space Exploration Risk Mitigation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lumpkins, S. B.; Mindock, J. A.

    2014-01-01

    In addition to the scientific value of publications derived from research, results from Human Research Program (HRP) research also support HRP’s goals of mitigating crew health and performance risks in space flight. Research results are used to build the evidence base characterizing crew health and performance risks, to support risk research plan development, to inform crew health and performance standards, and to provide technologies to programs for meeting those standards and optimizing crew health and performance in space. This talk will describe examples of how research results support these efforts. For example, HRP research results are used to revise or even create new standards for human space flight, which have been established to protect crew health and performance during flight, and prevent negative long-term health consequences due to space flight. These standards are based on the best available clinical and scientific evidence, as well as operational experience from previous space flight missions, and are reviewed as new evidence emerges. Research results are also used to update the HRP evidence base, which is comprised of a set of reports that provide a current record of the state of knowledge from research and operations for each of the defined human health and performance risks for future NASA exploration missions. A discussion of the role of evidence within the HRP architecture will also be presented. The scope of HRP research results extends well beyond publications, as they are used in several capacities to support HRP deliverables and, ultimately, the advancement of human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.

  2. How HRP Research Results Contribute to Human Space Exploration Risk Mitigation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lumpkins, Sarah; Mindock, Jennifer

    2014-01-01

    In addition to the scientific value of publications derived from research, results from Human Research Program (HRP) research also support HRP's goals of mitigating crew health and performance risks in space flight. Research results are used to build the evidence base characterizing crew health and performance risks, to support risk research plan development, to inform crew health and performance standards, and to provide technologies to programs for meeting those standards and optimizing crew health and performance in space. This talk will describe examples of how research results support these efforts. For example, HRP research results are used to revise or even create new standards for human space flight, which have been established to protect crew health and performance during flight, and prevent negative long-term health consequences due to space flight. These standards are based on the best available clinical and scientific evidence, as well as operational experience from previous space flight missions, and are reviewed as new evidence emerges. Research results are also used to update the HRP evidence base, which is comprised of a set of reports that provide a current record of the state of knowledge from research and operations for each of the defined human health and performance risks for future NASA exploration missions. A discussion of the role of evidence within the HRP architecture will also be presented. The scope of HRP research results extends well beyond publications, as they are used in several capacities to support HRP deliverables and, ultimately, the advancement of human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.

  3. Data Acceptance Criteria for Standardized Human-Associated Fecal Source Identification Quantitative Real-Time PCR Methods.

    PubMed

    Shanks, Orin C; Kelty, Catherine A; Oshiro, Robin; Haugland, Richard A; Madi, Tania; Brooks, Lauren; Field, Katharine G; Sivaganesan, Mano

    2016-05-01

    There is growing interest in the application of human-associated fecal source identification quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technologies for water quality management. The transition from a research tool to a standardized protocol requires a high degree of confidence in data quality across laboratories. Data quality is typically determined through a series of specifications that ensure good experimental practice and the absence of bias in the results due to DNA isolation and amplification interferences. However, there is currently a lack of consensus on how best to evaluate and interpret human fecal source identification qPCR experiments. This is, in part, due to the lack of standardized protocols and information on interlaboratory variability under conditions for data acceptance. The aim of this study is to provide users and reviewers with a complete series of conditions for data acceptance derived from a multiple laboratory data set using standardized procedures. To establish these benchmarks, data from HF183/BacR287 and HumM2 human-associated qPCR methods were generated across 14 laboratories. Each laboratory followed a standardized protocol utilizing the same lot of reference DNA materials, DNA isolation kits, amplification reagents, and test samples to generate comparable data. After removal of outliers, a nested analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to establish proficiency metrics that include lab-to-lab, replicate testing within a lab, and random error for amplification inhibition and sample processing controls. Other data acceptance measurements included extraneous DNA contamination assessments (no-template and extraction blank controls) and calibration model performance (correlation coefficient, amplification efficiency, and lower limit of quantification). To demonstrate the implementation of the proposed standardized protocols and data acceptance criteria, comparable data from two additional laboratories were reviewed. The data acceptance criteria proposed in this study should help scientists, managers, reviewers, and the public evaluate the technical quality of future findings against an established benchmark. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  4. Effect of poor control of film processors on mammographic image quality.

    PubMed

    Kimme-Smith, C; Sun, H; Bassett, L W; Gold, R H

    1992-11-01

    With the increasingly stringent standards of image quality in mammography, film processor quality control is especially important. Current methods are not sufficient for ensuring good processing. The authors used a sensitometer and densitometer system to evaluate the performance of 22 processors at 16 mammographic facilities. Standard sensitometric values of two films were established, and processor performance was assessed for variations from these standards. Developer chemistry of each processor was analyzed and correlated with its sensitometric values. Ten processors were retested, and nine were found to be out of calibration. The developer components of hydroquinone, sulfites, bromide, and alkalinity varied the most, and low concentrations of hydroquinone were associated with lower average gradients at two facilities. Use of the sensitometer and densitometer system helps identify out-of-calibration processors, but further study is needed to correlate sensitometric values with developer component values. The authors believe that present quality control would be improved if sensitometric or other tests could be used to identify developer components that are out of calibration.

  5. The expansion and performance of national newborn screening programmes for cystic fibrosis in Europe.

    PubMed

    Barben, Jürg; Castellani, Carlo; Dankert-Roelse, Jeannette; Gartner, Silvia; Kashirskaya, Nataliya; Linnane, Barry; Mayell, Sarah; Munck, Anne; Sands, Dorota; Sommerburg, Olaf; Pybus, Simon; Winters, Victoria; Southern, Kevin W

    2017-03-01

    Newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) is a well-established public health strategy with international standards. The aim of this study was to provide an update on NBS for CF in Europe and assess performance against the standards. Questionnaires were sent to key workers in each European country. In 2016, there were 17 national programmes, 4 countries with regional programmes and 25 countries not screening in Europe. All national programmes employed different protocols, with IRT-DNA the most common strategy. Five countries were not using DNA analysis. In addition, the processing and structure of programmes varied considerably. Most programmes were achieving the ECFS standards with respect to timeliness, but were less successful with respect to sensitivity and specificity. There has been a steady increase in national CF NBS programmes across Europe with variable strategies and outcomes that reflect the different approaches. Copyright © 2016 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Simulation verification techniques study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schoonmaker, P. B.; Wenglinski, T. H.

    1975-01-01

    Results are summarized of the simulation verification techniques study which consisted of two tasks: to develop techniques for simulator hardware checkout and to develop techniques for simulation performance verification (validation). The hardware verification task involved definition of simulation hardware (hardware units and integrated simulator configurations), survey of current hardware self-test techniques, and definition of hardware and software techniques for checkout of simulator subsystems. The performance verification task included definition of simulation performance parameters (and critical performance parameters), definition of methods for establishing standards of performance (sources of reference data or validation), and definition of methods for validating performance. Both major tasks included definition of verification software and assessment of verification data base impact. An annotated bibliography of all documents generated during this study is provided.

  7. Evaluation of a market in wetland credits: entrepreneurial wetland banking in Chicago.

    PubMed

    Robertson, Morgan; Hayden, Nicholas

    2008-06-01

    With the rise of market-led approaches to environmental policy, compensation for permitted discharge of dredge or fill material into wetlands under Section 404 of the U.S. Clean Water Act has been purchased increasingly from entrepreneurial third-party providers. The growth of this practice (i.e., entrepreneurial wetland banking) has resolved many challenges associated with wetland compensation. But it has also produced (1) quantifiable temporal loss of wetland ecological functions, (2) spatial redistribution of wetland area, and (3) a degree of regulatory instability that may pose a threat to entrepreneurial compensation as a sustainable component of wetland-compensation policy. We used achieved compensation ratios, lapse between bank credit sale and the attainment of performance standards, distance between impact and bank site, and changes in bank market area to examine these 3 factors. We analyzed data from a census of all such transactions in the Chicago District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, compiled from site visits, Corps databases, and contacts with consultants and Section 404 permittees. Entrepreneurial banking provided compensation at a lower overall ratio than nonbank forms of compensation. Approximately 60% of bank credits were sold after site-protection standards were met but before ecological performance standards were met at the bank site. The average distance between bank and impact site was approximately 26 km. The area of markets within which established banks can sell wetland credits has fluctuated considerably over the study period. Comparing these data with similar data for other compensation mechanisms will assist in evaluating banking as an element of conservation policy. Data characterizing the performance of entrepreneurial wetland banks in actual regulatory environments are scarce, even though it is the most established of similar markets that have become instrumental to federal policy in administering several major environmental protection laws.

  8. [Meta-analysis of diagnostic capability of frequency-doubling technology (FDT) for primary glaucoma].

    PubMed

    Liu, Ting; He, Xiang-ge

    2006-05-01

    To evaluate the overall diagnostic capabilities of frequency-doubling technology (FDT) in patients of primary glaucoma, with standard automated perimetry (SAP) and/or optic disc appearance as the gold standard. A comprehensive electric search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, BIOSIS, Previews, HMIC, IPA, OVID, CNKI, CBMdisc, VIP information, CMCC, CCPD, SSreader and 21dmedia and a manual search in related textbooks, journals, congress articles and their references were performed to identify relevant English and Chinese language articles. Criteria for adaptability were established according to validity criteria for diagnostic research published by the Cochrane Methods Group on Screening and Diagnostic Tests. Quality of the included articles was assessed and relevant materials were extracted for studying. Statistical analysis was performed with Meta Test version 0.6 software. Heterogeneity of the included articles was tested, which was used to select appropriate effect model to calculate pooled weighted sensitivity and specificity. Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) curve was established and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Finally, sensitivity analysis was performed. Fifteen English articles (21 studies) of 206 retrieved articles were included in the present study, with a total of 3172 patients. The reported sensitivity of FDT ranged from 0.51 to 1.00, and specificity from 0.58 to 1.00. The pooled weighted sensitivity and specificity for FDT with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) after correction for standard error were 0.86 (0.80 - 0.90), 0.87 (0.81 - 0.91), respectively. The AUC of SROC was 93.01%. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated no disproportionate influences of individual study. The included articles are of good quality and FDT can be a highly efficient diagnostic test for primary glaucoma based on Meta-analysis. However, a high quality perspective study is still required for further analysis.

  9. Quality assessment program for EuroFlow protocols: summary results of four-year (2010-2013) quality assurance rounds.

    PubMed

    Kalina, Tomas; Flores-Montero, Juan; Lecrevisse, Quentin; Pedreira, Carlos E; van der Velden, Vincent H J; Novakova, Michaela; Mejstrikova, Ester; Hrusak, Ondrej; Böttcher, Sebastian; Karsch, Dennis; Sędek, Łukasz; Trinquand, Amelie; Boeckx, Nancy; Caetano, Joana; Asnafi, Vahid; Lucio, Paulo; Lima, Margarida; Helena Santos, Ana; Bonaccorso, Paola; van der Sluijs-Gelling, Alita J; Langerak, Anton W; Martin-Ayuso, Marta; Szczepański, Tomasz; van Dongen, Jacques J M; Orfao, Alberto

    2015-02-01

    Flow cytometric immunophenotyping has become essential for accurate diagnosis, classification, and disease monitoring in hemato-oncology. The EuroFlow Consortium has established a fully standardized "all-in-one" pipeline consisting of standardized instrument settings, reagent panels, and sample preparation protocols and software for data analysis and disease classification. For its reproducible implementation, parallel development of a quality assurance (QA) program was required. Here, we report on the results of four consecutive annual rounds of the novel external QA EuroFlow program. The novel QA scheme aimed at monitoring the whole flow cytometric analysis process (cytometer setting, sample preparation, acquisition and analysis) by reading the median fluorescence intensities (MedFI) of defined lymphocytes' subsets. Each QA participant applied the predefined reagents' panel on blood cells of local healthy donors. A uniform gating strategy was applied to define lymphocyte subsets and to read MedFI values per marker. The MedFI values were compared with reference data and deviations from reference values were quantified using performance score metrics. In four annual QA rounds, we analyzed 123 blood samples from local healthy donors on 14 different instruments in 11 laboratories from nine European countries. The immunophenotype of defined cellular subsets appeared sufficiently standardized to permit unified (software) data analysis. The coefficient of variation of MedFI for 7 of 11 markers performed repeatedly below 30%, average MedFI in each QA round ranged from 86 to 125% from overall median. Calculation of performance scores was instrumental to pinpoint standardization failures and their causes. Overall, the new EuroFlow QA system for the first time allowed to quantify the technical variation that is introduced in the measurement of fluorescence intensities in a multicentric setting over an extended period of time. EuroFlow QA is a proficiency test specific for laboratories that use standardized EuroFlow protocols. It may be used to complement, but not replace, established proficiency tests. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

  10. High Sensitivity and Specificity of Clinical Microscopy in Rural Health Facilities in Western Kenya Under an External Quality Assurance Program

    PubMed Central

    Wafula, Rebeccah; Sang, Edna; Cheruiyot, Olympia; Aboto, Angeline; Menya, Diana; O'Meara, Wendy Prudhomme

    2014-01-01

    Microscopic diagnosis of malaria is a well-established and inexpensive technique that has the potential to provide accurate diagnosis of malaria infection. However, it requires both training and experience. Although it is considered the gold standard in research settings, the sensitivity and specificity of routine microscopy for clinical care in the primary care setting has been reported to be unacceptably low. We established a monthly external quality assurance program to monitor the performance of clinical microscopy in 17 rural health centers in western Kenya. The average sensitivity over the 12-month period was 96% and the average specificity was 88%. We identified specific contextual factors that contributed to inadequate performance. Maintaining high-quality malaria diagnosis in high-volume, resource-constrained health facilities is possible. PMID:24935953

  11. Electronic Nose Testing Procedure for the Definition of Minimum Performance Requirements for Environmental Odor Monitoring

    PubMed Central

    Eusebio, Lidia; Capelli, Laura; Sironi, Selena

    2016-01-01

    Despite initial enthusiasm towards electronic noses and their possible application in different fields, and quite a lot of promising results, several criticalities emerge from most published research studies, and, as a matter of fact, the diffusion of electronic noses in real-life applications is still very limited. In general, a first step towards large-scale-diffusion of an analysis method, is standardization. The aim of this paper is describing the experimental procedure adopted in order to evaluate electronic nose performances, with the final purpose of establishing minimum performance requirements, which is considered to be a first crucial step towards standardization of the specific case of electronic nose application for environmental odor monitoring at receptors. Based on the experimental results of the performance testing of a commercialized electronic nose type with respect to three criteria (i.e., response invariability to variable atmospheric conditions, instrumental detection limit, and odor classification accuracy), it was possible to hypothesize a logic that could be adopted for the definition of minimum performance requirements, according to the idea that these are technologically achievable. PMID:27657086

  12. Electronic Nose Testing Procedure for the Definition of Minimum Performance Requirements for Environmental Odor Monitoring.

    PubMed

    Eusebio, Lidia; Capelli, Laura; Sironi, Selena

    2016-09-21

    Despite initial enthusiasm towards electronic noses and their possible application in different fields, and quite a lot of promising results, several criticalities emerge from most published research studies, and, as a matter of fact, the diffusion of electronic noses in real-life applications is still very limited. In general, a first step towards large-scale-diffusion of an analysis method, is standardization. The aim of this paper is describing the experimental procedure adopted in order to evaluate electronic nose performances, with the final purpose of establishing minimum performance requirements, which is considered to be a first crucial step towards standardization of the specific case of electronic nose application for environmental odor monitoring at receptors. Based on the experimental results of the performance testing of a commercialized electronic nose type with respect to three criteria (i.e., response invariability to variable atmospheric conditions, instrumental detection limit, and odor classification accuracy), it was possible to hypothesize a logic that could be adopted for the definition of minimum performance requirements, according to the idea that these are technologically achievable.

  13. Simultaneous Determination of Eight Bioactive Compounds in Dianthus superbus by High-performance Liquid Chromatography

    PubMed Central

    Yun, Bo-Ra; Yang, Hye Jin; Weon, Jin Bae; Lee, Jiwoo; Eom, Min Rye; Ma, Choong Je

    2016-01-01

    Background: Dianthus superbus, one of traditional herbal medicine, is widely used to treat urethritis, carbuncles and carcinoma. Objective: A simultaneous determination method was established for controlling the quality of D. superbus using the eight compounds, (E)-methyl-4-hydroxy-4-(8a-methyl-3-oxodecahydronaphthalen-4a-yl) (1), diosmetin-7-O(2'',6''-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), vanillic acid (3), 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4), 4-methoxyphenyl acetic acid (5), (E)-4-methoxycinnamic acid (6), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethanol (7), and methyl hydroferulate (8) isolated from D. superbus. Materials and Methods: This analysis method was developed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector with a Shishedo C18 column at a column temperature of 3°C. The mobile phase was composed of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in water and acetonitrile. The flow rate was 1 ml/min and detection wavelength was set at 205 nm and 280 nm. Validation was performed in order to demonstrate selectivity, accuracy and precision of the method. Results: The calibration curves showed good linearity (R2 > 0.99). The limits of detection and limits of quantification were within the ranges 0.0159–0.6205 μg/ml and 0.3210–1.8802 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day precision were both <2.98%. The overall recoveries were in the range of 96.23–109.87%. Quantitative analysis of eight compounds in 12 D. superbus samples (D-1–D-12) from various regions were analyzed and compared by developed method. Conclusion: As a result, this established method was accurate and sensitive for the quality evaluation of eight compounds isolated from D. superbus and may provide a new basis for quality control of D. superbus. SUMMARY A simultaneous determination method of eight compounds in Dianthus superbus was established by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detectorDeveloped analysis method is validated with linearity, precious and accuracyThe newly established method was successfully evaluated contents of eight compounds in 12 D. superbus samples (D.1.D.12) from various regions and compared. Abbreviations used: HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography, LOD: Limits of detection, LOQ: Limits of quantification, RSD: Relative standard deviation. PMID:27279718

  14. Simultaneous Determination of Eight Bioactive Compounds in Dianthus superbus by High-performance Liquid Chromatography.

    PubMed

    Yun, Bo-Ra; Yang, Hye Jin; Weon, Jin Bae; Lee, Jiwoo; Eom, Min Rye; Ma, Choong Je

    2016-05-01

    Dianthus superbus, one of traditional herbal medicine, is widely used to treat urethritis, carbuncles and carcinoma. A simultaneous determination method was established for controlling the quality of D. superbus using the eight compounds, (E)-methyl-4-hydroxy-4-(8a-methyl-3-oxodecahydronaphthalen-4a-yl) (1), diosmetin-7-O(2'',6''-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), vanillic acid (3), 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4), 4-methoxyphenyl acetic acid (5), (E)-4-methoxycinnamic acid (6), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethanol (7), and methyl hydroferulate (8) isolated from D. superbus. This analysis method was developed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector with a Shishedo C18 column at a column temperature of 3°C. The mobile phase was composed of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in water and acetonitrile. The flow rate was 1 ml/min and detection wavelength was set at 205 nm and 280 nm. Validation was performed in order to demonstrate selectivity, accuracy and precision of the method. The calibration curves showed good linearity (R (2) > 0.99). The limits of detection and limits of quantification were within the ranges 0.0159-0.6205 μg/ml and 0.3210-1.8802 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day precision were both <2.98%. The overall recoveries were in the range of 96.23-109.87%. Quantitative analysis of eight compounds in 12 D. superbus samples (D-1-D-12) from various regions were analyzed and compared by developed method. As a result, this established method was accurate and sensitive for the quality evaluation of eight compounds isolated from D. superbus and may provide a new basis for quality control of D. superbus. A simultaneous determination method of eight compounds in Dianthus superbus was established by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detectorDeveloped analysis method is validated with linearity, precious and accuracyThe newly established method was successfully evaluated contents of eight compounds in 12 D. superbus samples (D.1.D.12) from various regions and compared. Abbreviations used: HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography, LOD: Limits of detection, LOQ: Limits of quantification, RSD: Relative standard deviation.

  15. Advancing Resident Assessment in Graduate Medical Education

    PubMed Central

    Swing, Susan R.; Clyman, Stephen G.; Holmboe, Eric S.; Williams, Reed G.

    2009-01-01

    Background The Outcome Project requires high-quality assessment approaches to provide reliable and valid judgments of the attainment of competencies deemed important for physician practice. Intervention The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) convened the Advisory Committee on Educational Outcome Assessment in 2007–2008 to identify high-quality assessment methods. The assessments selected by this body would form a core set that could be used by all programs in a specialty to assess resident performance and enable initial steps toward establishing national specialty databases of program performance. The committee identified a small set of methods for provisional use and further evaluation. It also developed frameworks and processes to support the ongoing evaluation of methods and the longer-term enhancement of assessment in graduate medical education. Outcome The committee constructed a set of standards, a methodology for applying the standards, and grading rules for their review of assessment method quality. It developed a simple report card for displaying grades on each standard and an overall grade for each method reviewed. It also described an assessment system of factors that influence assessment quality. The committee proposed a coordinated, national-level infrastructure to support enhancements to assessment, including method development and assessor training. It recommended the establishment of a new assessment review group to continue its work of evaluating assessment methods. The committee delivered a report summarizing its activities and 5 related recommendations for implementation to the ACGME Board in September 2008. PMID:21975993

  16. The Standardization of Time: A Sociohistorical Perspective.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zerubavel, Eviatar

    1982-01-01

    Explores the social process of establishing a standard time-reckoning framework. The paper examines the introduction of Greenwich Mean Time in Britain, the establishment of the American railway time-zone system, and the almost universal enforcement of the international standard time-zone system. (AM)

  17. 29 CFR 1910.11 - Scope and purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS Adoption and Extension of Established Federal Standards § 1910.11..., established Federal standards in effect on April 28, 1971, with respect to every employer, employee, and...

  18. ISO 15859 Propellant and Fluid Specifications: A Review and Comparison with Military and NASA Specifications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Greene, Ben; McClure, Mark B.; Baker, David L.

    2006-01-01

    This work presents an overview of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15859 International Standard for Space Systems Fluid Characteristics, Sampling and Test Methods Parts 1 through 13 issued in June 2004. These standards establish requirements for fluid characteristics, sampling, and test methods for 13 fluids of concern to the propellant community and propellant characterization laboratories: oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, helium, nitrogen tetroxide, monomethylhydrazine, hydrazine, kerosene, argon, water, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and breathing air. A comparison of the fluid characteristics, sampling, and test methods required by the ISO standards to the current military and NASA specifications, which are in use at NASA facilities and elsewhere, is presented. Many ISO standards composition limits and other content agree with those found in the applicable parts of NASA SE-S-0073, NASA SSP 30573, military performance standards and details, and Compressed Gas Association (CGA) commodity specifications. The status of a current project managed at NASA Johnson Space Center White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) to rewrite these documents is discussed.

  19. Control Chart on Semi Analytical Weighting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miranda, G. S.; Oliveira, C. C.; Silva, T. B. S. C.; Stellato, T. B.; Monteiro, L. R.; Marques, J. R.; Faustino, M. G.; Soares, S. M. V.; Ulrich, J. C.; Pires, M. A. F.; Cotrim, M. E. B.

    2018-03-01

    Semi-analytical balance verification intends to assess the balance performance using graphs that illustrate measurement dispersion, trough time, and to demonstrate measurements were performed in a reliable manner. This study presents internal quality control of a semi-analytical balance (GEHAKA BG400) using control charts. From 2013 to 2016, 2 weight standards were monitored before any balance operation. This work intended to evaluate if any significant difference or bias were presented on weighting procedure over time, to check the generated data reliability. This work also exemplifies how control intervals are established.

  20. Reconfigurable Pointing Control for High Resolution Space Spectroscopy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bayard, David S.; Kia, Tooraj; vanCleve, Jeffrey

    1997-01-01

    In this paper, a pointing control performance criteria is established to support high resolution space spectroscopy. Results indicate that these pointing requirements are very stringent, and would typically be difficult to meet using standard 3-axis spacecraft control. To resolve this difficulty, it is shown that performance can be significantly improved using a reconfigurable control architecture that switches among a small bank of detuned Kalman filters. The effectiveness of the control reconfiguration approach is demonstrated by example on the Space Infra, Red Telescope Facility (SIRTF) pointing system, in support of the Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) payload.

  1. Management of groundwater in farmed pond area using risk-based regulation.

    PubMed

    Huang, Jun-Ying; Liao, Chiao-Miao; Lin, Kao-Hung; Lee, Cheng-Haw

    2014-09-01

    Blackfoot disease (BFD) had occurred seriously in the Yichu, Hsuehchia, Putai, and Peimen townships of Chia-Nan District of Taiwan in the early days. These four townships are the districts of fishpond cultivation domestically in Taiwan. Groundwater becomes the main water supply because of short income in surface water. The problems of over pumping in groundwater may not only result in land subsidence and seawater intrusion but also be harmful to the health of human giving rise to the bioaccumulation via food chain in groundwater with arsenic (As). This research uses sequential indicator simulation (SIS) to characterize the spatial arsenic distribution in groundwater in the four townships. Risk assessment is applied to explore the dilution ratio (DR) of groundwater utilization, which is defined as the ratio showing the volume of groundwater utilization compared to pond water, for fish farming in the range of target cancer risk (TR) especially on the magnitude of 10(-4)~10(-6). Our study results reveal that the 50th percentile of groundwater DRs served as a regulation standard can be used to perform fish farm groundwater management for a TR of 10(-6). For a TR of 5 × 10(-6), we suggest using the 75th percentile of DR for groundwater management. For a TR of 10(-5), we suggest using the 95th percentile of the DR standard for performing groundwater management in fish farm areas. For the TR of exceeding 5 × 10(-5), we do not suggest establishing groundwater management standards under these risk standards. Based on the research results, we suggest that establishing a TR at 10(-5) and using the 95th percentile of DR are best for groundwater management in fish farm areas.

  2. Dynamical System Analysis of Reynolds Stress Closure Equations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Girimaji, Sharath S.

    1997-01-01

    In this paper, we establish the causality between the model coefficients in the standard pressure-strain correlation model and the predicted equilibrium states for homogeneous turbulence. We accomplish this by performing a comprehensive fixed point analysis of the modeled Reynolds stress and dissipation rate equations. The results from this analysis will be very useful for developing improved pressure-strain correlation models to yield observed equilibrium behavior.

  3. Residential tornado safe room from commodity wood products – impact and wind pressure testing

    Treesearch

    Robert H. Falk; James J. Bridwell; C. Adam Senalik; Marshall Begel

    2018-01-01

    A tornado safe room is a shelter designed to provide protection during a tornado and is specifically engineered to resist the high wind pressures and debris impact generated by these high wind events. The required performance criteria of these shelters has been established and is found in the International Code Council Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm...

  4. Aerospace Nickel-cadmium Cell Verification

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Manzo, Michelle A.; Strawn, D. Michael; Hall, Stephen W.

    2001-01-01

    During the early years of satellites, NASA successfully flew "NASA-Standard" nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) cells manufactured by GE/Gates/SAFF on a variety of spacecraft. In 1992 a NASA Battery Review Board determined that the strategy of a NASA Standard Cell and Battery Specification and the accompanying NASA control of a standard manufacturing control document (MCD) for Ni-Cd cells and batteries was unwarranted. As a result of that determination, standards were abandoned and the use of cells other than the NASA Standard was required. In order to gain insight into the performance and characteristics of the various aerospace Ni-Cd products available, tasks were initiated within the NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Systems Program that involved the procurement and testing of representative aerospace Ni-Cd cell designs. A standard set of test conditions was established in order to provide similar information about the products from various vendors. The objective of this testing was to provide independent verification of representative commercial flight cells available in the marketplace today. This paper will provide a summary of the verification tests run on cells from various manufacturers: Sanyo 35 Ampere-hour (Ali) standard and 35 Ali advanced Ni-Cd cells, SAFr 50 Ah Ni-Cd cells and Eagle-Picher 21 Ali Magnum and 21 Ali Super Ni-CdTM cells from Eagle-Picher were put through a full evaluation. A limited number of 18 and 55 Ali cells from Acme Electric were also tested to provide an initial evaluation of the Acme aerospace cell designs. Additionally, 35 Ali aerospace design Ni-MH cells from Sanyo were evaluated under the standard conditions established for this program. Ile test program is essentially complete. The cell design parameters, the verification test plan and the details of the test result will be discussed.

  5. Implementation of hospital governing boards: views from the field.

    PubMed

    McNatt, Zahirah; Thompson, Jennifer W; Mengistu, Abraham; Tatek, Dawit; Linnander, Erika; Ageze, Leulseged; Lawson, Ruth; Berhanu, Negalign; Bradley, Elizabeth H

    2014-04-17

    Decentralization through the establishment of hospital governing boards has been touted as an effective way to improve the quality and efficiency of hospitals in low-income countries. Although several studies have examined the process of decentralization, few have quantitatively assessed the implementation of hospital governing boards and their impact on hospital performance. Therefore, we sought to describe the functioning of governing boards and to determine the association between governing board functioning and hospital performance. We conducted a cross-sectional study with governing board chairpersons to assess board (1) structure, (2) roles and responsibilities and (3) training and orientation practices. Using bivariate analysis and multivariable regression, we examined the association between governing board functioning and hospital performance. Hospital performance indicators: 1) percent of hospital management standards met, measured with the Ethiopian Hospital Reform Implementation Guidelines and 2) patient experience, measured with the Inpatient and Outpatient Assessment of Healthcare surveys. A total of 92 boards responded to the survey (96% response rate). The average percentage of EHRIG standards met was 58.1% (standard deviation (SD) 21.7 percentage points), and the mean overall patient experience score was 7.2 (SD 2.2). Hospitals with greater hospital management standards met had governing boards that paid members, reviewed performance in several domains quarterly or more frequently, developed new revenue sources, determined services to be outsourced, reviewed patient complaints, and had members with knowledge in business and financial management (all P-values < 0.05). Hospitals with more positive patient experience had governing boards that developed new revenue sources, determined services to be outsourced, and reviewed patient complaints (all P-values < 0.05). These cross-sectional data suggest that strengthening governing boards to perform essential responsibilities may result in improved hospital performance.

  6. Study on fast measurement of sugar content of yogurt using Vis/NIR spectroscopy techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Yong; Feng, Shuijuan; Wu, Di; Li, Xiaoli

    2006-09-01

    In order to measuring the sugar content of yogurt rapidly, a fast measurement of sugar content of yogurt using Vis/NIR-spectroscopy techniques was established. 25 samples selected separately from five different brands of yogurt were measured by Vis/NIR-spectroscopy. The sugar content of yogurt on positions scanned by spectrum were measured by a sugar content meter. The mathematical model between sugar content and Vis/NIR spectral measurements was established and developed based on partial least squares (PLS). The correlation coefficient of sugar content based on PLS model is more than 0.894, and standard error of calibration (SEC) is 0.356, standard error of prediction (SEP) is 0.389. Through predicting the sugar content quantitatively of 35 samples of yogurt from 5 different brands, the correlation coefficient between predictive value and measured value of those samples is more than 0.934. The results show the good to excellent prediction performance. The Vis/NIR spectroscopy technique had significantly greater accuracy for determining the sugar content. It was concluded that the Vis/NIRS measurement technique seems reliable to assess the fast measurement of sugar content of yogurt, and a new method for the measurement of sugar content of yogurt was established.

  7. 7 CFR 1728.20 - Establishment of standards and specifications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... CONSTRUCTION § 1728.20 Establishment of standards and specifications. (a) National and other standards. RUS... Institute (ANSI), American Wood Preservers' Association (AWPA), the various national engineering societies... the List of Materials are listed by categories of generic items which are used in RUS construction...

  8. A Framework for Establishing Standard Reference Scale of Texture by Multivariate Statistical Analysis Based on Instrumental Measurement and Sensory Evaluation.

    PubMed

    Zhi, Ruicong; Zhao, Lei; Xie, Nan; Wang, Houyin; Shi, Bolin; Shi, Jingye

    2016-01-13

    A framework of establishing standard reference scale (texture) is proposed by multivariate statistical analysis according to instrumental measurement and sensory evaluation. Multivariate statistical analysis is conducted to rapidly select typical reference samples with characteristics of universality, representativeness, stability, substitutability, and traceability. The reasonableness of the framework method is verified by establishing standard reference scale of texture attribute (hardness) with Chinese well-known food. More than 100 food products in 16 categories were tested using instrumental measurement (TPA test), and the result was analyzed with clustering analysis, principal component analysis, relative standard deviation, and analysis of variance. As a result, nine kinds of foods were determined to construct the hardness standard reference scale. The results indicate that the regression coefficient between the estimated sensory value and the instrumentally measured value is significant (R(2) = 0.9765), which fits well with Stevens's theory. The research provides reliable a theoretical basis and practical guide for quantitative standard reference scale establishment on food texture characteristics.

  9. Evaluation of the functional performance and technical quality of an Electronic Documentation System of the Nursing Process.

    PubMed

    de Oliveira, Neurilene Batista; Peres, Heloisa Helena Ciqueto

    2015-01-01

    To evaluate the functional performance and the technical quality of the Electronic Documentation System of the Nursing Process of the Teaching Hospital of the University of São Paulo. exploratory-descriptive study. The Quality Model of regulatory standard 25010 and the Evaluation Process defined under regulatory standard 25040, both of the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission. The quality characteristics evaluated were: functional suitability, reliability, usability, performance efficiency, compatibility, security, maintainability and portability. The sample was made up of 37 evaluators. in the evaluation of the specialists in information technology, only the characteristic of usability obtained a rate of positive responses of less than 70%. For the nurse lecturers, all the quality characteristics obtained a rate of positive responses of over 70%. The staff nurses of the medical and surgical clinics with experience in using the system) and staff nurses from other units of the hospital and from other health institutions (without experience in using the system) obtained rates of positive responses of more than 70% referent to the functional suitability, usability, and security. However, performance efficiency, reliability and compatibility all obtained rates below the parameter established. the software achieved rates of positive responses of over 70% for the majority of the quality characteristics evaluated.

  10. [Performance of family practitioners according to the guideline otitis media acuta of the Dutch College of Family Practitioners].

    PubMed

    Dalhuijsen, J; Zwaard, A M; Grol, R P; Mokkink, H M

    1993-10-16

    To establish to which degree the guidelines of the Otitis media acuta standard of the Netherlands college of general practitioners (NHG) are followed in practice and what is GPs' opinion of them. Survey. 65 general practitioners settled throughout the Netherlands. The GPs were recruited for the study by means of an advertisement and a personal approach. Opinions and performances were inventoried using a questionnaire and self-completion forms for successive doctor-patient contacts, respectively. Virtually all participants were familiar with the NHG standard and most were familiar with three central guidelines. Of these three, the recommendation of an active follow-up policy for children up to the age of 2 was known to the fewest GPs, and this recommendation also received the least support. In the 327 consultations recorded there was good agreement between actual performance and the guidelines, especially as regards history-taking, physical examination and diagnosing. Regarding management and patient information the agreement was less. Concerning the follow-up policy for young children and the prescribing of antibiotics, actual performance clearly differed from the NHG standard, possibly because the relevant guidelines were less well known. The results of this study are relevant to the planning of GP education and the evaluation of the guidelines themselves.

  11. 42 CFR 7.2 - Establishment of a user charge.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... DISTRIBUTION OF REFERENCE BIOLOGICAL STANDARDS AND BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS § 7.2 Establishment of a user charge... producing and distributing reference biological standards and biological preparations. ...

  12. Audit of child maltreatment medical assessments in a culturally diverse, metropolitan setting

    PubMed Central

    Hotton, Paul Rex

    2017-01-01

    Objective Child maltreatment (CM) is a major public health problem globally. While there is evidence for the value of medical examination in the assessment of CM, little is known about the quality of clinical assessments for CM. South Western Sydney (SWS) has a large metropolitan population with many vulnerable subgroups. We aimed to describe acute presentations of CM in SWS over a 3-year period—with a focus on the quality of the clinical assessments. We wanted to determine whether the cases assessed fulfilled established minimum standards for clinical assessment of CM and whether the assessments were performed in a child-friendly manner. Design We gathered data from the acute child protection database on all children <16 years referred for assessment between 2013 and 2015. We performed simple descriptive analysis on the data. We measured the assessment, report writing and follow-up against criteria for minimum standards for CM assessments, and identified whether assessments were child-friendly from available clinical information. Results There were 304 children referred; 279 seen for acute assessment; most (73%) were for sexual abuse, 75 (27%) were for physical abuse/neglect. Over half the assessments identified other health concerns; joint assessments performed by paediatric and forensic doctors were better at identifying these health concerns than solo assessments. Most assessments were multidisciplinary and used protocols; half were not followed up; a third were performed after-hours and a third had no carer present during assessments. Conclusions We identified strengths and weaknesses in current CM assessments in our service. Locally relevant standards for CM assessments are achievable in the acute setting, more challenging is addressing appropriate medical and psychosocial follow-up for these children. While we have established baseline domains for measuring a child-friendly approach to CM assessments, more should be done to ensure these vulnerable children are assessed in a timely, child-friendly manner, with appropriate follow-up. PMID:29637146

  13. Audit of child maltreatment medical assessments in a culturally diverse, metropolitan setting.

    PubMed

    Raman, Shanti; Hotton, Paul Rex

    2017-01-01

    Child maltreatment (CM) is a major public health problem globally. While there is evidence for the value of medical examination in the assessment of CM, little is known about the quality of clinical assessments for CM. South Western Sydney (SWS) has a large metropolitan population with many vulnerable subgroups. We aimed to describe acute presentations of CM in SWS over a 3-year period-with a focus on the quality of the clinical assessments. We wanted to determine whether the cases assessed fulfilled established minimum standards for clinical assessment of CM and whether the assessments were performed in a child-friendly manner. We gathered data from the acute child protection database on all children <16 years referred for assessment between 2013 and 2015. We performed simple descriptive analysis on the data. We measured the assessment, report writing and follow-up against criteria for minimum standards for CM assessments, and identified whether assessments were child-friendly from available clinical information. There were 304 children referred; 279 seen for acute assessment; most (73%) were for sexual abuse, 75 (27%) were for physical abuse/neglect. Over half the assessments identified other health concerns; joint assessments performed by paediatric and forensic doctors were better at identifying these health concerns than solo assessments. Most assessments were multidisciplinary and used protocols; half were not followed up; a third were performed after-hours and a third had no carer present during assessments. We identified strengths and weaknesses in current CM assessments in our service. Locally relevant standards for CM assessments are achievable in the acute setting, more challenging is addressing appropriate medical and psychosocial follow-up for these children. While we have established baseline domains for measuring a child-friendly approach to CM assessments, more should be done to ensure these vulnerable children are assessed in a timely, child-friendly manner, with appropriate follow-up.

  14. Performance testing and module monitoring at the EC Necessary steps to develop cost-effective PV modules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krebs, K.

    Testing programs carried out by the European Communities to establish testing techniques and standards for verifying the reliability and integrity of solar cells intended for the marketplace are described. The efforts are being expended to assure quality control and certification for photovoltaic (PV) products manufactured in any of the member nations. The failure rate for PV modules was lowered to 0.5 pct/year by 1981, and single cell failures are projected to be lowered to 0.00001/yr, connectors to 0.001/yr, and batteries to 0.01/yr. Day/night thermal cycling causes the most dominant type of failures, i.e., cracked cells and interconnect defects. Tests have been standardized for inspection, verification, performance, mechanical loading, hail impact, damp heat, high temperature long exposure, hot-spot heating, thermal cycling, and humidity-freezing tolerance.

  15. Applying emerging digital video interface standards to airborne avionics sensor and digital map integrations: benefits outweigh the initial costs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuehl, C. Stephen

    1996-06-01

    Video signal system performance can be compromised in a military aircraft cockpit management system (CMS) with the tailoring of vintage Electronics Industries Association (EIA) RS170 and RS343A video interface standards. Video analog interfaces degrade when induced system noise is present. Further signal degradation has been traditionally associated with signal data conversions between avionics sensor outputs and the cockpit display system. If the CMS engineering process is not carefully applied during the avionics video and computing architecture development, extensive and costly redesign will occur when visual sensor technology upgrades are incorporated. Close monitoring and technical involvement in video standards groups provides the knowledge-base necessary for avionic systems engineering organizations to architect adaptable and extendible cockpit management systems. With the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the process of adopting the Digital HDTV Grand Alliance System standard proposed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), the entertainment and telecommunications industries are adopting and supporting the emergence of new serial/parallel digital video interfaces and data compression standards that will drastically alter present NTSC-M video processing architectures. The re-engineering of the U.S. Broadcasting system must initially preserve the electronic equipment wiring networks within broadcast facilities to make the transition to HDTV affordable. International committee activities in technical forums like ITU-R (former CCIR), ANSI/SMPTE, IEEE, and ISO/IEC are establishing global consensus on video signal parameterizations that support a smooth transition from existing analog based broadcasting facilities to fully digital computerized systems. An opportunity exists for implementing these new video interface standards over existing video coax/triax cabling in military aircraft cockpit management systems. Reductions in signal conversion processing steps, major improvement in video noise reduction, and an added capability to pass audio/embedded digital data within the digital video signal stream are the significant performance increases associated with the incorporation of digital video interface standards. By analyzing the historical progression of military CMS developments, establishing a systems engineering process for CMS design, tracing the commercial evolution of video signal standardization, adopting commercial video signal terminology/definitions, and comparing/contrasting CMS architecture modifications using digital video interfaces; this paper provides a technical explanation on how a systems engineering process approach to video interface standardization can result in extendible and affordable cockpit management systems.

  16. Getting to Know Governmental GAAP.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bissell, George E.

    1987-01-01

    Presents the history and an overview of how generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are established and by what process the standards are created. School business officials are invited to participate in the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), established as the standard setting body for state and local governments. (MLF)

  17. 76 FR 35791 - Prudential Management and Operations Standards

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-20

    ... FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY 12 CFR Part 1236 RIN 2590-AA13 Prudential Management and Operations... (FHFA) to establish prudential standards relating to the management and operations of the Federal... to establish standards that address 10 separate areas relating to the management and operation of the...

  18. 13 CFR 121.102 - How does SBA establish size standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false How does SBA establish size standards? 121.102 Section 121.102 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SMALL BUSINESS SIZE REGULATIONS Size Eligibility Provisions and Standards Provisions of General Applicability...

  19. 13 CFR 121.102 - How does SBA establish size standards?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false How does SBA establish size standards? 121.102 Section 121.102 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SMALL BUSINESS SIZE REGULATIONS Size Eligibility Provisions and Standards Provisions of General Applicability...

  20. 76 FR 14824 - Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Brunswick, ME

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-18

    ...-0116; Airspace Docket No. 11-ANE-1] Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Brunswick, ME AGENCY... action proposes to establish Class E Airspace at Brunswick, ME, to accommodate new Standard Instrument... Brunswick, ME to provide airspace required to support the standard instrument approach procedures developed...

  1. 78 FR 77792 - Extension of Comment Period for Proposed Interagency Policy Statement Establishing Joint...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-24

    ... Statement Establishing Joint Standards for Assessing the Diversity Policies and Practices of Entities... establishing standards for assessing the diversity policies and practices of the entities they regulate.\\1\\ To... Diversity and Inclusion, at (202) 452-2883; or Katherine Wheatley, Associate General Counsel, Legal Division...

  2. Evaluative procedures to detect, characterize, and assess the severity of diabetic neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Dyck, P J

    1991-01-01

    Minimal criteria for diabetic neuropathy need to be defined and universally applied. Standardized evaluative procedures need to be agreed and normal ranges determined from healthy volunteers. Types and stages of neuropathy should be established and assessments performed on representative populations of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients. Potential minimal criteria include absent ankle reflexes and vibratory sensation, and abnormalities of nerve conduction. However, the preferred criterion is the identification of more than two statistically defined abnormalities among symptoms and deficits, nerve conduction, quantitative sensory examination or quantitative autonomic examination. Various evaluative procedures are available. Symptoms should be assessed and scores can be assigned to neurological deficits. However, assessments of nerve conduction provide the most specific, objective, sensitive, and repeatable procedures, although these may be the least meaningful. Many techniques are available for quantitative sensory examination, but are poorly standardized and normal values are not available. For quantitative autonomic examination, tests are available for the adequacy of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular reflexes and increasingly for other autonomic functions. In any assessment of nerve function the conditions should be optimized and standardized, and stimuli defined. Specific instructions should be given and normal ranges established in healthy volunteers.

  3. A review of consensus test methods for established medical imaging modalities and their implications for optical coherence tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pfefer, Joshua; Agrawal, Anant

    2012-03-01

    In recent years there has been increasing interest in development of consensus, tissue-phantom-based approaches for assessment of biophotonic imaging systems, with the primary goal of facilitating clinical translation of novel optical technologies. Well-characterized test methods based on tissue phantoms can provide useful tools for performance assessment, thus enabling standardization and device inter-comparison during preclinical development as well as quality assurance and re-calibration in the clinical setting. In this review, we study the role of phantom-based test methods as described in consensus documents such as international standards for established imaging modalities including X-ray CT, MRI and ultrasound. Specifically, we focus on three image quality characteristics - spatial resolution, spatial measurement accuracy and image uniformity - and summarize the terminology, metrics, phantom design/construction approaches and measurement/analysis procedures used to assess these characteristics. Phantom approaches described are those in routine clinical use and tend to have simplified morphology and biologically-relevant physical parameters. Finally, we discuss the potential for applying knowledge gained from existing consensus documents in the development of standardized, phantom-based test methods for optical coherence tomography.

  4. Cement waste-form development for ion-exchange resins at the Rocky Flats Plant

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

    Veazey, G.W.; Ames, R.L.

    1997-03-01

    This report describes the development of a cement waste form to stabilize ion-exchange resins at Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS). These resins have an elevated potential for ignition due to inadequate wetness and contact with nitrates. The work focused on the preparation and performance evaluation of several Portland cement/resin formulations. The performance standards were chosen to address Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and Environmental Protection Agency Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requirements, compatibility with Rocky Flats equipment, and throughput efficiency. The work was performed with surrogate gel-type Dowex cation- and anion-exchange resins chosen to be representative of the resin inventorymore » at RFETS. Work was initiated with nonactinide resins to establish formulation ranges that would meet performance standards. Results were then verified and refined with actinide-containing resins. The final recommended formulation that passed all performance standards was determined to be a cement/water/resin (C/W/R) wt % ratio of 63/27/10 at a pH of 9 to 12. The recommendations include the acceptable compositional ranges for each component of the C/W/R ratio. Also included in this report are a recommended procedure, an equipment list, and observations/suggestions for implementation at RFETS. In addition, information is included that explains why denitration of the resin is unnecessary for stabilizing its ignitability potential.« less

  5. Measuring Primary Students' Graph Interpretation Skills Via a Performance Assessment: A case study in instrument development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peterman, Karen; Cranston, Kayla A.; Pryor, Marie; Kermish-Allen, Ruth

    2015-11-01

    This case study was conducted within the context of a place-based education project that was implemented with primary school students in the USA. The authors and participating teachers created a performance assessment of standards-aligned tasks to examine 6-10-year-old students' graph interpretation skills as part of an exploratory research project. Fifty-five students participated in a performance assessment interview at the beginning and end of a place-based investigation. Two forms of the assessment were created and counterbalanced within class at pre and post. In situ scoring was conducted such that responses were scored as correct versus incorrect during the assessment's administration. Criterion validity analysis demonstrated an age-level progression in student scores. Tests of discriminant validity showed that the instrument detected variability in interpretation skills across each of three graph types (line, bar, dot plot). Convergent validity was established by correlating in situ scores with those from the Graph Interpretation Scoring Rubric. Students' proficiency with interpreting different types of graphs matched expectations based on age and the standards-based progression of graphs across primary school grades. The assessment tasks were also effective at detecting pre-post gains in students' interpretation of line graphs and dot plots after the place-based project. The results of the case study are discussed in relation to the common challenges associated with performance assessment. Implications are presented in relation to the need for authentic and performance-based instructional and assessment tasks to respond to the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.

  6. Use and qualification of primary and secondary standards employed in quantitative ¹H NMR spectroscopy of pharmaceuticals.

    PubMed

    Rundlöf, Torgny; McEwen, Ian; Johansson, Monika; Arvidsson, Torbjörn

    2014-05-01

    Standards are required in quantitative NMR (qNMR) to obtain accurate and precise results. In this study acetanilide was established and used as a primary standard. Six other chemicals were selected as secondary standards: 3,4,5-trichloropyridine, dimethylterephthalate, maleic acid, 3-sulfolene, 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene, and 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene. The secondary standards were quantified using the primary standard acetanilide. A protocol for qualification and periodic checks of these secondary standards was developed, and used for evaluation of the stability of the compounds. Periodic monitoring of purity was performed for several years. The purity was higher than 99% for all secondary standards. All standards maintained the initial purity during the time period of monitoring, with very small variations in purity (0.3-0.4%). The selected secondary standards were shown to be suitable qNMR standards and that periodic requalification of the standards by qNMR ensures reliable analytical results. These standards have been used in our laboratory for compliance testing of pharmaceutical active substances and approved medicinal products as well as for analysis of suspected illegal medicines. In total more than 1000 samples have been tested using both internal and external standardization and examples are given. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Comments on the Joint Proposed Rulemaking to Establish Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards

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

    Wenzel, Tom

    2009-10-27

    Tom Wenzel of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory comments on the joint rulemaking to establish greenhouse gas emission and fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicle, specifically on the relationship between vehicle weight and vehicle safety.

  8. 12 CFR Appendix B to Part 170 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Security Standards B Appendix B to Part 170 Banks and Banking COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... Part 170—Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards Table of Contents I... Customer Information A. Information Security Program B. Objectives III. Development and Implementation of...

  9. 12 CFR Appendix B to Part 170 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Security Standards B Appendix B to Part 170 Banks and Banking COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... Part 170—Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards Table of Contents I... Customer Information A. Information Security Program B. Objectives III. Development and Implementation of...

  10. LASER BEAMS: On alternative methods for measuring the radius and propagation ratio of axially symmetric laser beams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dementjev, Aleksandr S.; Jovaisa, A.; Silko, Galina; Ciegis, Raimondas

    2005-11-01

    Based on the developed efficient numerical methods for calculating the propagation of light beams, the alternative methods for measuring the beam radius and propagation ratio proposed in the international standard ISO 11146 are analysed. The specific calculations of the alternative beam propagation ratios Mi2 performed for a number of test beams with a complicated spatial structure showed that the correlation coefficients ci used in the international standard do not establish the universal one-to-one relation between the alternative propagation ratios Mi2 and invariant propagation ratios Mσ2 found by the method of moments.

  11. Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency: Establishing Common Osteopathic Performance Standards in the Transition From Medical School to Residency.

    PubMed

    Basehore, Pamela M; Mortensen, Luke H; Katsaros, Emmanuel; Linsenmeyer, Machelle; McClain, Elizabeth K; Sexton, Patricia S; Wadsworth, Nicole

    2017-11-01

    Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are measurable units of observable professional practice that can be entrusted to an unsupervised trainee. They were first introduced as a method of operationalizing competency-based medical education in graduate medical education. The American Association of Medical Colleges subsequently used EPAs to establish the core skills that medical students must be able to perform before they enter residency training. A recently published guide provides descriptions, guidelines, and rationale for implementing and assessing the core EPAs from an osteopathic approach. These osteopathically informed EPAs can allow schools to more appropriately assess a learner's whole-person approach to a patient, in alignment with the philosophy of the profession. As the single accreditation system for graduate medical education moves forward, it will be critical to integrate EPAs into osteopathic medical education to demonstrate entrustment of medical school graduates. The authors describe the collaborative process used to establish the osteopathic considerations added to EPAs and explores the challenges and opportunities for undergraduate osteopathic medical education.

  12. Clinical reports of pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal cancer: a citation network analysis

    PubMed Central

    Fiorentino, F; Vasilakis, C; Treasure, T

    2011-01-01

    Introduction: Pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal cancer is a commonly performed and well-established practice of ∼50 years standing. However, there have been no controlled studies, randomised or otherwise. We sought to investigate the evidence base that has been used in establishing its status as a standard of care. Methods: Among 51 papers used in a recent systematic review and quantitative synthesis, a citation network analysis was performed. A total of 344 publications (the 51 index papers and a further 293 cited in them) constitute the citation network. Results: The pattern of citation is that of a citation cascade. Specific analyses show the frequent use of historical or landmark papers, which add authority. Papers expressing an opposing viewpoint are rarely cited. Conclusions: The citation network for this common and well-established practice provides an example of selective citation. This pattern of citation tends to escalate belief in a clinical practice even when it lacks a high-quality evidence base and may create an impression of more authority than is warranted. PMID:21386844

  13. The Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT): Rationale, Design, and Challenges of a Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating a Standard Surgical Procedure in a Pediatric Population

    PubMed Central

    Redline, Susan; Amin, Raouf; Beebe, Dean; Chervin, Ronald D.; Garetz, Susan L.; Giordani, Bruno; Marcus, Carole L.; Moore, Renee H.; Rosen, Carol L.; Arens, Raanan; Gozal, David; Katz, Eliot S.; Mitchell, Ronald B.; Muzumdar, Hiren; Taylor, H.G.; Thomas, Nina; Ellenberg, Susan

    2011-01-01

    Each year, over 500,000 adenotonsillectomies (AT), mostly for the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are performed in the US in children under 15 years of age. No definitive study, however, has been yet conducted that has rigorously evaluated the effectiveness of AT for not only improving sleep disordered breathing, but also for improving clinically relevant outcomes, such as neurocognitive function, behavior, and quality of life. The Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT) was designed to assess neuropsychological and health outcomes in children randomized to receive early AT (eAT) as compared to Watchful Waiting with Supportive Care (WWSC). Important secondary goals of the study are to evaluate outcomes in subgroups defined by obesity and race. This paper addresses key elements in the design and implementation of a controlled trial for a widely used “standard practice” surgical intervention in a pediatric population, that include establishment of standardized data collection procedures across sites for a wide variety of data types, establishment of equipoise, and approaches for minimizing unblinding of selected key personnel. The study framework that was established should provide a useful template for other pediatric controlled studies or other studies that evaluate surgical interventions. Citation: Redline S; Amin R; Beebe D; Chervin RD; Garetz SL; Giordani B; Marcus CL; Moore RH; Rosen CL; Arens R; Gozal D; Katz ES; Mitchell RB; Muzumdar H; Taylor HG; Thomas N; Ellenberg S. The Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT): rationale, design, and challenges of a randomized controlled trial evaluating a standard surgical procedure in a pediatric population. SLEEP 2011;34(11):1509-1517. PMID:22043122

  14. Development and pilot of an internationally standardized measure of cardiovascular risk management in European primary care

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Primary care can play an important role in providing cardiovascular risk management in patients with established Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), patients with a known high risk of developing CVD, and potentially for individuals with a low risk of developing CVD, but who have unhealthy lifestyles. To describe and compare cardiovascular risk management, internationally valid quality indicators and standardized measures are needed. As part of a large project in 9 European countries (EPA-Cardio), we have developed and tested a set of standardized measures, linked to previously developed quality indicators. Methods A structured stepwise procedure was followed to develop measures. First, the research team allocated 106 validated quality indicators to one of the three target populations (established CVD, at high risk, at low risk) and to different data-collection methods (data abstraction from the medical records, a patient survey, an interview with lead practice GP/a practice survey). Secondly, we selected a number of other validated measures to enrich the assessment. A pilot study was performed to test the feasibility. Finally, we revised the measures based on the findings. Results The EPA-Cardio measures consisted of abstraction forms from the medical-records data of established Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)-patients - and high-risk groups, a patient questionnaire for each of the 3 groups, an interview questionnaire for the lead GP and a questionnaire for practice teams. The measures were feasible and accepted by general practices from different countries. Conclusions An internationally standardized measure of cardiovascular risk management, linked to validated quality indicators and tested for feasibility in general practice, is now available. Careful development and pilot testing of the measures are crucial in international studies of quality of healthcare. PMID:21473758

  15. [Standard algorithm of molecular typing of Yersinia pestis strains].

    PubMed

    Eroshenko, G A; Odinokov, G N; Kukleva, L M; Pavlova, A I; Krasnov, Ia M; Shavina, N Iu; Guseva, N P; Vinogradova, N A; Kutyrev, V V

    2012-01-01

    Development of the standard algorithm of molecular typing of Yersinia pestis that ensures establishing of subspecies, biovar and focus membership of the studied isolate. Determination of the characteristic strain genotypes of plague infectious agent of main and nonmain subspecies from various natural foci of plague of the Russian Federation and the near abroad. Genotyping of 192 natural Y. pestis strains of main and nonmain subspecies was performed by using PCR methods, multilocus sequencing and multilocus analysis of variable tandem repeat number. A standard algorithm of molecular typing of plague infectious agent including several stages of Yersinia pestis differentiation by membership: in main and nonmain subspecies, various biovars of the main subspecies, specific subspecies; natural foci and geographic territories was developed. The algorithm is based on 3 typing methods--PCR, multilocus sequence typing and multilocus analysis of variable tandem repeat number using standard DNA targets--life support genes (terC, ilvN, inv, glpD, napA, rhaS and araC) and 7 loci of variable tandem repeats (ms01, ms04, ms06, ms07, ms46, ms62, ms70). The effectiveness of the developed algorithm is shown on the large number of natural Y. pestis strains. Characteristic sequence types of Y. pestis strains of various subspecies and biovars as well as MLVA7 genotypes of strains from natural foci of plague of the Russian Federation and the near abroad were established. The application of the developed algorithm will increase the effectiveness of epidemiologic monitoring of plague infectious agent, and analysis of epidemics and outbreaks of plague with establishing the source of origin of the strain and routes of introduction of the infection.

  16. Urinary biomarkers of smokers’ exposure to tobacco smoke constituents in tobacco products assessment: a fit for purpose approach

    PubMed Central

    Gregg, Evan O.; Minet, Emmanuel

    2013-01-01

    There are established guidelines for bioanalytical assay validation and qualification of biomarkers. In this review, they were applied to a panel of urinary biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure as part of a “fit for purpose” approach to the assessment of smoke constituents exposure in groups of tobacco product smokers. Clinical studies have allowed the identification of a group of tobacco exposure biomarkers demonstrating a good doseresponse relationship whilst others such as dihydroxybutyl mercapturic acid and 2-carboxy-1-methylethylmercapturic acid – did not reproducibly discriminate smokers and non-smokers. Furthermore, there are currently no agreed common reference standards to measure absolute concentrations and few inter-laboratory trials have been performed to establish consensus values for interim standards. Thus, we also discuss in this review additional requirements for the generation of robust data on urinary biomarkers, including toxicant metabolism and disposition, method validation and qualification for use in tobacco products comparison studies. PMID:23902266

  17. Tear cytokine profile as a noninvasive biomarker of inflammation for ocular surface diseases: standard operating procedures.

    PubMed

    Wei, Yi; Gadaria-Rathod, Neha; Epstein, Seth; Asbell, Penny

    2013-12-23

    To provide standard operating procedures (SOPs) for measuring tear inflammatory cytokine concentrations and to validate the resulting profile as a minimally invasive objective metric and biomarker of ocular surface inflammation for use in multicenter clinical trials on dry eye disease (DED). Standard operating procedures were established and then validated with cytokine standards, quality controls, and masked tear samples collected from local and distant clinical sites. The concentrations of the inflammatory cytokines in tears were quantified using a high-sensitivity human cytokine multiplex kit. A panel of inflammatory cytokines was initially investigated, from which four key inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, INF-γ, and TNF-α) were chosen. Results with cytokine standards statistically satisfied the manufacturer's quality control criteria. Results with pooled tear samples were highly reproducible and reliable with tear volumes ranging from 4 to 10 μL. Incorporation of the SOPs into clinical trials was subsequently validated. Tear samples were collected at a distant clinical site, stored, and shipped to our Biomarker Laboratory, where a masked analysis of the four tear cytokines was successfully performed. Tear samples were also collected from a feasibility study on DED. Inflammatory cytokine concentrations were decreased in tears of subjects who received anti-inflammatory treatment. Standard operating procedures for human tear cytokine assessment suitable for multicenter clinical trials were established. Tear cytokine profiling using these SOPs may provide objective metrics useful for diagnosing, classifying, and analyzing treatment efficacy in inflammatory conditions of the ocular surface, which may further elucidate the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ocular surface disease.

  18. Report on the Project for Establishment of the Standardized Korean Laboratory Terminology Database, 2015.

    PubMed

    Jung, Bo Kyeung; Kim, Jeeyong; Cho, Chi Hyun; Kim, Ju Yeon; Nam, Myung Hyun; Shin, Bong Kyung; Rho, Eun Youn; Kim, Sollip; Sung, Heungsup; Kim, Shinyoung; Ki, Chang Seok; Park, Min Jung; Lee, Kap No; Yoon, Soo Young

    2017-04-01

    The National Health Information Standards Committee was established in 2004 in Korea. The practical subcommittee for laboratory test terminology was placed in charge of standardizing laboratory medicine terminology in Korean. We aimed to establish a standardized Korean laboratory terminology database, Korea-Logical Observation Identifier Names and Codes (K-LOINC) based on former products sponsored by this committee. The primary product was revised based on the opinions of specialists. Next, we mapped the electronic data interchange (EDI) codes that were revised in 2014, to the corresponding K-LOINC. We established a database of synonyms, including the laboratory codes of three reference laboratories and four tertiary hospitals in Korea. Furthermore, we supplemented the clinical microbiology section of K-LOINC using an alternative mapping strategy. We investigated other systems that utilize laboratory codes in order to investigate the compatibility of K-LOINC with statistical standards for a number of tests. A total of 48,990 laboratory codes were adopted (21,539 new and 16,330 revised). All of the LOINC synonyms were translated into Korean, and 39,347 Korean synonyms were added. Moreover, 21,773 synonyms were added from reference laboratories and tertiary hospitals. Alternative strategies were established for mapping within the microbiology domain. When we applied these to a smaller hospital, the mapping rate was successfully increased. Finally, we confirmed K-LOINC compatibility with other statistical standards, including a newly proposed EDI code system. This project successfully established an up-to-date standardized Korean laboratory terminology database, as well as an updated EDI mapping to facilitate the introduction of standard terminology into institutions. © 2017 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

  19. [Study on freshness evaluation of ice-stored large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) using near infrared spectroscopy].

    PubMed

    Liu, Yuan; Chen, Wei-Hua; Hou, Qiao-Juan; Wang, Xi-Chang; Dong, Ruo-Yan; Wu, Hao

    2014-04-01

    Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) was used in this experiment to evaluate the freshness of ice-stored large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) during different storage periods. And the TVB-N was used as an index to evaluate the freshness. Through comparing the correlation coefficent and standard deviations of calibration set and validation set of models established by singly and combined using of different pretreatment methods, different modeling methods and different wavelength region, the best TVB-N models of ice-stored large yellow croaker sold in the market were established to predict the freshness quickly. According to the research, the model shows that the best performance could be established by using the normalization by closure (Ncl) with 1st derivative (Dbl) and normalization to unit length (Nle) with 1st derivative as the pretreated method and partial least square (PLS) as the modeling method combined with choosing the wavelength region of 5 000-7 144, and 7 404-10 000 cm(-1). The calibration model gave the correlation coefficient of 0.992, with a standard error of calibration of 1.045 and the validation model gave the correlation coefficient of 0.999, with a standard error of prediction of 0.990. This experiment attempted to combine several pretreatment methods and choose the best wavelength region, which has got a good result. It could have a good prospective application of freshness detection and quality evaluation of large yellow croaker in the market.

  20. Black Carbon Measurement Intercomparison during the 2017 Black Carbon Shootout

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shingler, T.; Moore, R.; Winstead, E.; Robinson, C. E.; Shook, M.; Crosbie, E.; Ziemba, L. D.; Thornhill, K. L., II; Sorooshian, A.; Anderson, B. E.

    2017-12-01

    The NASA Langley Aerosol Research Group (LARGE) provides multiple black carbon (BC) based aerosol particle measurements and engine emission factors for airborne and ground-based field campaigns and laboratory studies. These datasets are made available to the general public where accuracy is key to enable further use in environmental assessments, models, and validation studies. Studies are needed to establish the accuracy and precision of BC measurements of particles with varying physical properties using a variety of detection techniques. Work is also needed to develop calibration and correction schemes for new sensors and to link these measurements to heritage instruments on which our understanding of BC emissions and characteristics has been established. A BC measurement intercomparison was performed at Langley Research Center using particles generated from a mini-CAST (Jing) diffusion flame soot generator. The particles were passed to instruments measuring optical absorption, extinction, scattering and black carbon mass. Filter based measurements of optical absorption were performed using a PSAP (Radiance Research) and a TAP (BMI). Absorption was also measured using two photoacoustic based instruments: the MSS-plus (AVL) and PASS-3 (DMT). Measurements of aerosol extinction were performed using three CAPS PM-ex (Aerodyne Research) instruments at multiple wavelengths. Two Artium LII-300 units (standard and high-sensitivity) were used to measure black carbon mass via laser incandescence. Black carbon measurements were correlated to mass collected concurrently on a filter and analyzed by OC/EC analysis (Sunset Labs). Black carbon quantification measurements are analyzed between instruments to assess agreement between platforms using manufacturer's calibration settings as well as after calibrations performed to a single standard soot source (mini-CAST). Sampling was also performed from behind a Falcon aircraft at multiple thrust settings and downwind of runway at an international airport with commercial takeoffs and landings.

  1. The development and production of thermo-mechanically forged tool steel spur gears

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bamberger, E. N.

    1973-01-01

    A development program to establish the feasibility and applicability of high energy rate forging procedures to tool steel spur gears was performed. Included in the study were relatively standard forging procedures as well as a thermo-mechanical process termed ausforming. The subject gear configuration utilized was essentially a standard spur gear having 28 teeth, a pitch diameter of 3.5 inches and a diametral pitch of 8. Initially it had been planned to use a high contact ratio gear design, however, a comprehensive evaluation indicated that severe forging problems would be encountered as a result of the extremely small teeth required by this type of design. The forging studies were successful in achieving gear blanks having integrally formed teeth using both standard and thermo-mechanical forging procedures.

  2. SCCT guidelines for the performance and acquisition of coronary computed tomographic angiography: A report of the society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Guidelines Committee: Endorsed by the North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging (NASCI).

    PubMed

    Abbara, Suhny; Blanke, Philipp; Maroules, Christopher D; Cheezum, Michael; Choi, Andrew D; Han, B Kelly; Marwan, Mohamed; Naoum, Chris; Norgaard, Bjarne L; Rubinshtein, Ronen; Schoenhagen, Paul; Villines, Todd; Leipsic, Jonathon

    In response to recent technological advancements in acquisition techniques as well as a growing body of evidence regarding the optimal performance of coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA), the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Guidelines Committee has produced this update to its previously established 2009 "Guidelines for the Performance of Coronary CTA" (1). The purpose of this document is to provide standards meant to ensure reliable practice methods and quality outcomes based on the best available data in order to improve the diagnostic care of patients. Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Guidelines for the Interpretation is published separately (2). The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Guidelines Committee ensures compliance with all existing standards for the declaration of conflict of interest by all authors and reviewers for the purpose ofclarity and transparency. Copyright © 2016 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. All rights reserved.

  3. Analysis to determine the maximum dimensions of flexible apertures in sensored security netting products.

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

    Murton, Mark; Bouchier, Francis A.; vanDongen, Dale T.

    2013-08-01

    Although technological advances provide new capabilities to increase the robustness of security systems, they also potentially introduce new vulnerabilities. New capability sometimes requires new performance requirements. This paper outlines an approach to establishing a key performance requirement for an emerging intrusion detection sensor: the sensored net. Throughout the security industry, the commonly adopted standard for maximum opening size through barriers is a requirement based on square inchestypically 96 square inches. Unlike standard rigid opening, the dimensions of a flexible aperture are not fixed, but variable and conformable. It is demonstrably simple for a human intruder to move through a 96-square-inchmore » opening that is conformable to the human body. The longstanding 96-square-inch requirement itself, though firmly embedded in policy and best practice, lacks a documented empirical basis. This analysis concluded that the traditional 96-square-inch standard for openings is insufficient for flexible openings that are conformable to the human body. Instead, a circumference standard is recommended for these newer types of sensored barriers. The recommended maximum circumference for a flexible opening should be no more than 26 inches, as measured on the inside of the netting material.« less

  4. IEC 61511 and the capital project process--a protective management system approach.

    PubMed

    Summers, Angela E

    2006-03-17

    This year, the process industry has reached an important milestone in process safety-the acceptance of an internationally recognized standard for safety instrumented systems (SIS). This standard, IEC 61511, documents good engineering practice for the assessment, design, operation, maintenance, and management of SISs. The foundation of the standard is established by several requirements in Part 1, Clauses 5-7, which cover the development of a management system aimed at ensuring that functional safety is achieved. The management system includes a quality assurance process for the entire SIS lifecycle, requiring the development of procedures, identification of resources and acquisition of tools. For maximum benefit, the deliverables and quality control checks required by the standard should be integrated into the capital project process, addressing safety, environmental, plant productivity, and asset protection. Industry has become inundated with a multitude of programs focusing on safety, quality, and cost performance. This paper introduces a protective management system, which builds upon the work process identified in IEC 61511. Typical capital project phases are integrated with the management system to yield one comprehensive program to efficiently manage process risk. Finally, the paper highlights areas where internal practices or guidelines should be developed to improve program performance and cost effectiveness.

  5. Database for LDV Signal Processor Performance Analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baker, Glenn D.; Murphy, R. Jay; Meyers, James F.

    1989-01-01

    A comparative and quantitative analysis of various laser velocimeter signal processors is difficult because standards for characterizing signal bursts have not been established. This leaves the researcher to select a signal processor based only on manufacturers' claims without the benefit of direct comparison. The present paper proposes the use of a database of digitized signal bursts obtained from a laser velocimeter under various configurations as a method for directly comparing signal processors.

  6. Improving Jet Engine Reliability and Maintainability: A Conceptual Approach

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1976-05-05

    MANAGEMENT COLLEGE FT. BELVOIR, VA 22060 11. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE DEFENSE SYSTEMS MANAGMNT COLLEGE 76-1 ___ FT. 1BELVOIR... relationship to the end item; identifying the failure processes that each part is susceptible to; defining the failure rate for each process, determining the...Icontractor had performed in relationship to the established goal. The above standard of measurement appears to satisfy the criteria for an adequate

  7. Stability Thresholds and Performance Standards for Flexible Lining Materials in Channel and Slope Restoration Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-07-01

    common industry term Bioengineering - Structural applications using vegetation- seed, plants, live cuttings and/or wood NRCS, common industry term...downstream, the use of non-biodegradable products (geosynthetics, plastics , rebar, metal anchors, etc.) in natural settings, and limited benefits to or...entanglement until vegetation establishment and adherence of the TRM to the soil surface (ECTC 2008). Stitch- bonded, geosynthetic extruded and fused TRMs

  8. Starting a Fee-Based Systematic Review Service.

    PubMed

    Knehans, Amy; Dell, Esther; Robinson, Cynthia

    2016-01-01

    The George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library at Penn State College of Medicine began a fee-based systematic review service, a model for cost recovery, in October 2013. This article describes the library's experience in establishing, introducing, and promoting the new service, which follows the Institute of Medicine's recommended standards for performing systematic reviews. The goal is to share this information with librarians who are contemplating starting such a service.

  9. Test and analysis of Celion 3000/PMR-15, graphite/polyimide bonded composite joints: Data report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cushman, J. B.; Mccleskey, S. F.; Ward, S. H.

    1982-01-01

    Standard single lap, double lap and symmetric step lap bonded joints of Celion 3000/PMR-15 graphite/polyimide composite were evaluated. Composite to composite and composite to titanium joints were tested at 116 K (-250 F), 294 K (70 F) and 561 K (550 F). Joint parameters evaluated are lap length, adherend thickness, adherend axial stiffness, lamina stacking sequence and adherend tapering. Advanced joint concepts were examined to establish the change in performance of preformed adherends, scalloped adherends and hybrid systems. The material properties of the high temperature adhesive, designated A7F, used for bonding were established. The bonded joint tests resulted in interlaminar shear or peel failures of the composite and there were very few adhesive failures. Average test results agree with expected performance trends for the various test parameters. Results of finite element analyses and of test/analysis correlations are also presented.

  10. A model for future healthcare leadership. CHA's competency study provides a practical tool for leadership development.

    PubMed

    Nygren, D J; Ukeritis, M D; Hickman, J L

    1994-06-01

    The Catholic Health Association's (CHA's) study "Transformational Leadership for the Healing Ministry: Competencies for the Future" is a powerful tool for the identification and development of leaders in Catholic healthcare. The study can help executives measure their own performance against a standard of excellence and establish goals to improve their performance. Trustees can use the study to establish policies for identification, assessment, development, and career planning for senior executives. Sponsors might consider the competencies as they intensify collaboration in ministry with lay colleagues by encouraging leadership development or as they participate with trustees in the selection of executives. The model presented in CHA's study is dynamic and adaptable to the leadership needs of various organizations. It should not yield a homogenized view of the "ideal" leader in the Catholic ministry. Nor should it encourage elitism or invidious comparisons between leaders or organizations.

  11. System design and integration of the large-scale advanced prop-fan

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Huth, B. P.

    1986-01-01

    In recent years, considerable attention has been directed toward improving aircraft fuel consumption. Studies have shown that blades with thin airfoils and aerodynamic sweep extend the inherent efficiency advantage that turboprop propulsion systems have demonstrated to the higher speed to today's aircraft. Hamilton Standard has designed a 9-foot diameter single-rotation Prop-Fan. It will test the hardware on a static test stand, in low speed and high speed wind tunnels and on a research aircraft. The major objective of this testing is to establish the structural integrity of large scale Prop-Fans of advanced construction, in addition to the evaluation of aerodynamic performance and the aeroacoustic design. The coordination efforts performed to ensure smooth operation and assembly of the Prop-Fan are summarized. A summary of the loads used to size the system components, the methodology used to establish material allowables and a review of the key analytical results are given.

  12. High sensitivity and specificity of clinical microscopy in rural health facilities in western Kenya under an external quality assurance program.

    PubMed

    Wafula, Rebeccah; Sang, Edna; Cheruiyot, Olympia; Aboto, Angeline; Menya, Diana; O'Meara, Wendy Prudhomme

    2014-09-01

    Microscopic diagnosis of malaria is a well-established and inexpensive technique that has the potential to provide accurate diagnosis of malaria infection. However, it requires both training and experience. Although it is considered the gold standard in research settings, the sensitivity and specificity of routine microscopy for clinical care in the primary care setting has been reported to be unacceptably low. We established a monthly external quality assurance program to monitor the performance of clinical microscopy in 17 rural health centers in western Kenya. The average sensitivity over the 12-month period was 96% and the average specificity was 88%. We identified specific contextual factors that contributed to inadequate performance. Maintaining high-quality malaria diagnosis in high-volume, resource-constrained health facilities is possible. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

  13. Turboprop Model in the 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1976-08-21

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) engineer Robert Jeracki prepares a Hamilton Standard SR-1 turboprop model in the test section of the 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the Lewis Research Center. Lewis researchers were analyzing a series of eight-bladed propellers in their wind tunnels to determine their operating characteristics at speeds up to Mach 0.8. The program, which became the Advanced Turboprop, was part of a NASA-wide Aircraft Energy Efficiency Program which was designed to reduce aircraft fuel costs by 50 percent. The ATP concept was different from the turboprops in use in the 1950s. The modern versions had at least eight blades and were swept back for better performance. After Lewis researchers developed the advanced turboprop theory and established its potential performance capabilities, they commenced an almost decade-long partnership with Hamilton Standard to develop, verify, and improve the concept. A series of 24-inch scale models of the SR-1 with different blade shapes and angles were tested in Lewis’ wind tunnels. A formal program was established in 1978 to examine associated noise levels, aerodynamics, and the drive system. The testing of the large-scale propfan was done on test rigs, in large wind tunnels, and, eventually, on aircraft.

  14. Quality evaluation and pattern recognition analyses of marker compounds from five medicinal drugs of Rutaceae family by HPLC/PDA.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Bing Tian; Kim, Eun Jung; Son, Kun Ho; Son, Jong Keun; Min, Byung Sun; Woo, Mi Hee

    2015-08-01

    To establish a standard of quality control and to identify different origins for the Rutaceae family [Citri Unshiu Peel (CU), Citri Unshiu Immature Peel (CI), Ponciri Immature Fructus (PI), Aurantii Immature Fructus (AI), and Aurantii Fructus (AU)], 13 standards including rutin (1), narirutin (2), naringin (3), hesperidin (4), neohesperidin (5), neoponcirin (6), poncirin (7), naringenin (8), isosinensetin (9), sinensetin (10), nobiletin (11), heptamethoxyflavone (12), and tangeretin (13) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/photo-diode array (PDA) analysis. A YMC ODS C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column was used and the ratio of mobile phases of water (A) and acetonitrile (B) delivered to the column for gradient elution was applied. This method was fully validated with respect to linearity, accuracy, precision, stability, and robustness. The HPLC/PDA method was applied successfully to quantify 13 major compounds in the extracts of CU, CI, PI, AI, and AU. The pattern recognition analysis combined with LC chromatographic data was performed by repeated analysis of 27 reference samples in the above five Rutaceae oriental medicinal drugs. The established HPLC method was rapid and reliable for quantitative analysis and quality control of multiple components in five Rutaceae species with different origins.

  15. Simulation-based Assessment of the Management of Critical Events by Board-certified Anesthesiologists.

    PubMed

    Weinger, Matthew B; Banerjee, Arna; Burden, Amanda R; McIvor, William R; Boulet, John; Cooper, Jeffrey B; Steadman, Randolph; Shotwell, Matthew S; Slagle, Jason M; DeMaria, Samuel; Torsher, Laurence; Sinz, Elizabeth; Levine, Adam I; Rask, John; Davis, Fred; Park, Christine; Gaba, David M

    2017-09-01

    We sought to determine whether mannequin-based simulation can reliably characterize how board-certified anesthesiologists manage simulated medical emergencies. Our primary focus was to identify gaps in performance and to establish psychometric properties of the assessment methods. A total of 263 consenting board-certified anesthesiologists participating in existing simulation-based maintenance of certification courses at one of eight simulation centers were video recorded performing simulated emergency scenarios. Each participated in two 20-min, standardized, high-fidelity simulated medical crisis scenarios, once each as primary anesthesiologist and first responder. Via a Delphi technique, an independent panel of expert anesthesiologists identified critical performance elements for each scenario. Trained, blinded anesthesiologists rated video recordings using standardized rating tools. Measures included the percentage of critical performance elements observed and holistic (one to nine ordinal scale) ratings of participant's technical and nontechnical performance. Raters also judged whether the performance was at a level expected of a board-certified anesthesiologist. Rater reliability for most measures was good. In 284 simulated emergencies, participants were rated as successfully completing 81% (interquartile range, 75 to 90%) of the critical performance elements. The median rating of both technical and nontechnical holistic performance was five, distributed across the nine-point scale. Approximately one-quarter of participants received low holistic ratings (i.e., three or less). Higher-rated performances were associated with younger age but not with previous simulation experience or other individual characteristics. Calling for help was associated with better individual and team performance. Standardized simulation-based assessment identified performance gaps informing opportunities for improvement. If a substantial proportion of experienced anesthesiologists struggle with managing medical emergencies, continuing medical education activities should be reevaluated.

  16. Renewable energy-based electricity for rural social and economic development in Ghana

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

    Weingart, J.

    1997-12-01

    This paper describes a project whose goals include the establishment of a pilot renewable energy-based rural energy services enterprise to serve communities in the Mamprusi East District, focused on: economically productive activities; community services; household non-thermal energy. The program also seeks to establish the technical, economic, financial, institutional, and socio-cultural requirements for sustainability, to demonstrate bankability and financial sustainability, as a pre-investment prelude to commercial growth of such projects, and to establish technical, financial, and service performance standards for private sector rural energy service companies. This project is being implemented now because the government is undergoing structural reform, including privatizationmore » of the power sector, there is active foreign capital available for international development, and the government and people are committed to and able to pay for renewable energy services.« less

  17. Performance evaluation of no-reference image quality metrics for face biometric images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xinwei; Pedersen, Marius; Charrier, Christophe; Bours, Patrick

    2018-03-01

    The accuracy of face recognition systems is significantly affected by the quality of face sample images. The recent established standardization proposed several important aspects for the assessment of face sample quality. There are many existing no-reference image quality metrics (IQMs) that are able to assess natural image quality by taking into account similar image-based quality attributes as introduced in the standardization. However, whether such metrics can assess face sample quality is rarely considered. We evaluate the performance of 13 selected no-reference IQMs on face biometrics. The experimental results show that several of them can assess face sample quality according to the system performance. We also analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different IQMs as well as why some of them failed to assess face sample quality. Retraining an original IQM by using face database can improve the performance of such a metric. In addition, the contribution of this paper can be used for the evaluation of IQMs on other biometric modalities; furthermore, it can be used for the development of multimodality biometric IQMs.

  18. Traceable working standards with SI units of radiance for characterizing the measurement performance of investigational clinical NIRF imaging devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Banghe; Rasmussen, John C.; Litorja, Maritoni; Sevick-Muraca, Eva M.

    2017-03-01

    All medical devices for Food and Drug market approval require specifications of performance based upon International System of Units (SI) or units derived from SI for reasons of traceability. Recently, near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging devices of a variety of designs have emerged on the market and in investigational clinical studies. Yet the design of devices used in the clinical studies vary widely, suggesting variable device performance. Device performance depends upon optimal excitation of NIRF imaging agents, rejection of backscattered excitation and ambient light, and selective collection of fluorescence emanating from the fluorophore. There remains no traceable working standards with SI units of radiance to enable prediction that a given molecular imaging agent can be detected in humans by a given NIRF imaging device. Furthermore, as technologies evolve and as NIRF imaging device components change, there remains no standardized means to track device improvements over time and establish clinical performance without involving clinical trials, often costly. In this study, we deployed a methodology to calibrate luminescent radiance of a stable, solid phantom in SI units of mW/cm2/sr for characterizing the measurement performance of ICCD and IsCMOS camera based NIRF imaging devices, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast. The methodology allowed determination of superior SNR of the ICCD over the IsCMOS system; comparable contrast of ICCD and IsCMOS depending upon binning strategies.

  19. Lunar Regolith Simulant Materials: Recommendations for Standardization, Production, and Usage

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sibille, L.; Carpenter, P.; Schlagheck, R.; French, R. A.

    2006-01-01

    Experience gained during the Apollo program demonstrated the need for extensive testing of surface systems in relevant environments, including regolith materials similar to those encountered on the lunar surface. As NASA embarks on a return to the Moon, it is clear that the current lunar sample inventory is not only insufficient to support lunar surface technology and system development, but its scientific value is too great to be consumed by destructive studies. Every effort must be made to utilize standard simulant materials, which will allow developers to reduce the cost, development, and operational risks to surface systems. The Lunar Regolith Simulant Materials Workshop held in Huntsville, AL, on January 24 26, 2005, identified the need for widely accepted standard reference lunar simulant materials to perform research and development of technologies required for lunar operations. The workshop also established a need for a common, traceable, and repeatable process regarding the standardization, characterization, and distribution of lunar simulants. This document presents recommendations for the standardization, production and usage of lunar regolith simulant materials.

  20. 40 CFR 129.7 - Requirement and procedure for establishing a more stringent effluent limitation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS TOXIC POLLUTANT EFFLUENT STANDARDS Toxic Pollutant Effluent...) determines that the ambient water criterion established in these standards is not being met or will not be met in the receiving water as a result of one or more discharges at levels allowed by these standards...

  1. 76 FR 58061 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-19

    ... Organizations; Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Adopt Fitness Standards... purpose of the proposed rule change is to establish fitness standards for directors, clearing members, and... Core Principle O requires DCOs to establish fitness standards for directors, clearing members and...

  2. 40 CFR 122.44 - Establishing limitations, standards, and other permit conditions (applicable to State NPDES...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... CWA; (6) Ensure consistency with the requirements of a Water Quality Management plan approved by EPA..., or controls a pollutant or practice not limited in the permit. (d) Water quality standards and State... quality standards established under section 303 of the CWA, including State narrative criteria for water...

  3. On-line hemodiafiltration. Gold standard or top therapy?

    PubMed

    Passlick-Deetjen, Jutta; Pohlmeier, Robert

    2002-01-01

    In summary, on-line HDF is an extracorporeal blood purification therapy with increased convective removal of uremic toxins as compared to the most frequently used low- or high-flux HD therapy. The clinical advantages of on-line HDF have shown to be dose dependent, which makes on-line HDF superior to other therapies with less convective solute removal. Among the therapies with high convective solute removal, i.e. on-line HDF, on-line HF and double high-flux dialysis, it is difficult to finally decide on the best therapy, as direct comparisons of these therapies are not performed. Theoretical considerations like the relative to on-line HDF lower achievable Kt/Vurea with on-line HF, allow to state that on-line HDF is the top therapy now available for patients with ESRD. A gold standard may be defined as something with which everything else is compared if one tries to establish it in the respective field. In order to declare on-line HDF as the gold standard in renal replacement therapy, we need more direct comparisons of on-line HDF with other therapies, including mortality as an outcome parameter. However, based on our current knowledge, it does not seem to be too speculative that high-quality clinical studies will establish on-line HDF in the next years as the new gold standard in renal replacement therapy.

  4. Defining Medical Levels of Care for Exploration Missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hailey, M.; Reyes, D.; Urbina, M.; Rubin, D.; Antonsen, E.

    2017-01-01

    NASA medical care standards establish requirements for providing health and medical programs for crewmembers during all phases of a mission. These requirements are intended to prevent or mitigate negative health consequences of long-duration spaceflight, thereby optimizing crew health and performance over the course of the mission. Current standards are documented in the two volumes of the NASA-STD-3001 Space Flight Human-System Standard document, established by the Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer. Its purpose is to provide uniform technical standards for the design, selection, and application of medical hardware, software, processes, procedures, practices, and methods for human-rated systems. NASA-STD-3001 Vol. 1 identifies five levels of care for human spaceflight. These levels of care are accompanied by several components that illustrate the type of medical care expected for each. The Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) of the Human Research Program has expanded the context of these provided levels of care and components. This supplemental information includes definitions for each component of care and example actions that describe the type of capabilities that coincide with the definition. This interpretation is necessary in order to fully and systematically define the capabilities required for each level of care in order to define the medical requirements and plan for infrastructure needed for medical systems of future exploration missions, such as one to Mars.

  5. Establishment and Evaluation of a One-Step Microplate Chemiluminescence Immunoassay to Detect IgG Antibody Against Treponema Pallidum.

    PubMed

    Liu, Lijuan; Xie, Yuling; Dai, Zhenxian; Zhuo, Chuanshang; Wu, Yushui

    2015-11-01

    The serological detection of specific antibodies against Treponema pallidum is of particular importance in the diagnosis of syphilis. The chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) has been widely used for clinical diagnosis because they remit no radical waste products, cause no enzyme precipitation, and exhibit an excellent sensitivity. A one-step CLIA was established to detect T. pallidum IgG antibody based on microplate coated with a mixture of recombinant T. pallidum antigens TpN15, TpN17, and TpN47. The Chinese national reference substances standard panel for T. pallidum diagnosis was applied to test the accuracy, stability, interference, and cross-reactivity of the established CLIA. The validation of efficacy for clinical application was performed by comparing the established method with the marketed T. pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) kit and the Abbott ARCHITEC Auto System. The established method met the requirement of the Chinese national reference substances standard for T. pallidum diagnosis. When compared with TPPA (n = 1,052), the specificity, sensitivity, and overall concordance were 99.7%, 99.0%, and 98.8% respectively, showing a great agreement with a kappa value of 0.81. When compared with the Abbott ARCHITEC Auto System (n = 352), the results showed that the specificity, sensitivity, and overall concordance were 98.6.0%, 96.6% and 98.6% respectively, and a high-degree agreement was observed (kappa value = 0.95). The established rapid, specific, sensitive, and stable microplate CLIA method to detect IgG antibody against T pallidum will provide an efficient alternative to the treponemal tests and wide application in clinical laboratory. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. Automatic summary generating technology of vegetable traceability for information sharing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhenxuan, Zhang; Minjing, Peng

    2017-06-01

    In order to solve problems of excessive data entries and consequent high costs for data collection in vegetable traceablility for farmers in traceability applications, the automatic summary generating technology of vegetable traceability for information sharing was proposed. The proposed technology is an effective way for farmers to share real-time vegetable planting information in social networking platforms to enhance their brands and obtain more customers. In this research, the influencing factors in the vegetable traceablility for customers were analyzed to establish the sub-indicators and target indicators and propose a computing model based on the collected parameter values of the planted vegetables and standard legal systems on food safety. The proposed standard parameter model involves five steps: accessing database, establishing target indicators, establishing sub-indicators, establishing standard reference model and computing scores of indicators. On the basis of establishing and optimizing the standards of food safety and traceability system, this proposed technology could be accepted by more and more farmers and customers.

  7. ACCESS, Absolute Color Calibration Experiment for Standard Stars: Integration, Test, and Ground Performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaiser, Mary Elizabeth; Morris, Matthew; Aldoroty, Lauren; Kurucz, Robert; McCandliss, Stephan; Rauscher, Bernard; Kimble, Randy; Kruk, Jeffrey; Wright, Edward L.; Feldman, Paul; Riess, Adam; Gardner, Jonathon; Bohlin, Ralph; Deustua, Susana; Dixon, Van; Sahnow, David J.; Perlmutter, Saul

    2018-01-01

    Establishing improved spectrophotometric standards is important for a broad range of missions and is relevant to many astrophysical problems. Systematic errors associated with astrophysical data used to probe fundamental astrophysical questions, such as SNeIa observations used to constrain dark energy theories, now exceed the statistical errors associated with merged databases of these measurements. ACCESS, “Absolute Color Calibration Experiment for Standard Stars”, is a series of rocket-borne sub-orbital missions and ground-based experiments designed to enable improvements in the precision of the astrophysical flux scale through the transfer of absolute laboratory detector standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to a network of stellar standards with a calibration accuracy of 1% and a spectral resolving power of 500 across the 0.35‑1.7μm bandpass. To achieve this goal ACCESS (1) observes HST/ Calspec stars (2) above the atmosphere to eliminate telluric spectral contaminants (e.g. OH) (3) using a single optical path and (HgCdTe) detector (4) that is calibrated to NIST laboratory standards and (5) monitored on the ground and in-flight using a on-board calibration monitor. The observations are (6) cross-checked and extended through the generation of stellar atmosphere models for the targets. The ACCESS telescope and spectrograph have been designed, fabricated, and integrated. Subsystems have been tested. Performance results for subsystems, operations testing, and the integrated spectrograph will be presented. NASA sounding rocket grant NNX17AC83G supports this work.

  8. Establishing a cGMP pancreatic islet processing facility: the first experience in Iran.

    PubMed

    Larijani, Bagher; Arjmand, Babak; Amoli, Mahsa M; Ao, Ziliang; Jafarian, Ali; Mahdavi-Mazdah, Mitra; Ghanaati, Hossein; Baradar-Jalili, Reza; Sharghi, Sasan; Norouzi-Javidan, Abbas; Aghayan, Hamid Reza

    2012-12-01

    It has been predicted that one of the greatest increase in prevalence of diabetes will happen in the Middle East bear in the next decades. The aim of standard therapeutic strategies for diabetes is better control of complications. In contrast, some new strategies like cell and gene therapy have aimed to cure the disease. In recent years, significant progress has occurred in beta-cell replacement therapies with a progressive improvement of short-term and long term outcomes. In year 2005, considering the impact of the disease in Iran and the promising results of the Edmonton protocol, the funding for establishing a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) islet processing facility by Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center was approved by Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Several islet isolations were performed following establishment of cGMP facility and recruitment of all required equipments for process validation and experimental purpose. Finally the first successful clinical islet isolation and transplantation was performed in September 2010. In spite of a high cost of the procedure it is considered beneficial and may prevent long term complications and the costs associated with secondary cares. In this article we will briefly describe our experience in setting up a cGMP islet processing facility which can provide valuable information for regional countries interested to establish similar facilities.

  9. 12 CFR Appendix A to Part 30 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... establish certain safety and soundness standards by regulation or by guideline for all insured depository... rules and regulations to establish deadlines for submission and review of compliance plans. 2 2 For the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, these regulations appear at 12 CFR part 30; for the Board of...

  10. 12 CFR Appendix A to Part 170 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... agencies) to establish certain safety and soundness standards by regulation or by guideline for all insured... adopted amendments to their rules and regulations to establish deadlines for submission and review of compliance plans.2 2 For the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, these regulations appear at 12 CFR...

  11. Part 2: Sensitivity comparisons of the insect Centroptilum triangulifer to Ceriodaphnia dubia and Daphnia magna using standard reference toxicants; NaCl, KCl and CuSO4

    EPA Science Inventory

    Criteria for establishing water quality standards that are protective of all native biota are generally based upon laboratory toxicity tests. These test utilize common model organisms that have established test methods. However, only a small portion of species have established ...

  12. Sampling methods for microbiological analysis of red meat and poultry carcasses.

    PubMed

    Capita, Rosa; Prieto, Miguel; Alonso-Calleja, Carlos

    2004-06-01

    Microbiological analysis of carcasses at slaughterhouses is required in the European Union for evaluating the hygienic performance of carcass production processes as required for effective hazard analysis critical control point implementation. The European Union microbial performance standards refer exclusively to the excision method, even though swabbing using the wet/dry technique is also permitted when correlation between both destructive and nondestructive methods can be established. For practical and economic reasons, the swab technique is the most extensively used carcass surface-sampling method. The main characteristics, advantages, and limitations of the common excision and swabbing methods are described here.

  13. [Accreditation of forensic laboratories].

    PubMed

    Sołtyszewski, Ireneusz

    2010-01-01

    According to the framework decision of the European Union Council, genetic laboratories which perform tests for the benefit of the law enforcement agencies and the administration of justice are required to obtain a certificate of accreditation testifying to compliance with the PN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard. The certificate is the official confirmation of the competence to perform research, an acknowledgement of credibility, impartiality and professional independence. It is also the proof of establishment, implementation and maintenance of an appropriate management system. The article presents the legal basis for accreditation, the procedure of obtaining the certificate of accreditation and selected elements of the management system.

  14. Verification and quality control of routine hematology analyzers.

    PubMed

    Vis, J Y; Huisman, A

    2016-05-01

    Verification of hematology analyzers (automated blood cell counters) is mandatory before new hematology analyzers may be used in routine clinical care. The verification process consists of several items which comprise among others: precision, accuracy, comparability, carryover, background and linearity throughout the expected range of results. Yet, which standard should be met or which verification limit be used is at the discretion of the laboratory specialist. This paper offers practical guidance on verification and quality control of automated hematology analyzers and provides an expert opinion on the performance standard that should be met by the contemporary generation of hematology analyzers. Therefore (i) the state-of-the-art performance of hematology analyzers for complete blood count parameters is summarized, (ii) considerations, challenges, and pitfalls concerning the development of a verification plan are discussed, (iii) guidance is given regarding the establishment of reference intervals, and (iv) different methods on quality control of hematology analyzers are reviewed. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. A Review of On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems in Western Australia from 1997 to 2011

    PubMed Central

    Gunady, Maria; Shishkina, Natalia; Tan, Henry; Rodriguez, Clemencia

    2015-01-01

    On-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) are widely used in Western Australia (WA) to treat and dispose of household wastewater in areas where centralized sewerage systems are unavailable. Septic tanks, aerobic treatment units (ATUs), and composting toilets with greywater systems are among the most well established and commonly used OWTS. However, there are concerns that some OWTS installed in WA are either performing below expected standards or failing. Poorly performing OWTS are often attributed to inadequate installation, inadequate maintenance, poor public awareness, insufficient local authority resources, ongoing wastewater management issues, or inadequate adoption of standards, procedures, and guidelines. This paper is to review the installations and failures of OWTS in WA. Recommendations to the Department of Health Western Australia (DOHWA) and Local Government (LG) in regard to management strategies and institutional arrangements of OWTS are also highlighted. PMID:25960745

  16. The Standardization of Tests: Criteria and Criticisms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weiner, Paul S.; Hoock, William C.

    1973-01-01

    Following a review of the procedures involved in the establishment of norms for standardized tests, the specific procedures used to establish norms for three tests commonly used in speech and language pathology are critically examined. (LS)

  17. Nasal potential difference measurements in diagnosis of cystic fibrosis: an international survey.

    PubMed

    Naehrlich, Lutz; Ballmann, Manfred; Davies, Jane; Derichs, Nico; Gonska, Tanja; Hjelte, Lena; van Konigsbruggen-Rietschel, Silke; Leal, Teresinha; Melotti, Paola; Middleton, Peter; Tümmler, Burkhard; Vermeulen, Francois; Wilschanski, Michael

    2014-01-01

    The role of nasal potential difference (NPD) measurement as a diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis (CF) is a subject of global controversy because of the lack of validation studies, clear reference values, and standardized protocols for diagnostic NPD. To determine diagnostic NPD frequency, protocols, interpretation, and rater agreement, we surveyed the 18 NPD centres of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Diagnostic Network Working Group. Fifteen centres reported performing 373 diagnostic NPDs in 2012. Most use the CFF-TDN-SOP (67%) and the chloride-free + isoproterenol response of the side with the largest response (47%) as diagnostic criteria and use centre-specific reference ranges. Rater agreement for five NPD tracings - in general - was good, but poor in tracings with different responses between the two nostrils. NPD is frequently used as a diagnostic and research tool for CF. Performance is highly standardized, centre-specific reference ranges are established, and rater agreement - in general - is good. Centre-independent diagnostic criteria and reference ranges must be defined by multicentre validation studies to improve standardized interpretation for diagnostic use. © 2013.

  18. Sustainability Characterization for Additive Manufacturing.

    PubMed

    Mani, Mahesh; Lyons, Kevin W; Gupta, S K

    2014-01-01

    Additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to create geometrically complex parts that require a high degree of customization, using less material and producing less waste. Recent studies have shown that AM can be an economically viable option for use by the industry, yet there are some inherent challenges associated with AM for wider acceptance. The lack of standards in AM impedes its use for parts production since industries primarily depend on established standards in processes and material selection to ensure the consistency and quality. Inability to compare AM performance against traditional manufacturing methods can be a barrier for implementing AM processes. AM process sustainability has become a driver due to growing environmental concerns for manufacturing. This has reinforced the importance to understand and characterize AM processes for sustainability. Process characterization for sustainability will help close the gaps for comparing AM performance to traditional manufacturing methods. Based on a literature review, this paper first examines the potential environmental impacts of AM. A methodology for sustainability characterization of AM is then proposed to serve as a resource for the community to benchmark AM processes for sustainability. Next, research perspectives are discussed along with relevant standardization efforts.

  19. Visual function and fitness to drive.

    PubMed

    Kotecha, Aachal; Spratt, Alexander; Viswanathan, Ananth

    2008-01-01

    Driving is recognized to be a visually intensive task and accordingly there is a legal minimum standard of vision required for all motorists. The purpose of this paper is to review the current United Kingdom (UK) visual requirements for driving and discuss the evidence base behind these legal rules. The role of newer, alternative tests of visual function that may be better indicators of driving safety will also be considered. Finally, the implications of ageing on driving ability are discussed. A search of Medline and PubMed databases was performed using the following keywords: driving, vision, visual function, fitness to drive and ageing. In addition, papers from the Department of Transport website and UK Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines were studied. Current UK visual standards for driving are based upon historical concepts, but recent advances in technology have brought about more sophisticated methods for assessing the status of the binocular visual field and examining visual attention. These tests appear to be better predictors of driving performance. Further work is required to establish whether these newer tests should be incorporated in the current UK visual standards when examining an individual's fitness to drive.

  20. Recommended Practice for Pressure Measurements and Calculation of Effective Pumping Speeds During Electric Propulsion Testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dankanich, John W.; Walker, Mitchell; Swiatek, Michael W.; Yim, John T.

    2013-01-01

    The electric propulsion community has been implored to establish and implement a set of universally applicable test standards during the research, development, and qualification of electric propulsion systems. Variability between facility-to-facility and more importantly ground-to-flight performance can result in large margins in application or aversion to mission infusion. Performance measurements and life testing under appropriate conditions can be costly and lengthy. Measurement practices must be consistent, accurate, and repeatable. Additionally, the measurements must be universally transportable across facilities throughout the development, qualification, spacecraft integration, and on-orbit performance. A recommended practice for making pressure measurements, pressure diagnostics, and calculating effective pumping speeds with justification is presented.

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